Houghton

I have one child at Community School and another at our neighborhood school. Overall, we prefer Community School, but like most things, it will depend on your child.-The current teachers and staff at CS are absolutely incredible and it is clear they truly love the kids and their jobs. -The small environment (about 70 kids) fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging, and the teachers are better able to help kids grow since they know them over time. On the other hand, class sizes are small and for some kids that can be socially limiting. -Behavior issues are rare and handled well. I have witnessed kids start out with behavior issues and make a remarkable turnaround under the supportive guidance of the teachers. -Community School follows the LWSD curriculum, but they also include a lot of special projects and multi-age learning opportunities. There are no grades and few tests, so the emphasis is on personal growth more than achievement. Some families prefer a more typical, structured grading process, but I believe my child has gained independence and intrinsic motivation from this learning style. I do think the academics could be more challenging for advanced students, but that is a problem across all LWSD schools, in my opinion. -A previous commenter mentioned low test scores. CS only recently started taking the SBA's, but the latest OSPI report card scores are in line (if not better) than other nearby elementary schools.-Community School has many special traditions throughout the year. The kids LOVE these. They host "town" where they get to buy and sell their own handmade crafts, they go to sleepaway camp every year, they have a science festival, they create homemade gifts for secret pals, and so much more. These special traditions do take time, but having seen them in action, they are absolutely packed with learning opportunities. These are the things I think my child will remember forever. I think the biggest drawback to CS (and all choice schools) is simply being separated from the easy access of friendships in your neighborhood. It takes more conscious efforts to plan playdates when friends are spread out. Also there are fewer after-school activities and schoolwide events than some of the bigger schools, but CS does a lot considering its small size. All the other positives outweigh these drawbacks, in our experience.Overall, my child is happy, thriving, and loves Community School, so I highly recommend it to other families.

Couldn't find a more qualified, dedicated staff. Parent partnership where they design the curriculum and you help implement at home. Students attend two days a week, kind of like a college campus.

My son came in low in one subject and high in another to the 6th grade. I appreciated that the teacher took the time to treat my son as an individual and to work to bring him up grade level in his low subject and challenge him in his high subject. Cary Ursino is a kind and considerate teacher and I will be forever thankful!The next year my son had a wonderful teacher in 7th grade too. He always came home excited about what he was learning in class. I also appreciated Dawn Campanello's kindness and sense of humor!