Richard Gordon Elementary School

Richard Gordon is an all inclusive school that hosts the local alternative school 'North Kitsap Options'. With a stunning new garden, the Options greenhouse, cooperative programs, knitting groups for the needy, and a loving and strong principal, this is truly a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son loves school and misses it over summer vacation. The teachers are excellent, the programs top-notch and I know my son is getting a great education because he feels part of community.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids went here for two years and then we switched to a Waldorf school. The switch was the best thing that we could have ever done for our children. Now my kids are truly nurtured and individually cared for instead of being treated like a statistic. Sadly, Kingston doesn't have many other options.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a student the first year Gordon opened and then later worked there as a paraeducator. It's an excellent school, with a dedicated staff, many of whom have been there since I was a student. Everyone, from the office staff to the teachers to the lunch ladies are completely devoted to the welfare and education of the students.

Our daughter is in 1st grade at Gordon. We're very happy with the warm fuzzy atmosphere & the sense of community fostered by the school. As with any school, parental involvement is a good idea. Our child is ready for challenges beyond her grade level, so we've worked with her teacher to create a stimulating environment for her. We work hard on her education at home as well as being aware of what she's learning at school. I like that Gordon focuses on programs that promote character building & acceptance as well as academics. It seems to be a very well rounded program. Sure, we could pay for more advanced academics at a private school, but well rounded works since we are actively involved in educating our child at home.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been living in this area for over a year now and although everyone claims that this is the 'best' school in the district, I still feel very despondent about sending my kids back for another year here. My daughter just went through the 2nd grade and seemed to basically repeat what she learned in the first grade from a different State/school. They don't teach cursive until grade 4, they don't put on Christmas or Thanksgiving performances, they don't offer a second language unless you pay for Spanish (and after a whole year of it, my daughter couldn't remember a single word).. She was considered 'gifted' back home and encouraged to excel and placed in a special program. In this school, even though she was a 2nd grader that tested at a 5th grade reading level, they didn't do anything with her. Also, her math abilities have greatly declined.
--Submitted by a parent