Elementary Schools in Seattle School District No. 1

Seattle School District No. 1 serves a diverse range of 73 elementary and K-8 schools for the 2024-2025 year, from kindergarten through 8th grade, reflecting the varied urban landscape of the city.

Parents will find a district with both exceptional high-performers and significant challenges. Top-rated schools like Cascadia Elementary, Frantz Coe Elementary, and McDonald International School consistently achieve state rankings in the top 30, with proficiency rates well above 80%. In contrast, schools such as Concord International School and Emerson Elementary rank in the bottom tier statewide, highlighting a wide achievement gap within the district.

Key insights show that higher per-student spending does not guarantee success, as some of the best schools have below-average funding. The data also reveals a strong correlation between economic disadvantage and lower test scores, with schools serving fewer students in poverty dramatically outperforming those with high free/reduced lunch rates. Notable improvement stories like Thurgood Marshall Elementary show progress is possible, while K-8 models like Catharine Blaine K-8 School and Salmon Bay K-8 School demonstrate success depends heavily on individual school implementation rather than the grade structure alone.