History of Seattle Public Schools in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

Seattle Public Schools is the largest public school district in Washington state, serving nearly all of Seattle, as well as portions of Boulevard Park and Tukwila. During the 2021-2022 academic year, the district operated 106 schools with a total enrollment of 51,650 students. It is a significant institution within the city of Seattle, providing primary and secondary education to a large student population.

1901: Start of Frank B. Cooper's Superintendency

In 1901, Frank B. Cooper began his superintendency of Seattle Public Schools.

1902: Opening of Seattle High School

In 1902, Seattle High School opened.

1903: Central School Renamed Washington School Briefly

In 1903, after Seattle High School opened, the Central School was briefly known as the Washington School before returning to its older name.

November 13, 1905: Dedication of Historical Marker for Seattle's First School

On November 13, 1905, a historical marker was erected by the Washington University State Historical Society to commemorate the site of Seattle's first school, which was taught by Mrs. Catherine P. Blaine in January 1854. Eagle Brass Fdy (foundry) Seattle created the tablet.

1919: Composition of Seattle Public Schools

In 1919, Seattle Public Schools consisted of 64 grammar schools, six high schools, two parental schools, a school for the deaf, and nine "special schools" for students who did not progress normally.

1922: End of Frank B. Cooper's Superintendency

In 1922, Frank B. Cooper's superintendency of Seattle Public Schools ended.

1928: Demolition of Denny School

In 1928, the Denny School, described as "an architectural jewel... the finest schoolhouse on the West Coast," was demolished as part of the Denny Regrade project.

1938: Central School Functioned as Elementary School

In 1938, the Central School functioned as an elementary school.

1949: Central School Damaged and Became Part of Edison Technical School

In 1949, the Central School functioned as the Central Branch of the Edison Technical School until the building was fatally damaged by an earthquake.

1953: Demolition of Central School

In 1953, the Central School was razed after being damaged by the 1949 earthquake; its site is now under Interstate 5.

1966: Student Boycott in Seattle Public Schools

In 1966, Seattle Public Schools faced controversy, including a student boycott, related to racial tension and student population assignments.

December 2, 2005: Teacher Serving Sentence for Molestation

As of December 2, 2005, Laurence E. "Shayne" Hill, a teacher at Broadview-Thomson Elementary, was serving his sentence for serially molesting children at the school. He is facing anywhere from five years to life.

June 2006: Controversy over "Equity and Race Relations" Page

In June 2006, Andrew J. Coulson criticized Seattle Public Schools for a page on "equity and race relations" on its website. The page was removed the same day.

June 2007: Supreme Court Decision on Racial Tie-breakers

In June 2007, the United States Supreme Court decided Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, rejecting Seattle Public Schools' use of "racial tie-breakers" in assigning students to schools.

2007: Supreme Court Case on Racial Tie-breakers

In 2007, Seattle Public Schools faced controversy over the use of "racial tie-breakers," which led to a Supreme Court case.

January 2013: Garfield High School Teachers Boycott Standardized Tests

In January 2013, the entire teaching body of Garfield High School refused to administer the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test, citing its uselessness. The American Federation of Teachers endorsed the boycott.

May 2013: Seattle School District Discontinues MAP Tests at High Schools

In May 2013, Superintendent Jose Banda announced that the Seattle School District would no longer require Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests at city high schools.

2019: Seattle Public Schools Board Meetings Schedule

In 2019, the Seattle Public Schools board meetings were scheduled for the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 4:15 p.m., with some exceptions, until COVID-19 disruptions.

2020: Student Eligibility for Free or Reduced Price Meal Programs

In 2020, 32.1% of students were eligible for the free or reduced price meal programs.

2020: Seattle Public Schools Board Meetings Schedule

In 2020, the Seattle Public Schools board meetings were scheduled for the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 4:15 p.m., with some exceptions, until COVID-19 disruptions.

2021: Student Eligibility for Free or Reduced Price Meal Programs

In 2021, 32.1% of students were eligible for the free or reduced price meal programs.

2021: Seattle Public Schools Statistics

In 2021, Seattle Public Schools operated 106 schools serving 51,650 students.

2022: Enrollment figures for the district

As of 2022-2023, enrollment figures for the district are available.

2022: Seattle Public Schools Statistics

In 2022, Seattle Public Schools operated 106 schools serving 51,650 students.

2023: Enrollment figures for the district

As of 2022-2023, enrollment figures for the district are available.

September 2024: Possible School Closures to Address Budget Deficit

In September 2024, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) announced two possible school closure lists to address a $100 million budget deficit. One scenario would close 21 schools and the other would close 17 schools.