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 five Special Education programs: Seattle Preschool Program-Plus (SPP+), Developmental Preschool, 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 Tour Dates for the 2026-2027 School Year

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

• Thursday, December 18 | 9:30 -10:30 am.
• Wednesday, January 14 | 9:30 -10:30 am.
• Thursday, January 22 | 6:00 – 6:45 pm.

Seattle Public Schools Hosted Events

Seattle Public Schools Open House

This tour is at the John Stanford Center, downtown Seattl

• Saturday, January 10 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Seattle Public Schools Community Information Sessions

The SPS Enrollment team is hosting community information sessions to help answer questions about:

• The enrollment process
• The new School Choice lottery timeline
• Understanding school choice options and eligibility

In-Person School Events (5:30 – 7 p.m.)

• Thursday, Nov. 13 – Roxhill Elementary
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 – South Shore PreK–8
• Thursday, Nov. 20 – Licton Springs K–8
• Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Leschi Elementary
• Thursday, Dec. 4 – John Rogers Elementary

Virtual Outreach Events (For meeting link click here on the meeting day)

• Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, 7-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 -7 p.m.

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.