The Evergreen School in Seattle, Washington

“This is an amazing school that served both of my children well even though they have very different learning styles. The program was excellent at preparing my eldest child for high school at Lakeside both in terms of academic rigor and organizational skills. In fact the Evergreen program allowed for placement (through testing at Lakeside) into higher level classes in language and math as a 9th grader. The arts and academic programs are a perfect fit for my youngest child - all in a safe and nurturing social environment. The teachers are excellent and in touch with the needs of each child. They work hard at, and succeed at, providing academic challenge, while helping the children develop the organizational skills needed in high school and college. I can't say enough great things about Evergreen. It is a wonderful place to learn and to grow.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our middle schooler has been at The Evergreen School since kindergarten, and the school may just be one of the best things that s ever happened to her. As an unusually bright, sensitive child and an extreme perfectionist, she is easily bored by insufficiently challenging academics and tends to place unreasonable demands upon herself. After decades of experience with gifted children with similar intellectual appetites and emotional quirks, this school gets her completely. The faculty have been quick to evaluate her scholastic needs and have kept her challenged and engaged. As a result she is working years ahead of grade level in math and has writing and presentation skills beyond those of many college students. What s marvelous though, is that the faculty has accomplished this by harnessing her own drive and enthusiasm, rather than subjecting her to stressful, competitive performance pressure.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Evergreen has been a wonderful fit for our family! Our kids have consistently loved going to school and are challenged without feeling pushed. Evergreen is very nurturing and puts a high premium on the emotional development of the kids. The teachers are caring and creative and the community is wonderful.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Evergreen is a school that has their values in the right place. They value the whole child and consider social development and emotional well-being to be critical to academic success. They do not focus on performance and outcomes (though I have been very impressed with the work my children have produced there) but on encouraging children to be intrinsically motivated and to love learning. Parents who want to see their kids working many grade-levels ahead will be disappointed. Most kids work one or two grade levels ahead, but more emphasis is placed on breadth and depth of study. This means that kids get more out of each grade level. The program is also very rich in terms of specialists: 3 world languages are offered starting in kindergarten; child-centered music program, fine arts, environmental stewardship, many levels of diversity, some of it obvious by looking at their staff and students, world culture...”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very disappointed with this school... I don't find this school to be a school for 'gifted' children. Some are struggling with academics and have behavior problems. Some of the teachers are incompetent and emotionally hurtful to children. Many of the teachers seem burnt out. Surprisingly, the administration did nothing about some of these teachers for over 10 years even though the parents complained year after year. One thing they do offer is good extracurricular activities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is in her 5th year at Evergreen and started in their pre-school program. She absolutely loves it there and truly has a love and curiosity for learning. They approach the 'whole child' with an emphasis on social and emotional development in addition to a well-rounded and elastic curriculum. She is challenged and exposed to many cultures, languages and perspectives to nurture and become a citizen-of-the-world. As a parent, I've felt the parent body, teachers and administrators to be very inclusive--It's not about socio-economic status. Each of my daughter's teachers over the years are so connected with my daughter--it's as if they know her heartbeat--and that's helped with her educational and social development. We will probably stay there thru 8th grade.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“About 5 years ago, Evergreen made a questionable hire for the head of their primary division. This may explain some people's negative experiences in communicating with the administration. That person is gone and a great replacement has been in for a few years. We have experienced many wonderful examples of newer teachers (2-4 years at Evergreen). I think the school has done a good job in recent years of letting go of the 'duds' and keeping the gems. Overall, the teacher turnover is low and there are many gifted teachers at this school! The teachers understand the kids on many levels. The few teachers we have had problems with are gone. The school is always working to improve what they can without losing what is working!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Focused on learning about the world not just America. Small class sizes. Engaged teachers that bring out the kids' potential. Our son is loving math and science!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child attended Evergreen for a number of years. The only 'gifted' education my child received was in German. The school no longer offers German and the fabulous teacher is gone. The math and science was below standard for every grade my child attended. It was nothing different from what is found at any good public school (I know I checked every good public school). The language arts offerings were better, especially with a good teacher in first grade. But overall our experience was very disappointing. We made huge sacrifices to pay the tuition and my child was not challenged. If you donate big $ to the school the administration will be keen to hear your concerns about the education of your child. If you don't give generously you can forget anyone listening. Save your money and go to Seattle's APP program. It is far more challenging and it's free.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Disappointing. We've had many discussions with our child's teachers and have met nothing but resistance when we've asked for instruction and work at our child's skill level. As a result, our child does work that she could do literally years ago and has become increasingly upset about going to school. The teachers we've encountered seem to believe that no changes need to be made and that work a year ahead of grade level is sufficient for everyone. We've also been surprised at how wild the students often are. We've seen no attempt to teach children the courtesy of being quiet in the hall so as not to disturb other classes. Severely disruptive children are allowed to continue on at the school year after year, making it difficult for both teachers and other”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is very strong, but uneven. The best teachers have left, and other really good ones are nearing retirment. There are still some exceptional teachers, and if your child has them you cannot ask for more. However, there are other teachers that are very mediocre and then it is a collosal waste of family financial resources. The way to 'game the system' is to know who the good teachers are and make sure your child gets them. Although there are many very bright students at this school, there are also plenty of students that do not seem gifted at all. I guess they are all bright enough. THe middle school is the best part of the school. It develops the child socially, as well as academically. With monthly middle school social activities, everyone who wants to be is socially included.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Having been at Evergreen for years, I endorse the comment that many of the best teachers are now gone and the replacements have been mixed. The administration is unresponsive to many parents concerns and has failed to fix the long-standing inadequacy of the math program at all levels. I would not send a child there now.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“After looking at numerous public and private schools in the Seattle area - both for highly capable students and otherwise I feel very fortunate that my son is going to Evergreen. The school is nurturing and supportive. The children appeared to be 'stretched' academically not 'stressed' and from what I understand are well prepared for schools like Lakeside. I was attracted to the school's approach to learning - learning as 'fun'. Students in my son's classroom have different strengths - some students are working up two grade levels above in math while others are working grade levels above in reading. All appear to be challenged by course work at their level. I was also interested in my son honing is social skills. The school is accomplishing both and is open to suggests and discussions on how to tweak things as well for the specific needs of a student.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are happy to be part of this incredible community. My daughters have very different learning styles, yet each has thrived here. The teachers are exceptionally talented and dedicated. They really KNOW my kids and stretch each to learn in her own way. Along with outstanding academic education, there is a big focus on social and emotional development, with an atmosphere of mutual respect, curiosity, and inquiry among students, teachers, staff, and parents. The school community is supportive and inclusive. There is economic, racial, family-structure, and other diversity, along with a strong emphasis to increase diversity even more. Before- and after-care programs and summer programs are great. Expansive, safe campus. Big emphasis on each person's place in and responsibility for the world, especially regarding the environment, other countries, and how we treat each other every day. The school is thriving, and so are we, in large part because of it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I find the school a center of excellence in the greater Seattle area. My children receive an excellent education tailored to their abilities and learning styles. You get what you pay for, and with Evergreen you get that and more!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Public image of the school and quality of education is overrated. Some good teachers retired, left, or were even encouraged to leave. School is lacking core of great teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We had high hopes for Evergreen. The school talks a good talk about meeting the needs of different kids. The reality has played out somewhat differently. I now understand first-hand why some families of exceptionally gifted children have left the school. Evergreen does a passable job with the less gifted kids, which is a majority of their population. They do not seem willing to make any accommodations for kids who are achieving years beyond their grade level, however, regardless of how much the child herself may ask for it. Our daughter is really frustrated that the teacher 'won't let' her learn anything. When we requested that the teacher separate the class into groups to be able to give her and some other kids more appropriate work, the teacher refused. What's the point of 15 kids in a class if they're all doing the same thing regardless of level?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Evergreen has been a wonderful school for my daughter and has met most things on my checklist. There is a huge commitment to diversity. The teachers go above and beyond what we were hoping for. The Global Studies program is really in-depth. My daughter 'lucked into' a great class of smart, friendly, compassionate kids and we will be very sad when Graduation day rolls around. However, if your kid needs any sort of extended education (acceleration, harder material, etc.) be aware that some teachers are more ready to try this than others. Also, there is no sort of behavior and special ed program, but there are some excellent counselors on hand. All in all, two minor blips on an otherwise fantastic school. (And did I mention the beautiful campus and huge environmental awareness program?)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have been very happy with the quality of education at Evergreen. They focus on global responsibilty, and have found a way to be leaders in our community. My son is thriving and getting so much out of his education. They do an excellent job at focusing on the child's individual qualties and needs. I really like their World Language progam, and am seeing a lot of improvement in arts and music too.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great teachers and lots of opportunities to broaden the minds of kids growing up in a global world. We love the focus on international studies, and languages other than English. A very diverse community and not just for those in the very high income bracket.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Good afterschool programs and great families. As for academics we thought it was overrated. It was difficult to measure any progress with our kids since they don't give traditional grades and don't believe in standardized testing (except to get in). The school has experienced growing pains and may have lost their way but overral it is still a good school. As long as you don't set you expectations too high you won't be dissapointed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school for gifted students. Our daughter was nurtured by some fantastic teachers in the younger grades and then invigorated and challenged by a rigorous program and energetic teachers in the upper grades. The school gradually increases expectations and responsibilities as they children get older, and the ability of my child to be an independent worker, to be proud of her achievements and tolerant of her mistakes is amazing. She is a good team worker, loves to learn, and is ready to confidently enter the world. The music and sports programs have improved immensely, especially after the school built a gym and small theater. Exceptional after-school program, especially chess. The campus is beautiful, and there is a good focus on being environmentally responsible. Wonderful parent body - diverse, tolerant, fun people committed to helping make the school great.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My family has had wonderful experiences here the last four years. It's a fallacy to think that all highly capable children learn the same way and at the same pace so I wonder about the expectations some of these parents who've submitted negative reviews had coming into the school? No school is perfect but I know that my children love going to school, are progressing at or above their grade level, and are learning about themselves and the world around them in unique and varied ways. The teachers are dedicated and skilled. The narrative assessments we receive twice a year are detailed and informative. We are not a wealthy family and have made sacrifices to send our children here without regret. Rather than rely on anonymous reviews, however, that can sometimes be skewed with sour grapes schedule a visit and see for yourself. I've found it a wonderful place.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Two of our children attended the Evergreen School from Pre-K through 4th Grade. Our experience was uniformly excellent. We especially liked the emphasis on individual learning styles, critical thinking skills, and social/emotional development. The school's strong focus on sustainability and global studies were also important to our family. My wife and I both did a lot of volunteering at the school, and this did a lot to enhance our understanding and appreciation of Evergreen's unique and abiding strengths.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our family is in our second year at Evergreen School and have had a wonderful experience thus far. We started at another school and had difficult mornings of stomach-aches and not wanting to go to school. At Evergreen, these issues dissolved and our child is thriving socially and intellectually. We feel lucky to be a part of this community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our daughter has been at the Evergreen School since 2005 and we have totally loved it. The teachers stand out as an incredible asset; the school does a great job attracting and retaining incredibly talented teachers, in part by setting high standards but also giving teachers freedom in the classroom within the performance expectations. The school's focus on social and emotional growth as a key complement to academics has shown through as unique among independent schools in Seattle (multiple full time counselors on staff who run friendship circles and contribute to the curriculum across the board. On the practical side, the after care program is second to none in it flexibility -- a no fuss approach to supporting families with after school care needs. And the after school activities at school are so terrific, it makes it hard not to over-schedule the little munchkins.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I had two children that went to Evergreen from Preschool through 6th grade. Overall I think the quality of the academic programs in the early elementary grades was very strong. I was much less impressed with the middle school. In my opinion there are some really amazing teachers, and there are some real duds. I also feel it's well known who the duds are, but not much is done to get rid of them. We loved the community feel of the school. There is lots of parental involvement and lots of different ways to be involved. Our main reason for leaving was finacial. We have a third child, and we could not afford to enroll them, so we decided to move everyone to public school. We are very happy with that decision. The arts at Evergreen are excellent. Afterschool sports opportunities are much better at public school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We were recommended to this school by Dr. Fred Provenzano after he evaluated our first grader. We are extremely happy with the school. It requires a bit more of parent involvement than most, but worth it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Evergreen is a good academic school for gifted children, but our experience was that it lacked attention to the social interactions of the children and that caused some very hurtful and problematic situations. In particular for our child, there were others who shunned the newcomer and much exclusion that the teacher and staff did not deal with at all. It was well into the year when we discovered this as our child did not say anything about it, and we had to pressure the school to do anything to try to remedy the situation, or apologize in a meaningful way. I belive it left a very lasting impact on this young person. I would be very careful to check this school out before sending a student here; perhaps they're paying more attention to this now.”
This review was posted by a parent.