Research Kirk Elementary School public Schools in Seattle, Washington

“Huge class sizes and very poor physical building! Classrooms are tiny; lunch is eaten in classrooms as there is no room large enough for a lunchroom; no storage for kids or teachers materials; poor technology integration in curriculum. My kids have had 29+ kids in class since Gr 1! Some great teachers though and very involved core group of parents. No real leadership at the top.”

“We are new to the area & our experience has been great! Many of the prior comments are based on DISTRICT problems. The PTSA is amazing and not just a 'money' aspect. I strongly feel a PTSA can make or break a school. They are in charge of before and after school activities, such as Science Adventures, foreign languages, jump rope class, chess club and more. They also organize skate night, egg drop, end of year carnival, science fair, art gallery walk and much, much more!! The parents that I have met are warm and caring. The teachers are excellent. The math curriculum is poor, but again this is a DISTRICT issue, not just P.K.'s alone. I see more pros than cons at this school! My kids love it and we agree!”

“We are would-be parents, but my child's chances at full-time kindergarten were thrown to luck in the school's lottery. We were among dozens of parents who were turned away from Peter Kirk for the 2008-2009 school year, because of lack of space. If you are considering moving to the Norkirk, West of Market, or Highlands areas near Kirkland, you should be aware that your child may not have the opportunity to attend full-day kindergarten. Although half-day kindergarten is available, you will not be informed whether or not your child will be in am or pm kindergarten until a few months from the start of the school year, when it's a scramble to make arrangements. The district and school have not shown signs that they are trying to find a solution, so count us as underimpressed. You would think a 'highly performing' district and school would place more emphasis on early education.”

“In reading the reviews from some of the parents, I find it hard to believe our kids attend the same school that they so negatively portray. Peter Kirk is a great school with lots of parent support and mix of talented and average teachers. What makes it special is its location in downtown Kirkland and the involvement of its families. My advice to the parents who complained about the school is to get involved and change the things you don't like. Otherwise, take a look at global education and see how privileged our children are.”

“This is our first year and I am terribly disappointed. From the mediocre curriculum, lack of enthusiasm from the teachers and a Principal who doesn't follow through. The PTA is the only strong force in the school - but that is not our children's education - that is all about the money. Being that it is centrally located in such an affluent area, you would expect more.”

“Peter Kirk is a school that needs alot of improvement. The staff and teacher seem like zombies going through their day. It is a cold damp school with the same attitude. The curriculum is poor, or poorly approached as well as extra curricular activities. This school should be revamped inside out.”

“This school is what I expected; An average school with potential. There is a strong parent community and so far my child s teacher is excellent. The leadership needs to be scrutinized though. The Principal does not impress me. The PTSA seem to have done a huge amount of progress in the math section. Parents at PK overall are wonderful. There is a mix of education, income level etc, and so far I have been extremely impressed with parents organizing classroom enrichment and the warmth from parents, once you get to know them.”

“It is unfortunate but this is not the school I was expecting to be. The principal is mediocre and the teacher I have now is mediocre as well. There hasn't been one thing to prove me wrong. We need better leaders to lead our kids.”

“Funding in LWSD seems tight. Research projects required very little challenge in upper grades, weeks were given to complete these assignments.My children appeared bored here, this is unusual for them. There are very strong bonds among friends and if you are not included from pre school, chances are you will not be accepted here. There is a false kindness among the parents that reveals itself as time passes and leaves my family unimpressed.”

“An excellent school, lots of teamwork, nurturing safe & inclusive academic environment that allows all students to be excel to the best of their ability. They provide much more that basic academics, they provide an enriched environment for all to thrive. It's a rich environment of inclusion for all, where each student matters and every student can succeed and be the best they can be. It is an inclusive community and learning environment, not an exclusive one.”

“Too bad they mix their students together and not separate academically challenged kids from strong kids. Otherwise, most of their teachers so far have been excellent. The parent involvement is great, which makes this school wonderful.”

“As much as we love the teachers and staff there is a lack of quality math teaching and very limited science which to me, contributes to a great school. Afterschool programs are few and most (languages and art) are hard to get if you don't submit you paperwork on day one. Unfortunately, there is no category to rate academics but I would rate that as a 2.”