Open Window School

After 4 years at this school, our whole family still LOVES it here. Great student/teacher ratios, differentiated learning at each child's just-right level, in a wide variety of subjects, amazing teachers and staff, and an engaged and supportive parent community make it a shining example of all that education--gifted or otherwise--can and should be. I wish every child could go to a school like this. A+!
—Submitted by a parent

This school looks beautiful to the drive by observer but the curriculum and teachers do not make the rank. Little emphasis on meeting a gifted child's individual needs, lots of time spent on group projects seeking to bring out creativity stopping short of in depth learning. Definitely an environment where donators are sought over educational excellence.... Too much precious staff hours spent on seeking out donations, ranking classes accoriding to parental donations, seeking parent financial support of building fund, and continuous publication of the latest family donations in the weekly newsletter. I chose to opt out after a couple of years of hoping the school vision would change!
—Submitted by a parent

If you want your child to be taught by teachers that are enthusiastic about teaching with a head of school that is supportive this is the school for you. If you want a school where your child will learn to analyze and solve problems rather than all rote and repition this is the school. Our family has had fabulous teachers at OWS. The administraion is exceptional. And it's on a beautiful campus...
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at OWS for five years and has received an excellent education. The teaching in each discipline is tailored to each child. Small classes, each with an instructional assistant, give these kids the attention they deserve. The Art teacher is exceptional, and my child loves the drama and computer classes, too. OWS is definitely worth a look for your gifted child.
—Submitted by a parent

Open Window has been a wonderful experience for my children. They are enthusiastic to head off to school and are thrilled to tell me about their day when I pick them up. The teachers are passionate about their work and treat my children like their own. I was thrilled when they opened the middle school so that they could stay on the same, nurturing campus!
—Submitted by a parent

Open Window has been a wonderful experience for my children. They are enthusiastic to head off to school and are thrilled to tell me about their day when I pick them up. The teachers are passionate about their work and treat my children like their own. I was thrilled when they opened the middle school so that they could stay on the same, nurturing campus!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Open Window School for seven years and had a very positive experience there. The lessons were organized, all the teachers were caring, and the amount of parent involvement was exceptional! I feel that the life skills and academic concepts that I learned there laid the foundation for my positive study habits, test-taking skills, and social success, and have fully prepared me for my later school years. I just started my fourth year at Lakeside and still find myself thanking the students and teachers at Open Window for the basis they've provided me for a successful life.

Open Window School has a spectacular setting and grounds with large play fields and beautiful views. The buildings are newer than most schools and in very good condition. Unfortunately, there are some less stellar aspects of the school as well. The teachers my child had seemed inexperienced and disorganized. This school was a disappointment to us.
—Submitted by a parent

I really agree that the grounds and buildings are stellar. Some of the teachers do not maintain classroom discipline well. I did not feel that the teachers communicated well when problems arose. This is not a school I would pick.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children attended Open Window School and they loved it! The nurturing environment, fantastic teachers and a supportive administration made this an amazing place for my children to grow and learn. As a parent, I felt that each one of their teachers cared about them as individuals and really made an effort to meet their academic and social needs. The curriculum in the middle school, Vista Academy, makes me want to go back to school! Definitely check out this school for your gifted child.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best, best school I've attended in my life. The teachers are so nice and everybody works together. The teacher does a very good job of keeping each child at his/her own pace. The facillities are excellent and the view is just gorgeous. I love it and would recommend it to any other parent who asked for a good school in the Eastside. Excellent!
—Submitted by a student

The good things about OWS: *The administration and the head of school are fantastic and are very supportive of students and their families. *The school has a warm nurturing environment and the teachers make every effort for students to be accepted among their peers. The not-so-good things about OWS: *The curriculum is 'moderately accelertated' and this is stressed by the administration. Consequently students who are exceptionally bright do not feel challenged. My daughter enjoyed OWS but she did not find it challenging. *The teachers are not told student's IQ's are not privy to IQ reports. This is in contrast to UCDS where they believe teachers should be aware of student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. We moved our daughter to Seattle Country Day for the stronger academic curriculum. She is much more challenged at Country Day and the science program is head and shoulders above OWS.
—Submitted by a parent

Open Window has an excellent Head of School who really cares about every single student. The teachers are all supportive and caring towards their students and this is why our child has loved every minute of her 7 year journey at the school. It has been an excellent investment and we are very proud to be parents at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child was so well prepared for middle school and is thriving after her elementary school years at Open Window School. The small classes, nuturing faculty, and challenging curriculum kept her engaged and loving school. Open Window inspired her and was the beginning of her lifetime journey of a love of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school where teachers and staff knock themselves out to support children academically, socially and emotionally. The school constantly reflects on its program to make sure it is offering the best experience possible for its students.

This has been the worst school that my child has attended. While the academics are fine, the high teacher turnover undermines discipline and interferes with academic curriculum consistency. The teachers do not maintain classroom order or support children that are picked on. There does not appear to be any consistent disciplinary plan. The middle school has no electives.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated in 2001. OWS has definately shaped my life for the better instilling a love of learning that I am sure that I would not have retained at any other elementary school. I cannot give an accurate representation of extracurricular activities, but when I was at the school there were only one or two a year. The drama, and music programs were great, and parent involvement, which is required from each family, was extremely high. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, really hands on learning and I learned to love group work (which none of my friends in high school do). I remember waking-up every day excited to go to school and for the day, I can certainly say that this no longer happens, at least not everyday. Anyone who loves to learn and play with others must go to this school.
—Submitted by a former student

Fantastic. My son started this year in 5th grade and will continue on to Vista Academy. The Math and Science programs are very strong, class size small, the faculty go out of their way to make sure the children fit it and are respected. This allows the children to be comfortable in their environment and focus on academics. We've had our son in private, academic, top rated schools in both Berkeley CA & London UK. This school is by far the best for him.
—Submitted by Nancy Gilby, a parent

Our family highly recommends OWS to families looking for an elementary school which focuses on gifted education. This is our daugther's sixth year and our son's second year at OWS. There are so many reasons to love this school! The classes have a maximum of 18 students with a highly trained teacher and full-time assistant. This allows for more small group and one-on-one work with the teacher than a larger classroom with only one teacher. Our daughter is challenged academically and supported socially by her teachers and the rest of the OWS staff. She also enjoys the specialists' programs - drama, music, Spanish, art, computers, and movement. The parents are very involved at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Highly academic program. Very diverse group of students. Teachers are very excited about teaching.
—Submitted by a parent