Mcclure Middle School

1915 1st Avenue West

School District

Seattle Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 17, 2024

As a parent of a new 6th grader my experience so far has been great. From day one, the teachers have shown incredible care and dedication to making sure my child feels supported, both academically and emotionally. They genuinely go above and beyond to help students transition smoothly into middle school life. The sense of community here is wonderful—parents, teachers, and staff all work together to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. As with any middle school there are concerns with interactions between children but we so far have not had any negative experiences. My child has made great friends and is excited to go to school each day. We are so grateful to be part of such a kind and caring school community!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2024

Positive experience with two kids attending. Teachers communicate and assist when additional help is needed.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2023

We have two children at McClure this year and we've been very happy with this school. They actually like going to school, which is tough to say for middle schoolers! Teachers have been engaging and they make time to meet with us if we have questions or concerns. They are also quick to communicate with us about our childrens' specific needs. The PTSA is motivated and has worked hard to build our school community and fundraise for the kids. The location of the school feels safe and community-oriented!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2023

Great school, great community - the staff is awesome!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2023

The Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods offer something that most boroughs in the city don't offer: a sense of community and belonging. The kids from these areas have grown up with each other either in elementary school, community sports and other activities. The parents are also largely connected with each other in some form or fashion and they are heavily involved in their childrens' lives. This community-feel helps shape the McClure kids into smart, thoughtful and responsible you g adults. The school prides itself on its inclusiveness, its safety and the success of its students. The class sizes are small compared to other big-city schools which means more one-on-one time for those who need it. We're very proud of our school and the service it offers these kids.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2023

This school has high education and my child has been learning so much. The teachers are really good at their job let my child learn as much as she can. The people are super nice and my child has much more friends here than at her previous schools. This was a real game changer for her.
Submitted by student on May 02, 2023

It sucks the teachers don’t have any punishments for bullying /physical fights. The teachers keep leaving because it’s so bad.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2022

I am so glad we chose McClure. I feel it was the best choice for my daughter. I feel they went beyond my expectations in helping my daughter. Teddi Constantine is phenomenal. She genuinely cared about my daughter. Also Kimberly Cecchini very caring. Teddi arranged several meetings between staff members and me to work towards her progress. My daughter really has enjoyed her time here.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2022

Pretty much every parent that's given this school a poor rating has already mentioned the concerns and negatives about McClure Middle School in Seattle. I want to add that this school campus is not safe. They perpetuate hate and bullying and have little to no consequences when students violate school rules and bullying laws. They don't even have a formal escalation process for when things get violent between students. Furthermore, the administration here is hands down the worst within the entire Seattle Public School system (Conner and Murray). They have a long track record with the students for being dismissive and cruel. You will be mesmerized by the picturesque scenery and beauty of upper Queen Anne but don't let that fool you as this Middle School is far from the beauty of the community. You will have many regrets if you send your child here. If you're able to afford it, send your child to a private Middle School and if you must keep them in public opt for Hamilton or Salmon Bay or any other middle school but McClure. We all work hard and attempt to do everything we can to ensure our kids get the best education and best care and support during these crucial and critical tween/teen years. Know that you will gain nothing of value from this school and will only suffer from ongoing stress due to the lack of investment in your child success and well being, starting from the top (principal) down.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2021

Excellent school. My child has had a very positive middle school experience. The teachers and staff are knowlegeable, kind, and caring. The school offers great curriculum and challenges students to think critically and self advocate. We feel very fortunate to send our eldest to McClure and look forward to sending our two younger children as well.
Submitted by principal on October 29, 2020

Outstanding - rigorous curriculum, compassionate caring teachers, lots of opportunities for a small school. College and career focus with a dedication to social/emotional supports and learning. Awesome school.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2019

My son is autistic and high IQ. He is dealing with lots of stress and anxiety. I could not ask for a better support system for him and frankly me. They are vital oriented and compassionate. I cannot imagine a better environment for my son.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2019

My daughter enrolled at McClure half way through 7th grade and had a welcoming, positive experience. Middle school is tough, period. And moving partway through 7th grade can be devastating. However, we were delighted that my daughter did not experience the sterotypical negativity and drama associated with middle school and 7th grade. Instead, she was made to feel welcome and included. She made many friends. And loved her classes, especially her film and design classes.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2018

I would my experience with this school highly
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2017

We had to leave McClure after a year. There were a couple of very impressive teachers but more mediocre or awful ones. My son was being bullied by other students and felt there wasn't a culture that valued learning. The principal was defensive and unhelpful when we tried to resolve the issues. My son has thrived in his new school. Several other families I know moved from McClure for similar reasons. The school district really needs to intervene in this school.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2017

It has been a positive three years for my child at McClure. We like the size of the school compared to the other middle schools in the city. We like the positive atmosphere of the school and felt like there was a reasonable amount of homework. We have been impressed with most all of the teachers, the counselors and the principal. One child is moving on this year and our next is moving in- even though there is an option for HCC school, we are going with McClure again and think the smaller size will also be a good fit for our next middle schooler.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2017

This school has been absolutely horrendous for the entirety of the time my child has spent there. I have noticed an extremely strong focus on control and homework, other than community building and learning/preparation. The school looks quite bad on the inside with stains on the ceiling and what looks to be a red substance on the corner of one of the inner pillars, it does not seem to have good upkeep. The teachers are decent, but overall the principal and administration at this school has no focus on students and more focus on control.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2016

We have removed our child from this school. We wish we had done so sooner. The principal – S. Connor – has a very limited focus and goal for “her” school. She has eliminated any hint of honors type classes and dumbed-down the curriculum in the process. She has no interest in parent feedback or engagement and is quick to shout down any criticism. It is sad because the school is located in a great neighborhood with families who are committed to the community. I have to sadly recommend you pick a different school for your child. We wish we had.
Submitted by other on June 26, 2016

First day of 6th grade I was very excited to start middle school. Within a week Mcclure had changed that for me. It was impossible to concentrate with the amount of kids that didn't want to learn and the lack of control from the teacher. Through my three years I can assure you I didn't learn a single thing in my science classes until 8th grade when I had a better teacher. As much as I hate to say it I often felt unsafe in PE because there were times when students would do foolish things in the locker rooms and there was frequent violent threats. During the 3 years I witnessed 4 students with knives which was extremely frightening. In general whenever someone asks me about my Middle School experience I can only use one word and that is "Sketchy " . At times there would be teachers who I thought were very good and I learned very well with, however they would never stay at the school for more than a year or two while I was there. The old principal was not bad and thought she did her job well, but the new principal (at least while I was there) was trying to over control the students and felt like there was absolutely no feeling of joy in the school. Structurally the school is very old and there are water stains on the ceiling. The honors classes were basically locked down from any students that weren't already in honors from elementary school. Whenever I told my math teacher I wanted to move to honors he would simply tell me I couldn't do it and never told me how I could get there. It wasn't until I brought my dad in to talk to him that things finally started moving forward but long story short by then it was too late and I was off to High School. My first year of High School (Bishop Blanchet, a great school by the way) I realized that Mcclure had not prepared me at all for High school. After seeing the classroom environments at Blanchet (full of students who wanted to learn) I realized really how non-productive the classes at Mcclure were.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2016

We had high, but reasonable, expectations of this school, but have been remarkably disappointed.1. A tenured teacher (with PhD) who was clearly inebriated at initial orientation and spent a semester showing students sports videos in a class touted as showing the relationship of science/math to jobs.2. A "special education" teacher who admittedly insulted a special needs student at least twice and, in a phone conversation stated "I don't know what I am doing."3. A principal (Shannon O'Connor) who is disengaged and has been invisible since pre-school year orientation.4. If your child is anything other than a privileged, upper-middle class child without any unique needs at all, run away from this school because they do not want you.