Lafayette vs. Schmitz Park

[kirs10f]

I’m in the early stages of researching elementary schools in the northern part of WS and wanted to get a feel for what parents out there like and don’t like about each school.

Thanks a bunch!

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[kayo]

First thing you should know is that boundaries are changing in 2014/2015 and Schmitz is being rebuilt at the site of the former Genessee Hill elementary. Basically, there is a lot in flux right now so depending on when your child is starting school, much could and likely will change for both schools. Also, the district will be bringing in a new math curriculum for all k5 students in the next couple of years which has been one of the big draws for Schmitz Park (they use Singapore Math with good success whereas most other schools have been using the controversial Everyday Math). Both schools are currently quite large and crowded. Both schools have very active parent populations (ie excellent fundraising capability which is important with the tight budgets that currently exist). Neither school has much diversity (Lafayette might be slightly more diverse). Lafayette has undergone a lot of principal changes in the last few years which has been a distraction for the school and hard for the staff and parents. Lafayette has a self contained spectrum program so about 25% of the kids are in this advanced learning program (one spectrum classroom per grade). From what I understand, Schmitz uses a “walk-to” approach instead so kids get to work at their level. I only have direct experience at Lafayette and we left after one year for various reasons, although my child had a good year (great teacher). It is a good school with a lot to offer. I would just keep your ears open. Talk to parents at the playground and ask around. keep in mind that everyone has a different child and different perspective so one school might work great for you, but not for someone else (so take in that info with a grain of salt). The WS Blog has excellent coverage of school issues so keep an eye here. Boundaries will be changing so keep abreast of that. Hopefully, that will be settled by next spring (in time for 2014/15 enrollment). No school is perfect, even expensive private schools. If you are an involved parent, it counts for a lot. Good luck to you.

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[Bonnie]

Neither of my children go to either of those schools but I know people whose kids go there. Everybody I speak to whose children go to SP are very happy. Lafayette is a great school too. I agree with all that kayo says. I’m assuming you know that with the new student assignment it is harder to get into a school outside of your neighborhood? Or are you looking now which house to purchase in order to get into the right school? Like kayo said they are changing all the boundaries next year (or the year after? not sure) but they are not announcing what the boundaries will be yet. So everything is up in the air. Good luck!

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[kirs10f]

Thanks for the tips! Yes, we’re looking out to the 2014/2015 school year. We current live in the Layfayette zone but are wondering if Schmitz Park is that much better and worth trying to go for. I also appreciate the information about the zone lines moving in the near future.

I’m also curious about Pathfinder if anyone has any information on that school.

Just trying to figure out how this all works for my Pre-K kiddo…

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[wsmama3]

kirs10f – we are a Gatewood family that moved to STEM and have friends at every West Seattle school. All schools in WS have some serious positives and negatives about them – and a lot depends on your family and your kid. Teachers make all the difference between a rotten year and a good or great one. With all the changes coming up – my advice would be to just talk to as many parents as possible and don’t think not getting into your #1 choice is the worst thing.

With our oldest we wanted Pathfinder – hindsight being 20/20 I am really glad we didn’t go there. We had a great K year at Gatewood and are really really thrilled with STEM. Our kid would have not been pushed academically at Pathfinder (and the Principal is very aware and honest of the issues there especially surrounding math). Turned out for the best that we didn’t go there even though it felt the most right after years of co-op.

In the end all parents (or at least the ones who give a hoot) are just trying to do their best for their kids and family – each choice is very hard to make but in the end kids at all schools can be a part of something that works for them. The trick is when it’s not working to take action, be involved in the school community, and be a reasonable advocate for your kid.

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[goodgraces]

Our two kids are at Pathfinder and are thriving. Each has very different strengths and weaknesses. I cannot imagine a more vibrant parent community or caring, nurturing, creative faculty. Our son has been at the school for 8 years (K–7) and will start 8th there in the Fall. He is in advanced math there and has been very challenged and David (the principal) has worked closely with us parents of advanced kids to make sure that we have the resources they need.

Just didn’t want the previous poster’s statement re: kids not being “pushed” academically at Pathfinder to go unchallenged.

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[kayo]

Just to follow up on my previous post and in support of goodgraces, we actually switched to Pathfinder after our year at Lafayette and we are very happy (and our child is thriving). As goodgraces mentioned, we have a great community at the school, great teachers and a very well rounded and enriching academic environment. If you prefer a more traditional approach, Lafayette and Schmitz are probably better for you. I would attend the open houses next winter and see which one feels right for you and your child.

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[wsmama3]

Sorry – realized after reading this and seeing the feedback that my statement didn’t illustrate what I meant – my statement was about just my kid and my interactions with David about my concerns with just my kid. When I talked with David he made it clear that it would not be a good fit for our kid academically – for many reasons. I did not mean to imply that Pathfinder is not challenging students!

I’d echo the above – it is a great community and friends that are there are really happy.

Like I said – all schools have true positives and negatives – but as the posters above said – community is a huge part of what makes it a good fit.

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[westseattlegirl]

Hi!

I just wanted to let folks know about an elementary school alternative starting this Fall, Village Cooperative Preschool for K-2.

We have 17 families enrolled for September with space for a couple more families (full or part-time).

You can read more about the newly named Village Cooperative School here:

https://westseattleblog.com/2013/05/new-for-this-fall-west-seattle-cooperative-school-k-through-2nd

For more information or to apply, please email info@vcoop.org

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