How to Get Into Seattle Academy: Everything You Need To Know

Is Seattle Academy a Good School?

Yes, Seattle Academy is a fantastic school, especially if you’re looking for more than just a report card full of A’s. Tucked into the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, it serves middle and high schoolers who are curious, creative, and ready to stretch their thinking. Sure, academics are strong with challenging classes and high expectations, but the real magic is how the school connects learning to real life. Students don’t just memorize facts. They ask big questions, lead projects, give presentations, and dive into hands-on experiences that make school feel exciting and meaningful.

Founded in 1983, Seattle Academy believes education should be personal. Teachers really get to know their students and care about who they are. Whether your child is building a robot, performing on stage, or advocating for social change, they’ll be supported every step of the way. It’s a place where character matters as much as academics, and students grow into confident, capable people who are ready for college and everything that comes next.

Student Diversity

According to data from Niche, Seattle Academy has a pretty diverse student body, with a mix of backgrounds and identities that add richness to campus life. The largest group is White students, who make up 53.8% of the population. Multicultural students come in next at 25.9%, followed by Asian students at 8.0% and African American students at 6.5%. Hispanic students make up 1.8%, while 3.7% of the student population is listed as Unknown. Native American and Pacific Islander students are also represented, though in smaller numbers, at 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. It’s a community that values inclusion and reflects a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Seattle Academy?

Getting into Seattle Academy? Let’s just say it’s not exactly a walk in Volunteer Park. Here are two reasons why it’s a bit of a climb:

1. Selective Admissions Process
   Seattle Academy doesn’t just look at your GPA and call it a day. Nope, they want to see your whole story. That means report cards, glowing teacher recs, thoughtful essays, and yes, your sparkling personality in interviews. They’re looking for curious minds, creative thinkers, and students who’ll bring something special to the community. So if your application is more “meh” than “wow,” it might be time to level up.
2. High Demand for a Unique Educational Experience
   Seattle Academy has built a reputation for being that school. The one with the challenging academics, the amazing arts and tech programs, the tight-knit community, and a strong sense of individuality. Naturally, that draws a lot of families who want their kids to thrive in a place that celebrates who they are. With demand that high, you bet competition is steep.

   Now that you know how competitive it is, you might be wondering if it’s even worth trying. But with our help, you’ll know exactly how to stand out and give your application the edge it needs.

Seattle Academy Admissions Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying to Seattle Academy (SAAS) might seem like a lot, but don’t worry—it’s a well-organized and thoughtful process designed to get to know your child as a whole person, not just a stack of grades. Here’s how to tackle it, step by step:

Step 1: Create Your Ravenna Account

Start by heading to Ravenna and setting up your account. This is where everything happens: forms, scheduling, submissions, updates—you name it. Once you’re in, select Seattle Academy to officially begin your application.

Step 2: Submit the Preliminary Application

Fill out and submit the SAAS preliminary application by January 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM. You’ll also pay a $70 non-refundable application fee (or request a waiver if needed). Once that’s done, you’ll receive a confirmation email—check your spam folder just in case.

Step 3: Schedule Your Required Visits

SAAS wants to meet both you and your child, so two things need to happen:

• Parent/Guardian Interview: A casual 30-minute Zoom call with the admissions team (parents only).
• Student Visit: Your child will spend time on campus (or virtually) participating in activities and getting a feel for SAAS life.
  These are both required and must be scheduled through Ravenna after the preliminary application is submitted.

Step 4: Complete Student Forms

Your child will need to complete three forms through Ravenna, all shared across Puget Sound Independent Schools (PSIS):

• Student Essay
• Student Interests & Activities Form
• Student Short Answer Questions
  Encourage your student to answer honestly and in their own voice—SAAS is all about authenticity.

Step 5: Submit the Parent/Guardian Statement

This is your chance to share what makes your child special. The statement gives SAAS insight into your student from your perspective—how they learn, what they love, and why you think SAAS is the right fit. Be real, be thoughtful, and yes, it’s okay to brag a little.

Step 6: Request Teacher Evaluations and School Records

You’ll need to request:

• Two teacher evaluations: One from a math teacher and one from an English, language arts, or history teacher (current or last year’s teachers are fine, but at least one must be from this school year).
• Transcripts/School Records from the 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25 school years.
  Pro tip: Ask teachers early so they have plenty of time to submit everything before the deadline.

Step 7: Optional Upload

This is the extra credit box. Got a standout project, performance video, or creative work your child is proud of? Upload it here. It’s optional, but if it shows a side of your child not captured in the rest of the application, it’s totally worth sharing.

Seattle Academy Application Requirements: Your Complete Checklist

Submitting a Seattle Academy application isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s your family’s chance to tell a great story. Every piece of the application is a little window into who your child is, what makes them tick, and how they might thrive at SAAS. Here’s a breakdown of all the submission requirements, plus a few tips to help you turn those forms into something that really sparkles.

Seattle Academy Student Visit Day: What to Expect

This is where your child gets to step into the world of SAAS and show them who they are beyond the forms and transcripts. Whether it’s in person or virtual, they’ll join classes, meet teachers, and maybe even discover they like school lunches more than expected. Encourage your child to be present, ask a few questions, and show interest in the experience. SAAS isn’t looking for robots or rehearsed speeches—they want students who are naturally curious, engaged, and open to learning. A good attitude and a dash of personality can leave a lasting impression.

Seattle Academy Parent Interview: Sharing Your Perspective

This one’s just for the grown-ups. You’ll hop on a 30-minute Zoom chat with the admissions team, and it’s your chance to speak from the heart. No need for a PowerPoint—just talk about your child, your family values, and why SAAS feels like the right fit. It helps to come prepared with a couple of thoughtful questions. Sharing genuine stories and showing that your family vibes with SAAS’s community-centered approach can really make you stand out.

Crafting a Compelling Student Essay for Seattle Academy

This is where your child gets to tell their story. The essay doesn’t need to be groundbreaking or perfect. It just needs to sound like them. A quirky anecdote, a personal passion, or even a well-told mistake can be powerful if it shows self-awareness and growth. Encourage them to be real and reflective. The goal isn’t to impress with big words—it’s to connect. If they make the reader smile, nod, or say “huh, that’s interesting,” they’ve done it right.

Answering Seattle Academy’s Short Answer Questions Effectively

These mini prompts are like speed dating for the admissions team—they want to get quick glimpses of how your child thinks and what makes them tick. The trick is to be specific. Instead of saying “I like reading,” try “I’m obsessed with graphic novels, especially the ones where cats are superheroes.” A little humor, some honesty, and personality go a long way here. These questions may be short, but they’re mighty when done right.

Your Parent Statement: Highlighting Your Child for Seattle Academy

Now it’s your turn to brag a little. This is where you paint a picture of your child from the perspective only you can offer. What lights them up? How do they handle setbacks? What do you admire most about them? You don’t have to write a novel—just be thoughtful, reflective, and honest. Bonus points if you can share a specific moment that really shows your child’s character. The more human your story feels, the more it will resonate.

Submitting Strong Teacher Evaluations to Seattle Academy

You’ll need two of these—one from a math teacher and one from a language arts or history teacher. Choose teachers who know your child well and can speak to their character, curiosity, and how they engage in the classroom. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask. A little lead time gives teachers the space to write something meaningful instead of being rushed. A strong, specific recommendation can be the secret sauce that brings the whole application together.

Understanding School Record Requirements for Seattle Academy

You’ll need to request records from the past three years: 2022–23, 2023–24, and the current 2024–25 school year. This includes report cards, progress updates, and any narrative reports if your school uses them. Make sure everything is submitted by the deadline and confirm that nothing’s missing. If there’s a rocky patch on the transcript, don’t panic—just address it in your parent statement. SAAS reads applications holistically, and context always helps.

The Optional Portfolio: Showcasing Your Talents to Seattle Academy

This is your child’s chance to shine in a way that’s totally their own. Whether it’s a video of a dance performance, a science project they geeked out over, or a personal passion project, this section is where they can say, “Here’s something cool about me that you haven’t seen yet.” Keep it focused—one great submission is way better than a bunch of random ones. It’s the cherry on top of a well-rounded application.

Standardized Tests for Seattle Academy: To Submit or Not?

Good news: SAAS doesn’t require the SSAT or ISEE. If your child has great scores and you think they reflect their abilities, feel free to include them. But if testing wasn’t their best day ever, skip it. SAAS doesn’t penalize students for opting out, and they mean it. They care more about who your child is than how they bubble in answers.

Student Life at Seattle Academy: Academics, Arts & Community

Seattle Academy Academics

At Seattle Academy, learning isn’t just something students do — it’s something they live. The school’s 6–12 structure means students don’t just survive middle and high school, they grow through it with purpose. From curious sixth graders to self-driven seniors, SAAS builds an academic experience that evolves with each student and encourages them to actually like learning. Shocking, we know.

Middle school is where it all begins. This is the “let’s try everything” stage. Kids explore, experiment, and start figuring out how their brain works best. Teachers guide students through foundational subjects while also making room for creativity, collaboration, and some wonderfully awkward group projects. It’s all about helping students find their voice, build confidence, and maybe even realize math isn’t that bad.

By upper school, things get deeper, cooler, and more personal. Students choose courses that fit their interests, flex their intellectual muscles, and dive into work that feels meaningful. Whether they’re dissecting literature, building robots, or crafting a TED-style talk for their senior project, upper schoolers are treated like the young adults they’re becoming. There’s a strong emphasis on critical thinking, real-world application, and, yes, the occasional all-nighter. But don’t worry — teachers are there with support, structure, and a good sense of humor.

One of SAAS’s superpowers is its love for connecting dots. This means classes often blend disciplines, like mixing history with art or science with ethics. Learning here feels more like the real world and less like a stack of worksheets. Students don’t just study content; they question it, stretch it, and sometimes flip it on its head.

Honors Level Courses at Seattle Academy: A Deeper Dive

Seattle Academy doesn’t follow the AP route, and that’s on purpose. Instead of teaching to a test, SAAS creates its own honors-level courses that dive deeper, think bigger, and challenge students to do more than just memorize. These classes are offered in all the core subjects — English, math, science, history, world languages like French, Spanish, and Mandarin, and yes, even the arts get the honors treatment.

These courses aren’t for students who want to coast. They’re designed for curious minds who like to dig into ideas, lead a class discussion, or design an original experiment just for the fun of it. Think research papers that ask real questions, projects that matter, and conversations that keep going long after class ends.

Want the full course catalog and nitty-gritty details? Head over to Seattle Academy’s official website. Or better yet, reach out and start a conversation — they love talking about what makes learning at SAAS so refreshingly different.

SAAS’s Student Teams

And let’s not forget the student teams, because at SAAS, learning keeps going well beyond the school day. Whether students are building sharp arguments on the Debate Team, commanding the courtroom in Mock Trial, or programming robots to tackle real-world challenges in Robotics, there’s no shortage of exciting, hands-on opportunities. For those with a passion for politics and policy, Youth Legislature lets students step into the role of lawmakers, crafting bills and learning the ins and outs of democratic leadership. These academic teams aren’t just about competition—they’re about building confidence, learning how to think on your feet, and working together toward a common goal. If your child loves thinking big, speaking up, or taking things apart to see how they work, they’ll fit right in.

What sports does Seattle Academy offer?

At Seattle Academy, athletics are more than just games—they’re a chance for students to grow as teammates, leaders, and well-rounded humans. Whether they’re sprinting down the field, diving for a save, or mastering their jump shot, SAAS athletes bring passion, perseverance, and a strong sense of community to everything they do. With a wide range of seasonal sports offered across fall, winter, and spring, there’s something for every kind of competitor.

Fall Sports	Winter Sports	Spring Sports
Competitive Dance Upper School Coed	Basketball Upper School Boys Varsity	Baseball Upper School Boys Varsity
Cross Country Middle School	Basketball Upper School Boys Junior Varsity	Baseball Upper School Boys Junior Varsity
Cross Country Upper School	Basketball Upper School Boys Cardinal Club	Golf Upper School Boys Varsity
Golf Upper School Boys Varsity	Basketball Upper School Boys Freshman	Golf Middle School
Golf Upper School Boys Junior Varsity	Basketball Middle School Boys CYO 8	Lacrosse Middle School Boys
Golf Upper School Boys Cardinal Club	Basketball Middle School Boys Black	Lacrosse Upper School Boys Varsity
Golf Upper School Girls Varsity	Basketball Middle School Boys CYO 6	Lacrosse Upper School Boys Junior Varsity
Soccer Middle School Girls CYO	Basketball Middle School Boys Grey	Lacrosse Upper School Girls Varsity
Soccer Middle School Boys CYO 6	Basketball Upper School Boys JVC	Lacrosse Upper School Girls Junior Varsity
Soccer Middle School Boys CYO 7	Basketball Middle School Boys Red	Lacrosse Middle School Girls
Soccer Middle School Boys Black	Basketball Middle School Boys Yellow	Soccer Upper School Boys Varsity
Soccer Middle School Boys Red	Basketball Upper School Girls Varsity	Soccer Upper School Boys Junior Varsity
Soccer Upper School Girls Varsity	Basketball Upper School Girls Junior Varsity	Soccer Upper School Boys JVC
Soccer Upper School Girls Junior Varsity	Basketball Middle School Girls Black	Tennis Upper School Boys Varsity
Soccer Upper School Girls Cardinal Club	Basketball Middle School Girls Grey	Tennis Upper School Boys Junior Varsity
Soccer Middle School Girls Black	Basketball Middle School Girls CYO 6	Tennis Upper School Girls Varsity
Soccer Middle School Girls Red	Basketball Upper School Girls JVC	Tennis Upper School Girls Junior Varsity
Ultimate Upper School Boys Varsity	Basketball Middle School Girls Red	Tennis Upper School Girls JVC
Ultimate Upper School Boys Junior Varsity	Competitive Dance Upper School Coed	Track & Field Middle School
Volleyball Upper School Girls Varsity	Flag Football Upper School Girls	Track & Field Upper School Varsity
Volleyball Upper School Girls Junior Varsity	Wrestling Upper School Boys Varsity	Ultimate Middle School Boys Black
Volleyball Upper School Girls Cardinal Club	Wrestling Upper School Girls Varsity	Ultimate Middle School Boys Red
Volleyball Upper School Girls Freshman		Ultimate Middle School Girls
Volleyball Middle School Girls Grey		Ultimate Upper School Girls Varsity
Volleyball Middle School Girls Black		Volleyball Middle School Girls 6th Grade
Volleyball Upper School Girls JVC
Volleyball Middle School Girls Red
Volleyball Middle School Girls White

Express Yourself: The Seattle Academy Dance Program

If your kid can’t help but start moving when the beat drops, the SAAS Dance Program might just be their happy place. It’s not just a class, it’s an experience. Students dive into styles like contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and more, whether they’re brand new to dance or have been twirling since preschool. The Middle School dance company, SAAS Dance Project, meets after school and puts on multiple performances a year, giving dancers the chance to light up the stage. There’s also the big-deal annual dance concert that pulls the whole community together and gives everyone a chance to show what they’ve been working on. And yes, guest artists from top-tier companies like Alvin Ailey and Koresh have been known to drop in. No big deal. Just world-class training, right at school.

Find Your Voice: The Seattle Academy Music Program

The music program at SAAS is where creative energy gets a mic, a beat, and sometimes even a string section. Whether your student is into singing, shredding, composing, or all of the above, there’s a place for them to plug in. The program features everything from Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Choir to String Ensemble and Music Production, where students can write, record, and mix their own original tracks using real-deal studio gear. SAAS musicians don’t just stay on campus either. They’ve performed at events like the Reno Jazz Festival and the California Jazz Championships, often bringing home top honors. It’s equal parts collaboration, performance, and finding your musical voice. And yes, it’s just as cool as it sounds.

Storytelling on Stage: The Seattle Academy Theater Program

Theater at SAAS is where storytelling gets personal. It’s not just about memorizing lines or painting backdrops. It’s about diving into characters, building whole worlds, and learning how to bring ideas to life. Every Middle School student gets their feet wet with theater classes, while Upper Schoolers need at least one credit to graduate, though many don’t stop there. The program offers acting, directing, improv, stagecraft, and even sketch comedy writing. Whether your student loves being center stage or prefers making magic happen behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone. The shows range from Shakespeare to student-created pieces, and every production is a chance to grow in confidence, creativity, and community.

Seattle Academy Famous Alumni

1. Larkin Seiple
   An accomplished cinematographer known for his work on films like Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), Swiss Army Man (2016), and I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017).
2. Joel Gamoran
   A chef and host of the television series Scraps on the FYI network, where he travels across America creating meals from food waste.
3. Adrian Brandon
   A Brooklyn-based artist whose work focuses on the Black experience, aiming to raise awareness of injustices faced by the Black community.
4. Cody Finke
   Co-founder and CEO of Brimstone Energy, a company focused on producing carbon-neutral cement to reduce global CO2 emissions.
5. Ella Hansen
   A professional disc golfer who achieved significant success within two years of starting the sport, including ranking third at the U.S. Women’s National Championship in May 2021.
6. Lucas Meek:
   A professional soccer player who has played for Inter Miami CF II in MLS NEXT Pro.
7. Elsa Sjunneson:
   A DeafBlind professor, historian, media critic, author, and editor, known for her advocacy in disability rights and contributions to Marvel Comics.