Michael Anderson Elementary School

My son has been in the school for 4 years starting with pre-k and my daughter just finished 2 years of pre-k. I do love this school. I have since we began. I will say that it does seem that they focus too much on the WASL in the older grades but we haven't done that yet. I love the way the first grade classes integrated for reading. Each child is evaluated so they can be placed in a reading group with other kids at the same level. My son enjoyed it too. The preschool is free for people that live on base and does a good job preparing kids for kindergarten. The activities are wonderful and engaging. We've loved all the teachers so far and are all looking forward to next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Michael Anderson Elementary is by far the best school in the entire district. The staff members work hard to mainain a wonderful atmosphere for the children, and it is apparent each and every day. The school offers many extra-curricular activities, for all ages, and the music and the PE departments are wonderful. Each grade has the chance to perform in a musical every year, and the school offers an annual track meet and a field day for all grade levels. We have loved this school and will miss it when we have to leave!
--Submitted by a parent

I am more than pleased with this school. The teachers there are more than helpful. My kids have learned more from this school than they have from others. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you for helping me help my kids with their learning because it's not just the teachers to teach them but the parents too.
--Submitted by a parent

I am just disappointed with this school! If your child has a learning or other disabilitiy then you are fine, the staff can handle that well. However, if your child performs above grade level than you might have a problem. There is no set program for these children. Getting your child work more suited to thier performance level, well I haven't been able to accomplish that yet after 1 1/2 years. Some of the teachers feel that more work consitutes for harder work. This is the 6th school District that I have had the opportunity to utilize and I hate to say it, but it ranks low. I have the feeling that Medical Lake School district is more concerned about the WASL then the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school my son has been in MAE since he turned three. He has had speach therapy and has gone from hardly anyone understanding him to being very articulate. The teachers are excellent and have stayed in touch with me quite well and I can't say enuff about this staff. My son is now in 1st grade and still just loves going to school. He also has ADHD and all of his teacher have been very patient with him and don't let him slack off either. We have even held off moving off base to keep our kids in the preschool program.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school seem very good with the students. However, the communication between parents and staff is very lacking. I feel there is a number of good activities in the school, but most of them are geared for 5th and 6th graders, with very little offerings for the younger students. We had a few safety issues last year, but I felt it was dealt with by the school counselor very well. And as a side note to that, the school counselor is extrememly available and helpful to the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Never have I seen a school with such disciplined and yet expressive students. Anderson has high standards, knowing that when great things are expected of children, the children will be able to deliver. Each grade offers comprehensive team projects that add fun and excitement to the learning environment. Students could not have a safer environment available to them, and once the issue of safety and security is dealt with, the students truly excel. Anderson is one of the best public schools in the country, let alone Washington state.
--Submitted by a parent

I found Michael Anderson Elementary to excel above the other Washington schools my children have attended. The staff is on top of things and take care of any problem or conflicts that arise as quickly as they can. The quality of the school only increases with each additional component that is added. If I could have brought my children to this school when they began their educations publicly, it would have benefitted them. The only thing I find that is a disappointment is the parental involvement in school activities. You would think being on a military installation, participation would be higher. In a school of 650+ students, more than 6% parents should take part in the activities and events that take place here. It is a proven fact that the parent involvement in school helps your child do better in their education. This school also has a wonderful Big Brother/Big Sister program.
--Submitted by a parent

I find that the staff of this school is more concerned about the appearance of the school than the quality that comes out of the school. I find that the classrooms are crowded and some of the teachers have a hard time if some students need more of thier time. This school is a disappointment to me. I had heard great things about it and was expecting far more than what my child id recieving.
--Submitted by a parent

Super athletics, lots of extension programs for highly capable kids, and they're really good on the remedial end too. Solid teachers in all grades, the leadership seems strong, and they have high expectations for all the kids.
--Submitted by a parent