Admissions

Join the Elementary Education Option

SES students who satisfy the admissions requirements listed below are admitted to the Elementary Education Option. To join the Elementary Education Option, students are required to submit an online application. The Elementary Education Option admits once a year for a Spring Quarter cohorted program start.

On this page

• Application Deadlines
• Application Requirements
• How to Apply
• Application Information & Resources
• Background Checks Notice

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 Elementary Education Option Cohort application is now closed. The Spring 2025 Cohort Application will open in Autumn 2024.

Key Dates:

• Application Opens: TDB
• Application Closes: TDB

Application Requirements

• Must be a Educational Studies Major for at least 1 quarter
• Minimum of 80 credits of community college or university coursework
• Advisor-approved plan to complete Elementary Education foundation coursework by the start of the cohorted teaching methods quarter
• Minimum of 2.00 cumulative GPA in all coursework taken at the UW
• Minimum of 2.0 GPA in SES Core Courses: B EDUC 205, B EDUC 210, B EDUC 300, B EDUC 310
• Academic Breadth completed or in-progress, with minimum 2.0 GPA in each course
• Reading, Writing & Math test scores – SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores
  • Test scores are a state-mandated requirement
  • No minimum score required
  • Scores older than 5 years are accepted
  • Accepted “basic skills” tests:
    • SAT Reading, Math, Writing/Essay sections
    • ACT Reading, Math, & Writing sections
    • WEST-B, Reading, Math, & Writing subtests

How to Apply 

1. Submit online internal application
2. Students who meet the admissions requirements listed above are admitted to the Elementary Education Option
3. Admitted students will be invited to Elementary Education Program orientation held in late Winter Quarter

Admissions Information & Resources 

• S/NS Grades during COVID-19 Pandemic. For quarters designated as having extenuating circumstances, SES will consider an S (satisfactory) grade as fulfilling an admission requirements. S grades will not negatively impact your application to the Elementary Education Option. 
• WEST-B Resources:
  • Additional information on WEST-B
  • Online proctoring available for WEST-B
  • Free WEST-B practice tests & preparation materials

Background Checks

Students accepted to the Elementary Education Option are legally required to submit their fingerprints to the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks.

Approved background checks are required before a teacher candidate can apply for their Pre-Residency Clearance, a pre-certification legally required for student teaching. 

If students have any questions or concerns about fingerprinting or the implications of state and federal background checks, please contact an Educational Studies advisor.