Olympia Elementary School

My kids attended Olympia for over 2 years before we moved. We moved right when a new school opened which alleviated the overcrowding but was too late for us. No school, public or private, has 100% fantastic teachers; however, Olympia overall has a very good staff and I was generally happy with the teaching staff and the curriculum. They are understanding of the military as both Army and Air Force are close by. Parents should know there is an early start time ..7:30 and also a strict dress code. Music and Art occur about once every two weeks but is not "non-existent" as one parent noted. Non existent is what we have at our current school, which is no art teacher at all so count your blessings for the fabulous art teacher at Olympia and the big art show they have at the end of the year. We are on our third elementary school and have found that parent involvement is based on the teacher....some teachers want it, others do not and I respect that but there are many areas to be involved in the school if you accept you will not always be in the classroom which is what a lot of parents want. Overall we were happy with Olympia.
--Submitted by a parent

There are a lot of Great Teachers in Olympia! I have been so lucky with my daughter's education.There is a nice enviroment and lot of special events and parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 1 child left at Olympia but 2 others have attended Olympia. This is a great school. Teachers are involved with the students. My 3 children have had nothing but great teachers. The TAG program in place this year is wonderful. The leadership of the school is finally right on track. As for parental involvement - I have been very active 5 years in the classroom and the library or wherever they need me, I have never been discourgaged to come up and help where needed but you as a parent must make the effort. My children have received a great education at Olympia.
--Submitted by a parent

Much better than other schools in the area. Several areas could use some work: The Art Program is nonexistent. Teacher quality is truly hit or miss. Parents are discouraged from getting involved in classroom/grade activities. My child is getting an ok education and is safe -- but they could do so much more with the right leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter changed from a private school in Kindergarten to Olympia in first grade, and she loved it. She was nominated into the TAG program, that meets once a week for one hour. They have Accelerated Reader competitions that parents need to push their child, and talent shows. There is about an average of 20 students per teacher. I would recommend this school to anyone moving into the district. They could have had more than one field trip though. There is a good amount of parental involvement other than homeroom parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, glad my kids are there
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. The teachers are great and really go the extra mile. Our two older children who both came from private schools have attended this school and our third child is about to begin kindergarten in the fall. We love it and so do the kids. I would recommend this school to anyone. Ms. Sundt, the principal, has been a great leader. She will be leaving soon and we hope to get another principal like her.
--Submitted by Sandra Falcon, a parent

This is a great school. I attended it in the 1980s and my son is now in the 3rd grade there. It is still small enough to recognize students for their individuality while having the support of a large district. My son has done very well in this environment.
--Submitted by Brandi, a parent

A great school that has a 'small school' atmosphere. The principal is great! The teachers are fantastic! We have experienced 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade. A great neighborhood. Very few places do you see kids walking to school. Here you see many kids safely walking to school. Academics are strong. Special ED is outstanding. If you have medical need(my son is diabetic) the nursing staff is well trained. All staff is welcoming!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with Ms Nino and the school during our daughter's kindergarten year. They have modified the program and class to provide more challenges and opportunities, instead of holding her back with the average student. At the same time, they've balanced this with the need to 'just be a child.'
--Submitted by a parent