Enatai Elementary School

My daughter has special needs, (ADD and Anxiety and learning difficulties with writing) but is very well behaved. This year has been incredibly difficult for her and the school has been incredibly unsupportive. They have given us the runaround in getting support for her. I would not recommend this school for any child with anxiety. They are completely unsympathetic.
—Submitted by a parent

After realizing the local parochial school was not the right fit for our family, we looked at our neighborhood elementary and were blown away by Enatai. In four years our daughter has experienced teachers who despite classroom size and resource challenges, prioritize individuated learning, addressing student needs at lower and higher ends of the learning spectrum and setting standards high for all students. (Response to Intervention program was started by two outstanding Enatai teachers and is now moving district-wide.) We notice parents volunteer time and resources as a matter of course, making possible programs such as Student Council service group and Community Garden. Enatai teachers, admin, parents, & kids actively try to create an inclusive atmosphere and encourage new community members to jump in and offer their time and talent toward the tons of events and activities at the school. Enatai community also supports folks being responsible for changes they want to see (committed complaining) and genuinely values treating others how you wish to be treated. Our family is continually impressed with the academic and social experience at Enatai Elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers and teacher commitment to excellence. Diverse student body and great community / school relationship.
—Submitted by a parent

Enatai is a wonderful diverse, community school that brings involved parents and teachers together to create a rich learning environment for all children. This is ideal - excellent education through the public system so no need to ship kids out to attend private school. This creates a strong community and a lot of parent involvement. Teachers at Enatai are stellar - extremely committed, we have a robust RTI program and numerous extracurricular activities and enrichment. Our two children have been here for the last couple of years and LOVE it! They are learning and enjoying it every step of the way.
—Submitted by a parent

The city of Bellevue has so many excellent public schools in its west side area, and Enatai is definitely one of them. I have 2 kids atttend this school, K1 and 3rd. Teachers are great and caring, Princepal Townsend is an excellent leader, and parents are very supportive in many ways. Well diversified culturally, and most families in this area are relatively wealthier side and are 'good quality'. No need for me to look for private schools, which was great. The only concern is, that, there are a few kids (only one or two kids at most) whose behaviors are terrible and taking up most of the teacher's precious time and energy in the classroom. If we could stragetically solve such issue, the teacher could spend more time on each studend with more evenly. I hope Principal Townsend could solve that issue. Other than that, I'm totally happy with this school and highly recommend to others.
—Submitted by a parent

(cont). What I have seen is that some parents who take the issues way more serious blow it out of proportion, which creates an even bigger problem. I think this needs to be managed better by the school staff. It creates issues when parents begin bullying the children....and as much as we would like to think parents are better.....sometimes they are not. Academically, Enatai is wonderful, however culturally they need work to do. Too many children talk about money, and this is sad. Such a pity at such a young age. For those parents who encourage children to look past materialistic things....good for you! It all starts one person at a time :) Principal is great - Ms. Blust is a joy and makes a positive impact on Enatai.
—Submitted by a parent

I just got my two daughters transffered here from another elementary school in Bellevue and we love it. Big difference and this is the right school for my babies.
—Submitted by a parent

It's been a long time since anyone reviewed Enatai and a lot has changed there. The new principal seems effective and friendly and does not seem to interfere much with the teachers. This is a good thing. The teachers are excellent whether experienced or new. They are beloved by their students and this sets a very warm and caring atmosphere the permeates the whole school.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have special needs and I have to say that Enatai has the best elementary special education program in the Bellevue School district. I am extremely impressed with Amy Stay and Districts Special Education Coordinator and Debbie Bendix the School Special Education Coordinator. The school is situationed in a very quiet community and has beautiful grounds and facility. They have a great PTA group and lots of extracurricular activities for traditionally educated children.
—Submitted by a parent

So far we are very pleased with the results of Enatai and our kindergartener. The class size is great 19 students, the teacher has great experience and calm demeanor with class. I am an active volunteer and uite impressed with Ms. nash the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended the first grade at Enatai Elementary. His teacher was absolutely outstanding and I would highly recommend her to any parent I knew. The principal and office staff were always open and informative. There are numerous extracurricular activities (my son took karate) and on-site before and afterschool child care (very helpful for a working mom).
—Submitted by Crystal Fincher, a parent