Shahala Middle School

This school was amazing. Everything was great, the staff were all friendly and helpful. Everything...but, the principal. Renee Bernanazi was a horrible principal, she hurts Shahala's pristine reputation. Hopefully Shahala can find a better principal than the current one. The administrative officers weren't as good as well, such as Miss Beggs. These people are complete failures in connecting with the students. I have high expectations for Shahala in the years to come, I have a daughter going to Shahala in two years. Hopefully the failures in office have been replaced or stepped up in their game. I have to say though, the music program was excellent even though it is fairly new. The security is somewhat lax, letting some fights happen behind their backs.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for his 6th-8th grade years. He had the benefit of excellent academics, great teachers and fabulous sports, music and activities. We enjoyed Shahala.
—Submitted by a parent

My experience as a parent with Shahala has been dismal at best. I have had repeated in person conferences with teachers, counselors and the principal regarding my childs academic challenges. I feel I was never heard and instead as being a part of their team I felt I was pushed further outside their circle. I had daily emails from one or more teachers telling me something that was wrong or went wrong with my child. I rarely heard encouragement, positive remarks or any solutions and plans on helping my child succeed. I am left feeling frustrated, defeated and with even greater worry about how to help my child succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome! all the teachers are nice, cool, and fun! They do all sorts of cool things!
—Submitted by a student

Shahala Middle School was an excellent school. Mrs. Halls was an excellent choir teacher, and the rest of my academic teachers did a fine job at what they were doing.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught at Shahala for five years (2001-2006) and will always speak favorably of the place and the people there. From the office staff to the teachers to the students, there is no better school in the shadows of the Cascade foothills.
—Submitted by a teacher

i hated shahala. the staff was helpless. they didnt do anything for my students. and the principle was HORRIBLE.

I can't speak highly enough for Shahala! The Staff is fabulous and work with the students to strive their very best. We have moved and lived all over the US and Europe and Shahala is by far the best school my child has attended.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Shahala middle school! The front office is always friendly and always willing to help in any way. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming. We find it to be the best of the best schools in Vancouver
—Submitted by Karon RElei, a parent

My daughter has truly enjoyed this school, the teachers have been great, and the violin program is excellent
—Submitted by a parent

My son truly has enjoyed this school. The teachers are inspiring and require a high quality of work and responsiblity.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his in 2nd year (7th grade) at Shahala, and I'm really impressed with the school and the Excel program (advanced classes). Also, the music and sports programs are very impressive, as well other clubs (chess, computer, etc). I ask my son all the time if there are issues with kids fighting or picking on kids, as he can be an easy target for this. He indicates it is pretty rare, and I think having seperate halls for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders helps.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was awesome. I learned so much. The teachers are so nice and their high expectations helped me to become a better student in life. I have been going there since the year it opened. I am now an eighth grader and it was so much fun. All the teachers helped so much in preparing me for the WASL, ITBS and the 8th grade exit project which I did good on. I would highly reccomend this school out of any. It was so much fun.
—Submitted by Cassidy Gardner, a student

I loved Shahala! I attended the school the year it opened, and I had so much fun. The teachers I had were amazing, the classes were well structured and organized, each teacher was supportive and offered extra help before and after school. Each grade has their own hall in which all curriculum classes were located as not to mix lower/upperclassmen. The school is tidy, easy to get around in, and the administration is not only firm but very helpful and interact well with students. I was very sad to leave! If you're trying to find a school for your child, I definitely recommend it!
—Submitted by a former student