Green Lake Elementary School in Seattle, Washington

“We have two children at this school. They are doing VERY well. The diversity of abilities among the children in the total community has a very positive impact on the children's image of themselves. Very strong parent involvement. Creative use of open concept school allows children at different ages and stages to be challenged by their environment, to overcome distractions and develop their abilities to maintain focus and sharpen their executive funtion skills. Before school Spanish class has been very good. I do wish there was imersion throughout the day in a model less high powered than our neighbors to the south.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am impressed with how this school meaningfully and wholly involves children with various levels of disabilities. It is heartening to see children with and without disabilities working alongside each other. While class sizes are quite manageable in size (20-25) for the lower grades, differentiation of instruction is not a concern of this school's curricular design. Teachers at this school are not encouraged to teach creatively in order to meet each student's needs. Rather, it is a simplistic approach to meeting the minimum requirements of the District (i.e. kids completing assignments over truly learning the material). It is a classic case of fitting all kids into the bell curve: Bring the top down and the bottom up so everyone fits into an easy package. It's not about teaching children, it's about making teachers' jobs easier. I'm not impressed. But the people are nice if that's what's important to you.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are in our last year at Green Lake and will be very sad to say 'goodbye' as we move on to middle school. Green Lake has been a great neighborhood school; many wonderful teachers (a couple of clunkers, but that's true everywhere), strong administration, and super community. The kids all know one another, and teachers are great with looping, mixed-aged classes, and the open classroom; all have been great experiences for our child. I would happily recommend Green Lake to anyone, but I especially want to keep the neighborhood school concept strong, so I hope other families in the area will consider it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is fantastic. Kindergarten programs and teachers are wonderful. Parents and overall school community are a force to be reckoned with. The school is warm and inviting. Mornings are a flurry of chatter and togetherness as you will spot many parents conversing in the halls (everyone is so friendly) and kids eager to get to class and begin the day. The phys ed Ms.Sipes is so great with the kids. This year I had the opportunity to watch her teach the Kindergarten kids the fundamentals of water safety and beginner swim during swimming time, and I must say this was truly a delight. The kids all love and respest her. Mr.Hanson (Kindergarten teacher) rocks. My son simply adored this man and he really cares about the kids. I can't wait for my daughter to start this school next year!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had 2 kids go through Green Lake aand we love the community feel and the wonderful range of programs offered.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our first grader loves Green Lake. His class looped with their K-teacher allowing wonderful continuity with a terrific teacher - kids and parents agree! While the open classroom our son is in poses some challenges when the kids get verbally excited, it also teaches them to respect the other classes and their need for controlled voices so that everyone may learn. Our has discovered the artist in him this year and loves the afterschool chess club. I can't say enough about the parent involvement: in classrooms, before/after school activities, and PTA activities. We are a close knit community that welcomes new faces into the family!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son absolutely loves Green Lake Elementary. His teacher, Mr Hansen has had a wonderful influence on his excitement over school. Keep up the good work!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Teachers at Green Lake use the newest cutting edge curricula and have exceptional math, writing and science programs. Excellent parent involvement in a caring environmnent where students treat all with respect.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I regret sending my child to this elementary school- the principal is ineffective, the classrooms are dingy, and the quality of education my child is receiving is sub-standard. We have decided to have our child attend another area school next year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have a kindergartener at Green Lake and overall we have been disappointed in the following: lack of attention to the individual, amount of time devoted to discliplining a few children at the cost of educating the others, lack of principle support to assist a large class with some discipline problems, yelling in the classroom and lack of focus on the arts and building confidence in students. The parent community is very smart, invloved and dedicated!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have two students at Green Lake Elementary- a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. They have greatly benefitted from their experience. This is a well rounded school. Green Lake Elementary has great programs for the kids who need extra help as well as those that need to be challenged. Their test scores show this. One example of their teacher's ingenuity- the kids go to a nursing home and read to or be read to by the residents. We have a strong, supporting PTA that is involved with the kids. They've been very helpful to new parents- the teachers, principal and staff have always been very cooperative and helpful. Our kids have greatly enjoyed the music program, after school sports, and drama. Overall this is a wonderful school that our Preschooler is excited about attending in 2006.”
This review was posted by a parent.