Hay Elementary School

Superb school. When we came to John Hay we were moving from a private school experience which we thought would be very difficult to top - John Hay did it in spades. The teachers are excellent with over half of them holding masters degrees. The front office is second to none - Angie and Wendy know every childs name in that school and are always kind and helpful. Mr. Sturm the gym teacher is the friendliest man around and Ms. Hanson is a strong and fun-loving principal. Teachers work hard to challenge children at all levels and the education my children have received has been excellent. There is an amazing group of parents who are always volunteering and it makes for a wonderful community. You'd be hard pressed to find a better school anywhere.
—Submitted by a parent

We had hoped it was going to be as good as the ratings but we had a very poor experience last year and pulled our son out as a result. We moved over to Seattle mid year and got a third grade teacher for our son that the the teacher who was rigid, outdated, and a very poor communicator. From the first week when my son was trying to transition to a new school he was kept in from recess almost daily. I tried to work with her, explaining he had focus issues and had never been in trouble before she didn't answer emails. The principle was sympathetic but she said she had known the teacher wasn't a good fit but the school was full to the top and there wasn't any where to move him. We felt we had no where to turn or much support. Since we left we have been approached by several parents that she has been a big problem for many years but no action was taken. I would not recommend John Hay.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a GREAT school from an education stand point. I do find the school to be clicky, buy I am not there to make friends so to speak. There is a lot of parent involvement in the school and classrooms and as a result some parents do seem to get what they want. It can be annoying as favoritism is definitely noticeable. People say it doesn't happen etc but it does. Teachers can be great but as in most cases it depends on who you get. NOT all the teachers are great. This school can be a blessing and a curse as the education is awesome but the school has its downsides. I am sure most parents won't agree with this, but once you have had a bad experience at the school it changes how you view it.
—Submitted by a parent

High academic standards and performance! Awesome staff who work very hard and love working together! Children have fun and get along well while learning important life skills! Parents are a wonderful part of our team and always welcome. So, children, teachers, staff, parents all contribute to the best school I've ever seen or been in! John Hay rocks!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers, staff, parents and community support are all what make John Hay a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic support from the parents and the community!
—Submitted by a parent

I love John Hay for the teachers, the community and the kids! It's a great place to learn and grow.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers...very involved in each child. A very welcoming environment...terrific neighborhood school

The faculty and staff are passionate and enthusiastic about their students, and about about helping kids learn --- and that's contagious ! The students feed off that energy, and the result is a learning environment that promotes excitement, creativity and achievement. Our granddoughter and her friends actually look forward to going to school !
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff deeply care about the students and are exceptional educators!
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, and community truly work as a team to provide students with the best public education possible.
—Submitted by a parent

John Hay is filled with teachers who create an incredible learning environment for every child to thrive and kids full of energy and enthusiasm.
—Submitted by a parent

John Hay is a wonderful school with super dedicated teachers!!! My granddaughter loves learning and is off to a great start with her education.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a loving, caring school where my granddaughters are thriving in academics and compassion.

Three years at this school have still not changed my opinion that this school is above and beyond any public school you will ever experience in the U.S. Fabulous. Great teachers, great administration, great families, great community.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers and administrators create an encouraging environment and put the children's needs, success and safety first.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is an alumn from John Hay and I have a son who is a 2nd grader. Both have absolutely loved going to Hay and have been very motivated by the positive learning environment the teachers and staff provide. The first time we walked through the door at Hay it had a very unique and strong spirit about it and we knew instinctively that it was a good fit for our kids and family.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a high achieving school with a dedicated staff collaborating with parents and the community to provide a pathway to the stars for EVERY student!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. The kids LOVE to learn and it's all because of our fantastic Teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

John Hay has many excellent teachers and enjoys strong parent and neighborhood support.
—Submitted by a parent