Silver Beach Elementary School

We moved from CA specifically so our children could attend this school. Our oldest attended all 6 years and we have a 4th grader now. I love the sense of community the school offers, the personal support systems and the AMAZING teachers! Both of my children read far above grade level and have been greatly encouraged by staff and a wonderful librarian. I would highly recommend this elementary above all others in Whatcom County.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, however it is a well known fact the Principal lacks leadership and decision making skills. The school is great because of the teaching staff and parents. With better direction, it could be sooooo much better!
—Submitted by a parent

Lots of internal problems that affect school atmosphere - new leadership needed.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a special needs child. The schools staff and principal have bent over backwards to do everything they can to help my child. Since coming to Silver Beach this year my son has flourished. The parents are extremely active. There is always a volunteer in class. The children are giving and accepting. I cannot express how happy I am with Silver Beach. I hope to have all of my children go to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal likes to look as though he is doing all he can for the school but in reality he has a large ego and he has a reputation among parents as unfriendly and unhelpful. The teachers my children had at Silver Beach were nice and caring. I have heard of some other teachers there that are not as great. The environment is not that stimulating.
—Submitted by a parent

As with all schools, there are some outstanding teachers and some that are just doing their time until retirement at Silver Beach. Some teachers motivate students and some teachers use the same curriculum for 15+ years- those are the ones that love to mark with red pen as much as possible on student work. There are extracurricular activites but, music is non-existant for k-2, sports for k-2? if you call that running on the playground then yes. There is a wonderful art program and Spaish program. There is high parent involvement. Siver Beach is like any other Bellingham school. A Principal with leadership and good teachers make all the difference in any school. This pricipal is hard to deal with, not friendly, unapproachable. The school property is well maintained, the staff is friendly, children seem to be happy at Sliver Beach.
—Submitted by a parent

Silver Beach school was a good school that encouraged reading skills and manipulative math skills.Our daughter attended as a first grader and enjoyed most of her days writing creative stories which the teacher would then print out as her very own published book.She also benefited from a program called reading buddies where an upper elementary student would meet and assist reading and sharing stories in a fun and informal environment.Our daughter is a strong reader today and is looking forward to helping a younger child learn to read.We feel that the experience facilitated compassion as well as confidence and were very pleased.Parent involvement was always welcome and it seemed there was always a fundraising effort to contribute to.That was somewhat of a turnoff. Overall,though,its a good school and we have positive thoughts and have built friendships from our time there.
—Submitted by a parent