Your Neighborhood Elementary School
“We were drawn to McGilvra because it is a small community school right in our neighborhood. I walk or bike my kids to school most days and it’s the time I connect with them. In addition, we’ve been highly impressed with the teachers and staff. They are kind, loving, compassionate, and thoughtful with all students.”
About Us
For more than 100 years, McGilvra Elementary School has been a cornerstone of the community, providing a high-quality education to generations of Seattle students.
McGilvra offers a welcoming learning environment that fosters academic excellence. With dedicated teachers and small class sizes, students receive a well-rounded education that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and social-emotional growth, ensuring that every child develops the confidence and skills necessary for lifelong success.
Beyond the classroom, McGilvra is known for its vibrant and engaged community of families and educators. Parents play an active role in school life, from volunteering in the classroom to organizing extracurricular activities and events. With a warm and inclusive atmosphere, McGilvra builds strong connections among students and families alike.
Fast Facts
K-5 Grades served
36% Students of color
$9M 2018 building renovation cost
15+ Years of tenure for most teachers
91% Students at or above ELA and math standards
Words collected from our community about what makes McGilvra unique.
5 Number of teachers whose children have also attended McGilvra
12:1 Student-teacher ratio
23 Average class size
1913 Year opened
100% Percentage of students who said those of different races, cultures and abilities learn together
“I chose McGilvra long ago because of the genuine community I sensed from the get-go. That community and sense of belonging is why I’ve stayed.”
Building Community & Making Connections
McGilvra is known for being a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name. There are many opportunities for students to connect with peers across classrooms and grade level, to develop leadership skills, and to get to know teachers throughout the building.
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Each teacher, including the principal and specialists, have a Wildcat Pack. Each student is assigned to a Wildcat Pack and they remain in the same pack throughout their years at McGilvra. Wildcat Packs meet monthly to have discussions and do projects together.
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Created by our 1st grade teaching team, students take a break each day and take a walk around the field. In addition to getting some fresh air, the walks foster connections by giving students time to chat with their teachers, to spend time with friends who are in a different classroom, or to have conversations with peers who might be outside their typical social circle.
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Comprised of students from Kindergarten through 5th grade, the student council is led by two teachers and meets monthly. Each classroom has two representatives. A larger group of 4th and 5th graders form the Executive Council. The Student Council provides leadership opportunities for students in all grades. Students choose spirit days, hold small fundraisers.
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Safety Patrol students are selected each fall. These 5th graders provide a friendly greeting and ensure students get across the street safely in the mornings and afternoons.
“I was raised going to a private school and McGilvra has made me a believer in the potential for public education.”
“McGilvra makes me feel happy and I have good friends and good teachers.”
“What’s become special for us is seeing how excited our son is about the things he’s doing at school and his willingness to share those experiences with us”
We asked our community what makes McGilvra special.
Here are just a few of the things we heard.
All the amazing teachers
Every child is seen and valued
Teachers know all the kids and their families
A strong sense of community
High level of social-emotional learning
Strong academic focus
Staff retention is high
A beautiful, historic building with tons of unique charm
Close-knit group of students and parents
Students have access to art, music, PE, library, social-emotional learning, and – when needed – academic interventionists
Many families continue the legacy of sending their children/grandchildren to McGilvra
Supportive families and PTA
Sample School Day
7:55 Bell Rings
8:00 Morning Work
8:15 Morning Movement (Kindergarten)
8:30 Being a Reader
9:00 Word Study
9:30 Library
9:45 Snack & Recess
10:00 Calendar
10:30 Math
11:55 Lunch & Recess
12:30 Music
1:00 Daily Mile (1st/2nd grades)
1:10 Writer’s Workshop
1:45 Science
2:25 Dismissal
A note about Specials:
McGilvra students attend PE two to three times per week, Art twice a week, and Library and Music once a week.
McGilvra Extended Day Options
There are several opportunities available to extend your child’s learning and enrichment beyond the bell.
Kids Time
The McGilvra PTA runs a robust after school enrichment program. Classes are typically offered Monday – Thursday and run for about an hour immediately after dismissal. Three sessions of classes are offered during the year. Offerings have included Lego, French, Keyboard, Lemonade Stand, and Yoga. A staff coordinator ensures students get to the right class and to the pick-up point afterwards. For more details and to review our current offerings, please visit our Enrichment page.
Aftercare
Run by the Associated Recreation Council and Montlake Community Center, McGilvra has an on-site after school program that takes place daily from dismissal until 6:00 p.m. The program includes outdoor play, homework time, games, arts & crafts, and more. For questions about the program, visit arcseattle.com or call the Montlake Community Center at 206-684-4736
“Every time I see the teachers in action, I learn something new about how to be a good parent and role model to kids and how to communicate clearly and kindly.”
After McGilvra (Middle School and Beyond…)
McGilvra students receive an outstanding education focused on academics and social-emotional learning. When it’s time to decide where to attend middle school and beyond, our students are well prepared for whatever comes next. You will find McGilvra alumni at both public and private schools throughout the area, including:
Aki Kurose Middle School
The Bush School
French American School of Puget Sound
Lake Washington Girls Middle School
Lakeside School
Meany Middle School
Seattle Girls’ School
Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences
St. Joseph School
TOPS K-8 School
University Prep
Washington Middle School
“Our family loved our years at McGilvra. It’s truly a special place and a gem in the neighborhood.”
“The teachers are very nice and are so welcoming to the kids; the classrooms are very friendly and fun; the classes are all just so amazing and fun.”
Thank you to Annette Kraus for allowing us to use her artwork on our website.