"The teachers here strike the perfect balance between providing boundaries and giving kids freedom to grow in all sorts of wonderful directions. Each child is honored for who he/she is without judgment or labels and this respect for the individual is modeled for and instilled in each child."

a Giddens parent

Who We Are

Giddens was founded in 1972 by Huda Giddens in the University District of Seattle. Seeking a more diverse setting, the school moved to the historic Central District in 1980. Giddens was originally a preschool, but, over the years, the school's creative, committed, and highly-trained staff developed a primary program that is a natural extension of the preschool program. The primary program reflects the values of the preschool and its founder, building a strong academic foundation infused with the energy and exploration that mark high-quality early childhood classrooms.

Today, Giddens is a member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools. The school has been cited as a model of multicultural education by the Southern Poverty Law Center and featured in Starting Small, a book published by the Center that features success stories in anti-bias, socially responsible education.

You can find out more about Giddens in our latest Annual Report. The Seattle Times and The Seattle Weekly have also written about the school and the accomplishments of its students.

Fast Facts

Enrollment: 170 students
Age Range: Older 2's through 5th grade
Class Size: 12 to 18 students
School Hours:

8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. (preschool)
8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (primary)
Monday through Friday

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Financial Aid: Awarded to 30% - 40% of families
Average amount = $5,000
Extended Care:

Before school from 7:30 a.m.
After school until 6:00 p.m.

Summer Programs: June to August
Tuition: $9925-$14,650

Come See For Yourself

Our caring staff welcomes visitors, whether they be potential families, potential volunteers, potential donors or simply potential friends. Let us show you the difference an anti-bias, socially responsible education makes in the lives of our children. We would love to meet you.

To arrange a visit, please see our contact information .