Welcome New Families!
At North Beach, we believe in:
✅ Strong academics in a nurturing environment
✅ Community connections that last a lifetime
✅ Opportunities for every child to thrive
Why choose North Beach?
Because we offer the best of both worlds: a close-knit neighborhood feel and exceptional educational experiences — without the tuition.
Come learn why families love North Beach! We can’t wait to welcome you and show you why generations have chosen North Beach.
Warmly,
Jennifer Markovitz
President, North Beach Elementary School PTA
Are you exploring school options for your child(ren)? If so, come see what makes North Beach Elementary a vibrant, supportive, and academically thriving community. Reach out to president@northbeachpta.org to schedule a tour.
Get To Know North Beach
Year Opened: 1958
Mascot: Herbie the Seal!
School Colors: Purple, White, & Gold!
Motto: “At North Beach we take care of ourselves, each other, and our school!”
Student Population: 305
Teachers & Staff: 55
Why Choose North Beach?
It’s Your Neighborhood School
You can walk, bike, or bus to school
Your kid’s classmates and friends live right here in your neighborhood
Classmates will be on your kid’s sports teams, dance class, etc
You’ll run into friends everywhere!
You’ll even run into our teachers and staff because they live in the neighborhood.
This neighborhood school goes back generations
Our Amazing Teachers & Staff
They are kind, experienced, dedicated, and passionate about educating our children
Our staff stick around… for years and years!
Happy Staff = Happy Kids & Parents
Staff are accessible to parents, lots of communications, etc
Our staff go above and beyond and run lots of extra programs and curriculum for our kids
Our Programs & Curriculum
All students attend Music, Art, Library, and PE every week
5th graders can do instrumental music too
North Beach partners with outside artists (performing and visual arts) to come to the school and work with our students
Partnerships with both Pacific Science Center and Kids Science Lab to provide additional hand on STEM Education
4th & 5th graders participate in the Seattle Public Library’s Global Reading Challenge
North Beach had two teams for the 25-26 First Lego League robotics competition
4th graders learn about the salmon lifecycle by growing their own salmon from egg to fry and then release their fish into the wild in Carkeek Park
Monthly schoolwide math challenge program
Reading buddies across grades
All grades go on several field trips a year: Seattle Children’s theater, UW Dance performances, Museums (MOHAI, Burke, Asian Art), Seattle Chocolate Factory, Space Needle/Monorail, Tidepooling, Kelsey Creek Farm, etc.
5th graders attend IslandWood for 3 nights for Outdoor Environmental Education
We also have a wonderful Seattle Preschool Program right at the school
Aftercare Programs
There are several aftercare options for families at North Beach:
The Boys and Girls Club: offers onsite aftercare until 6 pm
Small Faces: picks up kids for aftercare until 6 pm
BYC Kids: picks up kids for aftercare until 6 pm
Registration occurs in the Spring/Summer and on a rolling basis throughout the year
Contact the programs directly for more information
The PTA also offered afterschool Enrichment programs in the Fall and Winter
Our PTA & Families
Volunteer group of parents and caregivers who love North Beach and want to make it great for our kids and staff!
Provide funds and support directly to the teachers for both staffing needs and classroom/education support
Host a variety of fun community events
Lots of opportunities for families to get involved in whatever way works for you!
Follow up on Facebook and Instagram: @north.beach.elementary.pta
Common Myths About North Beach & Public Schools
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Last year we were on a list of potential school closures
Our community came together and worked with families throughout the district to stop all school closures
SPS has a new superintendent & new board members this year
There are currently no plans or discussion of future school closures
The best way to show your support for Seattle Public Schools and North Beach is to enroll your child in your neighborhood school
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Yes, our building has what we call “old-school charm!” It opened in 1958.
Advantages to a smaller building: everyone sees everyone all day long!
Our student population size is great. Kids are seen and known.
North Beach is a cozy school with a tightknit community.
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Average Kindergarten class: 20 students
Class sizes increase gradually in higher grades but are never large
Current 5th grade classes have around 25 kids
The state mandates class sizes and ratios
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Our students get 3 recesses every day!
Total recess time of 50 minutes to move their bodies
We have two full playgrounds
Lots of recess balls and equipment
A HUGE field to run around and play
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SPS has a 1:1 device policy to ensure equitable access: all K-2 have an iPad assigned to them & all 3-5 graders have a laptop
But… the teachers use these sparingly and in educationally appropriate ways.
Kindergartners don’t even use their iPads for months after school starts
District & state-mandated standardized tests are done on the devices, so kids need to learn how to use them
Devices stay at school
Devices are not open to the internet and only have appropriate apps and games
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Public schools are mandated to provide ALL students with the educational and socioemotional supports they need
No student is ever turned away
North Beach is a Special Education Continuum School
We offer Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech-Language services to all kids in our area (even those not attending North Beach)
30% of North Beach students have an “Advanced Learner” or “Highly Capable” designation.
Teachers work hard to differentiate what their students need and meet them at their level.