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Everything Seattle-area families need to know about applying to this school for highly capable learners.
Quick Answer for Busy Parents
The Evergreen School is an independent day school in Shoreline, Washington, serving highly capable learners from preschool through 8th grade. All applicants complete a cognitive ability (IQ) assessment; Grades 5–7 submit standardized test scores such as MAP or ERB, or ISEE/SSAT scores if no recent testing is available. The application process includes a parent statement, teacher evaluations, student short answers, and an essay. Evergreen is recognized for its BIG Lab makerspace, summer program, and commitment to service learning.
Why Do Families Choose The Evergreen School?
Edith Christensen, a former pharmacist who later earned a doctorate in education from the University of Washington, founded Evergreen in 1963 with just six students, aiming to serve gifted children who were underserved in traditional classroom settings.
Families are drawn to Evergreen’s individualized approach to gifted education, its 4.5-acre Pacific Northwest campus, and signature spaces like the BIG Lab makerspace, where students across grade levels build hands-on projects.
In addition to its individualized academic approach and state-of-the-art facilities, families choose The Evergreen School for its strong, inclusive community culture. Evergreen actively fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration among students, educators, and parents, ensuring that gifted learners are not only challenged intellectually but are also supported socially and emotionally in a welcoming environment.
Did You Know? Evergreen’s BIG Lab makerspace has hosted student-created arcade games, built by 7th graders in technology class for the whole school’s Winter Carnival.
How Competitive Is Admission to The Evergreen School?
In practice, getting accepted is remarkably selective. The Evergreen School caters specifically to top academically advanced learners, requiring applicants for kindergarten through 7th grade to submit cognitive testing that typically places them at or above the 95th percentile. This high threshold ensures the student body is composed of peers who thrive in a fast-paced, intellectually demanding environment.
Compounding the difficulty is the school’s tight capacity and high student retention. Outside of primary entry points like kindergarten and 6th grade, open spots in intermediate grades are extremely scarce and rely almost entirely on student attrition. As a result, even highly qualified applicants frequently face waitlists simply due to space limitations.
Top Tips for a Strong Application
- Schedule the required cognitive (IQ) assessment as early as possible in the process.
- If applying to Grades 5–7, register for the ISEE or SSAT with enough lead time for results to arrive on schedule.
- Encourage your child to complete the student short answers and essay in their own authentic voice.
Best Practices for Families
- Request teacher evaluations and recommendation letters with plenty of lead time.
- Write a parent statement that reflects genuine insight into your child’s strengths and personality.
- Ask directly about the summer program and service learning opportunities during a visit.
What Is The Evergreen School’s Admission Process?
Creating an account in Aryval Enroll is the first step in The Evergreen School’s admissions process. There, you will be able to sign up for events and submit the required documents for your application.
- Create an account in Aryval Enroll.
- Complete the IQ test (Kinder–Grade 7).
- Schedule a virtual conversation.
- Complete the online application.
- Parent/Guardian Statement
- Submit teacher evaluations & records request form.
- Current grade level/homeroom teacher
- Additional current-year teacher or last year’s grade level/homeroom teacher
- Take standardized tests.
- MAP, ERB, ISEE, or SSAT, etc.
- Complete PSIS forms.
- Student Essay Form
- Student Activities Form
- Attend the applicant visit.
Note: The Evergreen School utilizes a test-flexible policy. For Grades 5–7, families may submit any standardized test results (e.g., MAP, ERB) from the current or prior school year; however, if the applicant has not taken a standardized test during this timeframe, submitting results from either the ISEE or SSAT is required.
What Are the Application Requirements for The Evergreen School?
Student Essay
Submitted via Aryval Enroll, student short-answer responses and essays are completed by upper-grade applicants (Grades 5–7). Prompts focus on personal interests, academic passions, and alignment with Evergreen’s mission to serve highly capable learners. Essays must reflect the student’s authentic, original voice without AI or outside assistance.
How to write a compelling student essay: Focus on a specific moment of growth rather than a list of activities. Authenticity is key. This is where Programs in Writing and Reading (PWR) helps students develop essential reading and writing skills that would allow them to produce compelling written outputs. Learn how to develop an authentic writing voice that helps your statement stand out.
Parent/Guardian Statement
Required for all applicants (Preschool through Grade 7), the Parent/Guardian Statement is completed via Aryval Enroll. It gives families space to share insights into their child’s unique strengths, learning style, and social-emotional development, demonstrating how family values align with Evergreen’s focus on gifted education.
How to write an effective parent statement: Share anecdotes that demonstrate your child’s maturity and values rather than repeating their resume. Keep your tone authentic and collaborative. Learn how to write a compelling private school parent statement.
Teacher Evaluation Form & Records Request Form
Delegated online via Aryval Enroll, forms are submitted directly by current educators. Preschool–Grade 3 requires one evaluation from the current homeroom teacher. Grades 4–7 require two: one from the current homeroom teacher and one from another current or prior-year teacher. A Records Request Form is also required for Grades 1–7 to release transcripts & academic records.
How to get the best teacher evaluations: To secure strong teacher evaluations, ensure your child builds genuine relationships with teachers and mentors. Recommenders should highlight your child’s leadership, behavior, and academic impact on the community.
Standardized Test
The Evergreen School operates under a test-flexible policy for applicants to Grades 5–7. Families may submit results from any standardized test (such as MAP, ERB, or SBA) taken within the prior or current academic year. If no recent standardized testing is available, applicants must submit scores from either the ISEE or SSAT.
How to strengthen test-taking skills: Effective test preparation involves more than just content review; it builds a deep understanding of exam-specific question formats, pacing strategies, and underlying academic skills. Personalized coaching helps students master these exams with confidence.
Cognitive Assessment
Required for Grades K–7 applicants, candidates submit a cognitive ability (IQ) assessment administered independently by a licensed psychologist. Scores typically place applicants at or above the 95th percentile. Testing is not required for Preschool or Pre-K.
Student Activities Form
Completed within Aryval Enroll for middle grades applicants (Grades 5–7), this form provides space for families and students to outline extracurricular commitments, creative endeavors, athletic participation, and community engagement.
Have Questions About Your Child’s Application?
Cardinal Education’s consultants help families navigate Evergreen’s cognitive assessment and put together a complete application.
What Is Student Life Like at The Evergreen School?
Student life at The Evergreen School is a dynamic blend of high-level intellectual exploration, creative inquiry, and active community participation.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to deepen their curiosity and build collaborative skills through structured extracurriculars, summer experiences, and hands-on service initiatives.
Academics
Academic life at The Evergreen School is tailored specifically for highly capable, gifted learners from Preschool through 8th Grade. The curriculum pairs rigorous core academic studies with interdisciplinary learning, social-emotional skill building, and dedicated makerspace instruction.
| Metric | Overview & Academic Feature |
| Faculty Expertise | 88 teachers and teaching assistants; ~71% hold advanced degrees |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 1:7 overall student-to-teacher ratio |
| The BIG Lab Makerspace | 3,000-sq.-ft. space (“Build, Imagine, Grow”) equipped with 3D printers and woodshop tools |
| World Languages | Multilingual instruction offered in French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese |
| Specialized Support | 3 full-time learning resource coordinators and 2 full-time counselors |
This structured academic framework gives advanced students the freedom to solve complex problems, experiment creatively in the BIG Lab, and develop strong critical thinking skills.
Extracurriculars
The after-school experience at Evergreen provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore new talents, build friendships, and engage in physical activity in a supportive environment.
- No-Cut Athletics: Over 70% of students participate in sports, built on a no-cut policy that emphasizes skill-building, teamwork, and inclusive participation.
- Enrichment Programs: Trimester-based enrichment classes offered from PreK through 8th Grade, spanning the visual arts, STEM exploration, and creative performance.
- Extended Care Services: Flexible before- and after-school care options running from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to support working families.
Students develop balanced personal habits, sportsmanship, and creative confidence while building lasting connections outside the school day.
Summer Programs
Evergreen’s Summer Program extends the school’s signature hands-on learning into the summer months, offering flexible enrichment for both enrolled families and the broader community.
| Program Metric | Summer Details |
| Community Access | Open to all students entering Kindergarten through 8th Grade |
| Classic Day Camp | Weekly themed outdoor activities, arts & crafts, swimming, and field trips |
| Specialty Workshops | 1- and 2-week intensives covering design thinking, clay work, theater, and vocal music |
| Flexible Scheduling | AM (9:00–12:00) and PM (1:00–4:00) sessions configurable into full-day options |
These summer offerings keep young learners engaged year-round through active outdoor play, artistic development, and collaborative projects.
Service Learning
Service learning is embedded directly into the academic curriculum, guiding students to connect their classroom studies with real-world community needs and social responsibility.
- Curriculum Integration: Service projects are designed as core learning experiences rather than standalone requirements, deepening subject understanding.
- Age-Appropriate Milestones: Progressive hands-on engagement begins in the early grades and expands to student-led community initiatives in middle school.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborative projects structured alongside local Pacific Northwest organizations to address tangible community challenges.
- Guided Reflection: Structured self-reflection routines that build empathy, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility.
Through these continuous efforts, Evergreen students develop a genuine commitment to civic action and graduate equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
How Cardinal Education Can Help You Secure a Spot
Admission to The Evergreen School is exceptionally competitive, driven by tight capacity, high retention rates, and demanding entry requirements. Navigating the unique cognitive ability assessment and standardized testing can feel daunting for families unfamiliar with gifted admissions criteria.
Cardinal Education’s experienced consultants provide specialized guidance to demystify every step of the process, helping families prepare effectively for assessments and craft a compelling, authentic application that sets their student apart.
Related Articles:
The Evergreen School’s After-School Program
Service Learning at The Evergreen School: How Students Make a Difference
The Evergreen School’s Summer Program: Engaging Learning Beyond the School Year
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evergreen have a religious affiliation?
Does Evergreen require standardized testing?
What is the Evergreen acceptance rate?
What is The Evergreen School known for?
How big is the Asian American population at Evergreen?
Evergreen understood our daughter’s giftedness in a way her previous school never did. Cardinal Education helped us prepare for the cognitive assessment and put together an application that reflected her genuine curiosity.
— Evergreen Parent