Picture this Meany Middle School in 1902. It wasn’t Meany then. It was the 20th Avenue School. A simple twelve-room building designed by E W Houghton. Imagine 549 students crammed into those rooms. First through eighth grade all together. Assemblies were held on the stairs. Forests surrounded the school.
Meany Middle School as we know it today is a different story. It’s a vibrant hub in the heart of Seattle. A diverse community of around 500 students calls it home. They come from Leschi Lowell Madrona McGilvra Montlake and Stevens elementary schools. Most go on to Garfield High School. But Meany’s history stretches far beyond its current form.
The name changed to Longfellow in its first year. Then much later it became Meany Middle School. Named after Edmund S Meany a history professor and legislator. He helped choose the University of Washington’s campus site. A true Seattle legend.
Throughout its long life Meany has faced challenges. Enrollment dipped in the late 1980s. But the school persevered. It became a math science and arts magnet school. It embraced a controlled choice plan to ensure racial balance. It even housed Nova Alternative High School for a while. Meany continues to adapt.
Today Meany Middle School offers a wide range of programs. There are special education services including Access Focus Social/Emotional and Distinct programs. Many students receive support through IEPs or 504 plans. The school boasts a state-of-the-art art lab. There’s also a health center offering no-cost medical and behavioral health services.
Extracurricular activities are a big part of Meany life. Students participate in sports clubs and activities. Many are free thanks to teacher and parent volunteers. Meany even shares its space with the Miller Community Center expanding its programs even further.
Meany Middle School isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to Seattle’s history. It’s a place where generations of students have learned grown and thrived. It’s a reflection of the city’s diversity and resilience. A place with a rich history and a bright future. A place you should certainly remember when you leave.