Medina Elementary School

Ms. Tenace is possibly the most perfect 2nd grade teacher on the planet. She is dedicated to inspiring and works very hard to address each kid at their level. My "bouncing" kid, jumps out of the car every morning....and I feel fortunate to have my son in Ms. Tenace's class at Medina Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

If you're a PTA mom, this is the place for you to shine and be special, not to mention get your kid out of any possible trouble. The school is run by the PTA, as another reviewer 4+ years ago said. It hasn't changed since. Ridiculously overcrowded and students are herded around like cattle. PE, recess and music are extremely poor. School is extremely cliquey, and from having kids all through the BSD, I can tell you these kids at the top of the social ranks at Medina (and presumably other feeder schools) are the same kids who will run the middle school and the same kids who run BHS later. If you're looking for an opportunity to give your kid a permanent "get out of jail free" card and you have deep pockets and spare time to be queen bee at the PTA, start up through the ranks at Medina.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a terrible school. I found the school to be at least a year to a year and a half behind our previous elementary school in Northern California. It is BIG and full of bullies. The children are out of control. Really... an elementary school with almost 600 kids. It's a disaster. Recess is frightening. There are many other private school choices that are terrific. This school is void of any moral structure. The learning environment leaves something to be desired.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been in Medina Elementary for 3 years. Even though the test scores are high, the school is lacking many social aspects. I agree with the parent that wrote about competitive spirit and attitude. My child was always great socially and academically, but some things in here destroyed his self esteem and confidence. If you moved from another country or have language barrier you might feel disconnected and lonely. The office staff is not helpful. If you have a question or have to talk you might wait very long to get someone out of the computer or phone to answer to your question or concern. It s got stricter though with the new principle and hope it will help.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a child at this school and our experience here has been wonderful. I feel that the teachers are the real difference at this school, as they care very much about student learning and are well equipped to reach all types of students. We have been happy with our child's education and growth while at Medina Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very much lacking regardless of purported test scores. Three principals in two years is ridiculous turnover. The front office acts as if you are bothering them even though you are volunteering your time at the school. There is too much of a competitive spirit there. My kid was at the top of his class both years he attended but he came home emotionally exhausted because everything seemed like a race. We've experienced two years of bullies and the administration doing nothing about it. Now there is a superintendent who is blocking the PTA from doing the very thing that used to make this school great: financing more qualified adults/teachers/specialists to give the kids the best education possible. The stats here on Great Schools are incorrect. We have 24-26 students in each class per one teacher with less than $6000 spent annually on each student. We are now losing all our specialists this year after having to give up our classroom aids. I would not recommend breaking the bank to live in this school's attendance area, especially with the new superintendent who is doing all she can to lower the bar at Medina.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school if you have an academically average to above average student. If there issues with kids that need extra help or who I would characterize as a "different" learner, this school can destroy a child's confidence. I know most of my neighborhood kids attend and are very satisfied, however, it's not for everyone. Too much stress and pressure waaaaay too young and it only gets worse as you move along up to the HS level.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school. Public education made great through the efforts of staff, leadership, and parents. 5 Stars!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an outstanding school. The teachers are first rate, the principal is highly accessible, the facility is new and state of the art...no wonder it is the highest rated school in the state and one of the top public schools in the country. The parent community is highly involved--those with both single-and dual-working parents. Parents can volunteer at various events, the PTA, the PDC (Curriculum Council) and attend regular events including open houses, coffee chats, curriculum nights, music concerts, etc, to stay involved in their children's development. In short, it is like being at a private school at public education prices! The community is very safe--like being in a small town back in the 70s--and the friendly police force watches over kids at the school (and know most by name) very attentively. Families come from all walks of life and care about their kids' edcucation.
—Submitted by a parent

For every bad post on for this store there are a hundred people that would say something positive. I have three children at this school and love it. Yes the PTA is highly involved....thank goodness. Teachers are responsive and care. We are very focused on our children's education and know there is aways room to improve....but this is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I challenge the parent who posted a negative comment about Medina Elem to come to Medina Matters Online to openly discuss his views . I am Roger N. and I moved to this neighborhood for the school and it's truely excellent. I've given whatever I can to the PTA and last year I gave $2500 through the auction simply because it does help the school. The principal is always available and I was even surprised one night that she - Jennifer Rose - was helping clean after one evening BBQ. Call her, email her and you get a response. I also help in the neighborhood as much as I can and I find it a bit 'unfair' for a parent to post this sort of comment online. My wife and I work full time and we continuously evaluate our kids progress and it's irresponsible to blame the teachers in this maner.
—Submitted by a parent

Do not be fooled by the reviews about this school. This school is run by the PTA. This is just another public school where your child will get lost in the crowd. If you are a stay-home-mom and have the time to be on site at the school you might be OK. This school is not about education but about fundraising. I have to admit their facility is state-of-the-art, however the teachers and staff lack good judgement, and they do not care very much. Very dissapointing.
—Submitted by a parent

Not only do we have the best teachers, but the parent involvement is great. Also, it has great extracurricular activities for the kids. And the brand facility is fabulous!
—Submitted by a parent

Medina Elementary School has some of the best teachers, staff, and students in the state of Washington. I wish we had leadership that would defend and support all the efforts that promote education including the traditions and culture of the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Medina Elementary is wonderful school. I went there when I was a child and now my daughter goes there. She is in 5th grade and has been there since kindergarden and will hate to leave. Medina has a wonderful music program and the most wonderful teachers. I hope you will pick this school for your child or chilren to go to.
—Submitted by a parent