Coming back to stay I still love this school! Our family has been at University Cooperative School…read morefor 10yrs - my 15yr old attended K-5th grade, and I currently have a 4th grader and my youngest is in PreK. We are incredibly grateful for this school, the holistic education it's provided our children and the community that has been the anchor for our family life. The teachers are excited about what they teach, care deeply for the students. With enthusiasm for their subjects and the freedom and support they need to follow that enthusiasm they make engaging, responsive, project based learning the norm all through the program. The kids stay excited about learning, comfortable asking questions and learn to ask for what they need as a learner. Our modern lives are designed in a way that is isolating and can wearus down with the load of demands of parenting- but the model of cooperative school (that's very flexible/understands we work too!) means that you can build real relationships and community in a society where that can be incredibly hard. At U co-op our children end up with so many loving adults who know and care for them - I can't overstate how valuable that is. Especially when life brings rough seasons or crisis. We know each other's kids and support each other through this parenting journey. The nurturing, adventurous environment helps kids be comfortable and confident in themselves -quirks and struggles included. My kids love going to school and I love the joyful childhood it has given them.

We have loved this place…read more We've been with U Co-op for the last two years, with almost a year and a half of that during the pandemic. I can't express how incredible the school has been. The most extraordinarily compassionate teachers and staff, and a parent community that has been supportive, resourceful, kind and caring. There is a warmth to the building (which we are thankfully back in - and masked) that we fell in love with from the first tour. It didn't feel cold or modern; it felt like creativity and childhood. There are nooks for reading, spaces for found art, paintings up everywhere. The teachers allow the children to follow their curiosity and even adjust the lessons to be relevant to the things that interest them. The kids are learning just as much as peers at other schools, but in a way that focuses on their self development and self esteem. This school has been a great find and has helped carry us through this difficult stretch.

I filled out application for their summer program I was put on a waiting list and I was informed…read morethat once the enrollment program starts I will be contacted. I called and left a message but there was no follow up phone call from the school.

I went to the bush school for 7 years, and had to leave after my sixth grade year. The lower…read moreschool had it's problems, but it was mostly the middle school that was the reason for me leaving. The staff and teachers do not intervine bullying or physical fights. And I had a teacher that would bully me for the amusement of my classmate, and nothing was done about it in the end. My parents respectfully told the head of the middle school the problems, and he did absolutely nothing, and started trying to gaslight my family into thinking it was somehow fixed. The middle school counsellor was absolute garbage, she threatened to call the police on me when I stood I to leave her office to go to the bathroom after I got falsely accused of self harming in my science class. They were not flexible about teaching kids the way they need to be taught in order to learn. While I hadn't yet been diagnosed with autism I think that they still should have been more patient with me because it was obvious the way that they were teaching me, as well as a few other kids, in a way that worked for us. They also fired a bunch of beloved teachers for no good reason, and promoted a bunch of terrible teachers including one that was kind of racist. They have prided themselves about being inclusive to everyone, yet would not let me use the bathroom correlated with my gender identity because I'm trans. And they treated popular kids way bette. There's a TON of other problems with the bush school that I just don't want to get into right now, but I hope you get the point. I would put 0/5 stars if I could, I do not recommend this school at all.

My two children went to BWS. While there were several aspects that were delightful including…read morespecific teachers and the community, as some of the only people of color - it was a very damaging experience. Unfortunately, one of the faculty that was responsible for the most humiliation and damage is still teaching at the school. That is quite unfortunate. I would not recommend the school for BIPOC kiddos.

Bright Water is no ordinary school, so do read up on Waldorf education before submitting your…read moreapplication. It is a philosophy, a special attitude toward education that you need to share in order to appreciate what Bright Water has to offer. This is what got our son going there... and the reason why we did not re-enroll for next year. Our son went to Bright Water for Kindergarten and academically he hardly benefited much, though all the time they spent outdoors (rain or shine!) helped build up his agility and aided his physical development big time. Apart from occasional drawing and small projects, do not expect your kids to learn reading, writing, or counting. It is simply not on the agenda yet (I believe, until they are seven) if you start with K. The pros: 1. Great kids, great families, good teachers. 2. It's a small school where you will know most people and kids, and they will know you (and your child!). 3. Hot lunch on Mondays and Fridays, and overall food is mostly natural, organic, and high-quality. 4. Good after school program. The cons: 1. A ton of breaks and service days when you would have to figure out what to do for childcare (many more than any other school I know!). 2. No academic focus whatsoever in K and first grade 3. Very little expectation - it is okay for kids to pretty much do nothing 4. Awful parking for drop-off & pick up

I can't say enough positive things about our family's experience at The Perkins School in Seattle…read more Our son joined as a 4th grader, and from day one it was clear he was genuinely known, supported, and cared for. I asked him recently what he liked most about Perkins, and he said, "the community -- I really liked the teachers and the kids." His teachers prioritized getting to know him; at our first parent-teacher conference, we were amazed when his teacher described details of his strengths and weaknesses the same way we would have. We watched his confidence grow as he was challenged in ways that felt supportive. That foundation has truly paid off--he's thriving in middle school, both academically and socially. We are forever grateful for the love and care the entire Perkins community showed our son and our family.

Our kids have loved their experience at Perkins! We've been at Perkins for five years now, and…read moreregularly make the 30-minute drive (one way) to school because it's such a wonderful place for our kids! Unlike many other independent schools, Perkins places a very high level of importance on building community within the school, and on the social and emotional health of each child. Perkins has a down-to-earth, kind and loving feel that runs through the faculty, staff, parent community and the kids. It's such a rare find! In addition to building a strong academic foundation for success, every Perkins student enjoys the experience of being truly known by every teacher, and most of the students know each other. This creates a truly "small town" community feel and one that is overwhelmingly positive! This school does differentiate for ability in the core subjects, and also provides enriching "specialist" subjects for a well-rounded overall education. We can't imagine our kids being anywhere else!

I love the inclusivity and care shown by the entire community here. So happy we chose them for our…read morefamily.

Giddens School centers the experience on our children- everything they need to learn, explore, and…read moregrow. It is so special to be part of this community. We have been part of the school for three years. Our daughter has grown so much from her time here. Academically, she is challenged by her teachers to think critically (even in kindergarten). The other day she asked if we wanted to make up math story problems at the dinner table, because Giddens encourages students to bring fun, creativity, and exploration into how they learn hard skills. Social and emotional learning is also a major focus for the school. Last week there was a talent show for the k-4th graders, and the amount of love, respect, and excitement the entire school showed to these brave and talented performers was incredibly moving. Giddens works hard to education future leaders, and it shows.

I attended SCDS from kindergarten to 5th grade. The facilities are pretty nice, with the middle…read moreschool and gym both being built within the last 10 years, and the rest of the buildings had been remodeled and taken care of regularly when I attended it. Most of the teachers there seemed to care about the kids, and tried their hardest. Special shoutout to the 4-5 science teacher, Doc O, who was my favorite teacher I have ever been lucky enough to have. Despite us only being in 4th and 5th grade, she always treated us like we were older. Her class taught me so much of what I know today. However, I didn't love all the teachers. I didn't really learn that much Spanish in their Spanish program. Plus, the administration there never seemed to get anything done. For example, I knew someone who was getting bullied. When I brought it up to the counselor, there was no punishment for the kid. Really? SCDS isn't strict enough. The school environment felt very elitist. Because the tuition is so high, the school is predominantly middle-upper class white kids. The school also only accept kids in the 97% percentile or better in IQ tests. White, smart rich kids. To be fair, almost all of the kids that I met there were really nice. Just the whole environment always felt a little snobby. Finally, coming out of SCDS, I felt like I jumped into a pool of cold water when I went into public school. The difference is night and day. If you are at SCDS right now, then I'm warning you if you are going into public schools any time during your life: it's totally different. In all, I liked this school. Maybe it wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I liked it. However, I didn't pay for it. If I was a parent, I'd send my kid to public school and save my 30k per year. Cheers!

No school is perfect, and SCDS is no exception, but I love the feel of it, the kids, the teachers,…read morethe playground, the parents. A lot of bright kids, and equally bright teachers. A warm sense of community and a surprisingly down-to-earth group of families.

Drive by some day…read more This private school has expanded and grown so much since I volunteered and worked at after school day care in the almost '80's! The child-centered philosophy and a ver small class size were very clear when I was there. Children were being introduced to languages at a young age,. Supervision and individual learning were paramount. I shall likely visit again, and you knwo what? I bet I give it 5 then.

Bertschi is an incredible school! They truly care about and invest deeply in students. Kids are…read moreembraced as whole people and are developed on an emotional and academic level. The teachers are dedicated, capable and passionate, and the administration adds to the collaborative community feeling. The opportunities kids have for unique learning experiences is amazing. A built in drama, art and music program fosters creative learning along with math, science, reading, etc. Small groups settings are in constant use to ensure each kid is getting the specific material and attention they need to be challenged and supported. Most of all, they foster a community that values kindness and inclusivity. We are a proud Bertschi family.

While we're not regularly enrolled at Spruce Street School, we've been participating in their…read moreSummer Camp program and couldn't be more impressed. The camp offers an outstanding balance of activities, care, and experiences that have thoroughly engaged my two children. The program's size is perfect - small enough for staff to know each child personally and provide detailed daily updates, yet large enough to foster new friendships and exciting group activities. During 'Games & Sports Week,' the activities were incredibly varied and well-organized, including: - City bus trips to parks and splash pads - A Tacoma Rainiers baseball game (via chartered bus) - Walks to the International Fountain - Ferry rides to Bainbridge Island - Water games - Visits to Golden Gardens Park The program includes lunch, and their pricing is competitive with, if not more affordable than, other local camps. Looking ahead, we're excited to explore their other themed weeks, such as Music and Theatre, Art, and Water Sports. The staff's dedication to each child's experience and well-being is evident, making this program truly exceptional. We'll definitely be returning next year. Thank you, Spruce Street School!

This school is terrible. this coming from someone who actually went there. The teachers give you no…read moreprivacy. barely teach you any math, they teach the weirdest stuff. DO NOT SEND YOUR KID HERE

My younger sister and I used to go to BF Day, and our baby sister goes there now, and let me tell…read moreyou, that is dang good school. It's a small-ish school (as most elementary schools are) in Fremont, near the Woodland Park Zoo. BF Day is rather diverse in all meanings of the word, and does a good job of teaching kids that everyone is important and loved. The parents are generally lovely, as are the teachers, though many of my favorite staff members have retired. It can be a bit of a hippy school, but that is far from a negative, it just encourages kids to explore their creative sides and embrace themselves. I haven't heard a single negative thing about BF Day, though I do know that due to some zoning issues, a lot of kids have lost their transportation, which is a majorly sucky, but I don't believe that the school is at fault there. tl;dr BF Day is pretty much the best and everyone who went there loved it

NOT CLOSED, people! Not at all! When I moved my boys and me…read morenorthward from Portland to Seattle, I had researched the "cluster" school system (never was a name more appropriate for a system or situation), though my research was clearly insufficient. Because I made certain that I moved into what I thought would be the perfect cluster for my kids' schooling needs and profile...I just failed to realize that would make no difference whatsoever to where they went to school. My boys are half hispanic, and I wanted very much to continue with the Spanish language education I only sporadically inflict on them at home. So I moved into the Laurelhurst-ish "cluster." What Seattle did not advertise is that its school zoning situation is not just a cluster, but the mother of all godforsaken clusters. They found no availability in any ONE school for both my boys. That's because clusters at the time were only "suggestions" of where kids could attend schools. Suggestions that were largely completely ignored, and no matter where you lived in Seattle, your kid could be bussed into nearly any zone at all. So you can basically move your family onto a tent settlement ATOP a particular school, and not be allowed to enroll in it until the 300-child wait list of kids from a school 15 miles away takes their priority. W, as the kids say, TF. So the last years have been a constant cluster indeed, with my boys in two different schools and and in and out of several. Having tried or toured quite a few schools in the area now, I can say, this one is my favorite elementary school in Seattle so far. My son has a wonderful teacher, Miss Jackson (and yes, it is so punishingly hard not to say, or at least think, "If you're nasty!" every time I say her name) who despite being forced, as all teachers are, to teach to a strict test curriculum imposed by the lowest-common-denominator-encouraging "No Child Left Behind" legislation, is still highly dynamic, wildly flexible, and very encouraging of creativity in all its manifestations. I absolutely love her, and I love the diversity of the students and the parents--a graceful blend of the privileged and the struggling, chaotic and the orderly, the uber-hippies and the uber-hipsters who all somehow manage to be very empathic and very likable. It also sits at just the right notch on the spectrum of academic rigor. We tried John Stanford International with Nico, and he called them "The Von Trapp Family Singers." Whistles to encourage hallway lineups? No talking in the corridors? Boys' and Girls' lines for 5th graders? No dark sarcasm? In the CLASSROOM?! Yikes. Plus every mom I met there without a single exception kind of gave me the impression that the only hard decision she has to make in any three-week period is whether to give her cook, nanny and housekeeper massages or Lush bars as holiday gifts. I'm extremely grateful for this school and for how happy Maximo is to attend it. Teaching excellence here is clearly valued, as is parental involvement. If you're in the area AND in the market for an elementary school, stop in and say hi. They're great people.

I like the teacher student ratio 12 to 1 specifically for those kiddos that might need extra help…read morefrom the teacher.

My child was called a wetback and nothing was done to resolve the issue. Then staff continuously…read moreretaliated against my child. Do not send your kid here