Fast Facts
Founding
Explorer West was established in 1996 as an independent middle school for grades 6, 7, and 8.
Location
Our campus is in southern West Seattle, between White Center and Arbor Heights.
Commitment
20% of our total tuition revenue is reserved for financial aid. More than 30% of EW families receive need-based financial assistance.
Academics
Our rigorous program includes Art, Drama, English, Latin, Math, Music, PE, Science, and Social Studies.
Enrollment
Explorer West has 107 students total, an average of 16 students per classroom, and an 8 to 1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Community
Our community includes over 34% students of color, 25% faculty & staff of color, and students from 24 different zip codes.
Beyond the Classroom
Students participate in no-cut athletics, student-led clubs, enrichment programs, community service and after-school care.
Outdoor Education
Students experience local environments, geology, natural history, and geography, as well as developing valuable life skills.
Open Houses:
Please visit our Fall Open House Page for more information and registration.
Admissions Dates:
Applications Materials Due: January 12, 2023
Financial Aid Applications Due: February 2, 2023
Admissions Decisions Posted: March 17, 2023
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday
Holidays and breaks generally follow the Seattle Public Schools schedule.
- Students take Three years of Latin
- Eighth grade goes to Rome in February
- Laptops available in each classroom
- Mixed grade advisory groups
- Seven different sports teams – no cut, all students that wish to play, can!
- After-school care and enrichment programs are available
We offer several sports throughout the school year. All of our teams practice after school, and all teams are no cut. Every student that wishes to participate makes the team.
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Track
- Tennis
We support middle school students in building resiliency and discovering new talents through a variety of classes. All students take these classes in their 3 years at Explorer West:
- Pi Eaters - Math Club (meets after school on select days)
- Latin/English Lab (meets after school on select days)
- Debate Team (meets after school on select days)
- Student-led Clubs: Varies year-to-year according to student interests. Some clubs in the past have included Harry Potter Club, Fiber Arts, Art Club, Chess Club, Student Newspaper, GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance).
Trips provide students with opportunities to explore the natural world and experience ecosystems, geology, natural history, and local geography for themselves. They actively learn in the field, strengthening their in-classroom knowledge.
In three years at Explorer West, students will develop the following skills:
- 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
More information about the program can be found here.
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:
- Barton P-Patch
- Team Read at Roxhill Elementary School
- Planning trees at West Seattle Orchard
- Food drives and hands-on distribution at White Center Food Bank
- City of Seattle Adopt-A-Street Program
- Seola Creek Restoration with Roxhill Elementary School
Read more about community service here.
Sustainability is central to Explorer West’s mission and influences all aspects of the school including 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 a member of the Green School Alliance. Other awards include the King County Earth Heroes Award and the Terry Husseman Environmental Curriculum Award.
Read more about our commitment to sustainability here.
Explorer West is:
- A member of the National Association of Independent Schools
- A fully accredited member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools
- A member of Puget Sound Independent Schools
- A member of POCIS (People of Color in Independent Schools) Seattle