Choosing a School: West Seattle and Queen Anne/Magnolia Elementary Schools

If you have knowledge and insight about elementary schools in the following clusters: West Seattle North, West Seattle South, or Queen Anne/Magnolia, share them here with other parents. [I know these clusters aren't close to each other, but they are the clusters that are left at this point.]

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Remember, however, that a school which is great for you and your children might be a nightmare for someone else, and vice versa. So read and learn from others opinions, but definitely explore the schools and reach conclusions on your own. Take part in as many school tours as possible, and visit the Enrollment Services page on the SPS website for enrollment guides and other information.
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The only school I know anything about in these quadrants is Cooper Elementary in the West Seattle North cluster. I got to meet parents and teachers from Cooper during the Pathfinder/Cooper merger discussion, and was very impressed with the passion they had for their school.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I've heard good things about Coe - strong principal and Spanish program. Good parent participation.

Just comments from friends . . .
1/13/07, 3:27 PM
Anonymous said…
We had a child in Alki for one year, then Lafayette for three years. The people at Alki were very nice and dedicated, but the school, at least at the time three years ago, was more focused on its ESL students than on other learners. Our child had other needs, and tested into Spectrum, so we moved to Lafayette. We absolutely love that school, and it's not just the Spectrum program that makes it a great place. It went through a principal change just before our child's first year -- the principal who took over, Virginia Turner, is sharp, good-humored, patient, and as far as we know, does a fabulous job. All of the teachers, including the non-Spectrum teachers we have met through field trips and other activities, are good people and talented educators. We will miss this school very much when our child has to move on to middle school.
1/15/07, 10:43 AM
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