History

KapKa was founded in 1989 by Ladell Black, a botanist, former Peace Corps worker, and long-time teacher. Ladell chose the name KapKa, which is an English approximation of a Klamath word for a small evergreen tree. Our logo features a little fir tree sheltered by a larger tree, symbolizing the natural growth that occurs when a child is rooted in a nurturing environment.

Originally KapKa was housed in a church basement in the University District. After twelve years, KapKa moved the school to a location close to the Woodland Park Zoo, affectionately named the Little Red Schoolhouse, which remained our cozy home for almost 11 years.

In 2009 a committee named KapKa Grows was formed and a search for a new home began. Two short years later we moved to our current location, expanding from a K-2 school to the fully developed K-5 elementary school we are today. Our caring staff of highly qualified teachers and specialists support our students and families to find their voices, expand their thinking, and share their talents. Together, we are getting to the heart of learning for every child, every day.