Beachwood Elementary School

This school just received the School of Distinction award- top 5% of schools in Washington for improvement over the last 5 years. This is the 2nd year that Beachwood has earned this award.

Beachwood has been a wonderful school for our two children over the last three years. They work hard to teach at each child's level and help them reach their maximum potential. The teachers have been willing to work with us when we have concerns. The new principal coming in worked with the outgoing principal so there should be consistency. We would not hesitate to have children continue at Beachwood, but both are now in middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son hass been attending Beachwood for 2 years. We have been to many schools and I can say that I have only meet to Principals that really want and have made a difference in their schools and in their childrens progress. Mr. Zarling is one of them I am not able to express how thankful I am for having the pleasure to have met him he has worked so hard to rise above all else. To give our children the best education and options out there. I am sad to see him leave he is truly one of the best. I also loved the way his staff has worked together as a community they help each other out and help each others students as well. In particuar Ms. Rust she has been such a blessing her and Mrs.Sorgenfri they are a great team all of the staff i wonderful and caring including Mrs. Lorie the Health Nurse she is a beautiful person always smiling and caring for all the kids. Last but not least Mrs. Rebecca are PTA president and Mrs. Sanchez they are great dedicated parents. Thank you beachwood.
—Submitted by a parent

Beachwood is a great school. This is our family's 5th elementary school. Of the 5 schools we have been in this is the best. The teachers work hard to make sure my son and daughter get what they need and push my son to learn more. The teachers, counselor, principal, and I all met before school to help my daughter who was having a hard time in reading. She goes to the before school learning help and is in LAP for extra help. I disagree with the last post that the principal is not willing to help. I went to him a few times with problems and he took care of them right away. The school just keeps getting better and better and that is because of the teachers and Mr. Zarling. My daughter is doing things in 3rd grade that my son did in 4th grade in Tennessee. Unfortunately, we only have 1 more year at Beachwood. We will miss Beachwood and Mr. Zarling since he is leaving after this year.
—Submitted by a parent

Not impressed with this school at all. There are several teachers who really try hard and are great, however a majority of the staff, including the principal are not helpful and rude. My child was not happy in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am really pleased with Beachwood, the teachers, and principal. My granddaughter is in K and has really come a long way since the day she started. Her teacher is a wonderful teacher and brought out the best in my granddaughter, she loves school. This has been a great experience for her and I just hope we are still here when her sister starts school.

I was so worried about my son only going to school for 2 hrs. I was not sure if he was going to learn in such a short time. But he has learned alot. he is reading and counting by 10's and much more. I'm very happy with my sons progress .
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with how much my son is learning at Beachwood. We have been here for 3 years. When we started he had a hard time reading. He got extra help from the teachers in the classroom and in the LAP program to get him extra help. The teachers we have had all went out of their way to help. The PTA works very hard and does a great job. There are a lot of events after school for families to spend time together. My son sometimes can be difficult, but the teachers and principal have taken the time to meet with my husband and me before he left to come up with a plan to make sure I was supported. I can not thank everyone at Beachwood enough for everything they have done for my family. It will be sad when we have to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my daughters have been at Beachwood for 2 years now. The staff is great, and they really care. The PTA is very active. The school could use a new field, and a couple upgrades but that is more a budget issue then the schools fault.
—Submitted by a parent

The principle and teachers are caring. They work really hard to make sure the children are successful. They have been very responsive to my child and my family needs. We are military....there have been challenges with deployments etc.
—Submitted by a parent

I was really concerned about sending my children here when I read the reviews. I have to say that I am happy with Beachwood. They separate the readers into different rooms so each student is able to work at his or her own level. Also, my first grader is learning math concepts in a way that seems to make sense to her and she is able to apply them easily in everyday situations. I do feel that sometimes there is a high tolerance for disruptive behavior during class time, in the upper grades.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 3rd grade and he has attended Beachwood since Kindergarten. The atmosphere at the school has greatly improved in the last 2 years with some changes in staff. My son loves his school and they have made very positive steps to become a great learning environment. The principal and staff that are there now are super.
—Submitted by a parent

Beachwood elementary made my daughter's transition to a new school a very happy experience. We moved to the area when she was in 3rd grade. She's in 5th now and so far we've never had any problems with the staff or schoolmates or the curriculum. I've found the teachers and principal approachable and sensitive to the students needs and no parent concern was too trivial. We are also very satisfied with the after school program that my daughter attends. If your child/ren will be attending this school, let me be the first to welcome you!
—Submitted by a parent

I am deeply disappointed with the Beachwood Elem. school curriculum. My child has been attending this school for 2 years and I feel as though the education they are receiving is below standard with other schools they have attended. During my children's time at this school my children have received homework packets on Monday which they are to turn back in on Friday, however my children have them completed by Monday evening. The teachers do not correct spelling errors. My oldest child is in the 5th grade preparing for middle school next year and the school has not addressed what middle schools are available for our child to attend and I was informed the one my daughter wanted to attend already had their registration. Their is issues with religion and race in the school which are not being addressed as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is learning alot for her 1st grade year. The staff is lovely and the principal is great. The atmosphere and the environment is wonderful. I have never had any problems or complaints.. As long as my child is happy , and learning that is what that matters. She will be going into 2ndgrade next school year, She has attended since kindergarted. Keep up good work
—Submitted by a parent

My son came to Beachwood entering 2nd grade in the middle of the year. He was having a lot of trouble at the school he was attending in Florida with reading. He has been at Beachwood for 4 months and already his reading level had improved. The one on one learning style at Beachwood is outstanding. I love this school so sad to have to leave during the summer because of a PCS.
—Submitted by a parent

My children love Beachwood! I love the teachers and the staff. They all seem to go above normal to help a student or their parents out. Wonderful school!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started here at Beachwood in 1st grade. He loves his teachers and I think the new principal is doing a great job.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been associated with this school since 2001. My son attended from K - 5 and my daughter is currently in 3rd grade. My wife and I could not be happier with the education our children have received. The teachers go out of their way to ensure all students are treated as individuals and receive the best education offered. The staff and administration are top-notch. While there have been issues in the past; more than 3 years ago, most of these were the attempts by angry, bitter parents who failed to follow the procedures to addressing issues with the school, the school district and the local military officials. As a matter of fact, one of the most vocal parents used her husband's military grade/rank (E-9/CSM) as a means of intimidation for the teachers/staff at the school. If your child will be attending Beachwood, congratulations!
—Submitted by a parent

Worst school my child has attended. There seems to be little emphasis on education and curriculum, most of the work and newsletters sent home are about behavior, sharing, etc. If you have a gifted child they will not be challenged or encouraged to develop. My child is often paired with below average students and told she must 'help teach' them. This is unacceptable, but a big part of her teacher's 'teaching philosophy' which focuses more on behavior/sharing between the children than actual teacher-led learning and interaction. I think this is partially because of the large class size, no time to address children individually. My child is often teased, but her teacher does not address it. She is often told to 'solve it herself'. The number of days off and half days are unacceptable. My husband and I will not be sending her to this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent