Seattle Academy Orientation Days and Key Events: August/September

We’re excited to introduce the new SAAS Pass (Seattle Academy App)—your new home for staying connected throughout the school year.

Available for both iPhone and Android, the app brings many of the tools you use every day into one convenient place.

With the SAAS Pass Seattle Academy App, you can:

• View a personalized school calendar - Releasing Mid-August 2026
• Report or review attendance
• Access the Family Directory
• Access Canvas (Learning Management System)
• View your digital student or parent ID
• Quickly access frequently used school resources

Whether you're checking today's schedule, looking up contact information, or accessing your digital ID, the app makes it easier to stay connected wherever you are.

Download the SAAS Pass today from the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching "SAAS Pass: Seattle Academy" and sign in using your Seattle Academy single sign-on credentials.

We look forward to helping you make the most of this new resource throughout the school year.

Questions? Contact Andrew Spitzer, Digital Marketing & Communications Manager. 

REMINDER: AUGUST SCHOOLS HEALTH FORMS DUE 

In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, we ask that you log on to August Schools, our secure, online student health records database. ALL families (new and returning) need to complete the forms by August 1st. If you have not already done so, please be sure to log in and complete this year's forms. Please complete any outstanding items no later than August 1, 2026.

If you have any questions or need help logging on to August Schools, please contact Sonja Peterson, speterson@seattleacademy.org. 

PURCHASING LUNCH ON CAMPUS

We do not accept cash or checks through our lunch service. Families who wish to purchase lunch through Sage Dining should create a MyKidsSpending account and add funds to that account as needed.  

Step 1: Set up your student's account through MyKidsSpending. One family can share the same account. Here is how you find your student's ID Number.
Step 2: Add funds to your student's account through the MyKidsSpending web site or the mobile app.
Step 3: Download the Touch of Sage app or visit our Daily Lunch Menu web site to view weekly menus.
Step 4: Download the MyKidsSpending App to add funds throughout the year to your students account. Ask your student to download the app to their mobile device or iPad. 
Step 5: Students must bring their ID card with them if they are purchasing lunch. The card is scanned, and the amount subtracted from their account.

Over the summer, Seattle Academy students read specific course-assigned books. Teachers will integrate summer reading into the course work during the first weeks of class and likely throughout the term. For each grade-level, teachers have provided a link to a reading guide to accompany the reading assignment, which will provide any needed instructions. As students will use these texts at the beginning of the year, they should purchase a new or used copy to bring with them for the first days of classes. 

For general questions, please contact Jason Gough, Chair of the English Department.

View Required Summer Reading Grades 6-12

There are a variety of ways parents can get involved at Seattle Academy. Volunteering is a great way to get to know other SAAS community members. There are volunteer opportunities for every interest and schedule. Click on the form below to learn more about volunteer opportunities. After submitting the form, you will be contacted by a member of the Family Association with more information. 

We hope you'll consider participating. The entire survey takes no more than 3-5 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne-Marie Guerrero.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENT/Guardians VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM

Learn More About the Family Association At Seattle Academy.

We want to stay connected to you and your family. It is important that we have accurate contact information available to us for school communications. 

• Do you need to update your contact information such as address, cell phone or email?
• Do you need to add or change an emergency contact for your child?
• Do you want your student’s grandparents to be in the know of what’s happening around SAAS? Do you want them to receive the school magazine, periodic student and alumni news articles, invitations to events, and more? 
• We're excited to host our on-campus Grandparent Breakfast on Thursday, November 19, 2026! Invitations with registration details will be sent directly to grandparents, so adding their contact information to Veracross ensures they'll receive an invitation to this event.

VISIT THE FAMILIES PORTAL ON VERACROSS

Click on Update Family Profile (image preview below) to review, update, and add your families contact information. For adding grandparent information both email address and home address are preferred. 

If you haven’t done so already, please see our Accommodations page for instructions on how to upload documentation for academic accommodations. For specific questions regarding Accommodations or documentation, please email Kristel Arnott (Middle School) and Garrett Lunceford (Upper School). 

Note: This action item only applies to students with documentation for academic accommodations.

In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, ALL new Upper School students must complete the laptop order form even if not purchasing a laptop from SAAS. This is for 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grades ONLY.

COMPLETE THE LAPTOP ORDER FORM

COMPLETE THE LAPTOP ORDER FORM BY JUNE 30.

For families receiving financial aid more information was shared in late May. If you have any initial questions, please email Nick Lew, Technology Coordinator. 

Summer isn’t over just yet—so let’s celebrate with summer snacks, lawn games, and time to catch up with new and familiar friends! This year, we will host two Family Summer Socials—one for each division. The Middle School Family Summer Social will take place on August 26, and the Upper School Family Summer Social will be held on August 31. Both events will take place on campus in the Upper School Courtyard & Commons from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. If your family has students in both divisions, we encourage you to attend both events if your family’s schedule allows.

This is a wonderful opportunity for new and returning students and their families to meet, reconnect, and kick off the school year together. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with families from your student’s grade level, and enjoy a beautiful summer evening with fellow Cardinals. Families and siblings of all ages are welcome. RSVP below today!

Parking: Parking is available in the Spring Street Garage or the 16th Avenue Parking Lot. 

Questions? Please email our Events Team at events@seattleacademy.org.

 Listed below are important Opening Days in August and early September. 
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the name listed or contact communications@seattleacademy.org. 
 

monday, august 24

Upper School Fall Sports Begin

• Various Times and Locations
• Check out the Athletics Calendar.
• Questions? Contact Cathy Schick, Athletics Director

 

wednesday, august 26

SAAS Middle School Family Summer Social

• Summer isn’t over just yet—so let’s celebrate with summer snacks, lawn games, and time to catch up with new and familiar friends! We hope you’ll join us at the Middle School Family Summer Social on campus in the Upper School Courtyard & Commons from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for new and current students (and families) to meet or reconnect before the start of the school year.
• RSVP HERE
• Questions? Contact events@seattleacademy.org

Monday, August 31

6th Grade Student Orientation Day 1

• 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• From 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM, families are welcome to come in to drop their students off at their single advisory classroom and meet the advisor. 
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, and have their school photos taken.
• Students should pack a lunch. A light mid-morning snack will be provided.
• 6th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• More details to come!
• Questions? Contact Caitlyn Jackson-Berrios, 6th Grade Dean of Students

 

Monday, august 31

10th - 12th Grade Photo Session I

• 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•  US Seminar Room / US Commons
• Please note that Upper School student photos will only be offered on campus on  August 31 and September 1.
• Questions? Contact Anne-Marie Guerrero, Front Office Manager

Monday, august 31

SAAS Upper School Family Summer Social

• Summer isn’t over just yet—so let’s celebrate with summer snacks, lawn games, and time to catch up with new and familiar friends! We hope you’ll join us at the Upper School Family Summer Social on campus in the Upper School Courtyard & Commons from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for new and current students (and families) to meet or reconnect before the start of the school year.
• RSVP HERE
• Questions? Contact events@seattleacademy.org

Tuesday, September 1

6th Grade Student Orientation Day 2

• 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Students will build community and get familiar with the middle school experience
• A light mid-morning snack will be provided. Students may pack a lunch or plan to buy a lunch from SAGE from the Middle School Servery. 
• 6th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• Questions? Contact Caitlyn Jackson-Berrios, 6th Grade Dean of Students

 

Tuesday, September 1

7th Grade Student Orientation 

• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, and have their school photos taken.
• While a snack will be provided mid-morning, please bring a water bottle from home.
• 7th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• Questions? Contact Jay Franklin, 7th Grade Dean of Students

 

Tuesday, September 1

8th Grade Student Orientation 

• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, and have their school photos taken.
• While a snack will be provided, please bring a water bottle from home.
• 8th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• Questions? Contact Ginnie Crawford, 8th Grade Dean of Students

 

Tuesday, September 1

NEW 9th Grade Student Orientation 

• 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, receive their laptops, and have their school photos taken.
• Students should plan to bring a backpack to hold their laptop for the day. Lunch is provided by SAAS. 
• Questions? Contact Jeanne Stevens, 9th Grade Dean of Students

Tuesday, September 1

RETURNING 9th Grade Student Orientation 

• 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, receive their laptops, and have their school photos taken.
• Students should plan to bring a backpack to hold their laptop for the day. Lunch is provided by SAAS. 
• Questions? Contact Jeanne Stevens, 9th Grade Dean of Students

Tuesday, september 1

NEW 10th -12th Grade Student Orientation 

• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• This event is for 10th-12th grade students who are NEW to SAAS in the 26-27 school year. 
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, receive their laptops, and have their school photos taken.
• Students should plan to bring a backpack to hold their laptop for the day. Lunch is provided by SAAS. 
• Questions? Contact Tom Harrington, 12th Grade Dean of Students
   

Tuesday, september 1

10th - 12th Grade Photo Session II

• 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
• Upper School Gym
• Please note that Upper School student photos will only be offered on campus on August 31 and September 1. 
• Questions? Contact Anne-Marie Guerrero, Front Office Manager

 

Tuesday, september 1

9th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night

Join us for a 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night on Tuesday, September 1. We’re excited to welcome parents and guardians to campus to provide a comprehensive overview to help ensure a strong start to the school year.

• Doors open at 6:00 PM; program starts at 6:30 PM
• RSVP Here
• Location: Upper School Commons
• Parking available in the Spring Street parking garage. The entrance is located on Spring between 12th and 13th Avenues.
• Questions? Contact Jeanne Stevens, 9th Grade Dean of Students

 

Wednesday, september 2

First Full Day of School – ALL GRADES 

• 8:15 AM - 3 PM
• Middle School and Upper School sports continue at 3 PM. 
• Questions? Contact communications@seattleacademy.org.

Friday, September 4

Professional Development Day – No Classes

Monday, September 7

NO CLASSES – Labor Day Holiday

Seattle Academy’s academics pair traditional areas of study with innovative curriculum, projects, and performances. Across classrooms, students take an inquiry-based approach to learning, allowing questions to drive both teacher-led and student-led investigations.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Fall Class SCHEDULES WILL BE AVAILABLE The Week of SEPTEMBER 1.

UPPER SCHOOL Fall Class SCHEDULES WILL BE AVAILABLE the week of August 24.

 

Textbooks

• Textbooks will be distributed during class the first week of school.

LOCKERS

Updated protocols for lockers will be communicated closer to the start of school. In the event that we use lockers, plan to bring:

• A backpack that fits in your locker
• Reusable water bottle with your name
• Extra college ruled paper & pencils
• Non-perishable snacks
• PE shoes: new or non-marking shoes. To stay at school for PE only
• Sweat pants/leggings/shorts for dance (nothing with zippers)

Students can bring magnetic decorations for their lockers; no stickers, writing, or painting are allowed inside or outside the locker!
 

Learn More About the CURRICULUM At Seattle Academy.

After-School Study Hall INFORMATION 

If you have additional questions, please email msafterschool@seattleacademy.org or Julie Holstad, Assistant Head of the Middle School.

Middle School (MS) After-School Activity Offerings

Seattle Academy offers a variety of after-school activities for Middle School students. For the Fall, we have the following offerings. Students can sign up for only one option. In the clubs option, students might have an opportunity to participate in more than one club depending on the days the clubs are offered. Students have the option to shift their focus each trimester based on the offerings. 

Middle School (MS) After-School Activity Offerings

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Arts Middle School - After School Offerings

For the best viewing experience on a mobile device, please rotate your device horizontally or swipe to the right.

 

The goal of the Arts Department—consisting of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual & Media Arts -- is to create the environment and curriculum that develops the intrinsic creativity of all students. Through instruction that integrates learning across all departments, the Arts Department champions a culture of performance and teaches the skills and mindsets that prepare students to confidently approach and creatively solve the complex problems and opportunities of today’s world.

Learn more about the ARTS Program at Seattle Academy.

Seattle Academy Athletics offers an inclusive program that invites students of all skill levels to participate in our team sports offerings. At the same time, we’re just as passionately committed to supporting excellence, fielding teams that operate at the highest level of competition or performance.

athletics FALL Sports Schedule IS NOW LIVE.

Athletic bag orders are due August 10.
 

Athletic Bag Order Form Here

QUICK NOTES:

• Both Middle School and Upper School students MUST have an updated physical on August Schools account in order to begin participating in Athletics.
• Upper School athletes must complete 7 practices before competing in a contest.
• Upper School Sports: emails with details of pre-school practices will be sent home to students that have requested to be on the interest lists for each sport. Students signed up for Upper School Athletics with their class registration last spring. If you are unsure if you signed up please reach out to the appropriate team member listed below. 

The Athletics Department is happy to answer questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our team members. 

Onward Cardinals!

Cathy Schick, Athletic Director (contact for Cross Country, US Girls Soccer, Girls Swim, Ultimate, Golf)
Erin Aitchison, Associate Athletic Director (contact for Volleyball)
Mike Gimblette, Assistant Athletic Director (contact for Boys Fall Soccer)

Learn more about the ATHLETICS Program at Seattle Academy.

College Advising welcomes back all Upper School families. Please find below specific College Advising information by grade level. As the school year begins, look forward to more information in the SAAS Friday emails about registering for an optional on-campus PSAT on October 9th (11th grade), an optional virtual practice ACT in October or SAT in in November (10th and 11th grades), and AP exams.

College Advising Welcome Letter to 9th Grade Families (2026)
College Advising Welcome Letter to 10th Grade Families (2026)
College Advising Welcome Letter to 11th Grade Families (2026)
College Advising Welcome Letter to 12th Grade Families (2026)

VIEW COLLEGE ADVISING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HERE

Learn More About the College Advising Program At Seattle Academy.

Healthy food options are an important part of every student’s day. As we begin the 2026-27 school year, we want to continue providing a delicious and balanced food service for interested students, faculty, and staff in partnership with SAGE Dining Services. MORE INFORMATION

• 6th and 7th grade students remain on campus for lunch. They can purchase lunch through Sage Dining Services or they can bring a lunch from home.
• 8th grade students will have an opportunity to sign out for lunch and travel in groups to a select number of area restaurants. For the first few months, they will remain on campus. They can purchase lunch from Sage or bring their own lunch. 
• Upper School students will have the option to go off campus for their lunch period. 

Each division will communicate on campus lunch protocols to their respective students.

STUDENTS must carry their school ID with them at all times for identification, security, bus attendance, and payment for lunch. 

PURCHASING LUNCH ON CAMPUS

We do not accept cash or checks through our lunch service. Families who wish to purchase lunch through Sage Dining should create a MyKidsSpending account and add funds to that account as needed.  

Step 1: Set up your student's account through MyKidsSpending. One family can share the same account. Here is how you find your student's ID Number.
Step 2: Add funds to your student's account through the MyKidsSpending web site or the mobile app.
Step 3: Download the Touch of Sage app or visit our Daily Lunch Menu web site to view weekly menus.
Step 4: Download the MyKidsSpending App to add funds throughout the year to your students account. Ask your student to download the app to their mobile device or iPad. 
Step 5: Students must bring their ID card with them if they are purchasing lunch. The card is scanned, and the amount subtracted from their account.

IMPORTANT LINKS

How to find my Student's ID
MyKidsSpending add funds to student lunch account
MyKidsSpending App - Google Play
MyKidsSpending App - Apple 
The app can be used on an iPad or mobile device:

Please visit our HEALTH AND SAFETY/SECURITY webpage for the most up to date information. 

All current Seattle Academy students will have their school photo taken during orientation days on campus. This school picture will be used for: 

• SAAS Yearbook - smile and look your best! If you do not have your photo taken on this date or the school photo make-up date later in September, your name will be listed with your grade as not pictured. No photo will appear. Yearbook photos follow a separate process from senior photos. Please contact communications@seattleacademy.org for information regarding senior photos. Please contact Robin Charles at rcharles@seattleacademy.org for yearbook questions.
• School Records - must adhere to standards: no hats, sunglasses, etc.
• Your Personal Use - share with friends & family!

FALL PICTURE DAYS

• 6th Grade - Monday, August 31, 9:30 AM-11:45 AM (during orientation) US Seminar Room / US Commons
• 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade -  Tuesday, September 1 (during orientation)
  • 7th Grade: 9:00-11:00 AM,  US Seminar Room / US Commons
  • 8th Grade: 1:00-3:00 PM,  US Seminar Room / US Commons
  • 9th Grade: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM, US Gym
• RETURNING 10th-12th Grade - Monday, August 31, 12:00-2:00 PM
  • US Seminar Room / US Commons
• 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade (Including New 10th-12th) 
  • Tuesday, September 1, 10:00 AM-2:30 PM, US Gym 

***Please note that Upper School student photos will only be offered on campus on August 31 and September 1.

HOW TO ORDER

This year there will not be any pre-ordering process for photos. After photos are taken, they will be uploaded to the Rowland Studios website. Families will have an opportunity to go online, select the photo they like best, and then place an order for those photos.

Your student will receive a card when they have their photo taken. The card will have a code and instructions to order online, along with a QR code you can scan to take you right to the site. 

Please note that it may take up to a week for all photos to be processed and uploaded for viewing and ordering. All print packages, photo products, and digital copies will be available to purchase through the site.

For any questions, please contact Rowland Studio at info@rowlandphoto.com or Anne-Marie Guerrero, Front Office Lead

Students can be dropped off at the main campus for their first class of the morning. Buildings are open at 7:30 AM. 

Main Campus

• Approach 13th Avenue from east or west bound on E Union.
• Turn south along 13th Avenue.
• Pull as far south (towards E Spring Street) as possible before stopping and having your student exit from the passenger side of the car.
• Please have your student exit as quickly as possible so that there are no delays in the traffic flow. 
• Continue south on 13th Avenue to Marion or Columbia. Do not use Spring Street.
• An alternate option is to pull into the E Spring Street garage and circle the garage to drop your student at the Middle School, Upper School, or STREAM Building entrances. 

PLEASE:

• DO NOT drop off on E Spring Street between 12th and 13th Avenues
• DO NOT drop off on 12th Avenue between E Spring and E Union. This is a BUS ZONE ONLY.

 

Classes end at 3:00 PM for all students. 

• Middle and Upper School students being picked up at 3:00 PM should be picked up from 13th Avenue.
• Middle and Upper School students riding the bus should be at their designated bus location no later than 3:10 PM to check in before loading on the buses. 

After-school activities pick up:

• Athletes returning from practice can be picked up on 13th Avenue or 16th Avenue. View the Athletics Calendar for more information specific to the sport.
• Those students participating in other after-school activities (such as rehearsals, clubs, or study halls) can be picked up on 13th Avenue.  

PLEASE:

• DO NOT pick up on E Spring Street between 12th and 13th Avenues
• DO NOT pick up on 12th Avenue between E Spring and E Union. This is a BUS ZONE ONLY.

 

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