School Age Program (K-5)
This program is a soft landing spot for students to come back to after a rigid day of rules and structured activities. This program allows for friendships that have been built over the years to continue to grow while also building new ones. Our school-agers range from Kindergarten to 5th grade, comprised from schools throughout our community. Our older students have the opportunity to adopt leadership roles within our preschool classrooms by guiding them and teaching them skills that they have mastered themselves. Our play-based Reggio philosophy continues in this classroom as the students collaborate daily on projects, activities and ways to contribute to our community. We offer camps for our students during the SPS closures in addition to a summer camp program. This group has a 1:15 ratio with a max of 30 children in the program at one time. We receive bus transportation from STEM, Highland Park and Arbor Heights . There is an additional transport fee for students coming from Gatewood and Fairmount park Elementary Schools.
Classroom Tour Video: Coming Soon
Meet your Teachers
Miss Cristina
Hi everyone my name is Cristina but you can call me Tina! Outside of work I love to read, I love art such as drawing, painting, and I am learning about digital art. I love going to places with my friends, and spend time with my family, my family lives in a different country so I make sure when I go visit to make every single minute count, and create unforgettable memories, as I believe family is really important. My birthday is November 4 and I love going to cafes for coffee and pastries, and I am an adventurous soul who loves kayaking, hiking, ziplining, paddleboarding, and enjoying picnics.
Miss Tobi
Miss Tobi has been working in Early childhood education since 1991. She received her CDA in early childhood in 1999. She loves working with all ages from birth to school age. Outside of Bella Mente, Tobi loves spending time outdoors and with her family.
Mr BJ
BJ (short for Baltazar) is currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Health and Safety, with a growing interest in becoming an environmental specialist. He brings a strong background in working with youth, having spent three years coaching high school students and building meaningful connections through mentorship and teamwork. As one of six siblings, BJ has always naturally gravitated toward working with kids and creating supportive, engaging environments. His favorite part of being at Bella Mente is the opportunity to explore something new every day alongside the children, fostering curiosity and growth for everyone involved. Outside of work, BJ enjoys hiking, playing video games, and cooking. His birthday is April 14th!
Miss Lauren and Miss Robin
Miss Lauren (left) and Miss Robin (right) is Bella Mente’s duo that works together to support educators and children alike. Lauren’s birthday is April 27 and Robin’s birthday is April 21! They’re huge fans of the El Salvadorean Bakery and long walks down the Goodwill aisles.
Lauren created Bella Mente in 2007 and has ever since been committed to her calling of being a lifelong learner that pours into the early childhood community around her. Robin has worked in the field since 2014 and fell in love with the Reggio Emilia approach early in her career. Lauren and Robin strive to bring a child-led, inquiry-based early childhood experience to West Seattle.
