At UPrep, each grade has a grade level dean. Along with each student’s advisor, the dean is a primary point person for matters relating to students in a particular grade. Our deans are resources for our students and assist our division directors and assistant directors with daily Community Time, report cards, and on-campus support, among many other tasks. They also work alongside our counselors, the Integrated Learning Team, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office, and our social emotional learning director to host programming and make connections with our students throughout the year. The Middle School class level deans stay with their classes for the three years of the students’ Middle School experience. Likewise, the Upper School class level deans stay with their classes for the four years of the students’ high school experience.

As the first month of school comes to a close, we talked with each dean about our community and how their division prepares students to lead a life of learning.

Amy Pasterczyk, 6th grade dean and French teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community?

I love the balance and creativity shown by the UPrep community, and the willingness to invest time in someone or something to create a joyful experience. 

How does UPrep’s Middle School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

During their Middle School years, students learn how to leverage their strengths and develop new passions. UPrep Middle School students literally walk in the shadows of their elders and see the amazing accomplishments of the Upper School students around them every day. They know what is possible, and throughout these years, we guide them in exploring all the amazing things that lie ahead. 

Xuan Vu: 7th grade dean and PE teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community?

There is always someone you can connect with. There is a vast amount of experience and interest in this community that can open doors to new experiences, discovery of new passions, and meaningful relationships. 

How does UPrep’s Middle School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

There are many opportunities and changes that happen during middle school. It is a critical time for discovering and building your identity. UPrep is a thoughtful and receptive community that supports students during this time. It is a place that provides space for students to be in their comfort zone and creates a space for students to challenge and explore into their growth zone, physically and mentally, to help them build an identity to be proud of.

Tom Strouse, 8th grade dean and science teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community? 

I have been part of the UPrep community for more than seven years and involved in the Seattle private school community for 20 years. I came here because I saw a school that was committed to working to make the world a better place. At UPrep, I have found a community in which we are all here for each other. This is a school of very hard-working, caring individuals. Students genuinely show daily kindness and curiosity. Faculty and staff are so committed. Parents care deeply and work as a team with us to find the best outcomes for their kids, whether it is helping students grow and thrive, or being there for each other as adults in difficult times. I am proud to be amongst these folks.

How does UPrep’s Middle School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

Our Middle School is a place where kids change and grow every day. As they do so, they have a cushion of support. They are offered opportunities that challenge them to see the world in new ways. They find themselves in a well-constructed peer group with kids with divergent strengths and ideas. This allows them to grow closer to one another and provides safe passage for them to take academic risks, make mistakes, and to thrive as they grow into young adults. 

Kira Rivera, 9th grade dean and math teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community?

We have a very special student body at UPrep. Students have diverse goals, interests, learning styles, and talents. Their differences make leading and teaching them fun, and I’m grateful to be part of a community with such richness.

How does UPrep’s Upper School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

A significant part of my pedagogy involves embracing our mistakes as opportunities for learning. In our Upper School classrooms, many teachers share a similar mindset and strive to have their students revise assignments, expand their thinking, and seek ways to master the assigned content. We understand that the initial attempt won’t always yield the best and final product. This recognition that revisions are an integral part of this process embodies the essence of leading a life of learning.

Ciara McGrath, 10th grade dean and Spanish teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community?

I love that UPrep is a welcoming community. I love how we encourage students to branch out and explore interests beyond what they initially feel like trying. UPrep has a no-cut policy for sports. Anyone can be in the musical or play because these are class offerings. Students can start new clubs and get involved in creating policy changes. I love that our school encourages us as faculty to branch out, too, with support for professional development. 

How does UPrep’s Upper School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

We encourage students to be their own advocates, while also practicing tools to help advocate for others who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Our curricula expose students to different cultures and challenges them to question what they read and to not take things at face value. I hope to create a safe environment for my students where they feel free to make mistakes and see this as an opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of challenging concepts. 

James Johnson, 11th grade dean and PE teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community?

We all cheer for one another. I love that we get to see each other grow, especially since many students attend UPrep for middle and high school. I enjoy the culture of our school—we have a sense of community here.

How does UPrep’s Middle School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

UPrep gives everyone the space, safety, and permission to try new things. This environment makes students more adventurous. Here students are told yes, and this helps them believe they can try new things. Students leave UPrep with the utmost confidence and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

Pat Grant, 12th grade dean and history teacher

What do you love about the UPrep community?

People genuinely care about one another deeply at UPrep. It is not just that students habitually say, “Thank you” to teachers and staff. It is not just that students support each other, especially those who are going through a rough time. It is also that they develop a greater sense of empathy while they are here. Students learn to think beyond themselves. The success of our school is based on the extent that we care about each of its members.

How does UPrep’s Upper School prepare students to lead a life of learning?

Our classes and activities help empower students to become capable participants in—and contributors to—a broader world community. A lifelong dedication to learning is essential to this role. Yes, the more we learn, the more we see how much we don’t know, but wisdom emerges even without a lot of answers.

YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT HOW MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY LEAD A LIFE OF LEARNING HERE.