McGilvra is proud to have some of the most experienced and dedicated teachers and staff in the district. Thanks to support from our PTA, we also provide tutors and additional classroom support to help students who need extra help in specific subjects—while giving teachers more time to focus on instruction. Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in consistently strong test scores and student growth across grade levels.

You can read more about the staff and teachers on our people page.

If you live within McGilvra’s attendance boundary, your child is eligible to attend—but you still need to complete the enrollment paperwork through Seattle Public Schools. All families, whether assigned by neighborhood or applying through school choice, should visit seattleschools.org/enroll to review required forms, important dates, and instructions. Families outside our attendance area can apply to attend McGilvra through the Open Enrollment process, typically held in February. We encourage prospective families to join one of our seasonal school tours—or request one anytime. And if you have questions or need a helping hand, our PTA is always here to support you.

McGilvra offers a wide range of after-school enrichment programs designed to spark creativity, build new skills, and keep students engaged beyond the school day. Organized in partnership with the PTA, these seasonal offerings include activities like art, chess, drama, science, sports, language, and more—taught by experienced instructors from trusted local organizations. Programs run in fall, winter, and spring sessions, with registration typically opening a few weeks before each season begins. Financial assistance is available to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate.

McGilvra Elementary offers on-site after-school care through Launch, a licensed childcare provider that partners with Seattle Public Schools. Launch provides a safe, enriching environment for students from the end of the school day until 6:00 PM, including activities that support social-emotional learning, academic support, arts, and active play. Families must register directly with Launch, and spots are limited, so early enrollment is encouraged. More information, including registration details and contact info, is available on the McGilvra school website.