Maplewood Parent Coop

I just read one of the most upsetting reviews. I feel for this former student. And hope that other parents read this and understand that they should communicate with their own child about their education. From our experience, teachers only push the children to accomplish things that they are capable of doing. As a former teacher, it makes me sad to hear that a student did not learn to deal with issues while in the midst of problems. Please learn from your past and be a major part of your child(ren)'s lives.
—Submitted by a parent

As an educator in the Edmonds school district I feel lucky to have my children at Maplewood. My children are working above grade level academically. The teachers are dedicated and yes, they do push students to achieve what they are fully capable of. Isn't that what we want for our children? As for sports, the physical education teachers are extremely dedicated and spend much of their personal time working to help students be physically fit. Any programs not available here are easily found through rec programs or elsewhere. As for social issues, they are at all schools. The children here are polite and respectful. Yes, there are sometimes issues, but there always are with people who spend this much time together (even adults). These issues teach our children how to deal with real life situations. The parking lot gossip is a problem but you don't have to join in.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, the parental involvement, the art, Modd Squad, the facility, the community. The kids get a great educations BUT parents need to be involved in all aspects. It's not for everyone but I feel fortunate to be there.
—Submitted by a parent

As parents, you obviously want your kid to get the best educational experience out there. Maplewood, in that case, would be it. Now, if you want your kid to get the best educational, and social experience, that would not be it. The kids at this school usually are very 'stuck up', and high class. Which always leads to bullying, cliques, everything. The teachers push way too hard, which can be understandable, but they go over the line with it. I had more homework in my elementary years at that school, then all 4 years of high school. Although the kids would come off to be more mature, it's not true, they are too sheltered at this school. Over-all, I wouldn't put any of my kids in this school. It was a horrible experience for myself, and I really wish that my parents had put me into a public elementary school.
—Submitted by a student

In any school, you will find what you look for. I have served at this school for 15 years and through 6 children. It can be alot of work but it is worth it. It is a very caring atmosphere, and every teacher is wonderful. Bacause there is so much parent involvement, there are few discipline problems, leaving the teachers free to teach. the support of programs is wonderful and the education is great. I am so glad my children had the opportunity to learn here. They are prepared academically and , in sportsmanship. The diversity they get with Maplewood Center is good as well.
—Submitted by a parent

This school really is a sinking boat. I experienced quite a few problems that the principal didn't handle very well. She doesn't care about students safety and bullies.
—Submitted by a student

I agree that this school is a sinking boat. The principal is superficial and weak and certain staff should have a backbone and do/say what is right. When issues arise this school gets flustered and this is causing this school to sink. Certain changes in staff would help this school.
—Submitted by a parent

It is good if you don't experience a bullying case. It is good if you don't care about the material competition among the students. It is good if you don't have any problem to against the principal. it is good if you only want to join in a co-op school. It is a sinking boat.

great parents and students
—Submitted by a parent

It doesn't get any better than a community raising and educating your child! The best staff around!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. While there may be only 4 sports the percentage of participation of middle schoolers is over the top! I've been volunteering there for 9 yrs. They definately prepare the middle school students for high school & most of them are accepted into honors classes. Where else can you get the equivalent of a private education at a public school without the cost?
—Submitted by a parent

Good for educational purposes, but is pretty bad for preparing students for high school. There are only 4 sports to play-track, XC, basketball, volleyball. This school is too sheltered, it is very easy to get in trouble at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

MW is a great school as parents & teachers are very involved. We're very happy. The involvement by parents can lead to some pretty serious cliques. Some parents think they r 'better than thou' & others gossip. But the environment helps you to know the kids & families that your child will be with for years. All in all - agreat experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught ten years in a private school and Maplewood does nearly everything that school did but in a public school. The parents, teacher, and principal are all deeply involved in each and every student. Each is committed to making them the best they can be. I could not ask for more!
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school is excelent and the nicest school building that i have ever seen, wonderfull teachers and parents that I feel I can trust arround my child and the teachers love eac and every child that they have the privalege to teach.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Maplewood for all nine years that are offered. I am now a WWU, pre-med, and am maintaining a high GPA. I flew through highschool, and Maplewood is the reason. The teachers get involved because of the small class size, and I went on probably ten field trips a year. Having parents in the class made me more comfortable to ask questions, 'mom, how can i remember the times tables better?' There are definetly clicks, but I made life long friends here. This is a top notch academic school. I admit that when I got older, I felt watched over a little too much, but now that I am removed for Maplewood, my kids will go to a co-op. My parents knew all my friend's parents, and that is a great comfort. I would say their activities were on par with other schools in the area.
—Submitted by kyle, a former student

Maplewood is not for everyone, but if you can consistently volunteer one morning or one afternoon per week per child, you reap the benefit of seeing what small groups led by an adult can accomplish. Students seldom off-task and disciplined by the multitude of ever-present parents results in a student body that is respectful and engaged. Teachers are top-notch and spend many extra hours ensuring great lessons. It is a school that is working on cultural diversity, but in the mean time, relies on partnering with Maplewood Center's disabled students to provide more one-on-one care for them. There is a good mix of economic/social diversity and a strong community feeling present. Above all, this school recognizes the importance of involved parents and parents get to know everyone their child interacts with, whether teachers or students or parents.
—Submitted by Parent, a parent

You can't find a much better academic program outside of private schools and the challenge program than Maplewood. The teachers are challenging, and prepare the children well for high school academics, except in one academic department. However socially it will not prepare the student. The students in middle school to seem to have to abide by the same very very strict roles that the first graders follow. The very small size leads to a great lack in diversity (ethnically, religiously, economically), and the students tend to be remain in their close group of friends, with very very gossipy parents. It tends to be very strict and conservative, and the parents are always watching, coupled with the size, leads to a lack of opportunities and especially growth for most of the students.Its too sheltered and 'safe' for a middle school. It doesn't help The students in the real world -grad '02
—Submitted by a former student

Now, this is a interesting school. I know personally. As for the academics, they are great (I'm suspecting that they're teaching one grade level up, literally). The music I would say is good to great. The Art program is spectacular. Sports, now that's where Maplewood could improve (only two school teams). For extracuricular activities, there are many oppurtunities. Parent involvement is incredible, any major class is helped by the parents. Now that Iv'e responded honestly to the good side, now the bad side. Now, sheltering your children is natural, but it's not great for the real world. Maplewood takes that to an extreme. Because there Bullying in Maplewood, though discouraged, happens very often. Now, the bully rate plus the extremely high standard, and low student number (which makes some teachers act in ways they otherwise wouldn't)leaves some kids to react with outbursts, violence, etc. Overall, I'd say stay away from Maplewood.
—Submitted by Juvey Kid, a former student

This is a life-changing school, for students and for families. The quality of education is remarkable. The teachers are highly committed, bright, personable, experienced, caring, and wonderful to work with. Each family is required to spend several hours per week (per child) volunteering in the classroom, including driving on two field trips (per child) per year. The commitment sounds huge, but what parents get out of it include a sense of community, getting to know both the students their child is in class with, the teachers, and other parents who help. Parents really know the environment in which their children spend so much time. The children become comfortable with adults, confident in their skills, and supported in their academic endeavors. The enrichment activities are wonderful, too -- field trips, assemblies, sports, and community events. A truly wonderful place.
—Submitted by Rebecca, a parent