Bell Elementary School

This is school is wonderful - the principal, the teachers, the staff, and a very active PTSA. I firmly believe an organization reflects the leader and Mr. Anderson, the principal has done an amazing job in creating a culture of learning, fun, community and caring. Our son has been here for 2 years now and he loves it, has loved every one of his teachers and is very happy here. There is minimal bullying (in our experience) as there are programs to reward or acknowledge positive behavior There is excellent balance of learning, discipline and positive re-enforcement making it an excellent environment. One can feel the energy, commitment and happiness in the teachers and office staff from the tone set by the principal. As for Mr. Anderson - he can be seen as a crossing guard, high fiving kids as they are dropped off at school, or this past week on the roof as a superhero Math-man for Math week in full costume regala. Thank you Bell - for everything you all are doing for our son. In addition a new school building is being built at this sight for opening in 2013 !!! A great place if you, like us are evaluating this school vs. private/other options when moving to the area.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a student at A.G. Bell from Preschool to 5th grade. The former principal, Mr. Newport, was fantastic. He made the school great. When Three years ago, a new principal arrived. His name was Curtis Anderson. He could not solve 3 simple issues that my parents suggested should be solved. I loved this school, and I hope everyone else does too, but I suggest there be a new principal. :)

We moved to WA from Canada and A.G.Bell was the first American school my daughter was going to attend. The principal and staff were outstanding, helpful and very knowledgeable. When I couldn't make it to the school to pick up some additional paperwork the principal was kind enough to drive to our place to not only drop them off, but explain why they needed to be signed and then waited as I signed them all. He then invited us in for a tour of the school during a time of our choosing! While my daughter only attended for the last two months, they were a great two months. Future schools she has attended haven't lived up to my expectations like A.G.Bell has. Thank you!
--Submitted by a parent

We've been there over five years and each teacher my child has had, had unique, nuturing qualities that have helped my child grow as a student. Great teamwork by the staff. I wish more parents would get involved, though. The ones that do are really terrific!
--Submitted by a parent

I was very unhappy with this school. Lack of teacher involvement, there was 27 kids in my daughters class. We removed our daughter after 6 months of being there. I can not believe it got an 8.
--Submitted by a parent

This school doesn't have the highest test schools in the area, but the teachers are very caring and really want the children to succeed. From my experience, there is not a lot of parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful. My son has gone to Bell elementary since kindergarten and is now in the 5th grade. My daughter has just started kindergarten. The teachers are awesome. I have not had a teacher that both the kids and myself have not liked. They are knowledgeable and wonderful with the kids. Its not often that you get a great teacher every year, but we have. They also have the accelerated reader program. The program itself is ok, it is more geered for children that are competive though is my sense. This is a wonderful school....I'm thankful they were in our district.
--Submitted by a parent

Some out standing teachers Judy Cook, Kathy Daly, Kathy Hovis, Grace Stanphill and Chris Hulten. Their principalship can use some guidance.
--Submitted by a parent

I am exceptionally proud of being associated with A.G. Bell through my son's attendance in Ms. Huppert's all day kindergarten class. My son's growth emotionally and intellectually since he started class 2 months ago is amazing and means more to me than any test score; however, this year's fabulous WASL scores do deserve note and show how dedicated the teachers and staff are to the students. They all deserve a round of applause!
--Submitted by a parent

The emphasis on civility and rewarding good behavior is very reassuring. The encouragement of creative problem-solving in math and other areas is great.
--Submitted by France Giddings, a parent