Peter Kirk Elementary School

My daughter loved her years at Kirk Elementary. Her teachers were all excellent and provided my daughter with wonderful self esteem. I am writing this now because she just started middle school and she seems very well prepared in all of her classes. She has even kept in touch with all of her Kirk teachers as she loved them that much. I highly recommend this 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

Huge class sizes and very poor physical building! Classrooms are tiny; lunch is eaten in classrooms as there is no room large enough for a lunchroom; no storage for kids or teachers materials; poor technology integration in curriculum. My kids have had 29+ kids in class since Gr 1! Some great teachers though and very involved core group of parents. No real leadership at the top.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to the area & our experience has been great! Many of the prior comments are based on DISTRICT problems. The PTSA is amazing and not just a 'money' aspect. I strongly feel a PTSA can make or break a school. They are in charge of before and after school activities, such as Science Adventures, foreign languages, jump rope class, chess club and more. They also organize skate night, egg drop, end of year carnival, science fair, art gallery walk and much, much more!! The parents that I have met are warm and caring. The teachers are excellent. The math curriculum is poor, but again this is a DISTRICT issue, not just P.K.'s alone. I see more pros than cons at this school! My kids love it and we agree!
—Submitted by a parent

We are would-be parents, but my child's chances at full-time kindergarten were thrown to luck in the school's lottery. We were among dozens of parents who were turned away from Peter Kirk for the 2008-2009 school year, because of lack of space. If you are considering moving to the Norkirk, West of Market, or Highlands areas near Kirkland, you should be aware that your child may not have the opportunity to attend full-day kindergarten. Although half-day kindergarten is available, you will not be informed whether or not your child will be in am or pm kindergarten until a few months from the start of the school year, when it's a scramble to make arrangements. The district and school have not shown signs that they are trying to find a solution, so count us as underimpressed. You would think a 'highly performing' district and school would place more emphasis on early education.

In reading the reviews from some of the parents, I find it hard to believe our kids attend the same school that they so negatively portray. Peter Kirk is a great school with lots of parent support and mix of talented and average teachers. What makes it special is its location in downtown Kirkland and the involvement of its families. My advice to the parents who complained about the school is to get involved and change the things you don't like. Otherwise, take a look at global education and see how privileged our children are.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year and I am terribly disappointed. From the mediocre curriculum, lack of enthusiasm from the teachers and a Principal who doesn't follow through. The PTA is the only strong force in the school - but that is not our children's education - that is all about the money. Being that it is centrally located in such an affluent area, you would expect more.
—Submitted by a parent

Peter Kirk is a school that needs alot of improvement. The staff and teacher seem like zombies going through their day. It is a cold damp school with the same attitude. The curriculum is poor, or poorly approached as well as extra curricular activities. This school should be revamped inside out.
—Submitted by a parent

It is unfortunate but this is not the school I was expecting to be. The principal is mediocre and the teacher I have now is mediocre as well. There hasn't been one thing to prove me wrong. We need better leaders to lead our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Funding in LWSD seems tight. Research projects required very little challenge in upper grades, weeks were given to complete these assignments.My children appeared bored here, this is unusual for them. There are very strong bonds among friends and if you are not included from pre school, chances are you will not be accepted here. There is a false kindness among the parents that reveals itself as time passes and leaves my family unimpressed.
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent school, lots of teamwork, nurturing safe & inclusive academic environment that allows all students to be excel to the best of their ability. They provide much more that basic academics, they provide an enriched environment for all to thrive. It's a rich environment of inclusion for all, where each student matters and every student can succeed and be the best they can be. It is an inclusive community and learning environment, not an exclusive one.
—Submitted by a parent