History
Photo caption: Sea Crest students gather outside our original campus, 1996.
Leaving it better since 1996
For 30 years, Sea Crest has grown through the vision, dedication, and generosity of a community committed to children. From our first 22 students to today's preschool through Grade 8 learners, our story is one of possibility, partnership, and a shared belief in what education can make possible.
As we celebrate our anniversary, we honor the people who built our foundation and those who continue to strengthen our school. Each new program, learning space, and community tradition carries that legacy forward.
Where it all began
In 1996, the Williamson and Mazer families partnered with Coastside educator Ginger Girvin to create an independent school for local families. Sea Crest opened on September 9 with 22 students meeting in staff members' homes while its first campus was completed. Soon, students gathered in seven classrooms on Monte Vista Lane. That beginning reflects a spirit that continues today: people coming together to create something meaningful for children and leaving it better for those who follow.
Milestones in our story
From our first classrooms to the next generation of learners, every chapter reflects a community committed to leaving it better. Each year, Raise the Paddle at our Dream Event turns that generosity into meaningful investments in our students' experience.
-
1996
Where it all began
Sea Crest opens on September 9 with 22 students. Our first campus opens on Monte Vista Lane, bringing the vision of the Williamson and Mazer families and educator Ginger Girvin to life.
-
2001
A new place to grow
We move to our present campus in January. A gymnasium and multipurpose building open in December, creating more room for learning, sports, and performances.
-
2005
Room to grow
Six Middle School classrooms are added to the main building.
-
2013–2014
The Next Level Project
A capital campaign adds upstairs Middle School classrooms and the Joswiak & Ramsey Innovation Lab, opening new possibilities for students to design, build, and explore.
-
2018–2019
A campus for exploration
Our outdoor renovation creates spaces for sports, play, reflection, learning, and performance.
-
2020
A new chapter of leadership
Lauren Miller joins as Head of School, beginning a new chapter of growth alongside our faculty, staff, and community.
-
2021
Learning, opportunity, and connection
Our Marine Science space opens, The Reef creates a new indoor space to share meals, and the Sea Crest Scholars Program launches full scholarships for Upper School students.
Raise the Paddle: Marine Science. Community generosity supports the Marine Science space, which opens in fall 2021.
-
2022
Growing hearts and minds
We introduce Character Strong, our social-emotional learning curriculum. Our JK–8 Library and Tree House open, creating an inviting space for stories and discovery.
Raise the Paddle: Library + Tree House. Community generosity supports our JK–8 Library and Tree House, which open in fall 2022.
-
2023
New ways to think and create
A new math curriculum strengthens our academic program, and our Art Studio opens, giving students a dedicated space to explore materials and express their ideas.
Raise the Paddle: Art Studio. Community generosity supports a dedicated space for creativity, which opens in fall 2023.
-
2024
A commitment to excellence
Sea Crest earns seven more years of CAIS and WASC accreditation, receiving the highest scores possible. Enhancements to our physical education and athletics spaces support movement, practice, and play.
Raise the Paddle: Physical Education & Athletics. Community generosity supports enhancements to our physical education and athletics spaces, introduced in fall 2024.
-
2025
Four Houses, one community
Student Houses launch, strengthening connections across grades. Two school shuttles arrive, and our 2025–2030 strategic plan charts the next chapters of Sea Crest.
Raise the Paddle: Two School Shuttles. Community generosity supports two shuttles, which arrive in fall 2025.
-
2026
New beginnings, deeper learning
Tidepool Preschool opens, welcoming our youngest learners. We strengthen Project-Based Learning and expand its impact across all grades.
-
2026–2027
Thirty years, and looking ahead
Our anniversary year honors our founders, celebrates our community, and carries our story forward. Leaving it better since 1996.
Our next chapter
Our history is a foundation for what comes next. Under Lauren Miller's leadership since 2020, Sea Crest has continued to invest in programs, spaces, and experiences that help students thrive. These achievements reflect the shared work of our educators and the support of our community.
Our 2025–2030 strategic plan carries that work forward through four directions:
- Strengthen Our Sense of Place
- Deepen The Student Learning Experience
- Invest in the Future
- Leave it Better than We Found It
As we welcome our youngest learners, deepen learning across all grades, and strengthen opportunities for students, we continue the commitment that began in 1996: leaving Sea Crest better for every generation that follows.
Link: Explore our strategic plan
Link: Celebrate 30 years with us
