I love the inclusivity and care shown by the entire community here. So happy we chose them for our family.

Giddens School centers the experience on our children- everything they need to learn, explore, and grow. It is so special to be part of this community. We have been part of the school for three years. Our daughter has grown so much from her time here. Academically, she is challenged by her teachers to think critically (even in kindergarten). The other day she asked if we wanted to make up math story problems at the dinner table, because Giddens encourages students to bring fun, creativity, and exploration into how they learn hard skills. Social and emotional learning is also a major focus for the school. Last week there was a talent show for the k-4th graders, and the amount of love, respect, and excitement the entire school showed to these brave and talented performers was incredibly moving. Giddens works hard to education future leaders, and it shows. read more

As the mom of a second grade boy, I've found Giddens to be an amazing fit! We considered sending him to a gifted and talented school or program, but chose Giddens for its inclusivity and diversity. Here, we've found the best of all worlds. He is intellectually challenged by the curriculum and class discussions, works on super interesting projects across subjects, but also, he is in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where there's a culture of kindness. He has become more kind and playful, has learned how to play with kids of different ages, and the mixed age classroom experience has been an unexpected benefit - as he has many opportunities to lead and mentor younger students. The staff is also very receptive to questions and feedback, and the afterschool program, with built in opportunities for an assortment of extracurricular classes, is amazing. read more

We've loved our experience at Giddens. The academics are solid, but so is the emphasis on social emotional learning and development. The individual care that our kid has received is phenomenal. read more

Giddens School is everything a modern, mission-driven school should be. Our family has been part of the Giddens community for several years and our son is currently in 4th grade. We are consistently inspired by the school's deep commitment to equity, joyful learning, and whole-child education. The teachers are exceptional--warm, creative, and deeply attuned to each child's needs and strengths. In addition to providing a stellar education in math, reading, and writing, the school really shines with its inquiry-based approach to learning on display with its SPARK program and DREAM Lab. But what truly sets Giddens apart is its values. This is a place where children are not only challenged academically, but also encouraged to grow as empathetic, curious, and confident human beings. You see this whenever Giddens kids gather; they are aware, kind, look out for each other and stand up for themselves. It's remarkable and heartwarming. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Giddens community, where children are seen, supported, and inspired to thrive. read more

A Truly Transformative Experience for Our Children Giddens School has been nothing short of transformative for our family. Our kids have grown academically and blossomed into curious, confident, and compassionate individuals. What stands out most is how much our kids love learning. They come home excited to share what they explored in class, often connecting lessons to the world around them. The teachers nurture that natural curiosity and challenge students in a way that's both supportive and stimulating. Giddens isn't just a school--it's a community that believes in every child's potential. We feel fortunate to be part of it. read more

We joined Early Childhood Education program at Giddens after the pandemic, when our child was with an au pair. I learned that several families had similar circumstances in the incoming class. Giddens staff and teachers have done an outstanding job integrating kids into the classroom environment. Giddens education prioritizes social & emotional learning together with academics, creating a nurturing atmosphere where kids are comfortable and confident. As parents, my partner and I are grateful for the warm and caring community at Giddens School. read more

Proud parent of a 3rd grader who's been at Giddens since she was just three years old. The school isn't just the right academic fit for our daughter--but a place where we, as a family, feel a true sense of belonging. We looked at a few other schools, but as soon as we visited Giddens we could feel it in our bones that this was the place for us. It's the educators, and the kindness, patience, and intentionality with which they interact with their students. This is a school where our daughter--and every child--is seen, heard, and loved for who they are. It's not about making them fit into some mold or meet a one-size-fits-all standard. It's about supporting who they are, what they dream about, and helping them become the best version of themselves. We've seen firsthand how this school stays grounded in its values--even when the world outside feels anything but. Giddens doesn't shy away from big conversations. Our kids are learning about climate change, equity, mental health - all the big stuff. Giddens helps them understand the world they're growing up in, and how to shape it with compassion and courage. They're not just teaching math and reading. They're helping raise little citizens. These last couple of years haven't been easy for anyone. But through every twist and turn, Giddens has stayed strong. And our daughter has thrived in a place where she's not just taught--she's known. A place where child-centered learning isn't just a philosophy--it's a daily practice. read more

Giddens is a true gem--a school where our child is not only learning and growing academically but is also deeply seen, supported, and celebrated for who he is. Our son is now a rising third grader and has been at Giddens since Kindergarten. From the very beginning, we knew we had found something special. Giddens offers an exceptional learning environment that is student-centered and welcoming of different learning styles. As our family navigated the journey of understanding ADHD, the school partnered with us every step of the way. Their approach has been compassionate, flexible, and collaborative, always focusing on the whole child rather than just the diagnosis. Because of this, our son has developed a sense of confidence and belonging that's invaluable. Giddens truly lives its values. The commitment to equity, inclusion, and social responsibility is not just in words--it's woven into every part of the school experience. As a queer family with three dads, we have felt nothing but support and affirmation. We've never once felt "othered" or uncomfortable--instead, we've felt embraced and included in every aspect of the school community. That spirit of belonging extends to families of all backgrounds, identities, and income levels. We're also continually inspired by Giddens' dedication to accessibility. While it is an independent school, Giddens works hard to remove financial barriers so that every student has equal access to field trips, technology, afterschool programs, snacks, and more--all included in tuition. The caregiver community is another incredible aspect of Giddens. It's active, engaged, and genuinely supportive. We've formed lifelong friendships here with other families who show up for each other and the school in meaningful ways. It's a place where community truly matters. If you're looking for a progressive school in Seattle that fosters academic growth, centers equity and inclusion, and builds a strong, diverse community--independent of the shifting tides of federal funding or political trends--Giddens School is an outstanding choice. We're so grateful to be part of this community. read more

We've had a really positive experience. The academics are strong, especially in math and literacy, but what stands out just as much is how much attention they give to social-emotional growth. Kids are really seen and supported here, not just academically but as whole people.The teachers are excellent -- skilled, caring, and really committed to the students' growth. The extended day as well as camp programs (summer, spring, and school breaks) are also really thoughtfully put together. These programs are very popular and tend to fill up quickly, which speaks to how much families value them. One thing we've noticed is how comfortable the kids are speaking with adults -- they're encouraged to articulate their ideas, passions, and questions clearly. It's obvious the school puts a lot of care into helping students develop real confidence, not just in academics but in how they show up in the world. The campus itself is beautiful -- modern, light-filled spaces that feel welcoming and thoughtfully designed. The parent community is also very accepting and involved, which makes it feel even more like a true community. Overall, we feel grateful to be part of a community that takes academics seriously, but values connection, character, and confidence just as much. read more

We're in our 6th year and Giddens and our child is thriving. The staff and community are exceptional, showing a deep sense of care and compassion. The presence of social justice and equity in all that the school does has taught our family priceless lessons. read more

As a mother to two daughters (Kindergarten, 2nd grade), I was seeking an elementary school that would challenge and support them academically, while allowing them to grow their independence, compassion, and resilience. I was also looking for an opportunity for them to learn among children, teachers, staff, and parents with as much diversity and inclusion (across races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations/gender identifications, and economic status) as I could find in Seattle. Giddens School has delivered on those hopes, and as we start our second year, I'm really feeling a sense of community developing. My kids are thriving in small classes (12 - 16 students per class), multi-age classrooms (K/1, 2/3, 4/5) and through school-wide activities. I especially love Spark, which is a program that immerses kids in a several week theme project across disciplines (art + science + social studies), with each grade band contributing at an age appropriate level to the school-wide theme. I was also looking for a non-competitive environment, where my daughters could get a lot of practice taking reasonable risks, socially and academically, and making mistakes (or, razzle frazzles). They are learning how to navigate conflict; how to stand up for themselves (without putting others down); and how to get to know themselves as people and as learners (while recognizing that others learn and live differently from them). Even with somewhat high expectations, I've been surprised at how quickly even my kindergartner has begun exploring the world with rather sophisticated and complex questions. It's a joy to get to journey with them academically, socially and emotionally, and as citizens of their community. read more

What attracted us to Giddens is their commitment to cultivating the love of learning and becoming a socially responsible part of the community. We started our daughter, Maya, here in preschool when I could no longer keep up with her growth and curiosity at age 3, she is now in second grade. Each year my husband and I say, "Wow, we are so lucky, we have the best teacher!" In actuality, Giddens has done an amazing job finding and keeping the best teachers. We have loved them all, and have been amazed how well they know our daughter and how skilled they are in helping her navigate the struggles of childhood. I am so thankful that social and emotional growth are a priority here, as well as academics and have learned a lot from them that has significantly impacted my parenting. We had an unfortunate experience when we transitioned to our public neighborhood school in kindergarten. After a long list of unfortunate events, our daughter started to pretend to be sick to get out of going to school. Thankfully Giddens had a spot for her and we were able to transition back, and lo and behold she couldn't wait to go to school again, each day. This school is stock full of wonderful staff who really are experts in learning and development of the whole child. From the amazing teachers, specialist and administrative staff to the principle, everyone is on the same page and intentionally reaches out to each child and teaches sense of self, love, and how to be an important part of a community. read more

We almost didn't apply to Giddens School because it is all the way across town from where we live, but so many people suggested that we at least take a look at the school that we finally took a tour. O.M.G. This school has everything that we were looking for: strong academics, a diverse school community, an emphasis on social justice. The teachers and administrators are all fantastic, and my son's K-1 teacher definitely made a HUGE positive effect on my son's learning experience over the past two years. I can't imagine a school that would be a better fit for our family. read more