Columbia Elementary School

Mediocrity! That's what the principal of this school seem to adhere to. Does she not know that the leaders set the standards and the tone of each and every organization? Just because it looks good from the outside does not mean it is any good academically. She dresses well and the appearance of the school is great, but what is lacking is substance in this school; the programs that are implemented lack depth focus. it seems to me that they really have not thought things through and not understood what their goals were for the kids. Although I do have to say that couple of my children's teachers were pretty effective, especially the 1st grade teacher: she gave her best and expected the best from the students as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Very dissappointed also. Moto of this school is "Solve your own problems". If you have a child in this school you will know this fraise. Principal needs to have a conversation with her staff. ASAP please!!
—Submitted by a parent

Was very dissappointed in this school. My (at the time) 1st grader was reading and comprehending (per the test scores) on a 4th to 5th grade level and was told by her teacher she was only allowed to read 1st grade level books. I had to call the teacher out on this and fight for her to read books that would actually challenge her. I work full time and couldn't be in the classroom, my child was treated differently because of this by her teacher. My advice, stay away from schools in Harbour Pointe unless you are a stay at home mom who has nothing but time to dedicate to the school. Harbour Pointe has a reputation for being stuck up and pretentious for a reason. We have since moved to the Lake Stevens area and the schools are far better, first week of school and my kids have already had music class and PE. The teachers are all friendly with smiles on their face and the parents don't care what street you live on or how big your house is. LOVE it here.
—Submitted by a parent

Columbia Elementary is an amazing school! The administration staff knows my daughter by name. Her teacher and the principal are very open to parents involvement. They return calls, answer emails and are available for extras conferences after school hours if needed. The school have a great Reading Program and the teachers make the students find love for books and library. No student is left behind and no advanced student is delayed. Her teachers, in kindergarten and first grade, found out the students level and formed groups of different reading levels, which was great. They teach love, respect, responsibility and organization!
—Submitted by a parent

I was very dissappointed to learn that Art, Music, and PE are not introduced to the students at this school until grade 3. We came into this district for the highly rated schools but feel that this lack of exposure to specialists will effect the students desire to learn and love more about these areas.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will be attending this school for her 4th year. The teachers have been great! They have all let us help in the classroom and have alot of field trips. There is plenty of opportunity for parent involvement! The principal is available to talk with and answers e-mails. They have a great reading ar program. They teachers answers e-mails and phone calls and will always schedule a conference whenever needed. My daughter loves music and pe. They give awards if you meet fitness goals. The teachers teach the students to be organized. We are very pleased and would highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers are the best!
—Submitted by a parent

my children have attened this school for a year . they didn't have enough time to go out and play if you ask me.
—Submitted by a parent

Though this school is rated as one of the top schools in the Seattle area, we have found it to be a disappointment. There is very little feedback from the teachers and administration. They focus too much on academics at the expense of art, music, and physical education. Parental involvement is virtually non-existent.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very postitive and well balanced school. Teachers and students seem to be happy about learning and being where they are.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Columbia for grade 5. I was dissappointed to find that roughly 20-25% of her class was not up to math requirements for grade 6 and those students are now having to attend an early morning (7:20 am) class 3 times a week at Harbor Pointe Middle School. As parents we feel that if there is that high of a percentage, parents should be aware before their child leaves 5th grage and not that their child is performing at an 'average' for the grade level. Maybe the two schools should get their ducks in a row as to what constitutes 'average' and is that acceptable if it won't be when they arrive at Harbor Pointe.
—Submitted by Pat West, a parent

My son had behavioral problems starting the second day of kindergarten. He ended up being diagnosed with ADHD and treatment has been effective. The school psychologist Paige Tangney, the teacher, and other staff were so helpful to us. They addressed the problems in a positive way that calmed us down and was encouraging to our son. They did not overreact or leap to conclusions about the explanation for his behavior but gradually gathered information, made careful observations, and gave us ongoing feedback and suggestions. I was very impressed with their professionalism and knowledge base. I have also been very impressed with the level of organization I have observed from our son's kindergarten and 1st grade teachers, which has been very helpful to our son and to our knowledge of what is going on in the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

I placed my son in Columbia's developmental preschool when he was three because he had some delays. The staff there was very helpful when my son was diagnosed with a mild autism spectrum disorder and helped educate me and enable me to be a better parent and advocate for my child. My son was gradually mainstreamed into a regular classroom with the support of the Mukilteo Behavioral Support Center. He received this support each afternoon while in a regular first grade classroom. After starting the second grade, this support was gradually reduced until my son became successful in the regular classroom full-time. Each teacher my son has had along the way - Diane Kelley, Gina Trautmann, and Leandra Buchanan, along with the staff at the MBSC (Holly Davison and Craig French, among others) and Paige Tangney, have been a great team in helping my special-needs son succeed. I only have good things to say about all the staff at Columbia.