Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School

My child is in 4th grade and she comes home everyday talking about the drama between the children in the classroom. There's some bullying between students and I hear about separation orders being handed out left and right. All this classroom management is taking away instructional time and the teacher seem to be exhausted, poor thing. The few problematic children take all of the teacher's bandwidth. Be ready to put your child in after-school tutoring if you don't want your child falling behind. They also have the worst math curriculum known to mankind.

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."