Sunnyside Environmental School

Sunnyside Environmental School is a beautiful community for hands on learning. Our daughter transferred there during 3rd grade, She is now finishing 5th grade with a passion for reading, creative writing and the natural world. She loves her school and teachers. She has a deep sense of community. Morning "Gathering" is a time for singing and joy. She has ownership and pride in her school work. There is a emphasis on community service, right action and global awareness. The structure is a bit informal, but it encourages student autonomy and creativity on many levels. Perhaps it is not the right choice for every family, but it has been an amazing blessing for us. Long live Sunnyside and its devoted teachers & staff!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My son graduated from SES 2 years ago. He made great friends, had a good experience, but he didn't learn a thing. With little emphasis on academics or studying for the 3 years he was there, he consequently crashed his freshman year of high school. It took months for him to catch up with his peers from other middle schools. He had no study habits as they were not a requirement at SES. Despite the fact it is an environmental sciences school, my son and his SES friends scored poorly in their freshman biology class that was based on NW ecology and environment. Some of the middle school teachers are good, few are great, and a couple make me wonder why they are teachers in the first place. The math program under Sarah Taylor was sub-par. I hope it has improved with Amy. The mandatory weekly neighborhood field trips were a waste of time. There were no textbooks. The district based curriculum was ignored. And morning meeting was a social club, not a class. In case people wonder if perhaps my son had a poor experience because he is not a strong student, he is now at Cleveland earning A's and B's. His younger brother is at Mt. Tabor with text books, microscopes, and consistent teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

We adored SES under the watchful care of Sarah Taylor. Current Principal Amy Kleiner & her cohort Rebecca Wagner are systematically changing all that was amazing and inclusive at SES...weekly MS field studies, those famous all school spring musicals, personal fundraising to bring down the (sometimes prohibitive) cost of field trips & overnighters, open communication between parents & administration... Sad. This WAS a fantastic opportunity for our kids, but we (along with MANY others) are transferring our kids next year. Hands on learning, kindness, focus & community are all but extinguished under the new regime.
--Submitted by a parent

SES is a school where chaos seems to reign & every day there is at least one event happening that belongs in an episode of "Portlandia". From the escaping chickens out front, to the pig they 'housed' early this year (without a permit), everything seems haphazard at best. Despite the principal's "vision", she is very hands-off, & spends much of her time in developing countries working as a lay midwife. The priorities do not seem to be in guiding the school toward excellence. There is an "anything goes/ it's all good" attitude & as a parent, I can see why kids like it. As a parent who wants accountability, it has been very detrimental for my kids' sense of what is acceptable for finished projects & behavior. I would not recommend this school beyond (perhaps) the first grade level, altho' there are several lower grade teachers who are very committed. The overall atmosphere lacks any structure.
--Submitted by a parent

SES is an amazing school. Our child LOVES going to school every day and the quality of education is outstanding. The direction on academics is progressive. You will not see worksheets or textbooks at the center of any curriculum. These children learn by doing and not just by reading about this world. This school stretches far beyond the basics. The teachers are some of the hardest working people we've ever met. They consistently go above and beyond for their students. There is true caring at this school! We feel blessed to be a part of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child just entered kindergarten this year at Sunnyside. The experience thus far has been outstanding. My child has been safe and has developed a true love for schools and learning. I am relieved that my daughter will be at this school for her k-8. Not only is she excelling in reading, writing and math, she gets to leave the brick walls on a regular basis and see the world outside.
--Submitted by a parent

Sunnyside offers holistic, hands-on education that focuses on sustainability and community. Students are well prepared to be future leaders and compassionate well rounded people.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended sunnyside for 6th-8th grade and i loved it. The parents say we didnt learn anything, but i took so much away from SES. There is a community and a sense of belonging that you can't find anywhere else. I had a incredible math and spanish teachers my last year at SES and now am in honors. All my teachers were amazing all 3 years. I can say that without a doubt that sunnyside made me a stronger, confidant and more involved person than before. It has made me concious of the challenges we face and given me the desire to make a diffrence. Most every student took valuable life skills away from SES. Im not saying SES is for everyone, its not. im in High school and i've had no trouble at all
--Submitted by a student

I was very excited for my daughter to attend SES initially, especially since it took me two years to get her in. I have been very disappointed with my daughters experience at this school. There seems to be a lack of structure in every department. The curriculum is very weak and I feel as if my daughter has regressed academically. I feel the school is disorganized, that reflects in the execution of the courses. I am very sorry to say I actually regret sending my daughter there. I will be honest, there are some good courses there, as well as great field trips (if you can afford them), but all in all again, hate to say it, but I am very disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

Sunnyside has a great community of teachers, parents, students, and neighbors. It has a wonderful curriculum with outdoor learning, field projects, gardening, and community service.
--Submitted by a parent