1645 163rd #E-2
Bellevue, WA 98008

Teachers are amazing and care about the students. Especially Mrs. Lessing who is the best teacher! The main reason why this review is four stars rather than five is the fact that some of the students here can be disruptive, especially to unknown substitutes. But the substitutes typically are unable to support the way we act. Overall, Highland is still a great school. SMELLS like an expo mark :) The teachers are very helpful and patient with the Pacific students.(P.S. This review is collaborated by 4 Highland students)

My son is a junior and his experience and ours dealing with admin has been unacceptable. I cant wait for him to begin Running Start. Teachers and counselors do not reply to parent concerns. Expect to be left on read. Kids are left to figure things out on their own and when they ask for help are met with attitude when they do. I read a dismissive text sent by a counselor to my son when asking for guidance, it was disappointing and laced with ego. This pattern repeats itself across most the staff in my experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if they set kids up to fail, on purpose. I have yet to correspond with even one teacher who seems to care or be invested in the success and well being of their students. Sending my kid here was the worst mistake.

My family and I have been blown away by the excellent experience our children are having at Sherwood Forest. We were disappointed in the school environment and leadership of our previous dual language school in the Lake Washington School District, and feel incredibly lucky that we have found a home at Sherwood Forest. When my children walk into the building every morning, every single adult they pass greets them by name and with a smile on their face. From the recess teachers, to the lunchroom workers, to the specialists, to the classroom teachers, to the principal and guidance counselors, everyone is clearly there because they love kids and want to make a difference. Any problems that have come up over the years (all minor), have been responded to quickly and collaboratively. The icing on the cake is offerings like choir, orchestra, band, computer science, and art--all free and all open to everyone. Speaking of free, all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch, making meals more communal, making sure that everyone is nourished, and helping expose kids to new foods, textures, and flavors. The school is a true embodiment of "Our strength is our diversity, a shelter from adversity. All are welcome here."