Big things
start small.

A little school. A whole world ahead.

Children playing on McGilvra’s field at the fall Move-a-thon, with the brick school building behind them.

Kindergarten–5th gradeMadison Park, Seattle

A little introductionMcGilvra Elementary

Small enough
to feel like
yours.

A familiar face at the door. A teacher who sees your child’s strengths. A friend waiting on the playground.

In the heart of Madison Park, McGilvra brings together strong academics and the warmth of a neighborhood school. Children learn to read closely, think for themselves, try something new, and care for the people around them.

Our experienced teachers make room for both challenge and encouragement. Families take part. Connections grow across classrooms and grade levels. And a little school becomes a big part of your life.

K–5Six years to discover
who you can become.

1913The year our school
became part of Seattle.

A McGilvra teacher leads a lesson with students gathered on the classroom rug.

Learning with purpose01

Big questions.
Real discoveries.

Good learning asks children to take part: share an idea, test a solution, listen closely, and keep going when something is hard.

Read. Write. Find your voice.: Books to get lost in. Ideas worth putting on paper. Practice that builds confident readers and writers.
Wonder. Reason. Work it out.: Questions, careful thinking, and the satisfaction of figuring something out.
Create. Move. Explore.: Art, music, PE, and library give children more ways to discover what they love.

McGilvra kindergarten students and their teacher celebrating together in their classroom.

Growing together02

Belonging is
something
we do.

It grows in the everyday: learning to listen, finding the words for a feeling, making room for someone else. Academic and social-emotional growth go hand in hand at McGilvra.

Find your Wildcat Pack.

Every student joins a mixed-grade Wildcat Pack and stays with it through their McGilvra years. Led by teachers, specialists, and the principal, packs meet monthly for conversations and projects. The whole school becomes familiar.

Growing into yourself03

A little voice.
A growing
leader.

Children have something to contribute now. At McGilvra, they get real opportunities to speak up, take responsibility, and make their school a better place.

A seat at the table.

Student Council representatives from kindergarten through fifth grade help choose spirit days, organize small fundraisers, and put ideas into action.

A chance to look out for others.

Fifth graders on Safety Patrol help families cross the street at arrival and dismissal. Responsibility becomes a daily act of care.

“McGilvra makes me feel happy and I have good friends and good teachers.”
A McGilvra first grader

A day at McGilvra04

Read. Make.
Move. Repeat.

There’s a rhythm to a good school day: time to concentrate, time to create, time to run outside. Here’s a glimpse of how it comes together.

Students gathered with the school librarian among the bookshelves in McGilvra’s library.

Settle in
A morning welcome and time to get ready.
Dig in
Reading, word study, writing, and math.
Head out
Snacks, lunch, recess, and room to move.
Branch out
Science, library, music, art, and PE across the week.

The school day

7:55 a.m.–2:25 p.m.
Wednesday dismissal: 1:10 p.m.

The McGilvra school community gathered for an all-school assembly.

Beyond the classroom05

Good things
keep going.

A new interest, right here.

PTA-coordinated enrichment brings art, music, STEM, sports, and creative activities onto campus after school, with three seasonal sessions to try something new.

Classes have separate fees and registration. Scholarship spots are available.

Care through 6 p.m.

Seattle Parks & Recreation offers licensed on-site after-school care through Montlake Community Center, including Wednesday early release.

For space, fees, and registration: 206-684-4736.

And a place for your family.

Classroom volunteers. School celebrations. Friendships made at pickup. Our PTA brings families together to support the school we share.

Your next chapterStarts with a visit

Come see
what a little
school
can do.

Walk the halls. See a classroom in action. Meet the people who make this place McGilvra.

Our tours begin with the principal, then a parent guide shows you around. Bring your questions and allow about 90 minutes.

Plan your visit mcgilvrapta.org/visit

enrollment@mcgilvrapta.org 206-252-3160

A public school. Open possibilities.

Enroll through Seattle Public Schools. Families outside our attendance area can request McGilvra through SPS School Choice; assignments depend on space and student needs.

Big thingsstart small.

Small enoughto feel likeyours.

Big questions.Real discoveries.

Belonging issomethingwe do.