Orca K-8 School

Orca is an alternative public school that gives the students an open, warm and friendly atmosphere to learn in. They also have a fabulous greenhouse that helps the students understand food systems. This enables them to make better choices in their own nutritional lives.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at Orca. He's in 3rd grade and we have had a wonderful experience so far. Everyone from the new principal and her office staff to his teacher and other parents have been welcoming and supportive to a new family. Our son loves going to school everyday and comes home excited about what he's learned. At Orca, the kids are very involved in the classroom and are taught that they are contributing members of their classroom community, what a great way to prepare them for the world. Our family loves Orca.
--Submitted by a parent

A very clean, safe, progressive school - great attitude from teachers we have met, and wonderful involvement from parents. However it seems in my opinion a bit chaotic and unstructured in terms of creating a respectful, thoughtful learning environment. Our daughter's kindergarten experience has been positive and fun for her, but the class runs wild and is out of control. Also in my opinion the children are afforded too much control of what is going on at any time; they are allowed to bring toys to class, lay down and take breaks when they want, and are generally not told to quiet down when they are noisy or disruptive. When they interrupt the teacher they are not corrected, rather they are asked what they want to say, which encourages bold kids to dominate the class. That said, they are taught empathy and have a great time so overall a positive experience.
--Submitted by a parent

because of the morals and standards being taught to the children
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended 2 other schools in Seattle public schools. Orca is diverse, progressive and nurturing.
--Submitted by a parent

It's a great school, w/ great faculty and staff that really cares about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Community feeling. Incredible support for the children. Great teachers. K-8
--Submitted by a parent

I love their gardening program and their environmental studies. We need more alternative schools dedicated to real learning like ORCA
--Submitted by a parent

One of the best school we have in the district, caring faculties, administrations and supportive parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Patient and nurturing teachers Principle = strong leader Fun, organized and dedicated parent groups Great horticulture program Social justice philosophy
--Submitted by a parent