Kirk Elementary School

In our family's experience, Peter Kirk was a very mixed bag. The teachers we had ranged from mediocre to amazing, but most were in between. One of our children suffered through some terrible bullying experiences at this school which continue to scar her, and she was academically not challenged, but our other child had an amazing year with a loving first grade teacher who taught the children not only advanced academics but true social skills and caring. The principal, while wearing a smile on her face, was not very helpful or sincere and managed to alienate many of the teachers as well as parents. On the whole, we were very disappointed with this school and decided to leave it, yet we are very appreciative of the stellar first grade teacher we had.
--Submitted by a parent

Most teachers are amazing. The Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 6th Grade teachers Are spectacular. There is one third grade teacher that is exceptional. Parent involvement is superb! Principal is just OK.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the staff & parent support for the great programs offered to our students. The students are held to a high standard while still being allowed to be kids.
--Submitted by a teacher

The students are enthusiastic about learning. The community has always been supportive.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff at Peter Kirk are terrific. They really care for the children.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a gem of a local elementary school. My grandchildren attended there, and I have worked there for ten years as a Tech IA. Families move into the area just so their children can attend Peter Kirk. Several of the teachers have been there for many years. New teachers choose this school if possible. The atmosphere is caring and all the teachers are exceptional.

Peter Kirk provides a comfortable, confident atmosphere for learning. The cooperation between staff, volunteers, parents and student gives an extra boost to those who attend school there.

My son just graduated high school he went to Peter Kirk and I thought it was the best school on the east side, my daughter now is at Peter Kirk, and I have been loving it there we had the best experience at Kindergarten and first grade we loved her teachers so far and feel like we can trust them completely she'll be going to second grade and is very excited for school to start soon, she was not reading at all at the beginning of her first year at school by end of first grade she is reading chapter books, her math skills have advanced and I can say that it has been the same progress as her best friend who went to private school PTSA is great and very active; it is a great community school
--Submitted by a parent

I've had kids at Peter Kirk for the last 8 years. I have sent 3 kids to Kindergarten, and 2 have gone through each grade through 6th at Peter Kirk. I have read the 20 reviews that came before mine, and think the overall negative attitude that shines through most of them does not accurately reflect the school, rather the parents' overall disappointment that this world is not perfect, and thus the public school offerings are a let down. If each of these parents could accurately compare Peter Kirk to the other public schools in the area, I have no doubt Kirk would receive rave reviews and high marks. Their scores are good, parental involvement is excellent, the ptsa is strong and well supported so is able to support the school in areas where funding is lacking. Note that Kirk is scheduled for remodernization sometime after 2013 (to be rebuilt).
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent involved with Peter Kirk for 4 years. The teachers my children have had for the most part are good educators, friendly and willing to work with the parents. The Parental involvement at PK is high and the PTSA is strong. The principle is not. She does not follow up with the parents and does not seem to have a good relationship with the teachers. The former principle was on task and very involved with the educational direction and the parent participation. The school is too small, old and outdated. The class sizes are WAY to big (ie.30 kids per one teacher in 3rd grade). We moved to Kirkland for the great PK school ( I went to Lakeview as a child), but now I am wondering if we made the right choice. Many parents around here feel the same disappointment.
--Submitted by a parent