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GreatSchools Rating

Brookside Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 478 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 3 ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted April 30, 2013

Nice school, nice teachers. Minimal bullying, quite a bit of parent involvement (moms & dads, including those that work), the librarian & PE teacher are great. The negatives: 1. The bus drivers are aggressive & block the fire lane daily (safety hazard). 2. The parking lots/walkways are not cleared of ice/snow in the winter. This caused injuries to several students, plus a car accident in the drop-off lane. 3. There is a clear preference shown to parents who are part of the PTA. 4. Pick-up for kindergarten 1/2 day program is confusing. We were told to pick them up in front of the school where all of the "visitor" spots are. That is also where the buses & school admin park (in the "15 minute" spots). There are no parking spots left for parents to use. So we either have to arrive 20 minutes early & sit with the buses blocking us in or arrive late & park behind the buses in the fire lane or park down the street. Now they have signs up saying "no cars allowed when buses present". 5. Afternoon pick-up is crazy. Parents aren't allowed to turn directly into the pick-up lane - we have to drive down the dead-end road, turn around in a privately owned driveway of one of the school neighbors.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2013

My son was bullied at his old school and we moved to LFP to seek a better district and elementary school. Wow, are we glad we did. We love Brookside. My son's made several friends and bullying is not part of the culture at all. Brookside is such a wholesome school, it's the kind of place you send your kids to because you have a dream of them being innocent and learning and doing sweet fun educational things until they're ready for the more complex world. I love that they raise salmon from eggs and then release them into the wild, raise caterpillars into butterflies, etc., science is big there -- not to mention all of the music classes that are part of the curriculum. And the extracurricular offerings are out of this world. I mean, they offer Arabic class. I have two kids there and it's been an outstanding experience. My kids were ESL and a bit behind when they entered, but Brookside helped them get up to snuff in just a year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 15, 2013

We've had three kids go through this school; one k-4, the other 3-4, and the third is finishing K. The teachers we've had have all been TOP NOTCH...can't imagine getting better folks, private or public. Mr. Rogers, the library, and Matt Alford, PE teacher, are also amazing. There is reasonable economic and racial diversity - I would guess it mirrors or is more diverse than the neighborhoods which draw to it. This is something we like and is one reason we're not at Evergreen or Kings. The older kids have now moved to Kellogg (middle school) and to the Hi-Cap district program at Brookside, but they both miss Brookside and visit their old teacher regularly when they're picking up baby brother at Kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 21, 2010

This school is great! My son has autsim and ADHD....the teacher he has had in the past two years has been totally AWESOME! He used to come home from school totally depressed when in a different school, now he comes home energized and happy. I will miss this school when he moves to middle school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 1, 2009

Brookside is a bit more traditional than some other schools, but they do a great job! I have never seen such a great group of teachers. Personally, I prefer the tried and true, traditional model of schooling. I love that Brookside uses spelling books from 1983, when spelling and grammar were still important and kids didn't rely on MS work for corrections. And that they use math worksheets to practice and memorize times tables, and that kids cant wear head phones, text, or wear hoods and hats in class. The PE teacher is also fantastic! And there are so many after school activities you literally have to pick and choose which your child can do - and most are free.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 21, 2009

I am amazed that that no one has noticed the negative aspects of this school. If you love outdated lessons and teaching styles, punitive discipline, an incredible over use of paper, worksheets and a sterile environment, then this school is for you. This school lacks emphasis on creative and experiental learning. There is little diversity in this school. There is great parent involvement as it is in an affluent neighborhood, with many (moms) that are not working during the day. As far as public schools go, it is fine, but certainly not the haven that many parents seem to think it is.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

Great community of kids, parents, teachers and staff working together to provide a strong learning environment! Supplemental art and environmental education, too, plus a variety of afterschool programs onsite.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

What isn't fabulous about Brookside?!?! The teachers are PASSIONATE about teaching - Mrs. Travis in particular, the All-Day Kindergarten teacher is fabulous! We all love her! On the first day of school, she sends home a care package for the mom's which contains a teabag, piece of Dove chocolate, a poem, a kleenex and a cotton ball to hold in your hand while reading the poem, which represents the gentle spirit of your child! Then, the kids also get a care package with a poem, and items that tie into the poem (i.e. smarty candy, a hershey's hug/kiss). Mrs. Travis phones your home that night to check in and see what each child's experience was on the first day of school. Our twins love Kindergarten and Mrs. Travis and are up, ready for school at 7:30 each morning, dressed and all, ready to catch the bus because they love going to Brookside SO much! We chose to live in Lake Forest Park because of the reputation of this school district and my husband and his family all went to Brookside which has an excellent reputation! I can't even imagine being in a better school than Brookside - it is TOP NOTCH!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 10, 2009

This is a fantastic little school. Terrific teachers, great community feeling, great parents, and wonderful kids. Academics are top notch, and I love how 6th grade students change classes, and go to camp. Ms. Paden and Ms. McGilvray are just fantastic teachers! Strong leadership in the principal, great office staff. Very organized and efficient. Feels very safe and comfy. I give this school at 10 out of 10!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 23, 2005

Level of parent involvement is incredible. Academic programs are exceptional. No sports but music, art and reading/writing workshops.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
86%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
86%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 61% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
74%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
86%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
64%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
76%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
77%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students87%
Female89%
Male85%
Blackn/a
Asian55%
Asian/Pacific Islander55%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White96%
Low income57%
Not low income94%
Special educationn/a
Not special education87%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students87%
Female95%
Male80%
Blackn/a
Asian73%
Asian/Pacific Islander73%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White91%
Low income86%
Not low income87%
Special educationn/a
Not special education87%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students76%
Female76%
Male77%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White83%
Low income55%
Not low income81%
Special education40%
Not special education83%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students83%
Female84%
Male81%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White90%
Low income55%
Not low income88%
Special education20%
Not special education94%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students76%
Female81%
Male69%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White88%
Low income55%
Not low income81%
Special educationn/a
Not special education85%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students80%
Female88%
Male69%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islander80%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White85%
Low income53%
Not low income86%
Special education32%
Not special education92%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students82%
Female90%
Male71%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White85%
Low income53%
Not low income88%
Special education37%
Not special education93%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students87%
Female96%
Male76%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White93%
Low income65%
Not low income92%
Special education42%
Not special education99%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students82%
Female82%
Male83%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic60%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White86%
Low income47%
Not low income90%
Special education14%
Not special education95%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students89%
Female87%
Male90%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic70%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White91%
Low income60%
Not low income95%
Special education43%
Not special education97%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 71% 64%
Asian/Pacific Islander 13% 9%
Not provided 7% N/A
Hispanic 5% 16%
Black 3% 6%
Native American 1% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 15%N/A42%
Special education 12%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 0%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 16N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 17N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 66%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

17447 37th Ave N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Phone: (206) 368-4140

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