Eastlake High School

Don't let the rating fool you. This is a top notch school. Eastlake currently has higher test scores in every area (except slightly lower in science) than neighboring Skyline with the exception of one math score. This significantly lower score skews the rating system and is due to the fact that EHS currently has no freshmen class. That math score comes only from the students who are already a year behind in math. Once the school adds a freshmen class (this fall), that score will fall in line with other four year high schools and Eastlake's rating will be back on the top again.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is really great if the student is willing to work hard. Many of these reviews have mentioned how difficult it is with little money, but it isn't all that bad. While most students are very privileged, the rest definitely are not looked down upon. Many people dislike it for the lack of diversity and care for one another (too haughty-taughty), but I disagree. Take it from me, students care about one another. There are many magnificent teachers. This school's weakness is its obvious priority of sports and test scores. The programs are clearly aimed towards 4-year college. Overall it is a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a student

EHS has been overall a disappointment from an academic standpoint. We were told it was LWSD's rigorous academic school, this is our experience: * AP classes are not available until a student's junior year; honors program is non-existent. * Core classes lack substance and rigor. * Lack of leadership at the top -- Disengaged principal who is invisible to parents and students. * Lack of support for "academic" enrichment programs. Spotlight on sports, dance and cheerleading. * College prep limited - few students end up at top tier universities, become merit scholars, etc. * Teachers teach to a minimum baseline at the sophomore course level. There are a few exceptions. * Parent involvement is limited and they're kept at an arms length by the administration. Positives: Some teachers do "stretch" students and go the extra mile when it comes to their teaching strategy, communication with parents and availability to students--Particularly the Advanced Algebra teacher (Mr. Stratton), Spanish teacher (Ms. Meilleur) and Leadership/Biology teacher (Ms. Borden). All three are to be commended going above and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

As a previous student of this school, I enjoyed all 3 years I have spent there. The teachers were amazing and I had a great relationship with all of them. I didn't grow up with a lot of money and never felt out of place. I hate that parents think that just because it's a wealthy area, it's not a great school. It definitely prepared me for college and I felt like I received an amazing education and had great experiences. The extended core program really helped me make great friends and be close with my teachers and I loved how they incorporated all core classes with major projects. It's all about how motivated you are that reflects your success.
--Submitted by a student

I completely agree with some of these reviews. This school is not all it's cracked up to be. I have never seen the principal. There is too much emphasis on money. Most of the kids drive fancier more expensive cars than I will ever own. If you're kids don't have the money they can't keep up or fit in. We have been here for 20 years, our kids have never gone to school anywhere else. My Junior at Eastlake wants to move before Senior year because she's sick of the attitudes and clics. This school concentrates on students that are interested in and can afford 4 yr college, the rest get lost in the shuffle. Agree that some of the teachers are gems, I wish good karma for those. I too am disappointed with the experiences we have suffered here.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a previous student from EHS... This school was a very good school to attend. Unfortunately, I found it a little too strict and they put a lot of pressure on students. The terms for the senior project were extremely rigid. I was failing in this school because I felt I could never measure up to the teacher's and principal's ideals for students. Every student is very excepting of each other, and if they aren't at first they are by senior year. A ton of great friends made there. When I graduated from another high school I went on to attend college and am using some of the skills I learned from EHS. I also have 2 siblings that attended and graduated.
--Submitted by a student

Teachers: Many are gems. Some, unfortunately, judgmentally pigeon-hole students and keep them there and refuse to communicate w/parents. Principal/Administration: Awful! Principal refuses to get to know students.This school is not all that it is cracked-up to be. Rules are not enforced. We are very disappointed with our 6+ years of experiences at this school and wish we had never sent our children there. It makes a good 'show' on test scores, but schools - especially high schools - are so much more than the sum of its test scores!
--Submitted by a parent

According to the Seattle Times School Guide, 86% of 2005 Eastlake graduates enrolled in college, so it would be safe to say that Eastlake should concentrate on college prep. The National Center for Education Statistics indicates that business and social sciences are the two most popular undergraduate fields and further shows that there has been nearly a 20% increase in students selecting business and marketing degrees since the inception of the Eastlake business program. Today Skyline and Redmond High Schools, which serve a similar demographic, have kept up with this trend, offering 2 3 times more business and marketing curriculum than Eastlake. The school is turning a deaf ear to students and parents asking for entry and AP marketing and advanced business classes to have the same competitive advantage offered in other college prep high schools. Unless they change this soon, be prepared to be frustrated and short-changed.
--Submitted by a parent

Eastlake is a wonderful school. The teachers are very passionate about what they teach and time to get to know their students. The size of the high school is wonderful as it allows the students and teachers to know each other and see each other. There are not too many students that an individual gets lost in the crowd. I loved this school.
--Submitted by a former student

Excellent high school. Nice facilities, well-maintained grounds, and fantastic faculty. Would be pleased to raise my children nearby.
--Submitted by a former student