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

Dr. Annette Galindo is an accomplished educator and leader in the field of multilingual and second language acquisition. She has a distinguished academic background and a deep commitment to fostering cultural understanding. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she spent her formative years immersed in the island's rich cultural heritage before moving to the New York/New Jersey area at age 16. This bicultural experience has profoundly shaped her approach to education and leadership.

Dr. Galindo holds a Master's Degree in Spanish Education and Literature from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she specialized in Golden Age literature. Her commitment to educational leadership led her to pursue a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Her doctoral research focused on helping nonprofit organizations build capacity for sustainable growth and development, particularly emphasizing effective organizational leadership.

As an educator, Dr. Galindo is passionate about cultivating globally minded, independent thinkers through bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate education. As stated in our vision, she strongly believes that children who bridge cultural and linguistic divides become leaders who can shape a more just world. Throughout her career, she has developed inclusive educational initiatives that honor student voices while maintaining strong academic standards.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Galindo has raised three adult children and enjoys an active lifestyle, including traveling, biking, walking, and reading. She particularly cherishes time spent outdoors with her family.

Dr. Galindo brings a unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and cultural awareness to her work, making her a respected voice in educational leadership and an advocate for inclusive, excellence-driven education.

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