Research John Sedgwick Junior High School Public Schools in Seattle, Washington

“Segwick Jr. High is the worst school I have had the unfortunate experience of working with. I have moved my family several times to schools across the country. The STEP program is a waste of time. Most students choose to be on steps 1 or 2 just so they do not have to pay attention in class. The teachers, overall, do not care about their students and just give out assignments without teaching. With rare few classes for academically inclined students, this school is one that I wish my daughter would not have attended. I suggest Marcus Whitman Jr. High, or any other school but Sedgwick.”

“We've been disappointed with our experience in the last two years at Sedgwick. The academics have been unchallenging, grading criteria often structured in ways that do not capture the child's true efforts in the class, and most teachers do not use the ClassNotes.com tool consistently (making it difficult for parents to truly be active partners in the process). The school also seems to deal with frequent disciplinary issues that create ongoing disruptions in the classrooms. Administration is not immediately responsible to inquiries, and seem inconsistent and reactive in their application of policy.”

“I am about to go into the 8th grade at this school. For the most part it is a great school, the step program doesnt really do anything. The student body leaves some to be desired not a lot but a little.”

“We have a son just finishing three years at this school and another just beginning there in the fall. Overall, we have been pretty happy with the school. The counseling office concept should be re-thought. The teachers overall are educated, committed to teaching, and well liked by the students. More teachers should be using the technology tools our tax dollars are paying for. Communication with busy families is right at the click of a button and most don't use the on-line web-based tools they've been provided. Overall, I would recommend this school though. Our first one through really enjoyed it.”

“My son is a special education student at this Jr. High. I have been actively involved with special education for years and I am absolutely delighted with the programs that he can participate in. He is actively participating in regular classrooms and enjoys going to school. (Even though he is non-verbal.) I also am actively involved with the Kitsap County Parent Coalition. They provide training and education (through PAVE) for understanding the IEP process. Knowing what can be provided and what you can do to help, will help your child and teacher communicate your child's progress. Remember, you are the Expert on your child, and this is one school that will listen!”

“Their 504 program is a nightmare and the STEP program shouldn't be allowed. On the other hand, they have quite a few top-notch teachers, a very active group of parent volunteers, and the school is clean and well-cared for. Overall, given the slim resources and giant student population, they do strive for quality - except in a few spots. The student population, on the other hand, is rough-mouthed, naive, racist, homophobic, and has no idea what it takes to succeed in the world. But that's the fault of the parents, not the school.”

“The STEP program is ridiculous. Follow up from administrators and teachers is laughable. I actually hand delivered notes to each teachers box that I wished to speak with, left 5 messages in an 8 day period to speak to my son's counselor and received no return call from counselor, one teacher called, one sent mail. Overall the entire organization seems completely chaotic, reminiscent of 'just who is running this asylum?' One teacher actually seemed totally okay with the fact that her class average grade was a 54%. Unbelievable. There are a couple of good ones (Ms. Matthews is one).”

“Sedgwick Jr. High is lacking in quality leadership, this principal is not an on hands educator. As quoted to me by teachers 'the principals duties are solely administrative'. Additionally Sedgewick fails to meet the needs of many special education students ie: lack of quality tutors, lack in quantity of tutors. Sedgwicks policy on discipline is counter productive, they have no problem removing special education students who are failing from the classroom for the smallest of infractions placing them in a room for hours causing the kids to miss other required courses. Many times they fail to contact a parent or relative to inform them of these actions. I have found that admistrators at Sedgwick act worse than the children we pay them to educate, many disagreements between teacher/student boil down to personality conflicts or the fact the teacher is simply having a bad day.”

“Academically I think Sedgwick is a good school. They have a nice variety of classes to choose from and I like the 7th graders program in which they kind of get to 'sample' future class choices throughout the year. They don't get a choice as to which ones they are and actually I've liked that because they have had to take classes that they normally wouldn't have chosen (drama, cooking, art, languages) and have even liked some of them. The principal is doing a great job and it's easy to get to know him as his presence is seen at functions all the time. Volunteers are made to feel very welcome at the school and the coordinator is always on top of things. One thing they have there that I don't care for is the 'Make your day' program. Students and teachers give or take points based on whether they stayed on task, got their work done etc. If they don't 'make their day' they can get a phone call home or have to talk to a councelor etc. They spend too much time on this and I don't think it's very effective. All in all it's a good school and I'm glad my kids go/went there.”

“This school is one of the first to implement the new 2008 graduation requirements. The staff at Sedgwick work as a team incoorperating the opinions of parent's, student's and the community.”

“It's not a very good school. I like the mojority of my teachers, but...there is way to much prejudice and stereotyping going on from the students and some teachers. And that is NOT cool. It really effects the educational well-being and the secure atmosphere that should be there. Makes a lot of students self conscious and makes them feel the need to change themselves. Not good, not good at all.”