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Portrait of a Graduate

Beyond Giddens

Each year, our community graduates our 5th grade class during a ceremony designed to celebrate their unique attributes and contributions and wish them well as they begin a new journey in middle school programs across the city of Seattle and beyond.

It is our sincere hope that our graduates will take with them to their next learning communities the values of equity and inclusion, compassion and collaboration. That they will continue to grow and develop into their whole, authentic selves. That they will remain committed to learning with curiosity through investigation and inquiry. That they will advocate for safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments for themselves and others. That they will continue to imagine a more just world and will aspire to putting those imaginings to action.

Where our Graduates Go

  • Billings Middle School
  • The Bush School
  • Eastside Preparatory School
  • Explorer West Middle School
  • Lake Washington Girls Middle School
  • Lakeside School
  • The Northwest School
  • Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS)
  • Seattle Public Schools
  • Seattle Girls' School
  • University Prep

Reflections on a Giddens Graduate

“During my tenure–a Giddens graduate is distinct and highly sought after for many reasons. They come to SGS with intellectual power, but a strong sense of self. They live our mission and values, which is why it is a very easy transition. They embrace learning with joy, tenacity, and they excel.”

HoS, Brenda Leaks, Seattle Girls School

“All kids are special, but Giddens anchors our mission – solidifies what we want for every graduate of Bush: to be smart, courageous, limitless, informed, compassionate, fearless, and prepared.”

HoS, Dr. Percy Abram, The Bush School

“Some of the most memorable moments for me, was walking into a lecture. This student was presenting. I was in awe – not of their content knowledge, but their poise and care. After the presentation, I asked the teacher more details about the student and I found out they came to us by way of your school. Excellence personified, period.”

HoS, Ray Wilson, The Northwest School

“In nearly 30 years at SAAS, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for a Giddens graduate. They are compelling, entrepreneurial, pragmatic, socially responsible, diverse in thought, and they engage our full program with confidence, balance, and awareness.”

– HoS, Rob Phillips, Seattle Academy