Schools in Capitol Hill, Seattle: A Local’s Guide to Education on the Hill

When people think of Capitol Hill, the first things that usually come to mind are the vibrant dining scene, the Pike-Pine corridor, and the deep musical history. But for those of us living and working here, the Hill is also one of Seattle’s most significant educational hubs. It’s a unique spot where historic public institutions sit just blocks away from some of the most prestigious independent schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Living here offers a different educational experience than the suburbs. It is dense, urban, and incredibly walkable. Instead of a long yellow bus ride, you are more likely to see students walking to class with instrument cases or taking the light rail to get across town. Whether you are looking at Capitol Hill homes for sale or just trying to figure out where your current address falls on the map, understanding the school landscape is a huge part of life in this neighborhood. As of early 2026, the options are as strong as ever, but navigating the mix of public boundaries and private applications takes a bit of local know-how.

Public Elementary Schools Serving Capitol Hill

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) assigns students based on where they live, and Capitol Hill is covered by a few key elementary schools. These aren’t your typical sprawling suburban campuses; they are often historic, multi-story brick buildings that fit right into the residential fabric of the streets.

Stevens Elementary is arguably the most well-known public grade school in the neighborhood. Located in North Capitol Hill, it serves the core residential streets that many people target when moving to Seattle. The building itself is a landmark, and the community around it is known for being very active and engaged. If you are looking at homes in the northern, quieter pockets of the Hill, this is likely where you are zoned.

Lowell Elementary sits further south and centrally, serving the denser parts of the neighborhood. Lowell is unique because it serves both general education students and students who are medically fragile, housing specialized programs that draw from a wider area. It’s a diverse community that reflects the heart of the city.

On the edges of the neighborhood, boundaries get a little fluid. For instance, Montlake Elementary often serves the far northern or eastern slopes leading down toward the Arboretum.

Here is a quick look at the primary options:

Stevens Elementary: Historic charm, serves North Capitol Hill.
Lowell Elementary: Central location, specialized programs.
Montlake Elementary: Covers the northern/eastern fringes.
Boundary Tip: School zones here can split right down the middle of a street. Always verify a specific address with the official district lookup tool rather than guessing.

Public Middle and High Schools

Once students graduate from elementary school, the pipeline moves to larger campuses that serve the broader Central Seattle area. In recent years, the pathway has stabilized with the reopening of a key middle school, making the progression clearer for residents.

Meany Middle School is the main public middle school for much of Capitol Hill. After being closed for a period, it reopened a few years back with modernized facilities. It sits on the eastern slope of the hill and has quickly become a central part of the neighborhood’s public education system. Some residents, depending on their exact block, might still zone into Washington Middle School, which is famous for its jazz program – a big deal in a city with Seattle’s musical roots.

Then there is Garfield High School. Garfield is the flagship high school for the Central District and Capitol Hill. It is one of the most requested high schools in the entire city, known for a rigorous AP program and a jazz band that regularly wins national competitions. It is a true community hub with a deep history.

For students looking for something different, Nova High School is an alternative, non-traditional public high school located right here in the neighborhood. It focuses on competency-based learning and offers a very different vibe from the comprehensive experience at Garfield.

Top Private & Independent Schools in Capitol Hill

If you take a walk down the 12th Avenue corridor or wander through the streets near Volunteer Park, you will quickly realize that Capitol Hill has one of the highest densities of private schools in the city. Many people living in Capitol Hill choose the neighborhood specifically to be close to these institutions.

The Northwest School is hard to miss with its historic main building on Summit Avenue. It is the only school in the city with a boarding program, giving it an international flavor, though most students are day students. The focus here is heavily on liberal arts, environment, and social justice.

Seattle Academy (SAAS) feels like it is woven directly into the city. Its campus is spread across several modern buildings along the 12th Avenue corridor. It has a reputation for strong arts and STEM programs, and because the campus is urban, students move between buildings just like college students.

For those seeking Catholic education, the options are extensive:

Seattle Preparatory School: A Jesuit college prep school located in North Capitol Hill.
Holy Names Academy: An all-girls high school with a stunning campus; it’s the oldest school in the state.
St. Joseph School: A large K-8 school on 18th Ave that serves many local households.
O’Dea High School: An all-boys school located nearby on First Hill, easily accessible for Capitol Hill residents.

Also worth noting is The Bush School, located just over the ridge in Madison Valley. While technically adjacent, it draws a significant number of families from Capitol Hill.

Cost is a factor here. As of 2026, private school tuition in Seattle generally ranges from $20,000 to over $45,000 annually, depending on the grade level and the institution.

Navigating Enrollment and Boundaries

Getting into these schools requires two very different strategies depending on whether you are going public or private.

For Seattle Public Schools, it really comes down to your address. If you live in the zone, you are in. It is that simple for the assigned school. However, Seattle does have an “Open Enrollment” window where you can apply to attend a school outside your zone or an “Option School” like TOPS K-8 in Eastlake. TOPS is very popular with Capitol Hill residents, but admission is by lottery and can be competitive.

For private and independent schools, the timeline is much longer. Admissions are competitive and usually require applications nearly a year in advance. If you are planning for the Fall 2027 school year, you would typically be touring and applying in the fall and winter of 2026.

Commute and Walkability for Students

One of the biggest perks of the Capitol Hill neighborhood guide lifestyle is the commute. This is one of the few places in Seattle where high schoolers—whether they go to Garfield, SAAS, or Northwest—often walk or bike to school. The density here means schools are rarely more than a mile or two away.

The Capitol Hill Light Rail Station has also changed the game. It allows older students to commute easily to or from other parts of the city, giving them a level of independence that is harder to find in car-dependent neighborhoods.

However, if you are driving for drop-off, be prepared. The streets here are narrow, often lined with parked cars on both sides. Drop-off zones at schools like St. Joseph or Stevens can get congested during rush hour. Most locals quickly learn that walking or utilizing the bus system is far less stressful than trying to navigate the morning traffic jam.

How Schools Influence Capitol Hill Real Estate

It is impossible to separate the schools from the housing market here. When you look at Seattle real estate market trends, you will see that homes within the specific walk zones of schools like Stevens often command a premium. The convenience of being able to walk a kindergartner to school before heading to a downtown office is a major selling point.

The “private school corridor” between 12th and 19th Avenues also drives demand. We see many buyers specifically looking for townhomes or single-family houses in this strip to minimize commute times to SAAS or St. Joe’s. While the rental market near Broadway is driven by university students and young professionals, the single-family and luxury townhome market in the quieter streets is heavily influenced by access to these K-12 institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What public high school serves Capitol Hill residents?

The primary designated public high school for Capitol Hill is Garfield High School. It is located in the Central District but serves the Capitol Hill catchment area and is famous for its strong academics and music programs.

Are there any charter schools in Capitol Hill?

There are no charter schools located directly within the Capitol Hill neighborhood boundaries. However, there are charter options nearby in the city, such as Summit Sierra in the International District, which some local students attend.

Is admission to Seattle Academy (SAAS) or Northwest School guaranteed for residents?

No, living in Capitol Hill does not grant you admission to these schools. They are independent private schools, meaning admission is application-based and competitive, regardless of how close you live to the campus.

How do I check my specific school zone in Seattle?

You should always use the official “Address Lookup Tool” on the Seattle Public Schools website. Boundaries can shift and can sometimes split a single street, so relying on general maps or neighbor advice is risky.

What are the best private schools in Capitol Hill?

“Best” is subjective, but the most prominent ones include The Northwest School and Seattle Academy (SAAS) for middle and high school, and St. Joseph School for K-8. Seattle Prep and Holy Names Academy are top-tier choices for Catholic high school education.

Everything you need to know about living on Capitol Hill:

Kim has a very unique perspective in the Capitol Hill real estate market. She has lived, worked, and played on Capitol Hill for over 25 years. She has also been recognized nationally for her innovation and activism. Are you looking for a Diva’s perspective on Capitol Hill Seattle’s real estate?

Call Kim directly at 206-850-3102 or send her an email at kim@teamdivarealestate.com to chat!