Lincoln Elementary School

While the teachers are very loving to the students, the academic push is just not there. If you are already planning on a home schooling program, Lincoln is a great way to develop good social and communication skills for your child but I would not use it as the sole educational toolset for a budding mind.
—Submitted by a parent

When my child started at Lincoln 5 years ago it was a good program with great leadership. After a regime change things have slipped and now your childs experience depends greatly on luck of the draw with teachers. It's a good premise teaching community values and a sense of public and personal responsibility, however the teaching of organization and prepping the kids for success in a non-alternative middle school is severely lacking. My child is entering the 5th grade this year and I am currently searching for a new school. Over the last 5 years many other parents I have spoken with are also disillusioned. If your child has an IEP it is your responsibility to follow up on everything, there is a lot of talk with no action or follow through. Sorry to say but currently if I were looking for a school to start my childs education it would not be Lincoln.
—Submitted by a parent

It all depends on the teacher in this school. Many seem to struggle with setting boundaries for the children and their classroom management is poor. It is as if they think that setting classroom rules and sticking to them is oppressive. They should attend a Love and Logic training. There are a few teachers (but 2 of the good ones just retired) who can manage their classrooms effectively and teach incredibly engaging, thematic curricula, but others are a mess and the principal doesn't seem to be able to do anything to remedy it.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is an amazing school that emphasizes learning to think over teaching to the standardized tests. Whether your child has special needs or not, the school does its best to meet each and every child's needs. If your child is a round peg and is having trouble fitting into the square hole at Pioneer or one of the other schools in Olympia School District, then Lincoln is the school for your child. I am very greatful that the school district had such a wonderful alternative program for my "round peg" child! I can't say enough good things about the principal, the school counselor, the speech and language therapist, the classroom teachers, and the science teacher - they are all wonderful and very committed to helping the children become the best students that they can be. I would definitely recommend sending any child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Creative, inspiring, nurturing, diverse, supportive and enriching. Lincoln is an exceptional environment for young minds to flourish. Culturally, the school aligns with Olympia's artsy, eclectic, independent, lefty ethos. It is to schools what Procession of the Species is to parades. Maybe that's not for everyone. But I'm proud our community supports this truly unique and exceptional learning environment. The environment is so rich -- from the library, to the garden, to the many dedicated parents and the complete dedication of the entire staff. Everyone is treated with utmost respect. There are very few schools in the country like this one and we are incredibly fortunate to have Lincoln in our community. Transferring to Lincoln completely changed my son s elementary school experience it s as if his world went from dull black-&-white to vivid Technicolor. This school is absolutely exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at this amazing school. I'm often touched and astonished at how the kids at this school are made aware of the world through their education. My kindergartener is reading, writing, and completing math problems without a second glance. I volunteer in the class and I see how the teacher helps those who need it both academically and socially. There is emphasis put on responsibility of actions, words, choices and academics. They have learned about owls, whales and movers and shakers i.e. people who create social change through peaceful actions. These kids put their hearts into everything that they do from writing folders to estimating the length of a blue whale outside in the sun. The teachers here greet everyone with a smile, and are there for you whenever you have questions or concerns. I think all of Olympia schools are wonderful and have an active community. However, Lincoln offers a place for kids to express their learning through writing, art, music, speech and community involvement, creating responsible thinking adults who will create change in a positive way. Like any education, it still requires active parents to help further their children's thinking.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school for anyone. They claim to support a kind and caring community. Not so. It's all talk and no action. Your children will not get a good education there. The teachers all need to retire. There is no learning going on there. The classroom management is atrocious. Kids are allowed to be rude and disruptive.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does have a very loving community, but be prepared to have your son/daughter be behind in almost every subject when they go to middle school. We pulled our child out due to the overall lack of discipline the school has as well as the poor academics. There is very little structure (which some kids do very well with), but can be a nightmare for kids that need it and need more advanced, structured learning. Great school for artsy kids with flexible learing styles. HORRIBLE for kids who need structure and advanced learning and well defined boundaries and rules.
—Submitted by a parent

this is an options program (an alternative school) within a public school district. in order to maintain the highest level of educational possibility, we depend upon parents to donate their time and skills both within the classroom and out. teachers are highly educated and strive to go way beyond the normal expectations of a normal elementary school. this is an exceptional program that graduates kids that ask questions, are able to create on their own and display a high level of social maturity and dedication to community and worldly causes.
—Submitted by a parent

They are taking good care of my grand-nephew. A caring staff and active parents. Providing a good education and still letting kids be kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Lincoln Elementary because of the loving community!
—Submitted by a parent

There are many redeeming aspects of Lincoln, like the amazing dedication that the teachers have for their students, and for the beautiful and educational garden space. Also Michael (I think his last name is Dempster) is I think the school's greatest asset. He's like Mr. Rogers and Mister Wizard combined. That aside, if you're not a super-lib, you'll feel pretty unrepresented and out of place.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school! The staff at Lincoln gives 110% to their students.
—Submitted by a parent

I think I could search the country and never find another school as great as Lincoln! If you are looking for a school that is filled with hope, love and learning then even the gray skies of Olympia shouldn't keep you away from here! You won't believe it when your kids starting pretending to feel better when they're really sick just so they can go to school. Or how they cry on a snow day because they'd rather be at school. Everyone from the principal to the bus driver are working together to create a community of learners. It amazes me everyday!
—Submitted by a parent