Kirkland Middle School

We have had mixed experiences at Bell. The first few years the school was going through high staff turnover and my child had some very inexperienced and ill-equipped teachers. The classrooms were in constant chaos and minimal learning was happening. It was stressful for my child and efforts to work with the administration to improve things went nowhere. Thankfully, things have improved the past few years. My child has had better, more tenured teachers and as a result has made more progress academically and is happier at school. That being said, even the best teachers can't overcome some of the institutional problems - too many kids per classroom and not enough staff support to offer true differentiation for individual abilities. If you have a child who is above grade level, be prepared that they will spend a lot of time reading silently or using quasi-educational apps on the computer. I believe this is a problem at many LWSD elementary schools and not unique to Bell. They seem to do a better job helping struggling learners rise up than they do helping advanced learners progress. One thing that Bell does well is social/emotional learning. They have a fantastic school counselor and lots of programs to foster overall student well-being. This is so important and very appreciated, especially post-pandemic.Bell also has a strong PTSA and lots of community involvement, which has a positive impact on all of the kids. There are many fun school-wide events and lots of extra-curricular activities to choose from. Overall, I think Bell is a good school that is getting better, but it's hit or miss depending on the teacher, and there is still a lot of room for improvement.

My daughter's experience at Northlake Academy's kindergarten has been exceptional. Despite coming from a different language background, she swiftly adapted and excelled in picking up English, a testament to the school's effective language transition programs. The teachers have played a crucial role, being not only super helpful but also genuinely kind, fostering a supportive learning environment that has positively influenced my child's educational journey.One standout feature is the school's curriculum, which has propelled my daughter's learning a year ahead. The academic advancement reflects the school's commitment to providing a challenging and enriching educational experience. This emphasis on academic excellence has instilled a love for learning in my child, making her time at Northlake Academy truly invaluable.While the school excels in academics, it's worth noting a minor area for improvement—the playground. While lacking a bit in terms of facilities, the overall price-to-quality ratio at Northlake Academy is impressive. The exceptional learning environment, dedicated teachers, great teachers to students ration and accelerated curriculum make it a top choice for parents seeking a quality education for their children.