West Mercer Elementary School

Our grandson now has his sister's favorite teacher and he is finally really getting involved with learning! I think the school's great -- just wish they were a little more open to volunteers, as Montlake, in Seattle is. I've been there twice to bring cupcakes for Will's birthday, but would love to meet his teacher.

The teachers are excellent. I've been pleased with the balance of academic rigor that also respects the pace of learning for each child. Even in 1st grade, there was quite a bit of homework and weekly spelling tests. From day 1, my child was taught to embrace Kelso's choices for conflict resolution. When he was bullied (1x), the teacher escalated the incident to the principal and the school counselor got involved. The issue was immediately resolved. Teachers are super responsive to any questions or issues when I reach out to them. They have an art docent program, music room, and small computer lab. Also, a certified King County Level 1 Green school. My child has benefitted from after school lego clubs and art clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

West Mercer is an average school at best. The principal is interested only in making sure that there are no ripples in the water. Bullying? Sweep it under the rug. Sub-optimal teachers? Ignore it! I would rate my child's experience at WME as mediocre at best. Parents run the show; they forced out two principals while my child was there for no other reason than "we didn't like them". Translated: they didn't bow to our every demand for our "perfect" children. I'll never understand parents who think they know what's "best" for every child.
—Submitted by a parent

Children all seem to like the teachers and the other students. Parents receive well-designed progress reports regularly. The PTA is active. It is a good size so that kids know one another ... which is important as they progress to the common middle and high schools.

Our 2 children attend West Mercer and we couldn't be happier. Our son is in the 4th grade and our daughter is in 2nd grade. The curriculum, teachers, staff, facilities, parent involvement and extracurricular activities that West Mercer offers are top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had 3 children at this elementary after attending a large parochial school in the midwest. WM is an amazing community as well as fantastic academic preparation for middle school. The environment is positive, encouraging while holding kids responsible for their actions and choices. Teachers are simply remarkable in their dedication, interim principal has been a real source organization and unity and parents are literally tripping over each other in the halls to volunteer and participate!
—Submitted by a parent

The best gifted program and the best teacher-Mr. Headlee. My son truly enjoys his studying in this class and he has learned a lot since he transferred here last year.
—Submitted by a parent

Good combination of material and interest. As well as permeating the curriculum, music, and arts, as well as sports and estracurricular activities are superb. Dedicated and accomplished teachers that go the extra mile. Parents are extremely involved- one of the hallmarks of the community in general.
—Submitted by a parent

West Mercer is an excellent public school that successfully combines great teachers, extracurricular acitivities, educational resources and materials with an inspiring level of parent involvemet.
—Submitted by a parent

The school seems organized and my child's teacher is very involved in her education. However, there seem to be very many days that the children are not in school for one reason or another. We learned that every Monday was 'early release' only after school had started, which really threw my husband's and my work schedules as we were not able to prepare. Also, the KAP program is more expensive than any other school in the state, which also does not figure in the early release days and miscellaneous days off for fund-raisers, teachers planning, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are good but very strong willed and tend to have enerything from curriculum to days off acoording to just their desres without comment from parents.
—Submitted by a parent