Schools

Behavior + Discipline

Why You Should Let Your Kid Fail (Sometimes)

They'll be happier for it and so will you

Nancy Schatz Alton Oct 09, 2019

Elementary

What to Do When Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Special Needs

A teacher offers her advice

Samantha Facciolo Sep 26, 2019

Elementary

6 Steps for a Better IEP Meeting

A special education teacher and the mother of a child with special needs offers this advice

Maegen Blue Sep 26, 2019

Ages 3 - 5

How to Manage Tearful Drop-Offs

Here's why your kid might be struggling and how to handle it

Sarina Behar Natkin Sep 13, 2019

Elementary

Why Liberal Arts Education Is More Important Than You Think

How a liberal arts education gives students a broad-based understanding of the world

Gemma Alexander Aug 27, 2019

Elementary

The Tech Tsunami Facing Education

Area schools are finding unique ways to ride the technology wave

Rebecca Hill Aug 27, 2019

Family Management

How to Remain Involved in Your Child's Education

Tips on how to be appropriately involved in your child's school

Gemma Alexander Aug 26, 2019

Family Management

The Best Back-to-School Gear and Tips

Best backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles and lunch bags

JiaYing Grygiel Aug 15, 2019

Food

10 Best Lunch Ideas From ParentMap Readers

What lunches are guaranteed to get eaten

Vicky McDonald Aug 14, 2019

Elementary

Ready, Set, Gluestick! 20 Best Back-to-School Tips

Our readers' top tips on supplies, lunches, organization, more

Nancy Chaney Aug 08, 2019

High School

Meet Denise Juneau, the Superintendent ‘Building a Longer Table, Not a Higher Wall'

How the Seattle Public Schools are focusing on community outreach and connection

Diana Cherry Jul 30, 2019

Elementary

7 Gifts Teachers Actually Want

Forget the homemade crafts and give them something decent

Emily Westbrooks Jun 04, 2019

Mindfulness

How Schools Can Better Support Students During Ramadan

Fitting classes, extracurricular activities and finals into Ramadan makes for an exhausting month

Jenna Vandenberg May 02, 2019

Elementary

8 Questions to Get Your Kids Talking About School

Get more than 'fine' with these questions

Jessica Graham Apr 05, 2019

Elementary

It's Time to Rethink Seattle-Area Snow Day School Closures

There has to be a better way

Diana Cherry Feb 11, 2019

Camps + Classes

15 Online Classes for Kids to Keep Them Learning on Days Off

School's out? Here's how to keep them busy, learning and having fun

Common Sense Media Feb 11, 2019

Elementary

Have You Heard of This Affordable Testing Option?

Looking for more help for your student? What this mom recommends

Nancy Schatz Alton Dec 12, 2018

Elementary

Don't Call Your Kid Smart

Try these growth mindset tricks instead

Nancy Schatz Alton Dec 11, 2018

Middle School

It’s Okay to Not Care About Your Kid’s Grades

At least, not so much

Nancy Schatz Alton Dec 10, 2018

Elementary

Make Your Kid's Classroom More Inclusive

Ideas that don't mean more work for teacher

Danielle Slaughter Dec 05, 2018

Elementary

Is Faith-Based Education Right for Your Child?

These families chose faith-based education — here's why

Nancy Schatz Alton Nov 30, 2018

Elementary

What You Need to Know About SPS Parent Equity Teams

What they are, what they do and how you can get involved

Kali Sakai Nov 14, 2018

Parent Stories

What I Learned From Teaching in the South of France

Food, fun and nature are all part of education in France

Vicky McDonald Nov 14, 2018

Elementary

Getting Your Kid Interested In Science Isn't That Hard

Bonus: These are great indoors

Tiffany Pitts Oct 24, 2018

girl in stairwell after school after shooting

Family Safety

Do You Know What It's Like to Go to School After Another School Shooting?

A local student's take on I-1639

Emma Johnson Oct 08, 2018

Middle School

How to Choose the Best School

What you need to know before choosing a school and the right questions to ask

Malia Jacobson Sep 27, 2018

Elementary

Should We Choose Public or Private School?

How three local families made the choice

Nancy Schatz Alton Sep 27, 2018

Elementary

What It’s Like to Be a Teacher in Washington State

A local teacher responds to the Time cover story

Jenna Vandenberg Sep 14, 2018

Health + Nutrition

Everybody Has Lice and Nobody’s Talking About It

What one mom learned after a fateful hair appointment

Kali Sakai Sep 13, 2018

Preschool

Outdoor and Nature-Based Preschools Near You

A growing movement of nature-oriented outdoor preschools takes off

Nancy Schatz Alton Sep 10, 2018

Health + Nutrition

This Mom’s Words Come Back to Haunt Her

Raising kids with bodily autonomy in the #MeToo era

Diana Cherry Sep 05, 2018

Elementary

11 Things Your Child’s Principal Wants You to Know

Hear it from an educator who's been there

Kirk Wheeler Sep 04, 2018

Elementary

Will Seattle Public School Teachers Strike?

Seattle Public Schools and local teacher unions discuss new contracts

Jenna Vandenberg Aug 31, 2018

Kindergarten

Don't Be Afraid of the First Day of Kindergarten

A mom on what she's learned about this important step

Akilah Harper Aug 31, 2018

Kids + Media

54 Percent of Teens Say They Spend Too Much Time on Their Phones

Two surveys look at how teens and parents feel about devices

Nancy Schatz Alton Aug 29, 2018

Family Safety

Why We Have to Talk About School Shootings

After overhearing a conversation in her child's class, this mom urges us to take action

Aug 21, 2018

Middle School

How to Create a DIY Homework Station They'll Actually Use

Start the school year on the right foot

Houzz Aug 15, 2018

Books

12 Picture Books to Strengthen Your Child’s Social Skills

Learn some important life skills with these books

Sarah Bradley Aug 13, 2018

Family Management

How to Kick Butt at Back-to-School Shopping

Don't break the bank

Katy M. Clark Aug 09, 2018

Classroom with three kids sitting at desks

Elementary

What to Look for When Picking a School

An education consultant with more than 20 years of experience offers her advice

Cathy Wallach Aug 08, 2018

Kindergarten

Parents, Here's Your Back-to-School To-Do

It's not just about the kids

Melissa Benaroya Aug 07, 2018

Elementary

Your Back-to-School Survival Kit

Yes, it's almost time. Are you prepared?

Nancy Schatz Alton Jul 27, 2018

Food

5 Ways to Make Packing Lunch Easier

These tips will save your mornings

Jessica Graham Jul 27, 2018

Kids + Media

6 Websites to Keep Kids Sharp Over the Summer

Use tech to fight summer slide (yes, really)

Jessica Graham Jun 29, 2018

High School

Seattle City Council Approves Free Bus Passes for High School Students

16,000 students would get free ORCA cards

Elisabeth Kramer Jun 27, 2018

Elementary

5 Ways to Prevent Summer Slide

Make it fun with these ideas from parents like you

Diana Cherry Jun 10, 2018

Crafts + DIY

12 Gifts for Teacher

Let them know you care with these DIY ideas

Shar Petit May 16, 2018

Family Management

Finding Safe, Legal Child Care in Washington State

3 tips to help make the hunt easier

Malia Jacobson May 16, 2018

Ages 15 -18

Dress Codes Complicate How Girls Feel

"If God made me, why is it wrong to have a body?”

Nancy Schatz Alton May 09, 2018

Crafts + DIY

12 DIY Gifts for Teachers

These are the perfect way to say "thank you"

Jen Betterley May 04, 2018

Elementary

The National Teacher of the Year Is From Spokane

And she's got something to share

Lilly Fowler May 01, 2018

Someone You Should Know

Someone You Should Know: Stacy Zhong and Lulu Bath

The moms behind the new Washington Preparatory School in Bothell

Nancy Schatz Alton Apr 27, 2018

Preschool

6 New Findings About Early Learning

The University of Washington shares new research in latest EDU Talk

Nancy Schatz Alton Mar 29, 2018

Elementary

Just 24 Hours to Submit Your Comments on SPS Candidates

Learn how to share your feedback

Diana Cherry Mar 28, 2018

Behavior + Discipline

When Kids Stop Talking

What you need to know about selective mutism

Rebecca Kinnestrand Mar 21, 2018

High School

Is Your Kid's Science Teacher Ambitious Enough?

A new book from the University of Washington is here to help

Sarah Bradley Mar 19, 2018

High School

Want to Prevent the Next School Shooting?

A school psychologist and former Marine speaks out

Jo Coles Mar 05, 2018

High School

Seattle Teachers Plan Black Lives Matter at School Week 

From Feb. 5–9, Seattle teachers invite families to participate in a national movement

Gemma Alexander Jan 30, 2018

Elementary

Seattle's Highly Capable Cohort Is Still Overwhelmingly White

Three years after an equity specialist was hired, progress is slow

Jenna Vandenberg Jan 02, 2018

Health + Nutrition

What I've Learned From Life-Threatening Allergies

3 tips for parents of kids with food allergies

Ariella Rams Dec 04, 2017

Elementary

Seattle School Bus Drivers Go On Strike

The one-day strike leaves parents scrambling

Jody Allard Nov 28, 2017

Elementary

Why Can’t My Child Read?

A retired teacher offers her insight

Jan Pierce Nov 28, 2017

Elementary

Seattle Public Schools Launches Transgender Student Curriculum

The books are designed to help teachers, parents and students support transgender students

Shawna de la Rosa Nov 15, 2017

Elementary

They'll Love Reading If You Do This

Teach kids to love reading, one book at a time

Kristina Wright Nov 15, 2017

Elementary

3 Tips for Writing Your Child's Private School Application Essay

How to harness the power of storytelling

Soojung Smith Oct 30, 2017

Elementary

Native American Student Clashes with School Over Mohawk

Administrators called his hair style a "distraction" to other students

Avvo Oct 20, 2017

College

What Your Teen Needs to Know to Get In

4 tips when talking to your student about college

Kathryn Gillis Oct 18, 2017

Kindergarten

The Heartbreaking Reason This Kindergartener Raided Her Piggybank

Her grandmother thought she was playing, but the little girl had a plan

Kristina Wright Oct 17, 2017

Elementary

School Nurse Shortage Puts Sick Kids at Risk

Our kids deserve more

Kate Milad Oct 12, 2017

Special Needs

How This Seattle Organization Helps Adults With Special Needs

Families turn to the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center

Kristin Jarvis Adams Oct 10, 2017

Preschool

Worrying About College in Preschool?

A college admissions counselor sets the record straight

Sarina Behar Natkin Oct 06, 2017

High School

Bullet Breaks Through Seattle School Window

Two additional schools briefly went into shelter-in-place after the incident

Jody Allard Oct 03, 2017

Special Needs

4 Ways to Navigate Your Child’s Special Education

What this mom learned fighting for her daughter with autism

Jody Allard Sep 29, 2017

Preschool

The Preschool Without a Ceiling

A new state program means big things for this popular option

Nancy Schatz Alton Sep 28, 2017

Middle School

What You Don't Know About Homeschooling

Seattle families redefine what it means to home-school

Malia Jacobson Sep 28, 2017

Middle School

Does Online Learning Work?

How to make sure your child doesn't crash

Jennifer Haupt Sep 28, 2017

Preschool

8 Things Your Child's Day-Care Teacher Wishes You Knew

We have good days and bad days — just like you

Carrie Lowrance Sep 26, 2017

College

5 Fast Facts About the DeVos Changes to Campus Sexual Assault Policies

The policy rolls back Obama-era protections for victims of sexual assault

Jody Allard Sep 22, 2017

Kindergarten

The Day My Kindergartener Was Sent to the Principal's Office

How one mom responded to her son's misbehavior at school

Jennifer Phipps Sep 19, 2017

Middle School

Slow Processing Speed: What's That?

Kids need to know that it has nothing to do with intelligence

Nancy Schatz Alton Sep 18, 2017

Elementary

Should I Homeschool or Not?

10 years in, this mom shares her wisdom

Kerrie McLoughlin Sep 18, 2017

Preschool

7 Montessori-Inspired Design Ideas

Make learning come alive with this DIY inspiration

Shar Petit Sep 15, 2017

Work + Life Balance

Stressed Out by School Costs? You're Not the Only One

Parents are working more and making less time for fun to keep up with education costs

Jeanne Sager Sep 13, 2017

Family Safety

A Doctor's Guide to Talking to Your Kids About School Shootings

Advice from a Seattle Children’s Hospital psychiatrist

Sep 13, 2017

Arts + Entertainment

5 Awesome Seattle Design Fest Events for Families

Interactive activities get kids in touch with design

Gemma Alexander Sep 05, 2017

Elementary

Seattle Celebrates the Opening of Three New Public Schools

Cascadia Elementary among the new school sites

Jody Allard Sep 05, 2017

Elementary

This Mom Has a "Warning" for Her Child's Teacher

"Bring cake. Cake works wonders."

Jody Allard Aug 29, 2017

Kindergarten

On My Baby’s First Day of Kindergarten

The start of kindergarten is a little more bitter than sweet for me

Emily F. Popek Aug 29, 2017

Parent Stories

Keep This in Mind When Raising Bilingual Kids

Why I’m teaching my kids Chinese — and the price we pay

JiaYing Grygiel Aug 29, 2017

Family Management

9 Tips for Nailing Back-to-School Photos From a Photographer

Get on their level, and other ways to capture shots your friends will envy

Jeanne Sager Aug 25, 2017

Kindergarten

7 Ways to Rock Your Child's First Day of School

Whether daycare, preschool or kindergarten, these tips will help you handle it like a pro

Jenn Morson Aug 24, 2017

Family Management

10 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Good shopping requires good planning

Karen Veazey Aug 21, 2017

Home Sweet Home

6 Ways to School-Proof Your House

Ready, set, September!

Houzz Aug 17, 2017

Behavior + Discipline

"I Don't Wanna Go!" 7 Ways to Help Separation Anxiety

Your cautious kid can be independent with these tips

Nicole Schwarz Aug 14, 2017

Preschool

Why Your 5-Year-Old Isn't Falling Behind

Fremont's Teacher Tom talks play, risk and more

Elisa Murray Aug 08, 2017

Elementary

Think Schools Are Fully Funded? Think Again

Legislators' budget won't solve school funding, says the Seattle superintendent

Shawna de la Rosa Aug 07, 2017

Elementary

The Free SEL Program Your School Needs to Know About

After losing her son at Sandy Hook, this mom fights for love

Nancy Schatz Alton Aug 07, 2017

College

My Son Isn’t Going to College, and That’s OK

"As a society, we need to redefine the notion of success."

Astrid Vinje Aug 04, 2017

Elementary

Make Friends With Your Kid's Teacher This Year

4 strategies to try from an educator who's been there

Nancy Myles Aug 04, 2017

Elementary

Master the ABCs of a Successful School Year

Ace this school year with these 26 tips

Pam Molnar Aug 02, 2017

Health + Nutrition

Top Tips for Setting Back-to-School Sleep Schedules

Help your night-owl teens rise and shine

Malia Jacobson Jul 27, 2017

Family Management

This Gear Will Save Your School Year

8 items that are sure to keep September sane

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon Jul 26, 2017

Family Management

4 Ways to Stay Sane This September

Print this out!

Jessica Graham Jul 26, 2017

Special Needs

Letting My Daughter With Special Needs Teach Me

A mother reflects on what she's learned as a parent

Nancy Schatz Alton May 15, 2017

Middle School

The Politics of Science Class

Why chances are good your kid isn’t learning much about climate change

Rebecca Hill Mar 31, 2017

Mindfulness

Meet 2017 Superhero Jesse Hagopian

A Q&A with a Garfield High School teacher

Gemma Alexander Mar 31, 2017

Elementary

What Is Social-Emotional Learning?

You've heard about it but what is it again?

Anoo Padte Mar 30, 2017

Indian-American girl with backpack and chalkboard

High School

Should My Child Go to Public or Private School?

How to decide between public and private school

Anoo Padte Mar 07, 2017

Stressed out teenager girl with computer

High School

High School, High Stakes

A junior in high school shares her advice

Isobel Williamson Mar 07, 2017

High School

The Rise of Science Fairs (And Why They Matter)

Science fairs are helping kids — but are they enough?

Rebecca Hill Mar 01, 2017

Summer Stinson speaking at a rally on MLK Day 2017

Elementary

What's Going On With Our State's Education?

Washington's Paramount Duty talks the current legislative session

Nancy Schatz Alton Jan 30, 2017

Middle School

Celebrating the “E” in STEM: Why Engineering Should Matter to Your Kid

Interest in engineering is on the rise — here's what parents should know about this changing STEM profession

Rebecca Hill Dec 01, 2016

Health + Nutrition

5 Reasons Why Play Is So Important, As Explained By Experts

The University of Washington shares new research on the importance of play

Nancy Schatz Alton Nov 18, 2016

Little girl holding two apples in her elbows

Behavior + Discipline

Should You Encourage Your Underachiever to Develop 'Grit'?

How to foster work ethic

Laura Kastner, Ph.D. Oct 21, 2016

Elementary

Big Data Invades the Classroom

Mined student data and what that means to you

Jenna Vandenberg Sep 14, 2016

Young students stretching in the classroom

Behavior + Discipline

Cool, Calm, Kinetic: Classrooms For Every Learner

Headphones, surgical tubing and wiggle seats are helping kids learn better

Nancy Schatz Alton Sep 14, 2016

Young girl doing homework with her parents

Ages 6 - 10

How to Talk to Your Child's Teacher

5 ways to start a productive conversation

Tami Rogers Sep 09, 2016

Kindergarten

A+ Homework Tips From ParentMap Readers for Back-to-School Season

With school in full swing, find comfort in these homework tips

Sep 06, 2016

Crafts + DIY

3 Crafty Duct Tape Projects Kids Love

Professional duct tape crafter Richela Fabian Morgan shares all

Sep 02, 2016

Teacher and two students looking at tablet

High School

What Local Teachers Are Doing to Reinvent Social Studies

Teachers draw on real-world experience to better inspire students

Aug 25, 2016

Home Sweet Home

4 Tips to Make School Lunch Prep Easier Than Ever

Goodbye, hectic mornings!

Houzz Aug 17, 2016

Sad boy holding mom tight with teddy bear

Preschool

‘Don’t Leave Me!’ Best Books for Easing Separation Anxiety

4 books that will help when your child fights drop-off

Sara Lindberg Aug 09, 2016

Family Management

How to Get Your House Back-to-School Ready

Support your student with these DIY ideas

Houzz Aug 08, 2016

Middle School

How to Smoothly Transition Into the New School Year

Be prepared for back-to-school

Seattle Children's Hospital Aug 06, 2016

Kindergarten

What the Washington State Science Standards Mean for Your Student

Expect more hands-on learning, less homework and more group work

Rebecca Hill Aug 04, 2016

Film Screening

Film Screening: 'Beyond Measure'

Standardized testing on your mind? Watch this

Jul 27, 2016

Ages 11 - 14

10 Students Who Will Make You Feel Better

Get a glimpse of 10 kids' hopes and fears

Natalie Singer-Velush Jul 25, 2016

Mom and daughter leaving house and holding hands

Family Management

How to Get Out the Door With Kids

It can be done! Try these 4 tips to make your day easier

Sarina Behar Natkin Jun 09, 2016

Kindergarten

Seattle Schools Explore Experiential Learning

Students journey beyond campus with these field trips

May 16, 2016

Little girl playing Tiny Polka Dot math game

Preschool

Hate Math? Make It Fun With Picture Books, Board Games and More

1 + 1 = fun! Make math a game and see what you learn

Emily Grosvenor May 11, 2016

Ages 15 -18

Do This to Get Your Kid Into College

7 essentials for raising children who succeed

Laura Kastner, Ph.D. Mar 09, 2016

Ages 3 - 5

School-Year Lunch Gear and Backpacks for All Ages

The hottest new lunch gear and backpacks, from eco-friendly lunch boxes to kid-friendly thermoses

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon Jul 28, 2015

Books

What Your Kids (and You) Should Read This Summer, by Your Favorite Authors

Here's the only summer book list you may ever need

Nicole Persun Jun 24, 2015

Work + Life Balance

After-School Special: Teeing Up Summer Care

How to pick a high-quality program for kids

Hilary Benson May 01, 2015

Ages 3 - 5

The Parent Coach: Should Your Preschool Help Kids Play or Learn?

How to encourage balanced growth in your preschooler

Anoo Padte Jan 30, 2015

Two preschool friends learn to use measuring cups

Ages 3 - 5

The Parent Coach: Your Checklist for Choosing a Preschool

Consider these important factors to ensure the best preschool experience for your child

Anoo Padte Dec 22, 2014

Preschool

Is Faith-Based Education Right for Your Child?

Why parents of all faiths are choosing faith-based education

Nancy Schatz Alton Nov 26, 2014

Preschool

Video: Making the Most of Your Child's Gifts

Is your child gifted? How do you know, and how do you nurture it?

Nancy Hertzog Sep 22, 2014

Elementary

Video: Preparing Students to Be Citizens

Helping children understand their world

Alison Krupnick Sep 22, 2014

Epiphany School

Independent, innovative, non-parochial school serving students in Pre-K through 5th Grade

Washington College Savings Plans (WA529)

Save for school with GET or DreamAhead!

Bellevue Discovery Preschool

Inquiry Learning Preschool for Highly Capable Children

St. Pius X Catholic School

Preschool through 8th grade

Eastside Community School

Early childhood, grade school, and middle school programs inspired by Waldorf education.

Bright Water Waldorf School

Waldorf Education on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington Preschool ~ Kindergarten ~ Elementary School ~ Middle School "Cultivating Creative Minds, Capable Hands, and Compassionate Hearts"

Wow Academy

Offering Preschool, Pre-K, & Jr. Kindergarten, Summer Camps and Specialized Classes for Ages 3-11.

Annie Wright Schools

Boys & Girls, Preschool (age 3+) through Grade 12

Primrose School of West Bellevue

Primrose Schools® provides excellence in education through the Balanced Learning® Approach.

St. Joseph Parish School

PK-8th Catholic Parish School

The Learning Nest Preschool

The Silverberg Academy

2 Week Academic Summer Camp

Asia Pacific Language School

Chinese Japanese English

Pacific Crest School

Montessori School

The Lake and Park School

Where education is experiential, child-centered and joyful. In the Mt. Baker neighborhood since 2003.

Academy for Precision Learning

An inclusive, independent K-12 school for students across the autism spectrum & their typically developing peers.

Villa Academy

Independent PK-8 School

Heritage Christian Academy

Private school for ages 2.5 through Middle School

GET Program

Washington's 529 Prepaid College Tuition Program

Puget Sound Community School

Celebrating 25 Years of Progressive Education

University Child Development School

St. John School

Pre-K thru Grade 8

Black Diamond Camps

We exist to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships and Biblical truth.

French American School of Puget Sound

The French American School of Puget Sound offers excellence in bilingual education from Tiny Young Prekindergarten (age 2) through Grade 8.

Sammamish Montessori School

The Sammamish Montessori School was founded in 1977 by Joan Starling, an early pioneer of Montessori teaching in this area.

The Evergreen School

We inspire highly capable, creative learners to lead with curiosity, compassion, and courage in a diverse and dynamic world.

French Immersion School of Washington

FISW is a preschool (age 2.5) through fifth grade bilingual, immersion school in the Bellevue/Issaquah area.

Charles Wright Academy

An award-winning co-educational independent day school in Tacoma serving students from preschool to grade 12.

Assumption-St. Bridget School

PreK-8 Catholic School

Forest Ridge School

The Sacred Heart School of Seattle

Lake Washington Girls Middle School

Strong in mind, body, and voice

Eastside Catholic School

Eastside Catholic School is a private Catholic secondary school located on 55 acres in Sammamish, Washington.

The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle

The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle (JDS) offers area families an exceptional Early Childhood through 8th Grade integrated program that provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Garden Ridge Preschool

Our mission at Garden Ridge Preschool is to support your child’s learning across all the developmental domains for early childhood education.

Hope Lutheran School

Faith Focused, Student Centered, Inspiring Excellence

Gage Academy of Art

Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio

A place for children to experience the joy, freedom, and power of creativity.