About Seattle Academy Overview and Quick Facts
The Hub
Welcome to Seattle Academy
Seattle Academy (SAAS) prepares students in grades 6–12 to
Question
Imagine
, and
Create
so they can
Contribute
Boldly to a Changing World
. Since our founding in 1983, we’ve championed a bold, student-centered education that equips young people with the skills, mindset, and confidence to thrive in college and in life.
Accredited by the
Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)
and a member of the National
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
, SAAS is approved by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
A Purposeful Approach to Learning
At the heart of SAAS is a belief in teaching students
how to think, not what to think
. Our program is anchored in five core areas—
Academics
Arts
Athletics
Outdoor & Travel Experiences
, and
Student Life
—all shaped by an entrepreneurial mindset that encourages students to think critically, adapt ideas, embrace feedback, and create with purpose.
A Community That Knows Each Student
We believe students thrive when they are
known, challenged, and inspired to take risks
. Our faculty, advisors, coaches, counselors, and learning support specialists work together to ensure every student is seen and supported as an individual.
Students come to SAAS from a variety of educational experiences—public, private, and homeschool—and reflect a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. Rooted in relationships and community, SAAS is a place where students explore who they are, who they want to be, and who they could become.
Our History
Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) was founded in 1983 by a dedicated group of trustees, faculty, and parents who dreamed of creating a school where students would be prepared not just for college, but for life. In that very first year, 72 students joined them in bringing this vision to life and laying the foundation for the vibrant, dynamic, and impactful SAAS community we know today.
Watch:
The History of Seattle Academy 1983-2015
Quick Facts
How many students attend Seattle Academy?
How do I apply?
How much is tuition at Seattle Academy?
What’s a typical schedule at SAAS?
Does Seattle Academy offer Financial Aid?
How large is the class size at Seattle Academy?
How many students participate in arts and athletics?
What’s the 2025-26 calendar?
Total enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is 1,308 students.
Middle School:
442 students
Upper School:
866 students
We’re interested in getting to know you better and to learn what you or your kid is excited about in their educational experience. Our
Admissions Department
is ready to answer any of your questions and to assist you in getting to know our Seattle Academy community better.
Tuition is set each year by the
Board of Trustees
at Seattle Academy.
Tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 school year is $50,900 for grades 6-12.
Financial Aid grants can range from $100 to covering the full tuition. The average
grant is 68% of tuition.
SAAS is committed to access for students of all backgrounds and financial capacity and offers
Financial Aid
and
Community Chest
in support of tuition and activity fees.
Students are encouraged to create a unique and compelling schedule that fits their interests from a combination of classes needed to meet
graduation requirements
and a variety of electives.
SAAS deploys an
8 block schedule
which is centered on an 75-minute block, allowing for cross-discipline, project-based, problem-based learning. Our class days also have a minimum of transitions for students. In several ways, the schedule supports the school’s beliefs about how students learn best.
YES!  Financial accessibility is a strategic priority for Seattle Academy and we encourage families to submit information to be considered for financial support. 23% of our 2025-26 families receive financial aid with an average grant of over $35,630.
Our Admissions Department is ready to answer any of your questions and assist you in understanding how to apply for
Financial Aid
The student to faculty ratio is 7:1 with our median class size is 17 in the Middle School and 16 in the Upper School for the 2025-26 school year. Class sizes range from 12 to 21 students depending upon the type and demand for the particular class.
100% of SAAS students participate in the arts, since we have a graduation requirement that includes taking at least one course in each of the arts areas (Dance, Theater, Music, Visual & Media).
28%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Beyond that, 28% of Upper School students also choose to participate in performance groups that rehearse after school.
78%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
78% of SAAS students turn out for one or more of our teams that we offer throughout the three sports seasons.
School starts for all students on Thursday, September 4 and ends on June 10. 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders are asked to attend orientation the days prior to the start of school. Class begins at 8:15 AM each school day with dismissal at 3:00 PM.
View the
Daily Schedule
for more details.
2025-2026 OVERVIEW CALENDAR