Fast Facts

Here are some top-line details about Explorer West Middle School. If you have other questions, please link directly to more information in dedicated topic areas of the web site or call 206.935.0495.

Founding:
Explorer West Middle School was founded in 1996 as an independent school specializing in teaching grades 6th, 7th, and 8th for 16 years.

Location:
South end of West Seattle (near White Center)
10015 28th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98146

Accreditation: NAIS, PNAIS

2011-2012 Enrollment:
Enrollment: 88 students from 24 different feeder schools
Grade 6: 27 students
Grade 7: 30 students
Grade 8: 31 students
Average number of students per classroom: 15
Student/faculty ratio: 8:1

New Student Tuition 2012-2013:
Grade 6: $14,900
Grade 7: $15,900
Grade 8: $16,900

2011-2012 Financial Aid/Diversity:
Percent of students receiving financial aid: 27%
Aid as percentage of Total Tuition Revenue: 17%
Students of Color: 22%
Faculty/Staff of color: 29%

Admissions:
Open Houses
October 11 & November 9th, 2011
6:30-8:00pm

Applications Materials Due: January 12, 2012
Admissions Decisions Mailed: March 15, 2012

Things to Know:

• Three years of Latin is required
• Eighth grade trip to Rome in February (optional)
• Over 50% of all Explorer West Middle School students car pool
• Lap tops available for student research
• Mixed-grade level advisories
• Native plant garden
• Seven different sports teams – no cut

Athletics:

• Boys Soccer
• Girls Volleyball
• Boys and Girls Basketball
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Track
• Tennis

Academics:
Explorer West offers rigorous academics in a small, individualized and supportive environment so that students prosper at the high schools of their choice. Our teachers are dedicated, inspired and experienced in working with middle school students. For more information about academics or specific subject areas, please visit the Academics section of the web site or the links below.

• Art
• Drama
• English
• History/Global Studies
• Latin
• Math
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science

Average Amount of Homework per night:
6th grade: 90 minutes
7th grade: 120 minutes
8th grade: 120 – 130 minutes

Outdoor Education:
Trips provide students with opportunities to explore the natural world around them and to experience and observe ecosystems, geology, natural history, and local geography for themselves – actively learning about these things in ways not possible in a classroom.

In three years at Explorer West, students will develop skills such as:

• Minimum Impact and leave no trace camping practices
• Map reading and navigation skills
• Basic first aid
• Leadership and cooperation
• Reflection and self-examination
• 33 days spent outdoors in three years at Explorer West

Sustainability:
Sustainability is central to Explorer West’s mission and influences all aspects of the school such as: curriculum, community outreach, facilities management, student leadership, fundraising events, community partnerships, and more. Explorer West has been honored both regionally and nationally as a leader in the field of sustainability initiatives and curriculum.

Explorer West won the NAIS Leading Edge Award for Environmental Sustainability and is also members of the Green School Alliance. Other awards include the King County Earth Heroes Award and the Terry Husseman Environmental Curriculum Award.

Community Service:
Explorer West is committed to fostering a relationship of giving between Explorer West students and other youth, the environment, and the greater local community. Students work in multi-age groups to plan and execute one project per month during the school year.

Community Service Projects include:

• Wetlands restoration at Sanislo Elementary
• Team Read at Roxhill Elementary School
• Planning trees at West Seattle Orchard
• Food distribution at White Center Food Bank
• City of Seattle Adopt-A-Street Program
• Seola Creek Restoration with Roxhill Elementary School

Contact Us:
10015 28th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98146
Tel: 206.935.0495
Fax: 206.932.7113
www.explorerwest.org