I can't say enough good things about the inclusivity of this school, the strong academics, the…read morewhole-kid learning, and the overall culture of positivity and celebration. We moved to the Seattle area from out of state just as my son was ready to start 6th grade/middle school. What a hard time to ask a kid to leave his lifelong friends and start at a new school. He had also really disliked school for the last couple of years. Wow, what a wonderful culture change it was to arrive at JDS. My son now tells me that he likes school, "because we do things. We do projects and make things." I've always known he was smart and, in previous years, it was hard to hear him say that he hated math. Now, he is doing GREAT in math. He is proud of his progress and proud of his grades. He feels safe enough socially to try basketball and the school pay. He is a happy guy at JDS and I'm a JDS fan.

My son joined JDS as a sixth grader, after attending public elementary school. We were first drawn…read morein by its educational philosophy rather than because we were specifically looking for a Jewish education, and we have been very happy there. A few things that have worked well for my son: - Much more personalized attention and learning at his level. He was able to up-level in classes where he had capabilities and has gotten more support where he needed it. This was a very welcome change to public school where he always felt like things were too hard or too easy. If there is a concern, teachers are very responsive. - The inquiry based teaching method has been so great for him. It seems as though they learn with more depth and interest. The teachers have more freedom to adapt to the needs and interests of the class vs having a set curriculum that they are required to deliver. - The community is very tightknit and welcoming. Though the classes are small, but they build community and social connections across grades, and there are lots of chances for parent connection if you want it (and it's okay if you don't) The school is welcoming to both Jewish and non-Jewish families. My son has fit in well despite not knowing much about Judaism before joining this community. He really enjoys the Jewish Studies class where he learns about Jewish history and values within a broader context. For example my son's current unit is about The Universals of Culture. An excerpt from the newsletter described "Students learned about Greek and Roman art, burial practices of the ancient Sumerians, the development of cuneiform writing, the economy of Ancient China and how we celebrate holidays develops using The Fourth of July as an example". They then used that along with Jewish readings as background for a project where they build a culture of their own. It's been super engaging, and thought-provoking.

Our daughter has been at ECS since 1st grade and is now in 2nd. She's built such strong bonds with…read moreher classmates, and we've seen how much those friendships actually help her in the classroom. When they hit tough topics--like some of the more advanced math concepts--having that supportive group of friends keeps her motivated and makes the challenges feel much more manageable. We also really value how the school handles social growth. When a conflict came up, the teachers and the principal didn't just 'fix' it; they helped her develop a real strategy for resolution and taught her how to navigate things in the future. It gave her so much confidence. Most importantly, we love that the school is centered on God and faith. Seeing her so excited to talk about Jesus after chapel is a huge blessing to our family. It's a wonderful, supportive community and we're so glad to be part of it.

Our three children have been attending since 2020, and we couldn't be happier with the experience…read more ECS has nurtured not only their academic growth but also their character, and we're truly grateful for the school's impact on their lives. Although located in Bellevue, the ECS community is refreshingly down-to-earth and welcoming. As a parent, I deeply appreciate the teachers' attention to detail and commitment to each student's success. For example, if a second assignment is missed, teachers proactively reach out and keep us informed about our child's progress. Each of our children is known and valued as an individual. They are seen, supported, and encouraged in their own unique ways. ECS is a special place--what we lovingly call "God's little school on the hill." I hope it continues to thrive and bless families in our community for many years to come.

School pretty good i guess some kid are pretty mean not gonna lie but like its the closest school…read moreto my house so like ya i give it like a 4

heaven. i attended this school from pre-k up until 3rd grade and it was the best school ever. i…read moremade so many friends and so many memories and every day was a good day. i now have PTSD because in 3rd grade i was criticized by some teachers for having special needs and was sent to a crappy public school against my will that was absolute hell and i also got PTSD from that school. so i have trauma from being practically abused by being transferred to a terrible school against my will but it was worth it

To recommend DWs post from 10 years ago - this is statement is still accurate in 2025…read more This school is fine for easy-going kids who would do well anywhere. They absolutely do not focus at all on the social or emotional development of the children. Any and all problems are considered the parent's problem to fix. They also hire teachers with no secondary education background, and have no business calling themselves a dual accredited school when they can't support a class structure - it's chaos in there

As a prior student, I can say that I did enjoy being a part of this school. The teachers showed a…read morehigh level of concern for the education & over all welfare of the students and were wiling to help students as best they could to achieve. I felt safe at this school as well as accepted as a peer among others. As an advocate for student safety and comfort I am glad to say that I never experienced any bullying nor did I observe anybody being bullied at this school. Overall, I enjoyed my time & experiences at this school.

Went to this school for 2.5 years, i then dropped out and decided to finish school online…read more The environment of the school was usually tense and toxic, with tons of cliques. Favored the more popular students in the school/turned blind eyes to students who were part of sports or the class leaders. The teachers were good but it's overshadowed by the administration being terrible I was kicked out of my house going into my senior year, in which the school didn't help whatsoever even though they knew the situation (I get it's not the schools job to help, but they actively attempted to get me out of the school) and rather then let me talk to my counselor admins changed the counselor that I had because they felt she was too biased towards me. Not only that, but even my brother who was only a sophomore at the time had to drop out because he ended up getting addicted to drugs and would be using them with piers in the bathroom Which dropping out was an insane struggle as well, because we didn't want our education to end we just didn't want it at Interlake High School!! Both my brother and I decided to switch to online school (did this like 6 months apart) both him and I dealt with the school not answering for weeks about the program I was supposed to be joining. I sent 6 emails to them and got no response, so I had to go in and meet with counselors and admin j to get transcripts from my school. My brother though they just left him on his own, my mom would email but never a reply

I love this school. The staff are PHENOMENAL, administrators WONDERFUL, office staff THE ABSOLUTE…read moreBEST. The kids have a lot of attention and earnest instruction. Community is built here. You can trust your kids are being taught well and in a safe environment. Recommend !

This school will only give you a good education if you're diagnosed with 9 different disorders. The…read morestaff treats you like shit if you're "normal" and will not care if you report actual problems when they come up. This school allows kids to fuck around and will never solve distractions in learning. Most special kids get NO discipline and you will get hit, kicked, and screamed at with nothing to do about it. The way they handle kids in trouble is so unhealthy, you will not learn here, especially if you're in the middle school. Coming from an actual student who's been assaulted with a kids computer countless times; DONT GO TO THIS SCHOOL! Staff is near incompetent, will not update attendance properly and bombard your parents for ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. For your safety and education, don't come here. Pick any other school please.

School is great! Staff are kind and helpful for my daughter and other students and is helpful for…read moregrowth and making plans to work together overcoming challenges!

The teachers are very friendly and helpful. The building is old but the staff is very helpful and…read morefriendly. My son loves this school.

Pretty mid not going to lie…read more My experience was amazing up until 2020 when COVID-19 hit. After juggling around principles, everything has just lost its joy. St. Louise has taken most of the fun out of learning and has made school life less enjoyable.

We love the personalized attention and supportive environment at this school. The teachers…read moregenuinely care about each student's growth, both academically and personally. My son thrives here and is always excited to learn!