Cam Junior Senior High School

We have two students that attend CAM. They've had very good if not excellent teachers. The atmosphere is unlike any school you'll likely see. The students work diligently in class and aren't easily distracted. Their focus is definitively academic, allowing them to pursue whatever interests them artistically or physically outside of school or Wednesday. There is a religious element to it, in that there seems to be many nonsecular students there. I believe the word is out at the private Christian schools, that this is the place to send your child for a less expensive education. Both of my kids are aware of this and the Christian kids are respectful at school in keeping their opinions private. Parent involvement is what you'd expect at such an academically rigorous school. I would only suggest this school to parents that have children that are focused and self motivated, for others this may be an unpleasant experience. This is a great school if you know what to expect.
--Submitted by a parent

Amazing school in mediocre school district! This school is a gem in the rough! The teachers are the best of the best & the staff keeps the parents very informed. The schedule is unique & won't work for every family. The students have to fulfill their art & PE outside of CAM. The students are expected to be respectful & responsible & there is no tolerance for misbehavior whatsoever. Children who care about their education flourish here! The workload is not as bad as we expected but the children need to stay on track or they could quickly fall behind. My only small complaint is that there is a large percentage of students who are there because they are religious & there is some talk about religion among the students. BUT there are plenty of other students who are secular & are there to learn & not concerned with others' religion or lack thereof. I think a lot of parents think CAM is a safe place for Christian children to not be exposed to the 'real' world but as a totally secular parent, I see it as an education opportunity. WE LOVE CAM & the staff!!!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers really enjoy teaching, my daughter loves it.
--Submitted by a parent

I've attended CAM since 6th grade and am now a Junior. My older brother has also atteneded CAM from 7th grade until he graduated (we were also involved in Homelink from Kindergarten until we started CAM), so my family and myself are very familiar with the school. I would not describe CAM as well rounded simply because their goals for the school and its students are extremely focused in specific areas. I found the main benifit of this to be that students have the tools and are presented with the ability to succeed. Academically I trust CAM, believe they do excell the norm, and although it was difficult I am glad I have attended CAM because I feel well prepared for college. Socially, however, it cam be difficult if a person does not fit the standard. Students are always kind to new commers and the teachers are great.
--Submitted by a student

I went to CAM and graduated in '08 and I can't think of a better place to go to school! I loved every minute of it, even as I fought hard to keep my grades up to the high standards they expect there. It's an exceptional school that I was extremely lucky to have attended. The focus on character and application of education in the real world makes for a well rounded and enjoyable education. I loved the teachers and my class as though they were my second family and I miss it! Check into it and ask about the amazing senior east coast trip! No better school. -N
--Submitted by a student

I love CAM! Our children have really excelled in their program, and it's definitely great preparation for college and just being successful in life. The teachers really care for the students and want to see them succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter went to CAM last year for 5th. grade and is now in 6th. grade at CAM. We have been overly impressed with every aspect of the school. The teachers are amazing and truly care about the students. Our daughter has learned more in her time at CAM more than any other year and she feels safe to learn and develop close friends because of the consitent expectations and follow through of the teachers, staff, and principal. The teachers have high expectations but at the same time they are very warm and available to help the students do their best and learn. The learning is made to be exciting because there is a lot of hands on verses just 'busy work'. The principal, Coleen Oneal, has just been amazing. Our daughter had a problem with a boy last year and Coleen was kind, consistent, and proactive. We love CAM!
--Submitted by a parent

No extracurricular activities. Social circles are limited, forcing children to spend time with people who they would not normally enjoy spending time with. Bad influences are unescapable in such a small school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful for families who want to be able to have a strong hand in their child's education. All fine arts/physical education credits are expected to be gained outside of school hours. School is focused only on the academics of your children. The program is college prep and requires 4 years of math, science, english and history to graduate. If you have a child that is able to handle more difficult academic regimen and is involved in outside activities that would count for credit. ex. piano lessons, tennis, karate etc. This is the place for you. Test scores are always in the highest brackets of Washington State.
--Submitted by a parent

This school really depressed my child. She had no social life, because she did not really enjoy the company of the students because they were so focused in their schoolwork. My child had B+'s and A-'s, and of course she strived for A's, but what all the other students wanted was 4.0. This school is not my opinion as an academic sanctuary. Think twice before sending your child there, unless you would like your child to strive for a 4.0 all their life and have friends and family second.
--Submitted by Kim Smiths, a parent