Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Tops K-8

Public | PK-8 | 514 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

10 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted November 18, 2010

A pretty good school overall. My complaints against TOPS have mostly to do with the inability to fire teachers that are burnt out or simply not there for the students. A certain teacher played favorites with students doing well in his class and refused to help struggling students. Spent way too much time on cars.com during the school day when he could have been helping the students he is being paid to teach. My daughter struggled in math until she entered high school (Garfield). Once she had someone who took the time to explain the lesson well, she took off. Meanwhile this teacher still teaches at TOPS. I still hear parents complaining.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 20, 2010

We felt like we won the lottery when we got into TOPS, and we did. At TOPS we've found dedicated and talented teachers and staff and a wonderful diverse community that supports our children. There is high parent involvement and the kids are together from kindergarten through 8th grade so everyone really becomes a family, and invested in each other's success. It's a special place, we feel very lucky.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

Great school with a great diversity of students.


Posted July 31, 2007

TOPS is a small caring community. There is an excellent art program, and PE is great. But it is rather average in terms of academics(although there is lots of talking about how great the programs are). I have been working with my child all those 'elementary' years at home to make sure that she stays advanced, particularly in math. So, if your child (or you) has academic ambitions, this school is not for you unless you are willing to supplement at home.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 26, 2006

TOPS is a great school for my kids. Joan and Joby, the Kindergarten teachers, are absolutely amazing! A somewhat more traditional approach than some other alternative schools, although kids are given many choices. Those choices are good for kids who need freedom to explore; might seem chaotic to kids(and parents) who need a ton of structure. Alternative nature also based on emphasis on arts (esp. visual arts, theater, public speaking), and social justice. One other review panned the school as 'politically correct', to which the school would plead: 'guilty as charged'. How many other schools have a large and highly active 'Committee for Social Justice' and an anti-bullying program that runs from Kindergarten to 8th grade? Would only recommend this school if alternative school with these goals appeals to you.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 1, 2006

This school has high standards. The staff has put a lot of effort into coordinating the curriculum across classes and grades. Students who struggle are given help by parent volunteers, small group instruction, and sometimes private tutors. The special education staff is very high quality. The downside to the school is that the classes are almost always at capacity, and once you reach the middle school level the students don't have have any options for their 'electives'. It can also be hard to get into.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted April 4, 2006

Although many parents are quite happy with this school, it was not optimal for our child. Class size is larger than many Seattle schools because TOPS has a good reputation and people are clamoring to get in. My child did not thrive in this environment. She is highly academically motivated and needs to be challenged but that is not a priority for this school. There is a moderate degree of ethnic diversity (which I like), and a commitment to understanding and maintaining that diversity. Unfortunately, that commitment overshadows the obligation to meet the educational needs of all children - including gifted children. My daughter was in a chaotic environment at this school and I was concerned for her safety. Teacher quality is quite variable with a high turnover. Some were excellent, but others were poor.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2005

This school used to be great, and it's still living off its previous reputation, and pretty soo it's going to be obvious to more people. You know how a fire will keep burning even when you haven't added any new fuel for a while? They're just about out of fuel. Or, to mix metaphors, what you've got here is the Emperor's New Alternative School. It's good because everyone says 'It's great, it's great.' But it ended up being a toxic, chaotic environment for my child. It's all gimmicks and silliness, and the only reason their test scores are excellent is because it is 100% interested parents -- as an alternative school, nobody is there by default. Many parents are virtually homeschooling their children in actual academics in the evenings, and TOPS is basically Political Correctness Daycare Center. (Not as nutsy as new-agey New School, though.) Want an education? Look someplace else.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 14, 2005

TOPS is an excellent K-8 public school in the Seattle School District. It draws students from all over Seattle, so it has a more diverse population than the average neighborhood school. There is a strong emphasis on multiculturalism (one of the highlights of Kindergarten is a family history from every child) and involvement in the life of the city (many field trips). The school expects a high level of parental involvement. Perhaps because of this, student test scores are among the highest in the city (though not as high as those in the priciest neighborhoods). Science and art are integrated K-8 and the kids have P.E. every day (all sadly unusual in Seattle). It is a K-8 school, which is appealing for our family. Bad sides? Classes are large: 25 in K, 29 by 5th grade, and then maybe too small in middle school (1 language, no honors math). We love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 23, 2004

My daughter had wonderful teachers and friends at TOPS. The community is so warm and the parent support is the strongest I've experienced. My daughter really excelled with all of the attention she received from staff willing to help whenever needed. On top of that, the school is k-8th grade, so she was able to stay connected with old teachers and help with the younger kids. Middle school options in the central area cluster are not the best, yet these students are lucky enough to experience it with familiar teachers, staff and students. TOPS is a very supportive environment and I would recommend it to anyone who wants an active part in their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
80%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

54 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
86%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 61% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
78%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
60%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
69%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
39%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
73%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
86%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 71% in 2012.

56 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
91%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
55%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
70%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
45%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students80%
Female83%
Male75%
Blackn/a
Asian92%
Asian/Pacific Islander92%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White81%
Low income75%
Not low income82%
Special educationn/a
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students76%
Female86%
Male56%
Blackn/a
Asian75%
Asian/Pacific Islander75%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White81%
Low income42%
Not low income88%
Special educationn/a
Not special education79%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students71%
Female76%
Male65%
Black41%
Asian70%
Asian/Pacific Islander70%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White96%
Low income41%
Not low income84%
Special education20%
Not special education82%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students80%
Female86%
Male73%
Black65%
Asian90%
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White91%
Low income59%
Not low income89%
Special education60%
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students62%
Female76%
Male46%
Black53%
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White78%
Low income41%
Not low income71%
Special educationn/a
Not special education71%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students77%
Female92%
Male66%
Black50%
Asian84%
Asian/Pacific Islander84%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White96%
Low income62%
Not low income86%
Special education63%
Not special education83%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students77%
Female92%
Male66%
Black40%
Asian90%
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White96%
Low income57%
Not low income89%
Special education63%
Not special education83%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students83%
Female96%
Male72%
Black50%
Asian90%
Asian/Pacific Islander90%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White100%
Low income72%
Not low income89%
Special education63%
Not special education90%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students79%
Female79%
Male80%
Black50%
Asian92%
Asian/Pacific Islander92%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White90%
Low income60%
Not low income90%
Special educationn/a
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students83%
Female93%
Male73%
Black60%
Asian92%
Asian/Pacific Islander92%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White90%
Low income70%
Not low income90%
Special educationn/a
Not special education84%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students58%
Female64%
Male52%
Black38%
Asian62%
Asian/Pacific Islander62%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White68%
Low income42%
Not low income66%
Special educationn/a
Not special education64%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students79%
Female79%
Male79%
Black56%
Asian77%
Asian/Pacific Islander77%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White92%
Low income68%
Not low income84%
Special educationn/a
Not special education83%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students74%
Female89%
Male59%
Black56%
Asian77%
Asian/Pacific Islander77%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White80%
Low income47%
Not low income87%
Special educationn/a
Not special education77%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students69%
Female74%
Male65%
Blackn/a
Asian50%
Asian/Pacific Islander50%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White90%
Low income25%
Not low income81%
Special educationn/a
Not special education70%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students79%
Female82%
Male77%
Blackn/a
Asian69%
Asian/Pacific Islander69%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White97%
Low income33%
Not low income91%
Special educationn/a
Not special education80%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students74%
Female70%
Male77%
Blackn/a
Asian56%
Asian/Pacific Islander56%
Hispanicn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White93%
Low income17%
Not low income89%
Special educationn/a
Not special education77%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 94% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 99% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 97% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 100% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 85% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
73%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 96% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 99% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 97% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 99% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asian100%
Asian/Pacific Islander100%
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White100%
Low incomen/a
Not low income100%
Special educationn/a
Not special education100%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 2

Femalen/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 46% 64%
Asian/Pacific Islander 27% 9%
Black 20% 6%
Hispanic 6% 16%
Native American 1% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 30%N/A42%
Special education 13%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 10%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 17N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 13N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 57%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2500 Franklin Av East
Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206) 252-3510

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

ADVERTISEMENT