Eastside Preparatory School in Seattle, Washington

“I thought I should put a review in for Eastside Prep since my soon to be ninth grader can't wait to go back next week. They seem dedicated to both academic rigor AND a committment to reaching every child in a way that is much more enjoyable. This school is very responsive to the needs of both students and parents. My son is happy, and his dad and I are happy. It's expensive, but having experienced Public K-12 in three different top public schools districts with my other child, I know that EPS is worth every cent. I'm investing in my son's future. The difference in quality between our public school experiences and EPS is huge. I haven't had kids at any other Seattle area private school, but I would be surprised if any were as open, flexible, and vibrant as this newer one.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has just completed his 5th year at Eastside Prep. He made the decision not to remain in the public school or to follow his siblings into another private school. It was the best decision he could have made. If you are looking for something other than the cookie cutter education offered in the public schools; if you expect a responsive caring, and effective administration and faculty; and if your student is curious and ready to learn, then take a serious look at all that EPS has to offer.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Eastside Prep provides my son with a challenging academic program that is also highly supportive of his emotional needs. We could not imagine a better learning environment for him.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son started at Eastside Prep this year, and we couldn't be happier. This is a school with the best of many worlds: teachers and administrators with longstanding experience in the area of independent education, brought together into a community with a fresh, energetic approach to learning. This school puts into action what many other local private schools speak to only in brochures. At Eastside Prep, there truly is a multidisciplinary, experiential approach to learning. The faculty is absolutely dedicated to ensuring that each student is engaged with school and learning academic material in meaningful and enduring ways.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very pleased with Eastside Prep. My son has been a student here since sixth grade. He is now entering ninth grade. He is thriving in the small classes and loves the class trips, clubs and newly established summer programs. Eastside Prep is a great environment for learning.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I really like this school for my daughter. She has been here since 6th grade. She feels very safe here and I see her trying new things because she is not afraid the other kids or teachers will laugh at her failure. She is doing well academically. She has made some really nice friends. She is doing some extra curricular activities. She loves the class trips. I know she would be lost at a large public school. Here she is a leader.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a child who has been at EPS for one year. There were other choices - more established schools in Seattle, but my child chose this school because it felt like the right match. It was a great choice. I am confident that despite its newness, this school rates with any of the top private city schools. Yet because it is up and coming, there is energy, motivation, and openness with which a highly established school would find it impossible to compete. The teachers have superb backgrounds - highly able educators were probably naturally attracted to a new, innovative institution. The student body seems to have a nice feel to it. Lots of commeraderie, yet no visible cliques that I can see. The kids appear to feel safe about being themselves. Pretty refreshing for this age group.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In the years we ve been at Eastside Prep I ve seen the school mature into the promised academic leader - inspiring students by understanding how they learn and focusing on growing the entire person. My son has said that he knows he is going to a great school and that his teachers really care about him. I believe that the advisor program, close work with administration and small classes let the teachers really get to know who he is, understand his potential and goals and then help him develop his strengths and address his weaknesses. I particularly appreciate the school s support of extracurricular activities. My son is an enthusiastic participant in the performing arts program which has tripled its performances in the last three years. He enjoys making a direct contribution to a growing program and the unique opportunities only a smaller focused school offers. I m an enthusiastic Eastside Prep parent.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have two kids at Eastside prep, who are very different. The school has helped each of our children succeed in very different ways, which is indicative of the overall approach and quality of the education they provide. Here's a recent experience we had. At the beginning of 07/08 school year, our daughter was having a tough time in 8th grade science. She was losing confidence and definitely not interested, nearly failing a few tests. We had several conversations with her advisor and with the teacher about how we could help her, and how the school could engage her more effectively. To make a long story short, she finished the year energized about science and with a very good final grade! The community involvement at the school is also excellent. We could not be more pleased with how the school operates, delivering a great education to kids at all levels.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two kids at Eastside Prep. They are very different and they are both flourishing. They are challenged academically. The teachers take the time to work with them to keep them challenged. One child has some learning issues and the teachers have been great with accommodations. As other reviews point out, the school is still growing. But we like that it is taking a new approach to learning and teaching that is focused on teaching thinking skills and not just memorizing a lot of things kids can find on the internet in a few minutes anyway. The location is also very convenient. Right now our oldest is going through college selection process and the one-on-one college counseling has been incredible.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We've been at Eastside Prep for four years. It's a small, private school in Kirkland. The teachers and administration are great and the curriculum is challenging. As a new school (5 years old) it's still growing and changing. If you're looking for an established school with years of tradition EPS won't be for you. If you're looking for a school open to new ideas where each student has a chance to make an impact then take a look at EPS. Yes, it's costly like any private school in the area but it's something different and new, open minded, engaging and always challenging.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is definetly improving, but for the current expensive price tag and average academics, your child would benefit more at a more developed private school or even the local public schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child applied here, and got accepted. The funny thing is that he applied in August and immediatly accepted him. Showing their desparate need of students. Like most private schools that try to have a better academic program than the public schools or even some of the more well-known private schools in Seattle, Eastside Preparatory falls a short. The education is not that much different from the best public schools in that area. If you are thinking of sending your child here, you need visit the school with your child and really evaluate it there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have mixed feelings about this school. While some of their ideas might be great, the implementation isn't always as wonderful. Also, it seems to be hit or miss as to whether your child will be placed with a quality, experienced teacher or one not quite so talented. Are there truly talented staff members who really care about your kid? Yes. Are all of them of as high a caliber? Sadly, no. Some school policies are adhered to regularly, some are not, and some only appear to apply to some of the students. Overall, there is no difference between this school and an average public school, except for the $20,000+ price tag.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Eastside Prep is now in their 5th year, and next year will serve grades 5 - 12. My daughter is in her third year there (8th grade). Their greatest strengths: interdisciplinary teaching, focus on teaching skills in the way that science tells us kids learn best: engaged, asking questions, presenting their information to groups, and using projects geared to several different styles of learning (mathematic, artistic, linguistic, interpersonal, etc.) The faculty is an engaged, energetic, thinking, caring group who truly know and care about each kid at the school. School is small enough that kids can really make a mark, and big enough to offer a range of learning and extracurricular opportunities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an up and coming school on Seattle's east side. Although fairly new it's success is due to the fact that it is well run and has a great administrative and teaching staff. Eastside Prep offers a high quality education delivered via a challenging and innovative curriculum. Small class sizes and individual attention are a big plus.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The classes are strong and the teachers are first class. The learning environment encourages the best from the kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a challenging school where each child is treated as an individual. I am greatly impressed with how well the administration, teachers and parents have been working together to create a wonderful environment for learning. My son is doing very well and is very happy there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“At Eastside Prep with a low student population it is assured that each student gets the attention he or she needs. The curriculum is quite challenging and is centered around a big question. I have been here for 2 years and am loving it! I have made so many friends and have learned a lot. Please send your child to Eastside Prep for a better education, and we promise you won't be sorry! Anonymous Current Student”
This review was posted by a student.