
Anya Barrese ’14 says that her love for learning blossomed in 5th grade when she transferred from a public school to ACDS because faculty and staff emphasize education as a positive experience that is cultivated and encouraged. Unlike at her previous school, where learning felt like a chore, her curiosity blossomed in science, literature, art, and social studies at ACDS.She advises current students to take the fun electives because “you never know how they may apply later in life!” She adds that although middle school academics can be challenging, the teachers and staff are “looking out for you and want you to succeed.”
After graduating cum laude from Seattle University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a minor in philosophy, Anya is currently the Lifestyles Coordinator at Parkshore Senior Living in Seattle, Washington. She shares that working at an incredibly rewarding job, living in a beautiful city, and having wonderful friends and family makes her happy and is more than a person can ask for.
Anya fondly remembers her class trips to Yosemite, Catalina, DC, and the annual field trips for DARE Day (now called EDGE Day). She is grateful for her teachers’ and parents' efforts to make these trips successful and for exposing her and her classmates to new situations that broadened their worldview. These trips also gave her the confidence to travel alone and the excitement to explore new places.
Although Anya developed numerous significant relationships at ACDS, she values the friendships she retained with teachers after graduation. Her relationship with Mme. Paula Furniss is especially memorable. The summer before coming to ACDS, Mme. Furniss tutored Anya so she could catch up with her prospective peers. During that time, they got to know each other, and subsequently, Anya felt seen and heard whenever she was in French class. Even after graduation, they would grab coffee to catch up on their lives, bake scones, share travel stories, and crochet together.
To prospective families, Anya declares that “ACDS is a wonderful place to entrust your child.” She adds that although “no school is perfect, the intention and effort that ACDS staff put into the structure and curriculum shines through every time.”
Lastly, Anya received her permit to hike the Pacific Coast Trail this July from Canada through Washington and Oregon to the California border (about 500 miles of the 900-mile trail). We hope to share pictures of her exploits in the fall issue!