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Our History

A journey of passion and excellence: from a small afterschool program to a beacon of holistic education in Bellevue.

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.

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Follow us on Instagram

Day 0️⃣4️⃣of our #ISPxSCU #BCA fun(d)raiser, “Overcoming Obstacles”. Students (K-4) ran the obstacle course and generously donated to #StreetChildUnited to help alleviate the challenges faced by street-connected youth. We are proud of our students and grateful to our caring community!👏🏼👏🏼🏃‍➡️.#ILOS #ISPSchools #bellevuechildrensacademy
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Day 0️⃣3️⃣ of our #ISPxSCU #BCA fun(d)raiser, “Overcoming Obstacles”. Students (K-4) ran the obstacle course with tremendous enthusiasm and generously contributed to toward improving the lives of street-connected youth!👏🏼👏🏼🏃‍➡️. 
 #ILOS #ISPSchools #bellevuechildrensacademy
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🌞Register by April 19 for the early discount!
  👉https://www.bcacademy.com/programs/summerschool/
✨BCA Summer School is open to all BCA and Non-BCA Students from Pre-K to 4th Grade!

⚡️Our Exciting Summer School Integrated Themes!
Session 1:  June 24 – July 5 (No Summer School on July 4th): “Discover Planet Earth” 
Session 2:  July 8 – July 19: “Solve the Mystery” 
Session 3: July 22 – August 2: “Exploration of the Arts”

⚡️Join us this summer!
★ Everyone’s Welcome! – Registration is open to All BCA and non-BCA Students
★ Flexible Options – Choose one session or do all three. (One session is two-week long.)
★ Small Class Sizes of 10-16 students
★ Daily focus on core English and math skills
★ Project-based science and social studies units based on the theme of the session
★ Aftercare and school lunch options are available. 
★ Warm and nurturing environment facilitated by dedicated BCA staff and teachers
★ Japanese sessions also offered for Kindergarten through 4th grade!

BCA Summer School is a great way to reinforce learning and prepare for the new school year. Our program includes thought-provoking English and math curriculum along with exciting activities that promote creativity, independent thinking, self-confidence, and the quest for personal excellence.
Register today!> https://www.bcacademy.com/programs/summerschool/

#ISPSchools #SummerSchool #FunandAcademic #BCAPrePrimary #BCAPrimary
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🏃‍♀️ BCA "Overcoming Obstacles" Fundraiser Starts Monday!

Dear BCA Families,
All students in K-4th grade will have a chance to participate in this fun obstacle course as it will take place during the scheduled weekly P.E. class. 
💖Support us by donating $1 (or more). – Please bring $1 bills or coins over 50₵

✨ This student-led fundraiser is organized by ISP Street Child United students, P.E. teachers, and SCU coordinators. We are here to support the Street Child United organization, a UK-based charity and our partner non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives of street-connected youth across the globe. 🌏
✨ Run the BCA obstacle course to help reduce obstacles faced by street-connected youth worldwide!

#ISPSchools #ILOS #StreetChildUnited #BCAPrimary
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