Clyde Hill Elementary School

Many parents only wish they could put their litte darlings at CHES! Our oldest son (17) attended the school (K-5) and our second child is there and currently in 2nd grade. This is a very good school with strong leadership and many caring teachers. These past 2 years our son has benefited from a husband & wife team of teachers who are rigorous, yet kind, patient, understanding, and possess a good sense of humor. Honestly, being quite demanding myself, I feel that CHES is just fine. The student population is increasingly ethnically diverse each year, and it's obvious that CHES is attracting a high percentage of Asian families through its strong teaching credentials. We weren't so impressed with Chinook Middle School (next door) and hopefully that school will be better once the reconstruction is completed in the next two years. CHES is the right size, the support is there, the kids are well behaved (no bullying at all), and it's nice to see your tax dollars aren't being wasted for a change. Thanks CHES.
—Submitted by a parent

After school childcare program is unprofessional. My child was injured on the playground and left to take care of herself. Too many kids crammed into a small space.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm in awe reading the recent negative comments about Clyde Hill. I just don't understand it! We were lucky to be at CHES for two years, before moving to CA. Now, we miss Clyde Hill every day. The caring staff, amazing "specials" including PE, music, art...an on-site nurse, librarian...these assets are a thing of the past in most public schools, including our current school. Class sizes at 27 are a negative? Ours are 31--33. Clyde Hill is a wonderful school, great curriculum and supportive learning environment. We would be back tomorrow if we could. Please keep perspective, folks, CHES is a wonderful school. Come visit a public school in CA if you need a dose of reality :)
—Submitted by a parent

Every school has negatives & positives. But this schools negatives are far more than the positives.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with hardworking teachers and staff, as well as a strong parent community. Every school will have its struggles in these tough economic times, but its people not money that will pull Clyde Hill through.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Clyde Hill because of the school rating which was high couple years ago and is suffering right now. Quality of the education is incredible low. Approx. 27 kids in each class with only one teacher. I am sure even the low income areas have better ratios than this. I feel like I waisted couple years of my kid. Some teachers and school staff are snobby and have no interest in making it a better place for the kids. I have got the impression that they just want to get paid and not worry about the rest. Every year I made great contribtuions either by volunteering in the class at least once or twice a week and making cash donations. Even with that I don't see any improvement. According to schooldigger.com the test scoes suffer as well :(
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from california last year and i feel made a mistake sending my 3rd grader then, to this school.The schools ratings have also dropped considerably.The neighbouring Enatai is better.
—Submitted by a parent

My 1st grader is doing grate though we have some issues with everyday homework. he likes to be a leader and face academic challenges. my kindergardener is struggling to go to school, perform well and actually enjoy it. he hates it. i don't think rigorous academics are appropriate for every kid. it is even harder for yanger ones. i guess it depends on what kind of child you have.
—Submitted by a parent

Clyde Hill has amazing students, parents, and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The partnership between teachers/staff and parents is excellent. The partnership works hard to address the needs of all children, academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two daughters at Clyde Hill 2008-2009 and both love their school and their teachers. The PTSA is very active and there is several after school activities to choose from (Art, Science, Jum rope, Chess...) I would love to have even more activities, especially on the short Wednesdays, but as it is, Clyde Hill already has a lot to provide. Academically, the teachers our girls have had have been doing a great job, and they are very interested in the children as individuals. I would warmly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Hopefully the new principal have a positive impact. The second grade teachers are wonderful and work as a wonderful team. The first grade teachers do not. If your child is bright or not 'in the box,' be ready to advocate for your child. Do not be patient with the 'system' as we were. We wasted an entire year. I would not recommend first grade at this school. Teachers who are not nuturing should not be teaching first grade.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend Clyde Hill and found the sense of community and help to be fantastic. There is a Tech Team and Service Team along with Choir, Chess, School Play & Jump Rope Club for kids to get involved in. The older kids are matched with the younger ones to do one on one reading. All classrooms are equipped w/smart boards and the teachers are vested in creating a fun and challenging learning environment. Although it is in a more affluent area of town it is a very diverse group of students and needs which the school does a great job managing.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible horrible system the families associated with this school must contend with if you are not in the 'Rich' click group. Its too bad for such a beautiful area.
—Submitted by Very Concerned, a parent

When comparing Clyde Hill with Medina the teacher/student ratio is too high. I agree with the other posters, improving the math and foreign language program should be priorities. Additionally, the school needs to provide more after school activities - like music, art, dance, soccer. Today only jump rope is offered.
—Submitted by a parent

Relatively small classroom size. Good parent participation. Math program is weak. Would love to see Spanish taught. Music and art teachers are great. Band or orchestra is mandatory for 5th graders. Teacher quality varies quite a bit, some fantastic and high expectations, a minor few should not be in teaching- especially those that don't like kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Very pleased with Clyde Hill. Parent participation is expected; which makes for a high student/adult ratio in the classroom. Adding foreign language training to the curriculum would just make this school even better!
—Submitted by a parent

I would love to see foreign language as part of the curriculum. Also, I'd like to see a more extensive art program.
—Submitted by a parent