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Pathfinder K-8

Seattle, WA 98106

Phone: (206) 252-9710
District: Seattle Public Schools

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GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 • 391 students

Pathfinder K-8, a public school located in Seattle, WA, serves grades K-8 in the Seattle Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Pathfinder K-8 is a public school located in Seattle, WA. 391 students attend Pathfinder K-8.

School Ratings

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and using 2025 Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Student Growth	6/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Posted: January 16, 2026

Deciding to go to Pathfinder K-8 was one of the best choices I've made as a parent. We bought our house specifically so that we'd be in the attendance area for Fairmount Park and the geozone for Pathfinder, and every day I'm glad we did.

Everyone at this school has chosen to come here, which means that the parent community is unmatched. The teachers are invested and highly engaged. No space does inclusivity perfectly, but we've personally had a great experience with accommodations and teamwork with admin. Our kids learn to be accepting of all kinds of abilities.

The real clincher here is that the on-site before-and-after-school care "Blazing Trails" is the best run & most affordable school-age kid care in the city.

We're lucky that West Seattle has so many good schools, and I'm sure they're all great, but in my opinion, this one is the best.

Posted: January 16, 2026

Posted: January 12, 2026

We have a 5th grader and Kindergartener at Pathfinder K-8 and are thrilled with the direction the school is going under the new(ish) leadership of Mrs Thomas and Ms Everman. The teachers have always been exceptional but they are happier and more engaged with the new administration. The admins send out regular surveys to families and then change policies based on responses to those surveys. The kids loop here - two years with the same teacher which creates stability and prevents the backslide at the start of the second year. The teachers already know them and group dynamics, and jump right back into learning. We have a very engaged PTSA and many programs unique to Pathfinder - camping every year for every grade level, a garden program, Share the Gift each Spring and many others. Parents are involved and there is a strong sense of community fostered by family volunteer opportunities such as the wreath making fundraiser and participation in classrooms and on fieldtrips. The learning and unique expeditionary curriculum puts Pathfinder on par with the local private schools. I toured them all and will be keeping my 5th grader at Pathfinder for middle school next year.

Posted: January 12, 2026

Posted: December 17, 2025

We love pathfinder . Our kids feel safe and nurtured. The teachers really care about their education and social emotional experience . The kids are all treated with respect and compassion . The new administration has really ensured a safe and healthy environment. As a parent I really appreciate strong PTSA community . We have made strong connections all in all .

Posted: December 17, 2025

Posted: December 7, 2025

Pathfinder K-8 is an absolutely exceptional project based learning school. As a choice school family we have felt incredibly lucky to have won the lottery and gotten a spot for our two kids. Our children attended both the elementary school and middle school during the past three years. Excellent teachers and highly engaged new school leadership.

I recommend this school to anyone who wants their child to be known, cherished, and supported. Educational standards are excellent!

Posted: December 7, 2025

Weve had a fantastic experience in the last 6 years at Pathfinder. My two kids have had EXCELLENT teaching throughout. Small class sizes, great outdoor ed. The school weathered a couple of difficult years with admin but has come back stronger than ever. Truly a gem of SPS.

Posted: December 7, 2025

Posted: October 22, 2025

I have been truly impressed with the transformation at Pathfinder over the past 18 months since the new administration took the helm. As a parent, it's heartening to witness such a positive shift in both the academic atmosphere and overall school culture. It feels like Pathfinder is truly living its mission of being inclusive, caring and a great place to learn through experiences designed for all ages.

The dedication and vision of the new leadership team and the incredible staff they lead (we couldn't do it without this AMAZING staff) are evident in every corner of that building! They have prioritized not only strengthening core academic programs but also enriching students' educational experiences through the many offerings that happen at Pathfinder-- these initiatives are the center of the school community and what makes this place special.

One of the standout programs is the school garden, which provides students with hands-on learning about sustainability, healthy living, caring for living things... It's wonderful to see the excitement in the student's eyes as they plant seeds and watch their efforts grow into harvest. Garden is not alone though. The music program (amazing teacher!), PE (such a fun time, our PE teacher is so creative-- and I love the new take on healthy movement she has taken), Art encouraging creativity and self-expression (last year's art showcase was so great, kids even got their pieces into the SAM)... and lastly, the library program which fosters a love for reading and learning along with the best librarian in the world!! Always refreshing the space, book collection and engaging with the kiddos in every way (including leading our ASB).

The new administration has truly created an environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically. I am grateful for the positive impact these changes have had on my child and highly recommend Pathfinder to any family seeking a well-rounded and nurturing educational experience.

And don't forget to get to know the staff. They are the soul behind everything that happens in this building.

Posted: October 22, 2025

Posted: October 21, 2025

As a parent at Pathfinder, Ill admit things didnt start perfectly due to past administrative challenges, but the transformation has been incredible since then with the new administration. The school feels supportive, engaged, and community driven. The teachers are outstanding, and the unique learning experiences like frequent field trips and annual camping make it truly special. I also love the K-8 model, which helps kids navigate the middle school years better.

Posted: October 21, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

My child is in second grade, and since the new principal started last year, our experience has been nothing but positive. The teachers are wonderful, and the staff is always supportive. The IEP program has been amazing! My child, who has ADHD, receives so much help and encouragement, and weve seen real progress. Most importantly, he truly loves his school.

One of the things I appreciate most is the strong parent involvement. Many families are former Co-op families, and it shows in how engaged and supportive the community is. The school feels very inclusive, welcoming, and full of people who genuinely care. Were so happy to be part of this school!

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 5, 2025

Both my daughters attend Pathfinder and our teachers have been amazing. My child got up 2.5 hours before school started on the first day because she cant wait to go. Teachers are dedicated. Admin is responsive and fun and positive. I love the social emotional learning aspects. And the gardening and field trips are amazing! I feel ready for another great year!

Posted: September 5, 2025

Posted: July 6, 2025

Hey, the school is on the up and up! We finally have a full-time principal. Things are getting back into order. I feel very positive about the future.
Safe to send your kids! All faculty are quite engaged Everyone is working on new beginnings.!!
We are pumped!
Come one come all-lets make Pathfinder great again
middle school is waiting for you as well so many less people than Madison!
Great experiential camping trips! Cant beat that

Posted: July 6, 2025

Posted: April 5, 2022

I concur with the student who posted about being wrongfully expelled and the entire situation being handled in an untruthful and unlawful way. As of this year, with all new leadership, this school is in grave trouble and its disabled students in particular, in danger. Reviews prior to 2021/2022 seem accurate.

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: November 17, 2021

I was expelled from the school and the teachers where horribly mean and they gave off a false narrative and when I came back they wanted to Isolate me from the other students

Posted: November 17, 2021

Posted: September 22, 2018

No homework in grade school, only in middle school.

Posted: September 22, 2018

I feel incredibly lucky that our child has been going here since kindergarten (she is now in 7th grade). Pathfinder K-8 focuses on community, support, individuality, teamwork, and hands on learning. They do Annual camping trips (sometimes even twice yearly), and more field trips than any other school I know. The teachers really care about our students and the small school size guarantees getting to know each other. We parents are very active and our PTSA ensures we have necessary programs such as math or reading help, a great autism program, after school classes, and tutors.

Posted: November 6, 2016

There are some great teachers the and some not so great.
The community is supportive, but not diverse.
Poor communication from administrators. There is a lot of assumption that everyone knows.

If you want to have your special ed kiddo's needs met, you have to be constantly looking over their shoulder and verify the info you're given as it's not always accurate.

We like the numerous field trips and hands on activities with parent involvement.
We enjoy the project need curriculum.
Excellent music teacher!
Good selection of afterschool activities.

Posted: December 17, 2015

My child is in 5th grade at Pathfinder. She has had an amazing experience there and it feels good to know that she is such an important part of the community.

Posted: September 29, 2015

I disagree with the above posters about the special education services at Pathfinder. My son has multiple health issues and an unusual developmental disorder. After a horrible year at another school, my son was placed in the self contained general special education classroom. Even with his unique needs, he has done nothing but thrive in the environment. As for the rest of the students, I have never seen such happy, content children as I have seen there the last six years. The alternative model of the school is so much better for them.

Posted: March 8, 2015

Hi, it is sad to hear of the non good words of this elementary, we too have experienced drama and abuse at this school and feel we need a safer place where the children can learn and excel in the process of their education, I did speak with staff and have been alerted to the change that is need ; we need better teacher that can handle and disabled children . I really don't have anything negative to say about the staff, but we need to all chip in as community and take pride in our loved ones , the children, Peace to all

Posted: October 12, 2014

I do not recommend this school for kids that are dyslexic or have other language related challenges. In our experience, we found the teachers to have low to zero awareness of dyslexia and therefore did not have the skills needed to teach dyslexic children. During our time there, the principal was not at all interested in building this muscle at Pathfinder K-8. With 1 in 5 kids on the dyslexic spectrum, I found this shocking. We left the school and found a place where our son learned to successfully read and write and his confidence skyrocketed.

Posted: February 18, 2014

My son, who is not neurotypical, attended Kindergarten through second here. Our experiences were horrid. I hear the school has changed and that may well be true. My son was fairly traumatized. One of his teachers practically called him stupid to his face and another didn't believe him when he said he was being bullied and the special education department was a disappointment. Very sad for us, but we've since gone on to home-school and then to a very positive experience in another school. Parents were very much busy volunteering, but mostly coddling their own children, rather than helping the entire class.

Posted: October 19, 2013

We've been at the school for eight years. Both of my children attend. I have had mostly great experiences here. No school is perfect but the teachers here have gone above and beyond in their teaching.

Posted: June 3, 2013

My son is just finishing up K this year. I wasn't sure what to expect but I have been pleasantly surprised. The teacher he has is wonderful and all the others I've met seem just as caring and committed. The schools leadership are engaged and want feedback. There were a few minor things I brought to the vice principal's attention and she was very professional and concerned and is working towards a solution. My son never liked school but likes Pathfinder. The parent involvement is amazing in his class (can't speak for rest although I've heard just as good). Our attendance school is Alki but I chose Pathfinder over it because of the amazing teachers and expeditions. I would recommend to anyone. I have also used Blazing Trails and it is very convenient to have on-site. Only negative is large class size but I know that is a SPS issue. Not happy with that one. I'm hoping that we continue to be as happy at this school.

Posted: January 28, 2013

Our son started kindergarten this year and we have been consistently impressed so far. The staff is wonderful, the parents are involved, and as a result, the children are very respectful and caring. I have walked through the school with my 6 year old and kids from K-6th grade all know his name and say "hi". As a parent of a kindergartener, one of my concerns was bullying but after seeing how great all of the kids are to each other I no longer have that worry. The before and after school program at Blazing Trails is an absolute god-send. I feel so fortunate to be able to be a part of this great program.

Posted: July 26, 2012

My child attended Pathfinder and I have to say I was not impressed. The parents were nice enough but the leadership gave me a bad impression. Glad to move my child out of the school.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools^™

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Manette	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Bremerton	WA	11.8 mi
2	The Carriages at Fairwood Downs	Apartment Complex	Renton	WA	13.1 mi
3	Blueberry Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Bremerton	WA	13.4 mi
4	The Ridge at McCormick Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Port Orchard	WA	15.6 mi
5	The Reserve at Bucklin Hill	Apartment Complex	Silverdale	WA	15.7 mi
6	Kitsap Lake	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Bremerton	WA	15.8 mi
7	McCormick Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Port Orchard	WA	16 mi
8	Fairway Lane	Apartment Complex	Bremerton	WA	16.3 mi
9	Meredith Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Poulsbo	WA	16.9 mi
10	Caldart Cottages	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Poulsbo	WA	17.4 mi
11	Whisper Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Bremerton	WA	18 mi
12	Woods and Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Poulsbo	WA	20.3 mi
13	Stadium District	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tacoma	WA	21 mi
14	North End	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tacoma	WA	21.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Downtown Seattle	Seattle	WA	3.1 mi
2	Bainbridge Island	Bainbridge Island	WA	8.7 mi
3	Port Orchard	Port Orchard	WA	13 mi
4	East Bremerton	Bremerton	WA	13.3 mi
5	Ridgetop	Silverdale	WA	16.5 mi
6	Silverdale	Silverdale	WA	16.7 mi
7	Poulsbo	Poulsbo	WA	18 mi
8	Naval Base Kitsap	Poulsbo	WA	18.4 mi
9	Maple Valley	Maple Valley	WA	20.3 mi
10	Lakeness Meadows/ Vinland Area	Poulsbo	WA	21.3 mi
11	Black Diamond	Black Diamond	WA	24.1 mi

Base	Distance
Coast Guard Seattle	2.1 mi.
Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton	13.4 mi.
Naval Base Kitsap Bangor	19.6 mi.
Everett Naval Station	30.2 mi.
McChord AFB	31.1 mi.
Fort Lewis	34.5 mi.

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Pathfinder K-8

Seattle, WA 98106

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