My oldest child entered the Attic for her 4th grade year in 2020. Our youngest child is now…read moreentering the middle school program for the 25/26 school year. The time we have spent at the Attic has been incredible for both our kids' academic and social emotional development. I could write a book about the things I love about this school, but some of the most important are: 1) That each child is seen and valued by every adult in the building; 2) A multi-age environment where a presentation by a 5 year-old on cupcake baking receives exactly the same respect and engagement as a well researched presentation on nuclear energy by a high school junior (a real life example); 3) Extensive time spend outdoors including longer than typical lunch and recess for all ages; 4) Measuring academic progress by the extent to which each learner grows through discomfort and disequilibrium into new skills and deep understanding; 5) Kids learn at the Attic because it is safe to make mistakes; 6) Community, community, community. Learners at the Attic do not produce large quantities of "work product." Parents that want to see a lot of worksheets completed and graded on a weekly basis may feel anxious about what their child is learning. The Attic is a "right-fit" school for parents who trust their kids to grow into curious life-long learners over long periods of time, know that progress is not always even, and value process over product.

One of the most incredible aspects of The Attic is how deeply connected learners become to their…read moreenvironment. The students regularly explore the fields, forests, and streams surrounding the school, fostering a sense of curiosity and a profound appreciation for nature. Teachers know every student well--from the youngest kindergartners to the high school seniors. This personalized approach means that teachers can quickly identify areas of strength and growth, offering targeted support and challenge in equal measure. Community is at the heart of The Attic. Students of all ages not only know each other--they play, write, and share their projects with one another. This multi-age interaction fosters friendships and mentorships that feel entirely natural. The annual events where learners showcase their writing, math, and research skills are a testament to the school's dedication to celebrating student growth and passion. I love it here.

Have had two children attend this school, one is there for the remainder of this year, the other…read morewe'd pulled and moved to a good public school in 2023. I wanted to share our family's experience with BCS Mack as a data point for other parents to consider when looking at private, public, and homeschool options. First of all, it has been a great school with the reduced resourcing it has. A lot of that is due to the leadership under the prior, and tenured Principal, as well as some solid teaching and supporting staff (administrative, facilities, etc...). Even then, it certainly wasn't perfect, but what school's are? The previous leadership took a soft line where allowed and a firmer line when there was enough drift in what the school was trying to represent: a warm place, with better attention through a smaller population, and to serve him. For our family, we have one special needs child and one not. What we've noticed with the school is that more and more, it seems a softer line is held for behavioral issues, more emotional, mental than physical. Physical is usually clear and easy to handle but the more nuanced disruptions to an otherwise healthy day for a student/your child are often disregarded or pared down with the new Principal Kincaid whom had recently started. I feel it's always been a bit soft "part of a larger plan" but when pushed, Smith would take action to resolve to mutual agreement. Now, I'm ok for new leaders to get comfortable, learn, grow, and work toward mutual resolution, but in a large increase of cases, the school no longer works toward an agreed resolution and is more of a "let me check with the other schools" while bringing back evidence of how parent/student/customer concerns should not be. It's always the parent that is circling back so this really is a reactive leadership style. As in my case earlier this school year, and several other families with kids whom don't require special support, many of them have left for other schools or have a plan to do so at the end of this year. It's unfortunate given what the school could be and how much we wanted BCS to be our path through high school. Several neighboring private schools, and public, seem to have guidelines that help foster a friendly environment for every child from many situations, but for some reason, BCS Mack does not. They have published guidelines but in many examples, the leader can't translate them into what's needed for the kiddos, even leaving kids to remain undiagnosed and continuing to impact others. And I get it as a parent that it's tough to hear that your kiddo may need help, I went through this for years, but a school should be able to help support through action. It's a bit like the wild west on this tiny campus, even moreso than a decent public school that must deal with everything daily. Why am I taking the time to post this across forums? It's because many of you are like me, and that our kids are the center of our world and we have just one shot at giving them the best chance. It's likely why you're considering private schools like this that cost $30k a year while layoffs continue to occur. I still have one kiddo at the school whom is in need of extra care and the school is still good for them. It's for those kids that don't require extra care that are disrupted often and are falling behind in behavioral/emotional growth (don't get me started on the lack of sports, music, and other programs that are far behind or missing, which is extra time and cost). If you need a place for special care/needs, Mack might work for you. If you don't, you may want to consider the above, but also don't take my word for it...speak with other supporting staff members and parents whom have all voiced their own concerns. Maybe this gets sorted by 2030 as the leadership grows, but If the basic leadership traits aren't there to even check with the parent to ensure an issue is met to satisfaction, this is going to be rough on the kids and staff at best. Posting this is not of benefit to my one existing child there in that I want them around other kids that aren't always in need and it may even cause tuition rates to increase, but like I said, if you're like me, kids are our everything, yours included. Hope this helps as we continue to serve him through our communities.

From the owner: Preparing students to transform the world since 1950, Bellevue Christian School is a coeducational…read moreDay school for diverse students in Preschool through Grade Twelve. Located across three secure campuses in Clyde Hill, Medina, and Woodinville, Bellevue Christian alumni live and lead with purpose. To learn more about Bellevue Christian, please visit www.BellevueChristian.org.

The principal has done nothing to help my grandson after repeated complaints and requests. I have…read moreseen a great difference in his attitudes. He has developed a defeatest attitude. He is convinced because of his teachers dislike and treatment of him that he is second class. He himself feels that he has been stereotyped as the "bad boy" since he has been in this school. Teachers have a negative attitude and this translates to the children. Shame on you Northshore District. You have failed my grandson, the same way you failed my son.

Horrible for my kid. Not enough done about bullying and promoting positive social interaction…read morebetween students. About 1/5th of the teachers are excellent, and the rest sub-par. Hard to get any help for kids who have failing subjects - school waited until my son was 2 years behind before acknowledging he needed help in any subject. Had to file complaints with District to get any response from school.

Our kids have been to Birch Tree (BTA) over the past 4 years. We've had an amazing experience, and…read morerecently realized how exceptional it is compared to other daycares. We took for granted the high quality care and high standards set by the management and staff. We took a short break and moved our youngest to another daycare for a month just to be closer to our house (national chain daycare in Kenmore), and it was literally night and day. The other daycare was subpar in quality and extremely short staffed, even though the tuition was comparable. We decided to move them back to Birch Tree, and drive the extra miles. What we love about Birch Tree is the management, warm and caring teachers who give lots of hugs, home cooked food, facilities, quality education, classroom camera and Bright Wheel App. Despite the locations expansion, BTA still feels locally owned and the owner Natalie and head of schools Jessica are very much involved in all of their schools. You will still see them in-person floating around the different locations. They generally know all student's names, and the local staff are always friendly and greating parents. They hold their staff to high standards and also expect the same of parents. Kids are well behaved, they wear inside vs outside shoes. Food is better than my home cooked meals, classrooms are modern with high ceilings and large windows, and all teachers have open communication with parents via the instant messaging feature. The admin staff is also on top of communication, and they have an abundance of teachers and admin staff. They also offer weekly PE, music, and Spanish classes which are all included in the price. They also offer parents night-out occasionally, and host events and weekly summer field trips for pre-k. You can do 3, 4, or 5 days a week. Speaking with staff, they enjoy working there and say that there's opportunity for them to grow and take on different roles within the school or office. Other parents we've met have moved from other daycares to go to BTA and seem very happy with BTA. They have well prepared our oldest for kindergarten and we are so thankful. None of these things we observed with the national chain daycare.

Wonderful place for kids to learn and thrive! Truly appreciate the work they put in and my child is…read moregrowing and learning a great deal as he prepares for kindergarten and elementary school!

As a K-12 alumni, I think it's a true testament to this school that I am now a teacher here! Not…read moreonly that, but my children are going here as well. While we are at the Mill Creek Campus, the ethics and principles are the same. We have always get welcomed and loved here. My teachers at cedar park are the reason why I wanted to be a teacher! Excited for the new middle school building and the growth that's happening rig every day!

Do not recommend this school. Very few teachers seem to actually like their job here. This school…read morewas good until they changed superintendents, and the elementary principal left. Then Covid happened and they were flooded with kids. Classes are too big. If you have a child with any kind of learning disability or anything this is not a good school at all. They barely make accommodations and don't have IEP and 504 programs to help. One year my child's teacher yelled at the class all the time. Kids with parents on campus get special treatment, and this school is very inconsistent with discipline. There are also drugs on campus.

Both of my children have gone to camp here all summer, on and off. Danielle is an excellent…read moreteacher, and has a way with kids. She really connects with them. As a mother of three young children herself, she really gets it -the kids, being a mom, all of it. She's womderfully flexible and laid back. I love this place and highly recommend it to everyone I meet.

My daughter went to Bellevue Country Day School for two years of preschool. Teachers are great,…read morenice mix of structured and self directed activities. Positive experience, would highly recommend. Many great memories and friendships made here. Especially the mom's day tea! We have since moved away and am having difficulty finding another program that quite measures up.

The Clearwater School is a true testament to the values of diversity, inclusion, and community…read more Within a year of being there, my 8-year-old son (then six), who had never before felt comfortable in social groups outside his family, began calling this place his second home. He was given the time and space to build relationships with staff and other students at his own pace, always supported but never rushed. Children at Clearwater learn what they are interested in, developing one of the most valuable lifelong skills--how to learn. Through observation and thoughtful discussions with students, staff, and family, my son has deepened his understanding of people, the world around him, and, most importantly, himself. In his two years at Clearwater, he has learned to navigate conflicts through the Justice Committee, advocate for his needs through the democratic process, and appreciate the significance of friendship, culture, and responsibility within a community. And along the way, he has also learned to read, perform arithmetic, estimate probability and statistics, and explore physics through hands-on construction. He loves drawing, music, and the logic of computer programming--all interests that have flourished in an environment where curiosity is nurtured. I am incredibly grateful for the existence of this school and the role it plays in my son's life--and in our family's life.

Our kids have been at Clearwater for the past six years. We love that they are empowered to be…read moretheir authentic selves, have time to pursue their interests, learn to advocate for themselves and what is right AND get to be on a beautiful, large campus that they are working together to restore. The mixed ages were a concern for us at first, but our experience has been that it creates a beautiful caring community that accommodates different ages and abilities. We love the staff (most have been there for over 5 years) and our kids are thriving!