John Rogers Elementary School

Rogers is dedicated to the success of ALL children, regardless of skills or background. My child entered Rogers two years ago reading and writing over two years below grade level. After countless hours of assistance from the dedicated staff and administration, my child is now reading a full year ABOVE grade level, and is more proud, confident, and engaging than ever.
—Submitted by a parent

Hidden gem in NE Seattle. This school is in an affluent area in Seattle and is one of the few in the cluster that, in addition to the upscale areas of Wedgwood, Matthews Beach, and Meadowbrook, also draws from comparatively lower income sections closer to Lake City Way. Because of this, the school has somewhat lower test scores and higher % of students in the free lunch program compared with other schools in the cluster. However, the economic and ethnic diversity is a quite positive influence and there is a very strong parent community. The school has a great community feel and the teachers are excellent. The school is the only one in the cluster with a music focus and all kids leave the school able to read music and play an instrument. Students also do swimming as part of PE at the nearby Meadowbrook pool. Truly a best kept secret!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderfully small school with a lot of spirit and family-feel about it. Wouldn't dream of going anywhere else! My child is only in 1st grade but he and I know so many kids in all grades through involvement in clubs, reading buddy program, volunteer positions, etc. We bought our how because it was near AN elementary school - we didn't know anything about it. SO glad we picked THIS elementary school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child who attended John Rogers from Kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as one still at the school. I appreciate the opportunity for kids to work at their own pace in some areas (such as the Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math programs). My child was always above grade level in both reading and math, but never was bored or held back by the rest of the class. All of the teachers my kids have had have been first rate. Parents are very involved and are encouraged to help out in whatever way they feel comfortable. There are many fun events, and after school programs. The music program is fantastic and includes an after school music club which involves african/brazillian drum ensemble, recorders, and singing. 4th and 5th graders have the opportunity to go to camp. All kids have swimming lessons at nearby Meadowbrook pool twice a month.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at John Rogers. We have a had a great experience with teachers, the principal and the other parents. The school is wonderfully diverse - socioeconomically and racially, which can not be said for the other schools in the NE Cluster. The parental involvement at John Rogers is awesome; parents are always welcome in the school and are able to help in many different ways. John Rogers is a great community!
—Submitted by a parent

We were all set for a bad experience in the Seattle School District. We decided to go the Rogers due to the close proximity to our house. We went on tours and were impressed with the diversity, both socioeconomicly and racially. We were also impressed with the principal the the teachers. We liked the smallness and the comfortable atmosphere. We were told that every child that attends Rogers will have one thing other schools don't have, they will all know how the read music. So we decided to give it a whirl. My daughter has learned to read in kindergarten. She loves math and walks around singing the school song. Above and beyond reading, writing and arithmatic, our daughter is embracing music, art and gym. We are absolutely thrilled. We would not have received thus level of education and liberal arts from any private school. Rogers Rocks!
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the smaller schools in the NE cluster, and we had a great K experience. So far, 1st grade has been fine, too. I like knowing the other kids and parents. The Science Club is especially popular, run by 2 scientist-moms there. This year more than 100 kids are signed up for it. I like that parents can be as involved as they want. This is a diverse school, with a higher percentage of free/reduced lunch kids, meaning more a diverse socioeconomic picture than you see at most other NE schools. For us, this is a plus, as it reflects the real world more. I've been quite pleased with our experience there, but can only speak to K and 1st grade. Our child wanted to go to John Rogers because of the strong music program.
—Submitted by a parent

John Rogers is a school in which the teachers take a lot effort in focusing on core academics. This is a place in which parents have the flexibility to select traditional and/or alternative teaching styles. After school activities are well attended by students (i.e., science, math, music and chess clubs). Parent involvements are encouraged (assist in classroom activities, field trips, etc) and welcome. There is a low turnover rate in staffing position and the principal always has her door open and available to parents, students and visitors.
—Submitted by a parent

The school here seems to want to fit all students in the same mold. I have a Talented and Gifted child who's already been accepted to the APP program and I've tried to get the principal and teachers to be more progressive but to no avail.
—Submitted by John Pyktel, a parent

My daughter attends this school in the 5th grade. She came in from a private school. The principle is very accessable and open to solving problems. My daughter thinks most of the kids are really nice, which is opposite from our experience at a Bellevue public school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just finished kindergarten at John Rogers and we have been extremely impressed with the quality of teaching and the values imparted here. Parents are very, very involved at this school. It is small, even intimate--the principal knows every child's name. The library is excellent and much attention is paid to teaching pupils to use it effectively. (It will be getting a PTA-sponsored makeover this year, also.) Children understand and respect rules and expectations here. We could send our child to private school, but we feel Rogers is actually better than many of those options!
—Submitted by a parent