Lake Wilderness Elementary School

I absolutely loved LWES. I personally attended the school K-5th grade and don't regret anything. I knew that all my teachers cared and I still see them around the community and I know that they still care about my success. The administration was very involved and the programs before and after school were great. They addressed the problem of bullying very early in our education and I personally witnessed close to no situations of a fellow student being bullied, and those values were carried with us throughout the rest of our schooling. I had so many inspirational teachers who really taught me to love learning and try my best. The school librarian from when I was eight still remembers my name and never fails to say hello when we run into each other around town. While the school is very old and outdated they do not have the money to implement changes, many measures have been initiated into our local elections but have been continually turned down. I'll always be a Lake Wilderness Wild Cat.

This school is falling apart. The policies in place are insane-- after school & every school event they force you to bring these stupid little cards with your name and your child's name on them before they release the students. Same math worksheets 2 years in a row. Serious theft problems in the school. Serious bullying issues. We've considered calling the police to intervene in the brutality my daughter faces because the school is so ineffectual. We're moving to escape this terrible school. We've lived in our home for 9 years. Horrible!
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children are attending LWES and I am very happy with the school's curriculum and the learning environment. Even with such a large number of students, the school has managed to keep order and ensure the student's safety during drop off and pick up. My kids love their school and teachers and they actually wake up excited to go to school every morning. A big thank you to all the teachers and staff for your hard work and dedication.
—Submitted by a parent

My son transferred here from an adjoining district, and what a difference it has been! He tested so far behind the other kids, but after getting so much one-on-one attention, he is up to speed and doing wonderfully! I love his teacher, I can tell how dedicated she is! The bus system has worked wonderfully, and I like that I can do so much online (pay his lunch tab, see what his class is doing, etc). The school has kept us involved and I am highly satisfied. The only things I worry about are the size of that place, the amount of students, and the age of the school building.
—Submitted by a parent

We have three children at LWES and have been thrilled with the level of caring and concern shown to each of them. Transferring here, all three were immediately behind district standards. Teachers, the Dean of Students, the Principal, everyone has been involved to assist us and our kids with getting caught-up. LWES has over 1,000 children this year. I don't know how the teachers and staff manage it but our kids are treated as individuals, protected, made to feel special, always on the right bus (from day-one), and they love this school. I only left a star missing bc it is so big and there are obvious downsides to a school of this size from a parent's point of view i.e. forget having a seat any any school function, Celebration of Learning is a cramped and sweaty event, Book Fairs have lines like the DMV, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has been attending LWES for 4-plus years now and overall has had, what I could call a sub-satisfactory experience. The staff seems to be dedicated and I know they care. Our main concern is the inconsistency in the quality of teaching. Two of the four years we have had quality teachers who got the best out of our child, and the other two years it seemed that their was very little academic advancement. We have been involved in the WRAP program for 2 of the four years and unfortunately we have seen little improvement. I don't want to group all programs together but from our personal experience, WRAP is not worth the time. When we moved to Maple Valley, we heard that LWES was one of the best around the area. If we had it to do over again we would have moved into the Rock Creek area.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the largest elementary schools in the state. The teachers are easy to work with and the class sizes are manageable.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is special needs keep an eye on them. You are their advocate. The Special Needs teachers are wonderful but the children can get lost in the 'system' if you allow it. Parents need to be assertive and do not give up if you're told no. The district in general is trying to get away with minimal para educator support for these special needs children. Be the squeeky wheel or they will under staff these high need classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have gone to this school for the past 6 years and I feel they have had a great experience at this school. I like Lake Wilderness Elementary School because it is a safe learning environment and they focus on safety for the children in the classrrooms and on the playground. I do not like the fact that the school has so many kids. Maple Valley is growing so fast that the schools seems very overcrowded. Having said that, I believe this school does a good job of keeping track of each child. They have always addresses my concerns and issues as they arise. I would definately recommend this school parents wishing to move to Maple Valley, Washington. I rated the parent involvement low because I would like to see more parents invloved in the PTSA.
—Submitted by L. Heiden, a parent

With a wide range of activities including before and after school 'zero hour' classes as well as an opportunity to participate in music, art, and computer lab, LWES provides a rich, learning-based environment. It is also home to the district's gifted education program, the Discovery program, as well as Special Education programs serving the needs of disabled students. Staff are highly dedicated and encouraging and there is an active PTSA which supports the school community with Family Nights, additional classroom field trips for students, and classroom supplies for teachers. Respect is highly valued and it shows in the achievement of each student. Staff is quick to respond and handle any questions or complaints.
—Submitted by a parent

Lake Wilderness Elementary tries hard....in fact there are some very dedicated folks on the PTA who obviously really care what happens at the school. The administration is very personable and helpful and treat students as family. (Which is amazing since the school is so large!) My child had a terrible teacher last year and an amazing one this year, so it's hard to generalize about the quality of education a child will receive there. My sense is that the school is a bit underfunded....the cafeteria/gym needs paint and the acoustic tiles have been falling off of the wall for a while and are not being replaced. They have a few afterschool activities offered, and opportunities to perform in plays and talent shows are wonderful for kids' confidence. Having come from an elementary that had more money and possibly a higher level of education, I am still impressed with LWES's heroic efforts.
—Submitted by a parent