John Stanford International School

Tucked into the Wallingford neighborhood just north of the University District, John Stanford International School is one of Seattle's most sought-after public schools, drawing families who want rigorous academics wrapped in a genuinely global perspective — the school offers Spanish and Japanese immersion programs starting in kindergarten. The surrounding area is walkable, eclectic, and close to the Burke-Gilman Trail, making it the kind of place where intellectually curious families tend to put down roots. If you're hoping for a public school experience that feels both academically serious and culturally expansive, JSIS has a well-earned reputation as one of the best options in the city.