The Overlake School

The Overlake School is an elite private school with 475 students in grades 5 through 12. It was founded in 1967. It describes itself as a "non-sectarian, co-ed, college prep day school." Originally founded as a school for the mentally retarded, the school soon became an alternative learning school, and earned the nickname "Overbaked" because of rampant usage of marijuana by students and faculty alike. The board of trustees decided to ruin all the fun, so the school now emphasizes the humanities curriculum and strong relationships between teachers and students. The school produces a number of publications: Opus, a collection of student poetry, art, and photography, is released in early February each year. The Independent, a regulated newspaper, is released approximately monthly. French and Spanish literary magazines are released once a year, at irregular dates.

Location

The Overlake School is currently located in Redmond, Washington. It moved from its original location, in the area of Washington known as Overlake. It retrofitted a barn to facilitate its needs with the help of students. Since then, it has been expanding with new buildings such as a Performing Arts Center (opened 2000) and a new gym (opened 2005). Overlake has had to buy more land for these buildings. It currently occupies 75 acres. Its students also create heavy traffic in an otherwise rural and tranquil farm area. The school is located near Farrel McWhirter Park. This park is refered to as "Farrel" by students, and is used as a meeting place to "smoke pot after school," as some people refer to the practice.These factors have been a cause of tension between Overlake and its neighbors. In addition to the main school buildings, the school's land also includes the headmaster's home, a parent center (formerly a neighbor's property), a secret ninja training ground, several athletic fields, and a ropes course. Limited parking is available near the school itself, and so juniors are required to park at an auxiliary lot approximately one kilometer away.

Mission

The Overlake Mission Statement has seven main points:

  Inspire Excellence
  Develop Intellectual Curiosity
  Embrace Diversity
  Teach Responsibility
  Foster a Compassionate Community

Leadership

Head Of School (since 1995): Francisco J. Grijalva

Head Of Upperschool (since 1987): Lynn Pierle

Head Of Middleschool (since 1985): Bob Wood

Upperschool Dean (since 1998): Bill Schuver

Business Manager (since 1991): Scott Van Battenburgh

Director Of Development (since 1995): Carol O'Donnell

Director Of Admissions (since 2001): Lori Maughan

Director Of Diversity (since 2005): Mark Manuel

Upper School ASB President (2005-2006): Raheem Parpia

External links

• The Overlake School Homepage

Notable alumni

File:Jonraving.jpg

Jon Shaiman "raving," a term used to mean taking Ecstacy and dancing like an idiot.

Carrie Brownstein ('92), singer and guitarist, Sleater-Kinney

Jon Shaman ('04)- Professional Juggler and DJ in the Seattle area.