McGilvra or Bertschi?

Compare two elementary communities

A family considering Bertschi School is looking at an elementary community that continues through fifth grade. McGilvra offers another K–5 path nearby: a tuition-free public school in Madison Park, with classroom learning, specialist subjects, PTA enrichment, and licensed on-site aftercare. Visit both to see how those pieces fit your child’s day.

Bring questions about actual classroom practice. What does a reading lesson look like? How do children explain their mathematical thinking? How are mistakes, friendship problems, and new interests handled? Ask to see student work and hear how the school follows progress over time.

Put enrichment and childcare on the same calendar

Bertschi’s LEAP program combines free choice and structured activities across grade levels. It runs until 6 p.m.; the published 2026–27 K–5 rate is $6,250 for full-time care or $43 per day for drop-in. Its fall, winter, and spring clubs are separate from the general LEAP registration and fees. Financial aid is offered for full-time LEAP enrollment.

McGilvra’s PTA-coordinated enrichment also runs in three seasonal sessions, with activities such as art, music, STEM, and sports. Offerings and schedules change each session. Registration and class fees are separate, and the PTA publishes scholarship information. Ask which classes fit your child’s grade and interests.

For a full afternoon of care, McGilvra has a licensed on-site program through Montlake Community Center from dismissal to 6 p.m., including Wednesday early release. Confirm availability and fees directly. At either school, check the handoff between a club and care, pickup rules, and coverage for early-release and no-school days.

Compare net costs, including the extras you need

Bertschi publishes 2026–27 tuition of $42,070 before need-based financial aid. McGilvra’s public-school day is tuition-free, with optional enrichment and childcare paid separately. Use any actual aid offer when comparing your family’s annual costs, then add the care schedule, clubs, and school-break programs you expect to use.

Bertschi’s LEAP page says care is not offered during winter, mid-winter, or spring break. Ask about other camp arrangements if those weeks matter to your work schedule. Confirm Montlake’s current break offerings separately rather than assuming the school-day care agreement covers every closure.

Choose the elementary years on their own merits

Both McGilvra and Bertschi end at fifth grade. There will be time to consider a middle school as your child grows. The McGilvra PTA’s alumni list includes public and independent schools across the city. Ask each elementary school how it develops independence and supports families through the next school decision.

Visit McGilvra and ask about the routines behind the brochure: classroom communication, learning support, creative work, and after-school pickup. Those everyday details help turn a long school list into a choice that feels right for your family.