Stevens Elementary

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About

Our History

Stevens Elementary School opened in 1906 on Capitol Hill after the site was purchased in 1904 during Seattle’s northward expansion. The original eight-room, two-story Colonial Revival building remains the architectural core of the campus and was designated a City of Seattle landmark in 1981.

Over more than a century, the school has expanded and modernized to meet changing needs. Major renovations completed in 2001 strengthened and preserved the historic structure while adding updated classroom space, a modern cafeteria and gymnasium, and additional facilities. The campus now includes a large playground, track, kickball courts, and a covered basketball court. The gym addition features a climbing wall and stage for assemblies and community events. Eco-focused upgrades include solar panels and water bottle filling stations. The school currently holds the highest building condition score among occupied SPS schools in the central region.

Located across from Interlaken Park and two blocks from Volunteer Park, the school benefits from direct access to natural spaces. Its quiet, centrally located campus makes it one of the most walked-, biked-, and public-transportation-accessed schools in Seattle.

STAR Mission and Vision

Our mission is to provide a high quality academic and social-emotional education that meets every student’s
needs, ensuring equitable access for all students in a safe environment where children are inspired to develop their skills and talents, a life-long love for learning, and a passion to care for each other and our community.

Our vision is that every Stevens student is empowered by a high quality education and a strong sense of
value and purpose to achieve their goals in a safe, diverse and caring community.

Stevens STAR Pledge

I promise to:

  • Safe
  • Thoughtful
  • Accountable
  • Resilient

Collaborative Teaming: Teachers, staff, students, and families work together  (e.g., Building-leadership Team (BLT); Professional Learning Communities (PLCs); Teacher Collaborative Groups (TCGs), and Committee work).

Essential Academic Outcomes:  Academic outcomes we want for each and every student, at each grade level. Currently we are focused on reading and will be expanding this focused work to math and writing.

Essential Behavior Outcomes:  Social and behavioral outcomes we want for each and every student, at each grade level.

Community Partnerships:  Teachers, staff, student, families, and community organizations work together (e.g., PTA).

Academic Programs and Student Support

​The school hosts a range of programs, including:
  • Interlaken Pre-K (Seattle Preschool Program)
  • Listen & Talk Preschool (Deaf and hard-of-hearing services)
  • Integrated Special Education services
  • Multi Language Learner (MLL) services
  • Dedicated approach Highly Capable and Advanced Learners
  • Kids Club child care (133 licensed spots -largest in the area; 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; holiday and summer programming)
District-adopted curricula include:

The school includes a reading specialist with a dedicated classroom, librarian, art, music, and PE teachers, a social worker, occupational therapist, extended resource support teachers, instructional assistants in each K–5 classroom, and additional roaming instructional assistants. Many teachers have more than 20 years of tenure.

Enrichment Activities and Extracurriculars

Students participate in a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including:

  • Green Team (Climate Change & Lunchroom Sustainability Program)
  • NaturUS outdoor education classes
  • Regular author visits and guest experts
  • Field trips to theaters, nature centers, museums, and other community sites
  • Choir performances, Art Walk, and pottery
  • Cross-grade town halls and reading buddies
  • Instrumental and vocal music
  • Global Reading Challenge
  • Jump-a-thon (jump rope instruction and school-wide event)
  • Biking instruction
  • Marathon running program
  • Dedicated after-school enrichment (ASE) programs: including chess, art around the world, baking and LEGO robotics, oceanography, and more…

These programs support academic growth, leadership development, environmental awareness, physical health, and cross-grade connection.

Community and Traditions

The student population is academically, economically, racially, linguistically, and behaviorally diverse. The school maintains a highly involved PTA, multiple long-standing community events including the Annual Carnival, and the Pancake Breakfast & Winter Tree Sale established in 1974 has been serving the North Capitol Hill community for over 50 years. Tutu’s Pantry operates on site as a community food security program that provides food to families in need from our school. It is dependent upon donations of time, food items, and monetary donations from our Stevens community. A student-led Green Team helped secure a state grant for installation of a rooftop solar array in 2021. 

From the totem pole currently in the library to the student projects and artifacts lining the halls, the school reflects the many young people who have shaped it. More than a building, it has been a gathering place—adapting, growing, and continuing to serve its community for over 100 years.

After more than a century of service and continued modernization, Stevens is now poised for growth and its next chapter, building on a strong foundation of community, programs, and place.

No Tolerance Policy

Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy towards weapons , drugs, or alcohol on its campuses and at District-sponsored activities.

Contact Us

1242 18th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112

Main Office: 206-252-3400
Fax: 206-252-3401

Attendance: stevens.attendance@seattleschools.org

Principal: Peter Donovan pgdonovan@seattleschools.org