Pathfinder K-8

1901 Southwest Genesee Street

School District

Seattle Public Schools
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 April 05, 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.
Submitted by other on 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
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by other on March 09, 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
Submitted by parent on October 13, 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.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 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.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 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.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 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.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 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.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 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.