Seattle Academy (also referred to as SAAS) is a vibrant, innovative and energetic independent school serving 6th through 12th grade students in an urban Capitol Hill campus setting in Seattle, WA. SAAS is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) and is approved by the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction to operate as a private school in the state of Washington.
Our dynamic educational philosophy of teaching students “how to think” but not “what to think” is delivered through programmatic pillars of Academics, Arts, Athletics, Outdoor & Travel, and Service.
Students represent a variety of educational experiences (public/private/home-schooled), as well as diverse ethnic, socio-economic, gender, and cultural backgrounds.
Our students have varying interests, capabilities, and learning styles, which are supported by our faculty, advisors, grade coordinators, counselors, and our Learning Support teams. Our Seattle Academy principle to Know the Kid focuses our efforts on understanding a student at the individual level and navigating with them through their SAAS experience.
Established: Seattle Academy was founded in 1983 by a courageous group of trustees, faculty, and parents who were inspired to start a new school designed to provide a unique academic program to prepare students for college and life. In that initial year, 72 students joined the Seattle Academy founders in laying the foundation and taking the first steps towards the dynamic and impactful SAAS community that we have today.
Accreditation: The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)
Head of School: Rob Phillips
Ratio: The student to faculty ratio is 6:1 with our median class size as 18 students. Class sizes range from 8 to 22 students depending upon the type and demand for the particular class.
Facilities: Seattle Academy is an active participant in the urban community of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. SAAS kids are enriched by the diversity, social engagement, and real-life experience of navigating through a bustling, evolving neighborhood. Seattle Academy’s location purposely aligns with our mission to prepare kids for college and life. Facilities include the Vanderbilt Building, STREAM Building, Arts Center, Gym and Rooftop Play Field, Middle School Building, and Upper School Humanities Building.
Enrollment: Total enrollment for the 2018/19 school year is 890 students.
Admission: Seattle Academy uses Ravenna, a web-based application system. Through the Ravenna website, families can manage their applications and register for admission events. Components of the application process include a preliminary application, student visit day, parent/guardian interview, provision of supplemental materials, and entrance examination.
Tuition: Tuition is set each year by the Board of Trustees at Seattle Academy. Tuition for the 2018-19 school year is $34,236 for Middle School (grades 6-8) and $35,364 for Upper School (grades 9-12). SAAS is committed to access for students of all backgrounds and financial capacity and offers Financial Aid and Community Chest in support of tuition and activity fees.
Financial Aid: Financial accessibility is a strategic priority for Seattle Academy and we encourage families to submit information to be considered for financial support. 23% of our 2018/19 families receive financial aid with an average grant of over $20,000.