Madison Park & beyond
Find your place
in the neighborhood.
McGilvra sits at 1617 38th Avenue East, between the Washington Park Arboretum and Lake Washington.
The brown outline on this SPS map shows the attendance area. Outside the boundary? Explore the School Choice process below.
Check your address with SPS
Applying from another attendance area
McGilvra welcomes families from its attendance area and families assigned through SPS School Choice. Seattle residents outside the boundary can request McGilvra during the district’s application window. Assignment depends on available space and the services a student needs; an application does not guarantee a place. Read the current SPS School Choice guidance.
Start by registering with Seattle Public Schools. SPS assigns an attendance-area school from your home address. Families considering a different school then follow the district’s School Choice process. Confirm the current timeline and any transportation eligibility directly with SPS.
A full day, close to home
A McGilvra education brings together classroom learning, art, music, PE, library, and a community that gets to know your family. PTA-coordinated enrichment adds seasonal on-campus classes in interests such as art, music, STEM, and sports. Class fees and registration are separate; the PTA publishes scholarship information.
For care beyond the school day, Seattle Parks & Recreation offers a licensed on-site program through Montlake Community Center. Published hours run from dismissal to 6 p.m., including Wednesday early release. Register separately with the provider and confirm availability, rates, and school-break coverage.
Learning at McGilvra
Strong foundations.
Room to grow.
- English language arts
- 81.0%
2025–26 state assessment · 68 of 84 students tested met the standard
View source - Math
- 78.3%
2025–26 state assessment · 65 of 83 students tested met the standard
View source - GreatSchools rating
- 8/10
Overall rating checked October 23, 2026
View source
State results cover students tested in grades 3–5, not every K–5 student. OSPI data as of October 13, 2026. GreatSchools is a third-party rating, not a state ranking or a comparison with independent schools. Use these measures alongside a visit and a conversation about your child’s learning.
A history of recognition
- 2022–23
Washington School Recognition Program
Recognized for growth for one or more student groups. State award record
- 2009 & 2010
Washington Achievement Awards
The state’s 2010 award list names McGilvra for Overall Excellence and identifies it as a repeat 2009 award winner. State award record
Questions & answers
Do we have to live in Madison Park to attend?
Families in McGilvra’s attendance area enroll through SPS. Seattle residents outside the area may request McGilvra through School Choice during the district’s application window. SPS determines assignments based on capacity and student-service needs.
Can we explore McGilvra while considering an independent school?
Yes. Visit, meet our community, and compare the school day, support, aftercare, and total cost for your family. Public-school enrollment and independent-school applications have separate processes and deadlines.
Are enrichment and aftercare included in enrollment?
They require separate registration and may have fees and capacity limits. PTA enrichment offers individual seasonal classes; the licensed on-site aftercare program is arranged through Montlake Community Center. Confirm a care place directly with the provider.
Explore your options
Public or independent?
Get the full picture.
Practical guides from the McGilvra PTA, with room for every family’s priorities.
McGilvra & Bertschi School
Explore public K–5 at McGilvra alongside Bertschi’s independent pre-K–5 program, with practical comparisons of enrichment, LEAP, aftercare, and family cost.
Read the family guideMcGilvra & Epiphany School
Compare two elementary-school paths in nearby Seattle neighborhoods: public K–5 at McGilvra and independent pre-K–5 at Epiphany School.
Read the family guideMcGilvra & St. Joseph School
Two school communities with different paths. Compare public K–5 at McGilvra with St. Joseph’s Catholic K–8 program, including academics, enrichment, and cost.
Read the family guideMcGilvra & The Bush School
Considering The Bush School’s Lower School? Explore McGilvra’s public elementary experience, after-school options, and the choice between K–5 and a K–12 community.
Read the family guide