Bellevue Children's Academy

We had worst experience ever going through BCA addmission process. We saw good review online and had applied for the Kindergarten for our child. We had applied for 3 other good private schools in Bellevue. Comparing them by far this was the worst experience. I guess they get too many applicants and don't care about parents going through the process. They don't explain the process at all. They are very un-responsive to emails and phone calls. Don't waste your application money on this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, high academics, excellent teachers with small classrooms--- all in all provide the perfect environment for learning. We switched from a much more expensive private school for "gifted" children to this school due to the higher expectations of their proven curriculum. Principal is the best---test scores on national tests are generally a grade or 2 higher across the board. This school does not disappoint!
—Submitted by a parent

The Best School in Washington. My son has been attending BCA for 4 years (6th grade) Also now that they have added Middle School its amazing
—Submitted by a parent

Probably the best private PreK, K and elementary school in Washington State. Phenomenal principal who blends insights from all over the world: US, Singapore and Japan. Outstanding curriculum, only matched or exceeded by two schools the kids attended outside of Washington State. Bottom line: you want the best for your kid(s), this school comes highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has excellent educational standards (1-2 grade levels above public) and offers a balanced approach to education (all students get art, music, drama, PE, spanish, world studies in addition to math, science, english, and social studies). I love that classes are 12 students or less and the teachers are allowed to be specialized (your homeroom teacher is either math/science or english/social studies and kids see multiple teachers for different subjects, while still having a home base all day). The only two drawbacks to this school are: 1. due to high educational standards, there is a bit too much homework, even for the PreK and K kids. 2. it costs a lot of money
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is entering his 2nd year at BCA (Kindergarten) and we couldn't ask for a better elementary school. With his birthday in late August we were initially concerned that the rigor at BCA might overwhelm him. We were pleasantly surprised that he not only kept up with his classmates, but he has developed a thirst for learning and a natural drive that means we rarely have to push him to complete homework. He was reading by Dec of his Pre-K year and now, going into Kindergarten, he is comfortable with early 2nd grade Math and early 1st grade English. If his teachers are overworked or underpaid, I certainly haven't seen any evidence of this. All the teachers I've met seem genuinely at ease in the BCA environment and truly vested in the students. We provide a long list of supplies at the beginning of the school year so I find it hard to believe that the teachers are forced to provide a majority of the classroom supplies. If you're interested in this school, I would pay a visit and speak to other parents during an open house. The parents I speak to are all impressed with the school and happy to have an option like BCA in the area, to provide an international standard of education.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has been attending Bellevue Children's Academy for two years now and we are very satisfied with the school's philosophy and the education he is getting here. The small class size (maximum of 12 students in elementary school) is the most important factor for us. The accelerated education has also been a great fit for our son. Making the switch to BCA has been a huge confidence booster for him. We highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school, with caring, highly talented teachers and staff, with a curriculum that brings out the best in children.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Good, caring teachers, adavanced curriculum, *very* bright kids - I always enjoy their questions during Science and Cultural Fairs. On the minus side, you have the whole uniform-wearing spirit and what you might imagine comes with it. The director is what has made the school so successful, but I am a bit concerned that teachers are not allowed to participate in making some decisions where they should. As the school has been growing rapidly, I am worried how well will the cetralized decision making approach scale up. I already see signs that teachers are starting to show initiative, and that this is accepted by the principle, which is good. And, the school should get rid of the uniforms. I feel ashamed taking the kids outside the school in those - I don't think elitism is the way to go around here.
—Submitted by a parent

Has a great PreK and Kindergarten program. Would suggest for those who desire a structured program for younger students. They have a great teacher to student ratio which always for more one on one time. Caring, but strict teachers. They could use a better outside play area.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. Academic accelerated. Each kid work on his/her own pace. Nice teacher. Very good principal. Wish they have more teaching material and better outdoor playing facility.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. Each kid learn based on his own pace. Good spanish teacher and music teacher. High academic standard. Art class and music class is okay. Should have more improvement on sports. I did not involve too much myself so don't know about parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent