Academy Schools

My 2 boys have been in this school for 5 years now and because of the excellent individualized teaching methods, they are both working above their grade levels in many subjects. My oldest is now in Running Start at Green River Community College taking Calculus 3 (while taking all of his high school courses at Academy Schools plus 3 online courses offered by the school) and has tested in the top 2% of the nation's juniors in the PSAT. He will most likely be applying to a few ivy-league colleges in the fall. This school is not only for special needs children.
—Submitted by a parent

Academy Schools is, by far, the best educational experience I have encountered for my children and grand children over 40 years, in seven states, in public or private settings. The school is nationally certified. The teachers are all state certified, competent and passionate, in working with children from special needs to gifted. Children move onto other schools, often above grade level in math and English. It is an excellent environment for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so glad that we found Academy Schools. Our two children (one typically developing and one 2E) are thriving! We have found the teachers and administration to be extremely patient and understanding. They think outside the box to reach the children where they are and create a wonderful inclusive environment. Having had our children in public schools, private schools and strongly considered homeschooling, this school has exceeded our expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

While we loved the small class sizes, one on one attention, and secured building we found this school really to be geared towards the special needs children.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an outstanding school. As a parent of two students, we were impressed by the small class size (no more than 10), individual attention and academic strength. The school has the flexibility to challenge each child based on her or her potential - whether they are gifted or need additional assistance. Our son was strong in math and science and joined the higher classes for those subjects. He was encouraged to advance to as far as he wanted. You do not get that type of attention or flexibility in many schools. This is a place where each child is truly valued.
—Submitted by a parent

Childrens academy does a great job of providing a no bully environment, and the staff is friendly. Unfortunately, it's the curriculum that is lacking. For a child with any special needs, children's academy was not sufficient. Educational expectations of said children are lowered, and not challenged. The fact that there is no set cirriculum, and that the staff is not required to be certified, are concerns that should not be overlooked. As a parent of a special needs child, it is indeed comforting to know the children are kind, as well as safe, however, the actual education is extremely important. We were highly disappointed with the educational insufficiencies & lowered expectations with our child. There was a very large gap between our child's abilities to complete work at home, compared to the frequent inability of completing it in class. Capability was there, but the follow through was not. Voiced our concerns on several occasions, but they were brushed aside & disregarded. We removed our child & enrolled in another school, & no longer have that gap that was such a problem for us. Our child is now excelling. As special needs parents, we are unable to give a higher rating.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of Academy Schools. I attended for nine years and absolutely loved it. ALL of the teachers I had were amazing. They were so supportive and nurturing that it was like a second family. Likewise, the other students were like siblings, making it an environment where you could feel safe, and learn to the full extent of your abilities. There were no cliques, and you didn't have to worry about being judged on either your appearance, academic abilities, or anything you could imagine. I was able to vastly improve my writing skills, and have been inspired to pursue a career in neurology.The different clubs and electives provided a wonderful outlet for my creativity, and I realized now that the school helped me flourish, both socially and academically, far more than a public school would have. I love this school and miss it dearly.

Academy Schools has moved! Our new location is just north of Southcenter Mall, west of Fort Dent Soccer Fields (home of the Sounders) and 1/2 mile northwest of Family Fun Center. Our new school building is beautiful,and has allowed expansion of the many programs offered. The students LOVE the new facility and grounds. Computer Lab for grades Pre-K thorugh 4,Technology in the classroom features laptops for grades 5-12, "Moodle" instructional interface and Smart Boards in the classrooms. After school programs feature: after school care, yearbook club, chess club, band club, and drama club. The school has a calm, comfortable atmosphere and the academic achievements are high. This is a great school. Come visit us!
—Submitted by a teacher

As a person who has had involvement with education for over 30 years I can say with complete faith that the teachers give 200%. Each student is not only given one on one time but the work they are assigned enables them to achive and reach beyond their goals. The principal not only does her job but always has time for the students,parents and her staff. She does this with creativity, knowledge and heart. My wish for all students and their parents it that they could have a learning experince this wonderful

The staff at The Academy School is tremendous! The Principal, Mrs. Neil, repeatedly demonstrates outstanding leadership, dedication, creativity and sensitivity to the needs of her students, parents and staff members. She is able to balance hands on work with the students with the ever present demands of position as the principal. All the teachers are intelligent, well-educated and comprise a mix of skills. They are excellent teachers and consummate professionals. They are genuinely sincere in their rapport with students and parents. My son Tyler's educational development at Academy Schools has greatly increased intellect, creativity and organizational skills. Chess, drama, homework club are productive and valuable experiences for his growth. Additionally, parent involvement is encouraged and rewarded. It is a special time to volunteer and help others who so cherish your investment of giving to the students as their faces show appreciation for your attentiveness and time spent with them.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for over five years now. He has thrived in this small, calm and very nurturing setting. He has not only grown academically, but has also grown socially and emotionally. The teachers and staff here are exceptional individuals that care deeply about every child.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Children's Academy for seven years. He came as a kindergartener and is now very happy in the Tech Academy progam at Mill Creek. In the first grade his teacher realized that he had difficulties with reading and because of the constant attention to individualized instruction throughout the next three years, he mastered the skill. In public school it is unlikely that it would have been even noticed. Due to the diversity of pupils, he made lifelong friends with a wonderful group of students and their parents who all care deeply about the education of their children. We cannot say enough about the caliber of teachers, parents and students at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son came to this school with a high IQ but low social skills and impulsive behavior. Because of the patience, compassion, knowledge and love of the staff at Children's Academy he has grown into a successful teenager. He now is doing well in a tough program at a public high school. I do not know what would have happened to our family if we would not have found Children's Academy. He was a student there for six years.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and have been a volunteer at Children's Academy for seven years. I am a former special education teacher and have never seen a more cohesive group of teacher's, parents and volunteers at a school The children are respectful and courteous. Field trips received complements on how well mannered the students were. Students moved between classes in a quiet and orderly manner with a teacher always present. There is no tolerance for bullies or any 'ism'. It is a wonderful place for children to blossom.
—Submitted by a parent

I have only worked here at Academy Schools for a short time. I can tell you that the Teachers and other staff are wonderful. Their hearts are for the children that come to this school. Each child is appreciated for his or her unique gifts. The teachers and principle are child focused, and want to see each child succeed. The Principle is nothing but a very caring person and I see her as one who wants to help everyone in need.

Classes are small but many of the students admitted are not able to function in a large setting and that is why they are at the school. The teachers are kind and caring but not trained to work with special needs kids. I would not put a typical or special needs child into this environment. It is unorganized and chaotic which is exactly how the current principal functions
—Submitted by a parent

No accountability... this school has small class sizes but no clear curriculum that passes grade to grade. Teachers are not all certified your questions are never fully answered and with the behavior problem children that are admitted when you have a typical child you need to KNOW what is going on so you can support your child. We did 2 years and it just got worse. Don't fall for the 'just a parent who was not happy line' or whatever else they spin. Stay and watch a recess.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has very small class sizes and exceptional students. As a teacher, I have enjoyed working closely with each of my students, as well as getting to know all of the other students in the school. This school is unique in many ways, including its policies on bullies (we don't have them), and its emphasis on supporting and encouraging student success. I'm glad that I have been chosen to be a teacher at this school! I especially appreciate the school's desire to improve on what we're doing.
—Submitted by a teacher

Children's Academy is an answer to prayer on behalf of my son, who has Asperger's Syndrome. Until finding Children's Academy, I homeschooled him, because, having taught in the public school system myself, I did not feel his academic and social needs could be met in a public school. Children's Academy is staffed with compassionate, highly qualified teachers, who have helped my son to blossom not only academically, but socially as well. The mix of students found at this small private school form a wonderful learning community. I highly recommend Children's Academy to parents desiring a quality education for their child in a caring environment.
—Submitted by Jody Stead, a parent