Research West Woodland Elementary School public Schools in Seattle, Washington

“My son has been at West Woodland for two years and he loves it. My son has learned so much in being in Ms Manley's class. It is a great class for learning subjects as well as having good behavior towards others. The teachers have been very supportive and communicate with me often, whether his behavior is good or bad. I truly loved Math nights. It was so much fun to have fifth graders teaching me math games. Janet Meyer”

“Do not be fooled by the one single award the school has received. This is a very traditional, discipline-driven school where individuality is discouraged, and bad (very bad) teachers are protected by a pro-teacher principal, and parents concerns are ignored. True, the PTA is great, but ultimately powerless against a principal and hard-line teachers (particularly in the upper grades) who should retire, because it's obvious they don't enjoy teaching or children. The principal is a huge problem and simply will not put kids first--it's the teachers all the way. If you want a truly loving, supportive environment that values individuality, and you care about the self-esteem of your child, look elsewhere. We left for another school and are glad we did.”

“We've been at West Woodland for 2 years. We switched to this school from another school and are very happy. The teachers are great, the parent involvement is amazing, the principle is wonderful, the kids are happy. The activities are terrific. Excellent school.”

“We have been at West Woodland for 4 years with two children there. It has been a great school for my kids. We love the community, the emphasis on high academic standards and the caring community. We have found the principal responsive and of the 6 teachers we have had 5 have been truly outstanding and inspiring. All teachers have welcomed parent involvement.”

“West Woodland has an outstanding, and unparalleled parent community that has kept us from leaving the school. The PTA supports numerous academic and extra curricular activities that play a significant role at West Woodland for all the students. That said, the principal, Marilyn Loveness, is weak in her support of parent concerns, and does not seem to prioritize teachers who need extra help. Her leadership at West Woodland is significantly lacking causing too much responsibility to fall on the shoulders of the parents and the PTA. Sadly, we have finally decided that we can no longer continue educating our children in an environment where the school leaders do not seem to put the children, their safety and their education as the number one priority. We are leaving West Woodland for a hopeful beginning elsewhere...”

“We were shocked at inconsistencies in teaching across all grade levels. The principle is not an avocet for the children We will not be returning after this year”

“Our second-grader is finishing his third year at West Woodland, and while it's been ok, we're looking for other options. At each grade level one finds one or two stars, and one serious dud. If you're willing to play the odds, you can get a great education with involved, structured, yet creative professionals. The old principal was a true gem, but the new one in 05-06 has repeatedly broken promises/failed to follow through on academic omissions, teacher behavior problems, and other mismanagement. The upside: the parent community and involvement is incredible, PTA funding is great, and there's no PTA snobbery at all - every parent is welcome to contribute or lean on a shoulder. Overall, it's been ok, but we're looking for more than ok.”

“We are going on our 3rd year at West Woodland, and we're glad we made that choice. Our 1st grade class has separate groups within their classroom. If your child is strong in math, they will be placed in the math group that is strong in math. If your child is weaker in reading, they will be placed in the reading group that is weaker in reading. That way, your child goes to the group in their level. Great Computer Lab, Library, and Gym. We have Math Nights, Science Nights, etc. Very active PTA team and fund many things for the school. I have no regrets in making West Woodland our choice of school.”

“We have spent 5 years at West Woodland with two kids and another one entering soon. We love it. The school community is fantastic. The parents are super involved in every aspect of the school. From volunteering in classrooms to running school events to keeping the ground beautiful. You name it they do it. The teachers are wonderful and hardworking. The class sizes are smaller the the district allowances. The PE teacher, librarian, computer lab teacher, and Spanish teacher are all amazing! The PTA funds tons of incredible projects and programs at the school. They installed a climbing wall in the gym. The kids get great art programs through volunteers and PTA money. The test scores are strong and improving. When comparing scores you must look at which schools are spectrum and the population of reduced and free lunch kids. The scores are high when you factor that in.”

“We have spent 4 school years at West Woodland and have decided to leave for a better fit. West Woodland is an average school, if your ok with average then this school could work for you. If your child has any special needs then West Woodland is not the place for your child. The PTA is great and is the main plus of West Woodland. All the funding for its computer Lab, choir, and chess club comes from the PTA funds and user fees. This means if the PTA fails to raise the funds then the programs will end, but to be fair this is the case at most Seattle public schools.”

“Fantastic school. Great teachers. Inclusive, active parent community.”

“Very eclectic academic programs with strong PTSA and motivated parent involvement. Has good music program (instrumental and choral music) as well as a nationally recognized chess program headed by a grandmaster chess champion.”

“very involved parent group-ed james is a well respected and effective principal”