Hillcrest Kids

the teachers are nice i went there before and it was fun exempt for learning

Happy Valley is a wonderful school. My son is engaged with what he's learning and enjoys school. The new principal is wonderful and motivated -- knows every kid, shows up at all the events outside of school hours. The PTA is incredibly industrious and motivated to improve access to enriching experiences for all kids. They host events throughout the year including a free book fair. We are having a great experience at this school.

Not a great experience for my oldest kid. We ended up getting the district involved with a particular situation and they did nothing. The district as a whole isn’t what we expected at all — looking to move schools!

In my very biased opinion, this is one of the top elementary schools in our area. The current school score is skewed. The equity score is based off extremely bad data unadjusted for statistical variables related to the covid years. Additionally, the Bellingham school district goes above and beyond and they are well funded not only from the State but also through additional voted property taxes. The citizenry of Bellingham prefer, as evidenced by the voting records, to pay additional taxes to ensure public schools have plenty. Renters also contribute to this increased property tax through higher rental rates, which increase each time the property taxes increase.

Ok, but not what would be hoped for given the fees. Teachers by and large have little education beyond their Montessori certificate, and so do not know what they don’t know.