We need to find a kindergarten for our daughter this fall. We're looking for private school options in WS, can folks list some schools? The only one we're currently aware of is Westside, but we'd like other possibilities as well.
We're not looking for schools with a religious emphasis, but feel free to list those anyway, to make this thread as comprehensive as possible.
Thank you!
Just found this list of schools here on the blog:
http://westseattleblog.com/schools
But please post any reviews or feedback about individual schools.
Community School of WS has a preschool and K-2 program.
http://www.communityschoolwestseattle.org/index.html
Don't know anything about the K-2 program but their preschool is amazing. They just had an open house and today is the deadline for apps. Not sure if this is for the K-2 program as well? Doesn't hurt to call and see what the situation is. Seems like they're pretty easy-going and not hard and fast with the deadlines, especially if there's an opening.
Thank you, ghar, that looks like an excellent possibility, we'll check them out further.
Hope Lutheran also has a good program
If you're looking for non religious I can think of Community School of West Seattle, Westside, Tilden and West Seattle Montessori. There may be more but I can't think of them right now.
I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend Tilden School! Our kids are both there, including one in Kindergarten. The student/teacher ratio averages 8:1, and the curriculum and teachers are outstanding! Unlike Westside, there is no fundraising; you are expected to pay only tuition...Which is fairly reasonable as far as private schools go. Nor do they require volunteering, though there is a lot of parent involvement and many parents choose to volunteer . Our older child was in the public schools for 2 years (Lafayette), and we are so thankful and fortunate that we were able to get both our kids into Tilden. If you're applying for K for the fall, you may be too late, but you can at least get on a wait list. Here's Tilden's website: http://tildenschool.com/
Just a note that the schools page is out of date to some degree, which is why it's not linked from the home page. I didn't think it was accessible but since it still is, maybe I should just find a few hours and update it :)
Clawgirl, as a parent at Westside, I wanted to clarify that there is no fundraising at Westside either. We have the option to attend an auction (like many schools) but it is optional. We have never had to sell anything to raise money. Everything is included in the tuition (school supplies, field trips etc). We are very happy there!
Long waiting lists at all the private schools listed BTW.
A friend of mine applied to Tilden and they did not get in. They are full already.
Just a note about wait lists: I would encourage people who find a school that seems to be a good fit for their family to be sure to get on the wait list. It might seem to be not worth it--and if you're far down the list for this fall, your chances aren't great--but be aware that the lists can and do move, and as the start of school approaches, people ahead of you on the list are more likely to have committed to a different choice.
If you are willing to take advantage of an unexpected opening close to the start of school or after school starts, or the following year, you may find that people still ahead of you on the list don't take the seat.
All the private schools have already had their application and enrollment observations for the 2011/12 school year. I know, because we started jumping through all those hoops back in November of 2010. Most had application deadlines in January. Almost all sent out their letters of acceptance on March 17th.
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There MAY be some schools you can still apply to, and even get wait-listed for. But Westside won't be one of them. They had 40 spots for 2 Kindergarten classes. And over 50 applications. All but ten of those 40 spots were filled up by younger siblings of current students, and by kids that were in their Pre-K program.
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Other than The Westside School, there is Tilden, Hope Lutheran, Lady of Guadalupe, The Community School and Holy Rosary.
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Wishing you the best of luck! We're in a mad scramble now to find a backup plan for our soon to be Kindergartner. She was wait-listed for Westside, which gives me SOME hope. But not much. All I know is, I don't want her going to a Seattle Public School, not if I can help it. May even skip Kindergarten altogether b/c of this school fiasco. So disheartened.
I agree with Julie and you should also know that several families wait to hear if they get their public school of choice and even if they have paid a deposit they are willing to give it up if they get into the free school they wanted. Get on the list now and then check back in May/June as public schools will not send out letters for school choice assignments until the end of May.
angelescrest
Member Profile
Question for Jasperblu:
What is the school "fiasco"? And, I ask this with no preconceived answer...(and, we're a mixed-bag family...I teach for Seattle Public schools, I have one child at one of the privates above and another at Vashon). But, I have heard of such happinesses from friends and neighbors who have their kids in SPS. Has the district not made it easier to attend your neighborhood school? It seemed to me local SPS elementaries were looking inviting, including the middle schools.
EDIT: I think I'm looking for perceptions. I know when we moved here in 2006, a pre-school director gave me her perceptions of which were happening, healthy schools in West Sea, both private and public.
We are also on the waitlist for Westside (kindergarten). I am frustrated by the lack of non-religious, private school options in West Seattle.
We are in the Lafayette public school district and have heard good things from our neighbors w/children at Lafayette. We will likely try this school for Kindergarten and either hope we get the call from Westside or, gasp, move to Bellevue or Mercer Island for the schools.
Just curious- what would you want to see from private school options in West Seattle that you are not already seeing?
Thanks for all the replies -- we're now considering Pathfinder as a public school option. A friend sends his son there and likes it. We're also on the waitlist at Tilden and are still thinking of checking out the Community School. We already tried Westside but their waiting list is too long.
@angelescrest I meant the current fiasco at SPS w/ regard to the $1.8 in misappropriated funds. But also, I have no interest in my daughter getting "lost" in a classroom w/ 30+ kids, one teacher, NO money for books, up to date computers, art supplies, music, language, field trips, science, etc. Not to mention the deplorable text books and curriculum that is being used, in particular mathematics. That was NOT my experience growing up in CA public schools in the 70's and 80's, and while I know things are tight now w/ ALL public schools, it doesn't mean I want that for my kid. Also, the idea that kids should be tested for state competencies in Kindergarten (or at all for that matter) is just horrifying to me. Test scores don't mean crap. Excuse my French. Our kids are learning how to pass tests, but are more stressed and less educated than ever. Worse, they are coming out of our public schools completely UN-prepared for college or other types of higher education.
So for me, SPS isn't really an option. At least not for K-5. I'd hoped for a private NON-RELIGIOUS school in West Seattle (at best), or Seattle (in general). The choices are few and far between, highly competitive, and/or obscenely expensive. So what is a working single parent to do? I'd homeschool her if it was an option, that's how discouraged I am.
Btw, I really LOVE the idea of sending my daughter to Vashon for high school. Maybe we'll even move there some day. That would be a dream! 'Course, she's only a soon-to-be Kindergartener now. I've got some time yet.
To @defenestrator Most of our neighbors kids go to Holy Rosary or Pathfinder. I know a few moms at Lafayette, Explorer West, Hope Lutheran and at Tilden as well, and of course we also have many friends at Westside (hence the reason why it was OUR first choice). 3 other close friends have their kids at the Community School, and they love love love it. I think you just have to tour ALL the schools, and see which one feels best for you, your budget and your kid. You'll find the right fit, we all will. Hopefully, I say with crossed fingers and toes. ;-)
@angelescrest Sorry, I meant that to read $1.8 MILLION. (Fred Stephens and Silas Potter fiasco)
I am also looking for information, feedback, reviews on Westside. I agree w/ jasperblu and public schools. We gave it a try and now after a few years, we are going private. We have received invitation from Westside, and we are doing some final due diligence on the school. We didn't get the open houses early in the year and so didn't get to meet any parents, so I really want to hear the good, bad, or ugly if there is anything. So far, looking for reviews online, I've not heard anything bad about the school or anyone not satisfied. Is this true? We hope so, but it's a huge commitment so we want to sort it all out now. BTW, we have 2 kids going into upper grades (not kindergarten). I would also add that we will be commuting there from Magnolia -- again emphasizing the big commitment we would be making to Westside. Only a few other schools in Seattle met our criteria, but extremely expensive ( probably beyond our means) and unbelievably they seem to have little if any room.
We have two children at West Seattle Montessori and are very happy. It is a great size; with 100 preprimary kids in 5 classrooms, nice facility, private playground, and warm friendly community feel. There are 20 student per class with two teachers, plus numerous specialists like drama, music, sign language, spanish, art, etc... so the ratio is probably more like 1:8. I feel it is reasonably priced at around $8000 a year. I really enjoy the other families; it is unpretentious and diverse. A new prinicpal took over two years ago and her vigor has made some really positive progress. And since it goes all the way from preschool through 8th grade, the opportunity for continuity is there. Of course the location is awful, but once you get over that, it is all positives. I believe it is full, with a waiting list, but with since it has so many classes, the list moves quicker than most. I am very picky, and I am definitely pleased and continuing on there.
Most of the better schools have wait lists. Make sure when you look at schools you look beyond Kindergarten. Find a school that has a solid program with and offers music, art, and other special classes for the kids. Schools like Hope Lutheran, West Seattle Montessori, and Westside School all offer K-8.
@wimsikl - Do you know if it is better to make sure your child is in the pre-school program at WSM so that they're eligible for Kindergarten? My plan is Community School for 2 years in the Pre-K program there, and then for Kindergarten through 3rd, aiming for WSM... But if it is better to start with preschool at WSM to help Kindergarten enrollment - I would consider that...
that's a good question arborhaven... I do know that once your child is in they are guaranteed a spot for consecutive years. But when I look back on what I did (had their first year at another preschool, then switched to West Seattle Montessori) I wish I would have just started at one and stayed there. One of my kids is really outgoing and makes friends easily but the other is more shy, and believe it or not, they really do make important friendships that young. At age four, there were already established friendships when my kids entered. So if you know you want a school for later years, I would seriously consider starting them at that school and staying put. In addition, I personally invest in my kids school... building relationships with fellow moms, participating on committees, etc... It's kind of a waste to start all over somewhere new unless necessary. Just my humble opinion!!! And certainly not anything i even dreamed of when my kids were only 2-3. Whether its West Seattle Montessori, or Westside, (the only two prek-8, non-religious choices in West Seattle) I truly believe in community and continuity.
@wimsikl - thanks very much for your response, those are good things to think over for sure. I too don't want to move her too much - and keeping the same program from 3 onwards seems really beneficial for continuity and consistency. Especially in that my daughter will most likely be an only child, and quality outside-the-home friends and community are really important for "onlies".
The other side of this issue for me is that in looking at the WSM pre-K curriculum on their site and in talking to parents, it *seems* to me that in pre-K it is somewhat more skills based at WSM than at the Community School. I'm of the mind that workbooks and early reading and math skills (as differentiated from pre-reading and pre-math activities) are not necessary and possibly a hindrance to the development, through learning, play and socialization, of "executive thinking". And for me, a love of learning and a warm inviting environment is what I wish for my daughter in pre-school. There's something that resonates in me with the pre-K program at Community School, and so it's a big pull for me. I'm less enthusiastic about their K-2 program since it doesn't continue beyond 2nd grade. And so that's why I was leaning towards switching out for Kindergarten, the most significant age/time for change and movement in all school enrollment.
WesCAddle
Member Profile
How about The Early Human School?
arborhaven you are more on top of it than i ever was! good for you... I never though about it like that. I think what I care about in presechool pre-k is more the social stuff. My girls always had a private nanny, so I wanted them to be able to share with others, follow directions, make friends, that sort of thing. Of course I also wanted the to learn their letters, numbers, and everything else pre-k kids should know. I have been surprised at just how much they have been learnings... but it has been a lot of practical stuff, like tying shoes, pouring liquids, cutting well, etc. There has also been a lot of inroductory stuff, like spanish, sign language, drama, music, yoga, etc... Both my girls are almost 5, and have not yet been introduced to Workbooks. Maybe they aren't ready? It seems like it is mostly the kindergarteners who do workbooks but my girls want to do them but are not allowed yet. Maybe they have to be able to read or something. My girls are just starting to read... little words like Cat and Go. Oh yes, and they go on lots of field trips which they love.
We've been lucky enough to get our son into Tilden.
We had looked at our local SPS (Gatewood), Tilden and Westside. The preference to us was class size, which put Tilden at the top of the list. Westside appeared to be a great school and we are also on the Westside wait list and will maintain it as back-up, however, we've heard nothing except rave reviews for Tilden, so hopefully we did our son good by the decision.
We know a lot of kids going to Gatewood and their parents. My personal belief is that the family dynamic really contributes to the quality of the school education. If I'm correct, and knowing these families, Gatewood is going to be an excellent environment.
The private schools in West Seattle seem to do a good job of releasing the invitations at the same time, so you don't have to play the stalling game with anyone.
BTW - Pre-K, Fauntleroy Childrens Center is outstanding. My son has grown tremendously there, both socially and academically. In our experience it is a fantastic environment.
Not to hijack this thread, but does everyone do preschool these days with their kids? I sold my business and gave up my career to stay home with a now 2 & 3 year old and get the question about preschool constantly but figure why can't they just hang out with me @ home, learn the Sesame Street basics so to speak and then go to Kindergarten? I mean, why pay for what I can teach them making a concerted effort to socialize them (which I think all school really is/does this young) and save my $$? I'm seriously not trying to be controversial here, but all I hear makes it seem like preschool is mandatory even for Kindergarten acceptance?!?!?
Flagged by multiple people on this thread re: negative hearsay. If you have a specific personal negative experience in which they have followed the rules of complaint/ranting here (it's something you reported to the management etc.), you can bring that up, but otherwise, this isn't a "I heard ..." place. Thanks.
As the parent of a current Tilden Kindergarten student, I can tell you that my child LOVES the K teacher, as well as the assistant teachers. She has learned an enormous amount academically as well as socially from all of them, and their skill sets complement each other nicely. As someone noted, there was a drop in Tilden's current 1st grade class size when that class moved up from K to 1. But this was mainly due to Tilden's policy to not move kids up a grade if they're not ready - not uncommon given the extreme variations in maturity and development at that age. So multiple children were asked to repeat K this year (and other grades for that matter) even though that resulted in smaller 1st grade class. I think it says a lot about Tilden, and about the K teachers, that most if not all of the affected families stayed at Tilden to repeat K.
And by the way, the Tilden K class size is 16.
Sorry for not following the protocall on the former post.
But now that clawgirl brought it up....REPEATING Kindergarten-you can't be serious?????
Why not? It's common, especially when kids are on the cusp age-wise. My stepson was in kindergarten twice, once at his preschool/daycare and once in public school. He wasn't old enough or emotionally ready to enter first grade, so he "repeated" Kindergarten. It didn't harm him in the slightest -- in fact, it ensured he was actually prepared for first grade.
Speaking of repeating kindergarten, I heard that it is common in some private schools to have the children repeat kindergarten if they are not ready to move to 1st grade. I didn't hear this about Tilden, about another private school in West Seattle.
I know many children in both private and public schools who've repeated K. And almost all of their families have ultimately been confident that was the best course of action. Otherwise the children would fall further and further behind the rest of the children in their original class, which hurts their confidence and self esteem much more than having to re-do the grade again.
"If I speak, I am condemned.
If I stay silent, I am damned!"
— Victor Hugo
I don't think you should look at it as repeating K-class rather than holding off from going into 1st grade. This is done globally, not just here in Seattle. Many decades ago I went a year late to start school in the UK, my nephew in South Africa had a language difficulty and before freaking out with therapists they ran him through the K-class again and came to find it was routed to a confidence issue and the extra year helped him to build what he needed.
@jissy
Not all of us have the luxury to sell a business and stay at home with our kids. When you do the economics, pre-K eats a lot of cash, but the rest of the money earned is vital.
We all have our own opinion of how best to conduct our lives. I'm glad that you're happy with your choice, but please don't judge other peoples choices when you don't know the circumstances or personal preferences.
I truly believe that my son is healthier for going to daycare than spending all day with me, but that's my opinion about just me and my relationship with my kid. I also believe that the increase in extra income we have has availed him of much greater opportunities that I ever had as a kid.
I know you were looking primarily for non-religious private schools in the area. But for anyone looking for a church-based private school there is Shorewood Christian School up on 28th S.W. just down the street from Westside School's former location. They offer Pre-K and now go all the way through high school. I believe they were adding 12th grade in the fall to finalize their high school. We have two children in the elementary grades and they love it. Their curriculum is challenging and offer various sports programs starting in the 4th grade. Their tuition is one of the most reasonable in our area at $4,900/yr for K-6 (for next school year). I had one parent tell me that they had to go 2 entire grade levels up in the Spectrum program to find work that would challenge their child the same way they do at Shorewood Christian. They decided to stay put. It's always worth checking into one more school. It was the last one we looked at and we fell in love with the small class sizes (between 14-20 students). They have Spanish classes starting in Pre-K and Band classes starting in 5th grade, just to name a couple. The 8th graders just went to Mexico and built a house and the high school students are currently in Washington D.C.
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