Research Open Window School private Schools in Seattle, Washington

“Open Window School has a spectacular setting and grounds with large play fields and beautiful views. The buildings are newer than most schools and in very good condition. Unfortunately, there are some less stellar aspects of the school as well. The teachers my child had seemed inexperienced and disorganized. This school was a disappointment to us.”

“I really agree that the grounds and buildings are stellar. Some of the teachers do not maintain classroom discipline well. I did not feel that the teachers communicated well when problems arose. This is not a school I would pick.”

“Both my children attended Open Window School and they loved it! The nurturing environment, fantastic teachers and a supportive administration made this an amazing place for my children to grow and learn. As a parent, I felt that each one of their teachers cared about them as individuals and really made an effort to meet their academic and social needs. The curriculum in the middle school, Vista Academy, makes me want to go back to school! Definitely check out this school for your gifted child.”

“This is the best, best school I've attended in my life. The teachers are so nice and everybody works together. The teacher does a very good job of keeping each child at his/her own pace. The facillities are excellent and the view is just gorgeous. I love it and would recommend it to any other parent who asked for a good school in the Eastside. Excellent!”

“The good things about OWS: *The administration and the head of school are fantastic and are very supportive of students and their families. *The school has a warm nurturing environment and the teachers make every effort for students to be accepted among their peers. The not-so-good things about OWS: *The curriculum is 'moderately accelertated' and this is stressed by the administration. Consequently students who are exceptionally bright do not feel challenged. My daughter enjoyed OWS but she did not find it challenging. *The teachers are not told student's IQ's are not privy to IQ reports. This is in contrast to UCDS where they believe teachers should be aware of student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. We moved our daughter to Seattle Country Day for the stronger academic curriculum. She is much more challenged at Country Day and the science program is head and shoulders above OWS.”

“Open Window has an excellent Head of School who really cares about every single student. The teachers are all supportive and caring towards their students and this is why our child has loved every minute of her 7 year journey at the school. It has been an excellent investment and we are very proud to be parents at the school.”

“Our child was so well prepared for middle school and is thriving after her elementary school years at Open Window School. The small classes, nuturing faculty, and challenging curriculum kept her engaged and loving school. Open Window inspired her and was the beginning of her lifetime journey of a love of learning.”

“This is a school where teachers and staff knock themselves out to support children academically, socially and emotionally. The school constantly reflects on its program to make sure it is offering the best experience possible for its students.”

“This has been the worst school that my child has attended. While the academics are fine, the high teacher turnover undermines discipline and interferes with academic curriculum consistency. The teachers do not maintain classroom order or support children that are picked on. There does not appear to be any consistent disciplinary plan. The middle school has no electives.”

“I graduated in 2001. OWS has definately shaped my life for the better instilling a love of learning that I am sure that I would not have retained at any other elementary school. I cannot give an accurate representation of extracurricular activities, but when I was at the school there were only one or two a year. The drama, and music programs were great, and parent involvement, which is required from each family, was extremely high. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, really hands on learning and I learned to love group work (which none of my friends in high school do). I remember waking-up every day excited to go to school and for the day, I can certainly say that this no longer happens, at least not everyday. Anyone who loves to learn and play with others must go to this school.”

“Fantastic. My son started this year in 5th grade and will continue on to Vista Academy. The Math and Science programs are very strong, class size small, the faculty go out of their way to make sure the children fit it and are respected. This allows the children to be comfortable in their environment and focus on academics. We've had our son in private, academic, top rated schools in both Berkeley CA & London UK. This school is by far the best for him.”

“Our family highly recommends OWS to families looking for an elementary school which focuses on gifted education. This is our daugther's sixth year and our son's second year at OWS. There are so many reasons to love this school! The classes have a maximum of 18 students with a highly trained teacher and full-time assistant. This allows for more small group and one-on-one work with the teacher than a larger classroom with only one teacher. Our daughter is challenged academically and supported socially by her teachers and the rest of the OWS staff. She also enjoys the specialists' programs - drama, music, Spanish, art, computers, and movement. The parents are very involved at the school.”

“Highly academic program. Very diverse group of students. Teachers are very excited about teaching.”

“This is a great school. We've been here for eigh years and had a fantastic experience. The teachers are amazing and the program is very rich and exciting. The school offers a great community of wonderful, committed parents. The campus is brand new and beautiful.”

“My friend's daughter is there. She said it is the best school in eastside. Each kid is taught at her own level so she is fully challenged. They provide very neat enviornment. They have very good music and sports facility. Parents involves a lot at school.”