As #1 (Pinehurst) K-8 in Seattle, Washington

“This is the only public school I know of that really allows students to develop their passion for learning. Students have the freedom to pursue what interests them and they also are encouraged to be good community members. We also really appreciate the schools focus on social justice and experiential education.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My kids have learned to be free and independent critical thinkers at AS#1. They have been allowed to learn that education is a life-long process, and that learning doesn't have to happen in a classroom all the time.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“AS #1 is a great community, alternative education for those who thrive in a community model. It was Seattle's 1st alternative school, is a rich part of our history in Seattle. Children are supported in their emotional development, they are encouraged to be active members of a community, to mentor younger kids, to work cooperatively, and to pursue whatever they are interested in. There is an 'anti-racist' library. The kids are a part of a group to 'end institutional racism at AS#1' and there is even a 'forum' which is an alternative model for ending disputes among children which allows each child to speak, be heard, and have a community resolution to personal conflicts. Parents can also be involved at the school, helping to teach languages, drama, etc. This school is awesome and produces active community members, future world changers, world leaders, and self aware and self assured youth.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think AS#1(Pinehurst) K-8) is the best public school in the country because children are allowed to be who they are so that they can learn. I love the strong commitment to social justice and to anti-racist education, led by the school's Equity Committee and infused throughout the school. It's a small school with small multi-age classes, which allows for the experiential learning that has been a hallmark of the school since its inception. Kids don't just do research in books or in the library, they are out in the community examining things firsthand. My child would probably do fine in any school, but she is absolutely thriving and blossoming in this environment where she is treated with respect, and where she can get the individual attention all kids benefit from. We previously thought this would be impossible to find unless we were willing to pay high private school fees and put our child in a less than diverse environment. But although AS#1 is a public school and routinely struggles to find enough resources, the commitment of the staff and the families to AS#1's progressive model of education allows the good work to continue year after year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It's place where kids, parents, and teachers all work together to make a happy, safe learning environment! Everybody has a voice!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Focus on social justice and helping kids meet their unique potential!”
This review was posted by a other.

“AS#1 is grounded in innovative, research-based, experiential education that teaches and responds to the whole child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our first year here and so far it is great! Friendly, sincere, genuine, open minded, talented, happy children and teachers!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has been in transition for the last five years with a new Principal. He is leaving and there will be another new one. Field trips are frequent and great but often unorganized until the last minute. Classroom experience is based on the teacher. They give the core definition of how it will function, good intent but not always practiced. Really some teacher are amazing and teach kids about the things they will see on a field trip others just take them and do not use it as an experiential learning experience. They get to camping but not always learn about the forest, just play all day. The school experience is based on how functional and organized your child's teacher is. True for most schools but since there is little structure it really depends on the teacher. Very good at teaching social equality and emotional intelligence.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is an excellent example of best practices put to use every day. The whole child is the main focus, and decisions are made individually for each child. AS#1 looks beyond test scores and focuses on the things that really matter to creating a strong foundation for success in life.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“wonderful program , so many interesting activities, my daughter used to complain of being bored in previous school now there is not a single day that She would complain. Loving staff , great teachers most of all good education !”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an incredible school. As far as basic education you will learn more then enough for high school, you will also be learning more special skills then any other school through the Rites of Passage program and 8'th grade project. Many students of this school graduate to the best public high schools in the district with enough math skills to get them through their freshman year, along with the special skills I mentioned earlier. What special skills? The 8'th grade projects have ranged from science experiments to animations, all depending on what the student is motivated to do. There is no way to explain the Rites of Passage program within the limited review space, but ask any AS#1 graduate: It is incredible. Students come back to thank their teachers for giving them skill that saved their life in high school. Ask anyone.”
This review was posted by a student.

“This outstanding K-8 alternative school respects students and families as members of a unique community. Low WASL scores are the result of many parents opting out of high stakes testing. Very active site council includes students. Great focus on individual learning styles and acceptance of diversity in all areas.High emphasis on behavioral and social responsibility as well as support for all students to learn and excel by following their own passions and interests. Teachers and staff are called by first names. School has about 275 students. Classes are multi-grade, usually K-3, 4-6, 7-8, but open to students crossing grade levels, especially for interest area activities such as drama or art or some of the academic content areas. Highly recommended for the independent thinking, self-directed student and family. Siblings encouraged to enroll as well. Located in NE Seattle.”
This review was posted by a parent.