I attended Northshore 2 decades ago as a middle schooler, and at the time I had mixed feelings. I was a hyperactive kid who struggled with focus regardless of my environment, yet I felt I was treated unfairly at the time. Deep down I knew this was probably a result of my actions and/or weaknesses, and overall I knew I loved and respected the staff and environment of the place, however as the years went on I was tempted to be bitter (especially after feeling so well received in future public schools). Fast forwarding a decade had brought me more experiences and perspective, allowing me to more thoroughly appreciate what Northshore was doing in my life at the time. They held a high standard in a way that balanced love and firmness. I think we were both growing and learning at that time, and I cannot deny that I was shown love, guidance, an example of excellence, etc. Super important things to a growing kid. Fast forward another decade, I was able to return to Northshore and visit with my old principal and some of the teachers I had back then. An awesome experience to see them as fellow adults, see their personal/professional growth and the success of their academics, school campus, etc. Even got to have a chat with one of my childhood heroes Marc Marion. Marc: well done, good and faithful servant! Coming full circle, I now have a kindergartener at Northshore. We weighed many options during our research, and we felt the overall benefits far outweighed the sacrifices. Almost a year into school, I can confidently say we made the right decision. Every school and every person has issues, quirks, etc., yet the level of excellence in all areas has surpassed our expectations. I could list all the positives I've seen, but I think Northshore does a well enough job of marketing themselves, so I'll leave it at this: I couldn't ask for a better place to entrust a significant portion of my son's daily mental/physical/spiritual growth. If you're looking for more info, DM me, I'd be happy to share more. read more

My overall experience with Northshore Christian Academy was extremely disappointing and concerning. As a parent, I need to feel confident that my child is being cared for with patience, cleanliness, and respect. Unfortunately, this experience made me lose trust in the level of care being provided. read more

Firstly, I've been involved with this school for over 20 years. I've attended church at NCC, I have close friends who work here, and I've had my students attend here. The last two years have been incredibly disappointing. Since Mr. Lane Beasley has taken over as head of schools, the turnover of critical staff at this school has been frightening. My current understanding is that the school is even having to hire entirely new departments next year because of staff departures/transitions. I've watched some of the loveliest people be forced out this school to make way for someone who used to be a MS counselor at the school to become the full school (K-8) principal. At the end of 2025, without any warning, the middle school principal was let go our 3-5 principal took his place. The narrative we were told was that He left by his choice after learning he wouldn't be returning the next year. After a personal discussion with him, I am sickened that the narrative we were told in no way aligns with what happened, as he was told to clean out and leave with just a few months of the school year remaining. Then this last year, a beloved teacher had been promoted to our school's K-2 principal. Apparently, rather than providing her feedback or coming alongside her when she struggled in the first year of this new position, she was fired and replaced with our 3-8th grade principal (who is now K-8). All of these transitions have resulted in our assistant principals being overworked, our staff feeling unsupported, and confusion about who's actually in charge at the school. I'm also disappointed in the school choosing to align itself with a specific brand of American conservative evangelicalism rather than the "bible based" identity it claims. My understanding is that when teachers talked or prayed about the unrest in Minnesota from earlier in this year, it was met with an email from admin asking them to "steer away from politics". But it was perfectly okay for the head of schools to send out an easter message that complained about a Washington State millionaires tax? Apparently Mark 10:25 or the Apostle's charitable living in Acts can be overlooked to embrace a gospel of prosperity rather than one rooted in the Bible. Needless to say, this institution has gone downhill. I love NCA, its teachers, and its families, but as an institution it's fallen well out of line with its original mission. This school cares too much about optics, and less about practice. They even had a teach inservice event last year where teachers were instructed to create accounts and give 5 star reviews to the school to bolster its online image. I'd be surprised if this review stays up long before they have it removed, but know this is all coming from someone who's been around this place a long time and is sad to see how it's fallen. read more

I would give 0 stars if I could! I went here k-8 (so did my brother), I have never hated a place more and never had more trauma, racism, and bullying than in this place. Not only were the kids bad (both boys and girls) the teachers were worse, the only teacher I could never speak ill of was Mr.Marion. I suffered greatly in this school developing anxiety and depression (yes medically diagnosed) I vowed to NEVER send my kids here or any private christian school! It's all a mask for terrible things, this school destroyed my relationship with God as well, I found it again once I was out but had resentment and hurt for many years. This is no place for any person of color unless you want to be constantly treated and looked at differently, or if you wanna face micro aggressions from teachers and staff who are supposed to be protecting you. I was never a "troubled" kid, I did theater, I got good grades, I did basketball, I won speech meet awards, I did choir. Even then I was still seen as trouble based on my skin color by the students and by the teachers, these years were filled with nothing but ridicule, hurt, and anger. As a child once you realize the why behind your treatment you give up, you want to be gone for good from the world that treats you so horribly because you feel no place will ever accept you. At the age of 10 I was on medication from what I suffered here, begging my parents to get me out, I was in the office several times by this age for mental health issues. Sure public school has problems too but at least in there the staff and teachers will have your back not be against you too. read more

We would not recommend sending your child to this school. We are deeply disappointed with the new leadership at the school. The new Head of School, Lane Beasley, does not care about the Early Learning Center. We provided very valuable feedback upon withdrawing our daughter and instead of being met with intention, Grace, empathy, and a drive to learn more about what happened and improve, we were met with dismissal, gaslighting, and even accusations of lying. We are completely appalled at the level of professionalism and behavior. Since he started, there has been incredibly high turnover of invaluable staff members and a number of families have left as well. The place is an absolute zoo. Our homeroom teachers were good, but the overall leadership, organization, communication, and health and safety of students does not even come close to meeting the bar. We wish we could take Ms Shannon with us because she was amazing and we will miss her. read more

This school contributed to my daughter's mental health challenges. I wouldn't suggest this school to anyone. I enrolled my child at this school because it was close to where I worked. We had never seen such a lack of diversity, racism, and patronizing teachers and staff towards people of color. They are culturally insensitive and incompetent. The parents' cliquishness and "mean girl" demeanor teach their children to behave the same. Some soccer moms act like high school kids themselves. Overall, this school is terrible, especially given its high tuition. Academically, the school struggles, and the lack of a diverse student and teaching body exacerbates the problem. I wish I had made a better decision for my daughter's sake; she is still suffering and dealing with the trauma, anxiety, isolation, and microaggressions she endured at this school. But I didn't know any different at that time. ****Please do not send your child to this awful school; they are just Christians on paper, not in actuality. read more

This is a review more of the NCA Summer Camp run by NCA. My two boys age 6 and 8, attended the summer camp in 2021. Everyday after camp, I would hear about about how mean the other kids were and how they constantly got wood chips thrown at them. A younger kid was also kicking and pushing people. He never seemed to get in trouble for that behavior. Either due to age or being the son of a teacher. Not sure which it was. And what great activities do they do at the summer camp? Play board games and have recess. Very little arts and crafts, or anything even remotely associated with a camp. Archery? Nope. Only for older kids. Group sports? Nope, just recess. There was a single field trip which included a ride on a ferry. They had to stay in the bus on the ride over though, which was hot and uncomfortable. It the end, it was a glorified daycare and not worth the cost. Thankfully this saved us from making the mistake of enrolling our kids at NCA. We now use NCA as a threat and a joke. If the boys don't behave, then they're going back to NCA Summer Camp :-) read more

I attended NCA from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. The experiences & knowledge I gained throughout my time there were nothing but positive & prepped me thoroughly as I went on to high school. I gained much more than an education-- I gained lifelong friendships, people skills, respect, a foundation in faith and so much more. Northshore creates a safe, Jesus-forward culture that promotes learning & loving others simultaneously. I am forever grateful for the relationships, skills and foundation I built during my time at Northshore Christian Academy. read more

NCA is the BEST thing to happen for our family's education! This school does everything right! They have a best, truly loving teachers and staff. I cant help but smile when around the staff at NCA. They are happy and loving and IT IS CONTAGIOUS!! My son Max has gotten daily homework since Kindergarten! They really push the kids. High expectations get high results! Our son, Max, is grades ahead of the public school kids his age. They offer extra curricular activities for almost every interest, before and after school. They have a firm and religious structure, but make it fun for the kids. My kids LOVE Northshore Christian!! We couldn't imagine our kids going to another school. read more

This school is amazing. We have our three children enrolled. Our oldest has been there since Pre K. To say the teachers, staff and principals care about the students just doesn't explain it enough. Our family has been so well cared for. Our youngest is needing some extra support and we have had no trouble finding it. This place truly has our children's best interests at heart. Not to mention the outstanding academics. As the children approach middle school, the school really tries to help pinpoint each student's strengths and help them grow and develop these areas. Our children have been challenged academically, but supported along the way to achieve their goals. We have been so impressed by the love and support of NCA. We highly recommend this school to anyone considering private education. We are so thankful that a school like this exists so close to home. read more

Probably the best school north of Seattle for academics. Especially with regards to science and technology. (Note: all science courses are taught from a traditional Christian perspective). I think it's also one of the safest schools--the place is designed like a prison, lol. My kid enjoys attending, and I feel like she is receiving a competitive education. read more

i went here for middle school and it was absolutely horrible and ridiculous. the staff is strict and unkind to many of the students and there are unrealistic expectations for academics. the uniform was strict and it seemed like the teachers cared more about ridiculing students and making sure they behave and do not have any fun rather than actually helping them with academic stress and pressure. read more

We are still at North-shore and still loving it! It gets better every year. Stop dealing with public school and childcare issues - come here where you know that your child is being taken care of!! I cant imagine us going any where else! read more

My husband and I have been involved with NCA for 11 years; we've had our 4 children start in the ELC and move to the academy. Beyond our children being academically advanced, they are joyful kids, happy and excited to go to school, loved by teachers and friends, cared for and safely watched over. Teachers take special care with each of our children to walk with them where they are at in their social, emotional and academic walks. They focus on the whole child, which we love. It's not perfect by any means, but the administration is always looking to improve and asking questions to grow and learn and be better for the children they serve. One of our favorite parts of Northshore is the amazing community of families in each of our children's grade levels; a welcoming and loving group of families who do life together! NCA is a really special place, we sure are thankful that we get to experience it. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for an excellent environment for their children AND family to grow in. read more

I have lived in this country for close to 20 years and never experienced discrimination until we enrolled our son at Northshore Christian Academy. Being unfamiliar with the US public school system (we were worried about bullying among kids), we decided to go with a private school, assuming the atmosphere there would be better. Soon enough we realized this was not the case. Children get bullied, not by other children, but by the adults entrusted (and paid) to care for them! If your child is black be prepared to fight for them even harder. The discrimination is systematic, yet subtle. The first time you notice it you think, no can't be. I'm just over analyzing the situation. Around the fourth to sixth time you stop and take stock and realize you are dealing with pure unadulterated discrimination. We are talking small things like if your child is involved in an altercation with another non-black child yours will be penalized for it while the other is prayed for, yet the other child was the aggressor. Your child will be dis-enrolled from an after school program without prior notice to you and without any explanation. When your child is standing in line with other kids and he moves his leg because it hurts and says 'ow" they will be punished for talking at the wrong time, yet when his white friend blurts out something nothing happens to him. When a white student tells you that their black friend has to be careful because whenever they are caught doing the wrong thing he/she normally gets it worse it clears all your doubts. And sometimes it is obvious and unapologetic, like when a teacher tells you that he does not think your child can play the trumpet because your child's "lips are too large".....yes, it was said. Our son, who has always been a very happy child, got so depressed in kindergarten that he started referring to himself as a bad boy....at 6 years of age. He would say, "It's ok. I know I am a bad boy" or "You know so and so's brother? The one who is a bad boy like me..." It got so bad we sought the help of a pediatric behavioral specialist. After several appointments the specialist told us we needed to remove him from this environment. She pointed out that she has several students from this school as young as kindergarten who were battling serious depression. She said that the kids are constantly being ridiculed and embarrassed in front of their colleagues by teachers, coupled with negative reinforcement that is ruining their self image. Trying to work with the school counselor, Mr. Berge, was equally frustrating for her; the counselor wants all the information from the specialist regarding the children but will not share any back, even if the parents have requested in writing that he shares all the child's info in order to help them. We ran into this first hand. The counselor claimed he does not keep any notes on the kids, never mind we found out much later that he had been pulling our son from class and speaking with him in seclusion without our information or consent! Now that our son is in a new school he is back to his normal self. He keeps exclaiming how much he likes his new teacher. When asked what he likes about her the answer is consistently the same, "she does not yell at us." Wait, what?! Exactly how much were you getting yelled at at Northshore???? In a meeting with the K-2 principal (Mrs. Winningham), the counselor, and our son's teacher, the teacher could hardly put a sentence together. She was flustered and kept looking towards the principal as if trying to make sure she stayed in her lane and was not saying the wrong thing. She looked fearful, yet in all our other interactions with her she was always normal. The counselor was as useful as tits on a bull. The principal, at best, is incompetent, and at worst harmful to children. Her only way to help a child is by punishing them in order to 'help' them make better choices. Have you ever heard of positive reinforcement? This place is a joke. Spend your money elsewhere. If you insist on this school at least save some money for therapy because your child will need it. One last thing, whenever our son hears of China his first response is, "Is that the place where they do not allow people to pray to God." This along with many other things he has said, has made it clear to us that he has been taught that non-christians are 'bad' people. I was raised christian and attended private christian schools and at no point was hate perpetuated in our curriculum or church. At NCA children are taught that it is us versus them, and of course we are better because we are christians. read more

We are grandparents of 3 Northshore Christian Academy students, with our 4th grandchild starting in Fall 2020. The "community" of students has led to lasting relationships with students and families, united by their common beliefs of faith, character development, responsibility and hard work. A solid Christian curriculum is taught, supported by STEM, Legos, NSAE and PLTW. The arts are incorporated in the curriculum, along with more extra-curricular opportunities with sports, music and drama. An important aspect of Christian education are teachers who pray for your children and are willing to come along side parents in collaborative efforts of support. NCA is also a safe campus with close detail to protect each child. I would encourage you to visit and see for yourself how you and your child will benefit from a caring staff committed to help your child become who they are designed to be! read more

Been here 3 years - 2 boys, had great experiences so far and will continue. Any problems are welcomed to be addressed by the staff. Tough job being a teacher and I have been so so thankful for the impact these teachers have had on our boys. read more

My children have attended Northshore Christian Academy for several years now and, from the viewpont of a parent, I have very positive things to say about the school. Last year, we almost weren't able to send our children back to NCA and they were devastated by the possibility. They have loved their teachers and they have made countless friends in the years that they have attended the school. The varied classes make for an intellectually stimulating experience at Northshore. Spanish, PE, Music, and Computers are just some of the academic offerings taught by amazing teachers who know what they are doing and who are incredible with their students. read more

NCA is simply amazing! It is a non-negotiable line item in our budget for our two kiddos. I am especially grateful now during the Covid pandemic; my neighbors and friends with children in public school had little to no instruction, one or two class Zoom calls, and that's pretty much it. My 2nd grader at NCA had daily meetings, prayers, live spelling tests, live reading groups, and homework due daily, tests weekly, etc. We moved from a top district in the Bothell Woodinville area and even compared to their resources and academic rigor, NCA shines! I love the teachers and parents. We are a family of color and have had ZERO issues with racism or bullying. Not sure where that is coming from in some of the other reviews. The student body is 40% non-Caucasian; there are active Latino, Korean, etc. parent groups that plan activities throughout the year. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a high school. I'd love for my son and daughter to be able to enjoy K-12 at NCA. read more

My daughter and son have both attended NCA for 8 years now. My wife and I couldn't be more pleased with our children's education, teachers, administration, nurturing and knowledge in the bible, and the other parents we have become friends with here. The church is an awesome anchor for the academy. We switched to attending the church after we were so impressed after attending a service to investigate before deciding to enroll or children in the academy. There is an overwhelming positive energy within the body of this school and church. God is fully involved and working His glory in this place! I give my highest recommendation to NCA! read more

I would recommend Northshore to anyone who wants their child to have an excellent education academically and who also wants their child to grow in character. I tried 2 other Christian schools and was not as happy with them as I have been with Northshore, so I definitely have something to compare Northshore to. The teachers and administrative staff are simply amazing! The care and love they show to my son is beyond anything I could imagine. The level of parent involvement is also wonderful! I think that parent involvement also makes a difference for any child's education, and the teachers and parents really partner and care here. This is my son's 4th year, and I cannot imagine him going anywhere else! The administrators are excellent as well as we have been impressed by the 2 principals that we have interacted with, Mrs. Winningham and Mrs. Kreutner, and we are very excited about working with Ms. Schmitke next year. There is a level of professionalism and care in the staff that stands out. The teachers take the extra time to show how much they care about the students as well and every teacher my son has had has been beyond incredible. I could not be more pleased with this staff. For the poor reviews on here, all I can say is that it takes both sides to make an experience positive. As a parent, there is not a better school around for your child. read more

I LOVE NSCA!!! My son has been here since kindergarten and is now in 4th grade. I ask him each year if he enjoys the school and if he wants to continue his time there and so far his reply has been "I everyone at NSCA, all the classmates, friends, teachers, and the staff. Yes i want to stay and i dont want to go anywhere else." When my son was in 1st, he was being emotionally and physically abused by someone he thought was a friend. My son did not open up to me about all that happened til the end of the school year because he was trying to fix it himself. Unfortunatley that caused him to break down in tears and my heart broke because iv never seen him that way. As soon as i heard, i called the school the next day. But i had to leave a message bc it was summer. To my surprise the principal at the time called me back right away even though it was summer. He put my heart and mind at ease by telling me the boy, who was suppossedly my son's friend decided to leave the school. He told me that if the boy did not leave, he would have made sure they would not be in the same class and would take care of the issue. When he was done speaking, i broke down in tears of joy and thanked him immensly!!! At that moment i knew, God had sent our child to the right place! I already loved NSCA but after that call i loved it so much more. Our children are our treasures and we send them here entrusting them. NSCA has not only given my son an exceptional education and faith but also looks after him and mentors him. When my son was in 2nd grade, he experienced another situation where his classmate was calling him names, mocking and teasing him. Again my son tried to nip this in the bud himself and did not tell me till the end of the school year. I even asked him once a week if anyone was being mean or hurting him and he would say no. He said he didnt want to sound like a tattle teller and tried to take care of it. I called the school and left a message since it was summer. The principal called me the beginning of august and apologized. She ensured me he would not be in the same class as the boy and would take care of the situation. My son had the best experience in 3rd grade and continues to love NSCA. Im touched with both principals who helped me. They talked to me with compassion and sympathy and ensured me they would take care of the issue and they did! read more

Our two daughters attended NCA from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and now are in college and high school. NCA provided our girls with an outstanding academic foundation and experience, excellent and caring Christian teachers and a Christian environment. The solid foundation that NCA provided helped significantly in our daughters academic and personal successes. In addidtion, we can not say enough good things about Holly Leach, principal/superintendent, she is wonderful! read more

Moved our daughter here in 3rd grade and we are so glad we did! She is now finishing her first year of middle school. The school does an amazing job at making new student feel welcome, and many of the 'normal' middle school issues just don't happen here. The teachers are personally involved in their student's lives and invest a lot of extra time & energy into each student to make them the best they can be! read more

My daughter has gone to NCA and she is currently in a prep high school which I feel strongly that NCA with their strong academic and Christian focus prepared her to do well in. My son is also at NCA and is doing very well there. They are preparing him to do well in high school as well as college. I find the teachers and administration very helpful and approachable. When I have had any concerns they have been more than fair and are very willing to work towards a compromise that everyone feels they can work with (when possibly). Both my daughter and my son love NCA (as well as myself) and I find my daughter still wanting to go back and visit her teachers who have been such a blessing to her. I would strongly recommend NCA to any parent looking for an excellent academic and Christian education for their child. read more

In short, Northshore has gotten way too big for its britches and forgot that it is the parents that pay the school tuition and that it needs to be accountable to the parents and not the other way around. It was wonderful the first year because of Mrs. Davis, then it was terrible the second year. We paid tuition here to have people protect our son, guide him and teach him. Instead of that, Northshore was trying to invade our lives by allowing him to be abused by a teacher and a staff member, as well as tell us that we weren't allowed to pack cookies or small treats for our son. Their attitude towards us was that we should shut up or leave. That is not how a school that charges thousands of dollars for tuition should be treating the parents who pay their salaries. Mrs. Meader, a teacher, threatened to call the cops on my son in front of my wife for supposedly littering at a zoo field trip, then she lied about it to the Principal Mr. Rehnberg, who shrugged his shoulders on it and sent us away with a condescending pat on the head. Mrs. Meader also called my wife a liar. Ms. Woodson, one of the aftercare employees would scream abuses at the kids and punish entire groups if the kids even made a noise, and this took place in front of her supervisor. It was to the point where several parents had complained about it. The response we got for complaining was "you can't expect much when you pay $10.00 an hour." After a meeting with the school principal, Mrs. Leach, in a very backhanded fashion she suggested that we were no longer welcome at the school for complaining about the staff and that she didn't think it was the parent's business how their staff was disciplined. She said our son was welcome at the school, but if we had issues with the after-school care staff then we should simply not come back. I was shocked and horrified at the conversation and immediately placed our son in another school. I do not recommend this school and would suggest any of the other fine schools in the area that don't have the same attitude that they are not accountable to those that pay the tuition. read more