School Tour and Enrollment Information

Thornton Creek is dedicated to building a close school community with close connections between our families and our classrooms. We follow the core curriculum and standards used by all Seattle Public Schools. However, our approach is based on “expeditionary learning” This method supports active, project-based learning at every grade level.

We have a long history of social-emotional learning through close classroom communities. Students stay with the same teacher for two years (2nd and 3rd grades, then 4th and 5th grades). We also focus on social skills, using practices from the Responsive Classroom.

Inclusion is at the heart of our school. We offer four Special Education programs: Seattle Preschool Program-Plus (SPP+), Distinct (K-1, 2-3, 4-5), Extended Resource (K-1, 2-5), and Resource Room (K-5). These services are closely aligned with our general education program. We aim to support and celebrate the belonging of every child and family in our school community.

Thornton Creek 2025 Tour Dates

Please meet at the main entrance off of 40th Ave NE.

• Thursday, January 16 | 8:15 -9:45 am.
• Thursday, January 23 | 8:15 -9:45 am.
• Tuesday, February 11 | 8:15 -9:45 am. *
• Tuesday, February 11, | 5:00 -6:00 pm. **

*The Tuesday, February 11th 8:15 -9:45 am. tour is designated for transfer students entering grades 1-5 in addition to incoming Kindergarten/PreK (note that transfer families are welcome at any of our tours – just let your tour guide know your grade level of interest).

** On the evening of Tuesday, February 11th, Special Education staff will be on hand to answer individual questions.

In addition to these dates, the Seattle Public Schools Admission Fair is Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the John Stanford Center

Student Enrollment Fall 2025

The Seattle Public Schools district office manages all student assignments. To enroll your student at Thornton Creek:

1. Enroll your student in Seattle Public Schools
   • Your student will automatically be assigned to a school based on their home address. This is your student’s Attendance Area school.
2. Thornton Creek is an Option School requiring a secondary application called the school choice form which is available February 1-28.

Key 2025-26 Enrollment Dates

• January 6 New registrations for 2025-2026 School Year begins
• February 1 Admissions Fair at John Stanford Center, 10am – 2pm 
• February 1-28 Open Enrollment for School Choice (Apply to Thornton Creek!)
• March 1 – May 31 School Choice late applications accepted (Not eligible for tiebreakers).
• April 22 Open Enrollment results available online
• June 2 – August 31 Non Resident Applications accepted
• August 31 Waitlists for the 2025-26 school year dissolves

SPS Early Learning/Pre-K resources and information

After School Care

• After school, onsite care is available through Kids Time, a Seattle Parks and Recreation program. It is sponsored by the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center and provides extended daycare. Please contact the community center at 206-684-7534 for enrollment questions.
• Kids and Paper offers daily after-school care that uses art, music, dance, yoga, and more to support kids’ social, emotional, and academic goals.
• Kids Co at Decatur provides after care for ages 5 to 12 right next door to Thornton Creek.
• Hall of Fame offers enrichment classes after school a few days a week.