McGilvra or St. Joseph?

Start with the school experience you want

If you are considering St. Joseph School in Seattle, put McGilvra on your visit list too. A neighborhood public elementary school can offer strong academics, creative work, friendships across classrooms, and practical after-school options. Visiting both gives you a chance to see which setting fits your child and your family’s day.

St. Joseph describes a Catholic education rooted in the Jesuit tradition. Faith, reflection, and service are part of its identity. McGilvra offers secular public education through Seattle Public Schools. That difference in setting may matter more to your family than any single statistic. Ask how each school teaches belonging, supports different learners, and helps children resolve conflict.

Look at the whole day

St. Joseph’s published specialist program includes Spanish, art, music, and PE. At McGilvra, families can explore classroom learning alongside art, music, PE, and library. Ask to see an actual weekly schedule at each school, rather than assuming a subject gets the same amount of time in both settings.

After school, McGilvra’s enrichment program runs seasonal classes on campus. Offerings vary and can include creative activities, STEM, music, and sports. Classes require registration and fees; the PTA lists scholarship availability. Enrichment is an individual class, so plan care for the time after that class ends.

McGilvra also has licensed on-site childcare through Montlake Community Center until 6 p.m., including Wednesday early release. Confirm a place directly with the provider. When speaking with St. Joseph, ask specifically about K–8 care and clubs: its published preschool/pre-K extended-day rates should not be treated as K–8 rates.

Compare the cost for your family

St. Joseph publishes 2026–27 tuition of $20,276 for K–4 and $21,264 for grades 5–8, with financial assistance and sibling discounts available. McGilvra’s public-school day is tuition-free. Build a budget that includes your actual financial-aid offer, childcare, optional classes, transportation, and school-break care. PTA giving at McGilvra is voluntary.

An elementary choice can leave future options open

The PTA’s published alumni list includes St. Joseph School among the public and independent schools McGilvra students have attended next. Some families choose a public elementary education and later consider a Catholic or independent middle school. St. Joseph has its own admissions process; attending McGilvra does not confer priority or a guaranteed place.

On your visits, bring three practical questions: How will my child be supported and challenged? What will our weekday pickup and care plan look like? What do we want to decide now, and what can we revisit before middle school? Come see McGilvra and meet the people who would be part of that first chapter.