BCA’s journey began with a simple, yet profound belief in the giftedness of every child. From its inception with just ten students, the school expanded to multiple campuses in Bellevue, adapting and growing to provide a holistic and academically rigorous education.
Today, as part of the International Schools Partnership, BCA continues to nurture exceptional young minds, guided by our founding mission that ‘Every child is gifted, let them shine.‘
Founding and Expansion
(2000-2013)
Founded by visionary educator Yuka Shimizu, Bellevue Children’s Academy traces its origins to an afterschool learning center, blossoming into a full-fledged day school in 2000. With a foundation built on Ms. Yuka’s original math and phonics curriculum, designed for her own children, BCA quickly became known for its exceptional academics and personalized approach. This period of growth underscored our commitment to fostering individual potential and achieving academic excellence.
BCA and the Creation
of WPS (2014)
Recognizing the need for quality education beyond elementary, BCA paved the way for Willows Preparatory School in 2014, on a 15-acre campus in Redmond.
This expansion was a testament to the success and demand for the BCA approach to education, extending our reach to middle and high school students.
International Recognition
and Growth
Our innovative curriculum and dedication to academic excellence caught the attention of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), leading to our joining this prestigious group in 2019. This partnership has broadened our horizons, offering BCA students unique global learning experiences and further validating our educational model.
Legacy
and Future
As we look to the future, BCA remains committed to Yuka Shimizu’s foundational philosophy, even as she stepped back from day-to-day operations in 2023. The ‘Yuka Shimizu Scholarship’ continues her legacy, ensuring access to quality education for students in need. Our annual Founders Day is a testament to our enduring commitment to our community and to each child’s potential to shine.
Follow us on Instagram
✨We extend heartfelt thanks to members of @streetchildutd (Street Child United) for visiting BCA campuses.
All students K-4 got the opportunity to interact with Ms. Claudianny Drika, a football coach from Brazil who was named as one of the 100 most inspiring women by BBC in 2017!
Ms. Drika shared her inspiring journey from being a street child in Brazil to becoming an advocate for the rights of street-connected youth. It was invaluable to connect with her and be inspired to support their cause worldwide.
🌏More information about Drika: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/9/6/how-football-changed-me-drika
🌏About Street Child United: https://streetchildunited.org/
#ISPSchools #StreetChildUnited #ILOS
World premiere of Mr. Hudiyev`s new composition by The University of Texas at Austin`s orchestra will be streamed today at 5:30 pm (PDT)!
UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA featuring Circus for Clarinet and Orchestra - world premiere
🎵 Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (PDT)
✨STREAM: https://vimeo.com/event/4169855
🎵Event Page of The University of Texas at Austin`s orchestra: https://music.utexas.edu/events/4023-university-orchestra
🎵Listen to some of Mr. Hudiyev`s work: https://soundcloud.com/eldar-hudiyev
We`re incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Eldar Hudiyev as a phenomenal music teacher at BCA Pre-Primary! 🎶
#ISPSchools #worldpremiere #BCAPrePrimary #MusicTeacher
🌍 Happy Earth Day from Team ISP Scientists at BCA!
This year, a few 2nd- 4th grade students are participating in the ISP Scientists program, where they are exploring the theme, Food, Fashion, and Me on the Ellipsis Earth platform.
🌱👗 Let`s learn together about sustainable practices in food and fashion!
#ISPSchools #ISPScientists #SustainabilityEducation #EarthDay #ILOS
📣🎉Today was Day 0️⃣5️⃣ and the last day of this student-led #ISPxSCU #BCA fun(d)raiser, “Overcoming Obstacles,” where students (K-4) ran🤾 the obstacle course to support our charity partner, #StreetChildUnited.Street Child United supports street-connected youth in gaining fundamental rights such as the right to education, healthcare, protection, and gender equality.We are proud to have empathetic, caring, and giving individuals who deeply care to make this world a better place❤️! We are eternally grateful to our generous students and families for the donations 💰, the ISPXSCU student ambassadors for their fundraising campaigns, P.E teachers, Mr. Eberth and Mr. Serna, as well as the #ilos coordinators, Mrs. Malhotra and Mrs. Wang for their hard work in running this hugely successful fundraiser!🌹👏🏼👏🏼#ILOS #ISPSchools #bellevuechildrensacademy
