St. Bernadette School

Arbor Heights Elementary is a great! school!! As a parent volunteer and part time staff member, I was able to get special insight on how this school is operated. The teachers, staff, and students are absolutely exceptional! The building is very new and interior design is well thought out. The teachers are passionate about helping students and the kids are encouraged to problem solve but bullying is not tolerated. Therefore, students are generally respectful toward each other. The office staff members especially Tracy & Karen are the kindest people you could possibly hope for! We love Arbor Heights!

I encountered an issue at the school roundabout where I was approached by staff members and the principal for briefly stopping in what appeared to be a designated parking space while trying to locate my child, who was delayed in coming out. The communication seemed passive aggressive, despite them placing a sign in the thru lane to direct traffic through the parking spaces instead. If they are worried about traffic getting backed up, why put a sign blocking the actual thru lane?Additionally, my child has shared that they have been experiencing bullying from another student. When my child reported it, the teacher allegedly dismissed their concerns, even as my child was visibly upset. I also previously called the school office to inform them that my child would be taking the bus home, but that message was not relayed to their teacher. As a result, there was confusion at dismissal, and I had to leave work early to pick them up.These repeated communication and supervision issues have been frustrating and concerning. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this school.

At Westside, the student support team has provided truly exceptional, neurodiverse-affirming support for my children with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. I am deeply grateful that this is a school where my kids are genuinely valued as full members of the community and are never judged for their differences.We chose Westside because we wanted an environment that prioritizes holistic growth—where learning extends beyond academics to include social and emotional development. My children certainly face challenges, but at Westside they are not defined by them. Instead, they are thriving, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to grow into confident, capable adults.

Three plus years ago, we were researching schools for our daughter to start Kindergarten. We went to an OPEN HOUSE, heard a great talk by Principal Temme, met some teachers and parents, and decided to have Annika start with Holy Family. 3 years later, we cannot think of any other school for her to be at until the 8th grade. Great faculty, active parents and local community, and an updated renovation of the school itself are just some of the reasons to give this a 5 star rating it deserves. The school takes ownership of every one of the students, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for all. The bilingual aspect is a piece of this as well, and Annika enjoys reading, writing and speaking in Spanish . Double thumbs up from the Obrien family, and GO FALCONS

I went to this school for one year. It's a fear based curriculum that is wildly intolerant of the LGBT+ community, we had a whole school assembly about Katy Perry's song, 'I kissed a girl and I liked it.' Fear based lectures for bible study, abstinence only health education. Biology was a joke as they use faith based textbooks that literally say, "Because God created it that way." Instead of explaining the science behind biology. One 8th grader didn't even know how read a clock. Half of PE was just walking around the parking lot. Guardians have to sign a waiver allowing corporal punishment. There is no Special Ed and the teachers repeatedly lose patience and yell at kids who aren't neurotypical. This school is a joke.

Our experience at West Seattle Montessori has been absolutely wonderful! My 3-year-old thrived here – coming home happy every day and excited to share what they learned. The Montessori approach truly fosters kindness, empathy, and leadership, and we’ve seen those qualities growing in our child.The staff is incredibly kind and compassionate, always making us feel supported and valued. Communication has also been quick and clear, which made the whole experience smooth and reassuring. We’re so grateful for the positive environment and the care they provide.