Sacajawea Elementary School

I have 2 kids in this school, and this is our 4th year there. The instruction has been excellent and both my kids are really happy there. There is an Advanced Learning Opportunities program (ALO) to challenge kids that need extra challenges, and a reading specialist, Dr. Davis (who has a master s degree in reading disabilities and a Ph.D. in cognition and learning theory, specializing in linguistic areas for kids who need extra help reading - how great is that?). Dr. Davis does more than helping just the kids, though - she also helps the teachers by finding better reading assessments than the school district typically offers). There are so many after school activities offered for the kids to do (an after school enrichment program every Tuesday, plus choir, chess, and girls on the run every week). Also, there is an amazing number of parent volunteers for a such small, intimate school. This year, a special education classroom opened as well. I've heard the new parents describe Sacajawea as a "hidden gem" of a school. I agree.
—Submitted by a parent

We are the reference school in the sought after Maple Leaf District. Sacajawea provides so much more than quality academics. Our teachers, staff, parents and students are all committed to building a community in Maple Leaf which is strong, vibrant and well rounded. There is zero tolerance for bullying and many opportunities for students to mentor other students. It is a great place for a gifted child to spread their wings and a struggling student to build a strong foundation. We have it all--arts, technology, physical education and a great teaching staff.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children have attended this small (260+ students) school with two still attending in our family's eleventh year here. There's been a shift to neighborhood families attending as opposed to families from other north Seattle neighborhoods. Highlights are the fall Science Fair and the Spring Arts Festival. Teacher conferences this year focused on what is being done for my children based on their personalities and needs and I've been very impressed this year. The principal visits classrooms daily and holds monthly "parent coffee chats". Our newest teacher is in her third year here. Overall, Sac has been a great neighborhood school for our family!
—Submitted by a parent

When we arrived at Sacajawea, it had a fabulous art program, ESL, and a great parent volunteer base. The next year the art teacher was lost (offered a rediculous contract) and families started leaving. A few years later another art teacher has been "lost", and now the individual class room teachers will lead art period. When problems surface, the principle is passive and a few sqeaky wheeled teachers get their way ... and not necessarily in the best interest of the children. The school was at 300 students, and now its below 240, as families continue to leave early. Some teachers are fabulous, but this year we consider a "lost year" with an inept teacher. I've heard the same comment from other parents with other teachers. More programs have been cut this year. Many of the families who have left were regular parent volunteers..We will be another of those families.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and great small neighborhood school. Educating for Human Greatness is their slogan and they do a lot beyond academics.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Very involved parents, diverse student body. The principal is not great-he is kind of a passive guy who doesn't take action when there is an issue with a teacher. Last year this was a problem. Luckily most of the teachers are great especially Jesse Dickerson who is a young,enthusiastic and very creative teacher. Wish my daughter could have him next year too.
—Submitted by a parent

we are new to the city and have been very impressed by the quality of instruction here, not to mention the generally welcoming atmosphere. our kids have nothing but great things to say about their teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Sacajawea. We have been really happy with our experience there. The school has reasonable class sizes, and a great blend of academics and arts that we didn't see at most of the elementary schools we visited. They also have a global/community focus that we thought was gives our daughter the 'big picture' of the world around her. The school draws students who have english as a second language, which creates a very rich cultural experience for the kids and families. We have been very happy there and highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the few, small neighborhood schools left in Seattle with reasonable class sizes, excellent teachers, active parents and PTA, and a diversity of programming. Standardized test scores for the school have shown a general upward trend for the past eight years, even with its limited English proficency student population -- it is a very diverse school, with every continent represented in its student boy. It is a first choice for University of Washington student teachers, and was recently featured in a documentary on excellent schools (filmed Spring 2006).
—Submitted by C. S., a parent

This school is totally awesome! it rox my sox!
—Submitted by a former student

Sacajawea has a very 'small community' feel to it, which makes for a warm, nurturing atmosphere for the students. The level of parent involvement in PTA and school sponsored activities is very high, and the PTA and principal Nelsen have a good relationship to do whatever is needed to get the best education possible for the students. My kids have loved being at Sacajawea and they have thrived there.
—Submitted by a parent