Portrait of Annette Galindo

Message from the Head of School

A Note from Dr. Annette Galindo

Head of School

Dear Community,

It is with great pride that I welcome you to Seattle Amistad School, where we are dedicated to nurturing global citizens who are truly bilingual, biliterate, and authentically multicultural. Our mission extends beyond language acquisition to developing thoughtful individuals who engage meaningfully with our interconnected world, balancing academic excellence with cultural understanding and emotional intelligence.

At Amistad, we’ve created a dynamic learning environment where rigorous intellectual growth and essential social-emotional development flourish side by side. From our early childhood program through middle school, our philosophy embraces the belief that true education must engage both the mind and the heart—a principle that comes to life in our vibrant hallways and classrooms daily.

What truly distinguishes Amistad is our intentional fusion of academic vigor with joyful discovery. Our students thrive in an atmosphere where intellectual curiosity meets genuine warmth and inclusion. We understand that strong relationships and a deep sense of belonging are foundational to academic achievement, which is why we’ve embraced a comprehensive approach to student well-being that supports each child’s unique journey.

Our two-way immersion model offers distinct advantages for both native Spanish and native English speakers:

  • For native Spanish speakers, Amistad provides the opportunity to maintain and develop their home language while gradually building English literacy in a supportive environment. This approach honors family culture and language as the foundation for solid academic development. Research consistently shows that native Spanish speakers in programs like ours demonstrate academic outcomes equal or superior to mainstream English-speaking students.
  • For native English speakers, Amistad offers a first-rate academic program delivered through a second language, resulting in high academic performance alongside full bilingualism and biliteracy in Spanish. Studies confirm that English speakers in two-way immersion programs demonstrate academic performance equal to or higher than their counterparts in all English programs.

I invite you to experience the Amistad difference firsthand. Please explore our website, follow our classroom stories on social media, and, most importantly, visit our campus. Meet our dedicated Admissions team at an Open House, take a personalized tour, and witness the extraordinary community that makes Amistad unique.

We look forward to sharing our story and welcoming you into our community.

Warmly,
Dr. Annette Galindo
Head of School, Seattle Amistad School
annette.galindo@seattleamistadschool.org

About the Head of School

Dr. Annette Galindo

Head of School

Biography

Meet our Board of Trustees

Portrait of Lisa Devine

Lisa Devine

Board Chair

Portrait of Andrés Méndez

Andrés Méndez

Immediate Past Chair

Portrait of Eric Obeng

Eric Obeng

Vice Chair

Portrait of Theresa D'Agostino

Theresa D'Agostino

Treasurer

Portrait of Hannah Bahn

Hannah Bahn

Secretary

Portrait of Tessa Levin-Sauerhoff

Tessa Levin-Sauerhoff

Member

Portrait of Miguel Ramilla

Miguel Ramilla

Member

Portrait of Eduardo Cuadra

Eduardo Cuadra

Member

Portrait of Crystal Sanchez

Crystal Sanchez

Member

Portrait of Paymon Fahim

Paymon Fahim

Member

Portrait of Victoria E. Neiman

Victoria E. Neiman

Member

Portrait of Evann Strathern

Evann Strathern

Member

Portrait of Craig Allen

Craig Allen

Member

Contact the Board of Trustees

We value open communication with our school community. If you would like to reach the Board of Trustees regarding governance, school vision, or long-term planning, please email us by clicking the link below. Your message will be reviewed and directed to the appropriate board representative. Please note that day-to-day school operations, student matters, or admissions questions are best directed to our school administration team for a timely response.

Visit Amistad

The best way to know us is to walk our halls.