Welcome to Montlake Elementary School!
We’re so glad you’re here! We continually update this page with FAQs, key dates and new information. If you have additional questions, please email us at outreach@montlakepta.org.
About Our School
Montlake Elementary School is a small neighborhood school known for academic excellence, our garden and art programs, as well as our active and welcoming community. Our team of dedicated and enthusiastic teachers and support staff, many of whom have been part of Montlake for over a decade, are the backbone of our school.
In addition to our wonderful teachers and staff, we have an active PTA and many parent volunteers. We welcome volunteers at school and in many different roles, and we hope you’ll find a way to get involved!
The School Day & After-School Care
What are Montlake’s bell hours?
Currently, Montlake’s school hours are:
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7:55am to 2:25pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
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7:55am to 1:10pm on Wednesdays (early release)
Visit the Seattle Public Schools bell schedules for more information.
My family needs after-school care. How do we sign up?
After-school care at Montlake Elementary is provided by Launch Learning. They offer onsite care each day from school dismissal until approximately 6:00 PM. Registration is open for Launch after-care for the upcoming school year. If the program is full, you will be added to a waitlist and spaces do open throughout the year.
In addition, the PTA runs an after-school enrichment program each trimester. These classes usually take place from the end of the school day until around 3:30 or 4pm each day (2:30 or 3pm on Wednesday) and vary throughout the year. Offerings often include activities such as arts & crafts, baking, LEGO building, theater, languages, and more.
For questions about enrichment programs, please contact the PTA Enrichment Team at enrichment@montlakepta.org.
Are there alternate childcare options?
In addition to Launch, there are several other after-school childcare providers near Montlake. Note that many may have a waitlist!
Kids Club at Stevens Elementary
1242 18th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 523-6351
Boys & Girls Club at Lowell Elementary
1058 E Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 531-5738
Kids Co at TOPS
2500 Franklin Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 709-8487
Montlake CC @ McGilvra
1617 38th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 684-4736
When will I find out my child’s teacher?
Teaching assignments are typically announced by the end of the day on Friday before the first week of school. You will receive an email from your child’s teacher welcoming you to the class. For incoming Kindergarteners, please see below for more information about Kindergarten Connection meetings & the Kindergarten Transition program.
Staying Connected
How do I stay up to date on school news?
Every Tuesday, the PTA sends a weekly newsletter. This typically includes updates from the school leadership, specialist teachers (library, PE, music, etc.), as well as information from the PTA. Sign up here and read it each week! Please note that the school is not allowed to share contact information with the PTA, so you must sign up to receive the newsletter.
Additionally, classroom teachers typically email regular newsletters to their families.
Kindergarten Resources
When is the first day of school for Kindergarteners?
For the 2026–2027 school year, the first day of Kindergarten is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Please note this date is different from our 1st–5th grade students, who start school on September 2, 2026. Visit the Seattle Public Schools 2026–2027 academic calendar for more information.
Will there be an opportunity for us to visit school before the first day of school?
Yes, incoming Kindergarten students are invited to a 30-minute “Kindergarten Connection” meeting with your child’s new teacher. In late August, your child’s teacher will share more information and a sign-up link for these meetings.
How can I get to know other Incoming K families?
To contact other Kindergarten parents and caregivers, please send your name(s), email(s), and student name(s) to kelsey@montlakepta.org and you will be added to our distribution list.
Our PTA Outreach committee facilitates several opportunities throughout the summer to meet other incoming Kindergarten and Montlake families:
Summer Meet-Ups
Please save the dates for our Kindergarten summer meet-ups, hosted by our PTA! These are very casual opportunities to connect with new classmates and ask questions of current Montlake families. No RSVP required, just join when you can.
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Sunday, June 14th from 3:30-5pm at Montlake Elementary
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Sunday, July 26th from 9-10:30am at Volunteer Park Playground
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Sunday, August 9th from 3:30-5pm at Washington Park Playground
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Sunday, August 30th from 3:30-5pm at Montlake Elementary
Summer Buddy Program
If you would like to be paired with a rising 1st/2nd grader to meet once this summer, please sign up here. It's a fun way to know and recognize an older friend at recess in the fall! We will communicate buddy pairings in June.
Does Montlake offer Kindergarten Transition (formerly known as Jump Start)?
Yes, Montlake Elementary offers a Kindergarten Transition program designed to give incoming Kindergarten students a warm and welcoming introduction to school. This program provides a low-pressure environment where children can get comfortable with their new surroundings, meet their peers, connect with the Kindergarten teachers, and explore the school building.
2026–2027 Kindergarten Transition will take place on the following dates, and more information will be shared via email this summer.
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Wednesday, August 25th from 9am–12pm
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Thursday, August 26th from 9am–12pm
Volunteering
How can I find out about PTA volunteer opportunities?
Join the PTA Board and/or become a PTA member.
PTA membership builds our strong Montlake community and grants voting privileges on our annual budget and other key decisions.
The PTA is run by a Board of Directors that oversees fundraising, several community events, the after-school enrichment program, and more. We welcome your involvement! If you would like to share your professional talents in fundraising, communications, accounting, event planning, graphic design, or any other area, please contact president@montlakepta.org. The PTA Board meets monthly and is a great way to meet other parents.
How do I volunteer in the classroom?
All volunteers must be cleared by Seattle Public Schools, a process that can take several weeks. If you plan to volunteer at school in any capacity, including chaperoning field trips, please begin the volunteer application process as soon as possible. Please visit the SPS Volunteer website to access the application. If you have any questions, please contact our Office assistant, Missy Pody at mapody@seattleschools.org
Room Parent
Room parents help facilitate communication between the teacher and families. In addition, they collaborate with the teacher for various celebrations and activities throughout the year. If you would like to be a room parent, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or volunteer@montlakepta.org
Classroom Volunteers
Teachers often welcome parent volunteers in their classrooms throughout the year, offering both recurring and one-time commitments. There are also many opportunities throughout the year to chaperone field trips or help with special projects and events in the classroom.
Key Processes and Accounts
Who do I contact if my child is absent?
If your child will be absent, you must email montlake.attendance@seattleschools.org and your child’s teacher. Prompt notification saves our office staff from extraneous administrative tasks.
How do I check my child’s grades and test scores?
Bookmark the SPS website called The Source. This is your first stop for anything related to your child’s school record including grades, test scores, and checked out library books. You will also pay for field trips on this site.
How does my child pay for lunch from the cafeteria?
Children can purchase meals or milk in the cafeteria. You can add money to your child’s account using PayPAMS. To create your account, first visit The Source (your go-to place for anything related to your child’s school record) and note their student ID number.
Breakfast and lunch will be served at no cost to those students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. More information on Culinary Services.
Enrollment & School Choice
Do you know a neighbor or friend considering Montlake?
Families in the geographic attendance zone for Montlake Elementary should enroll now.
Families zoned to other schools who want to attend Montlake should follow the SPS Open Enrollment for School Choice process. School choice applications are typically due by January 31st, with late applications accepted through March 31st.