Rachel Carson is truly a community. There are caring, first-rate teachers who make it their mission…read moreto see the kids succeed. Parents are heavily involved through volunteering, which creates a fantastic environment. The most important tenet of their mission is to teach kindness--something these children will take with them wherever they go. I have never heard of forced snacking,never mind on the floor--There is no Ms. Davis at the school now.

In 2017 Rachel Carson ranked better than 95.2% of all elementary schools in WA (school digger…read morewebsite) and are highly ranked in the state on other lists as well. I am almost reticent to share how fantastic this school is because I selfishly want to keep numbers down But, I feel like I need to write a review since the last review was written two years ago, about a teacher who is gone, based entirely on food (as opposed to academics, parent involvement, great staff etc). I cannot say enough good things about Carson. Academics are terrific and in particular our 4/5th grade teachers do a superior job of preparing kids for middle school. The staff is upbeat and nurturing, the actual facility itself is the most recently built in town, our options for after school programs are varied and great and we have a tremendous number of parents willing to volunteer. We are also one of only a couple elementary schools in town that participate in a several day and night outdoor education trip for 5th graders. I'm not sure a lot of kids get to dissect squid, canoe, use a climbing wall, take nature walks and enjoy nighttime bonfires as part of their elementary school education! I've put three children through Carson and wholeheartedly endorse it. And I have never had snack issues.

Pine Lake Co-Op Preschool has been amazing for my daughter. Play-based learning, exposure to…read moredifferent skills/activities and time spent outdoors playing makes my child beg to go to preschool! The teachers are wonderful and knowledgeable. Co-op model means great student-teacher/adult ratio and very affordable tuition. Getting to volunteer in the classroom has helped me learn more about child development and felt more confident as a parent. It is a great use of my time. There's a reason Pine Lake Co-Op Preschool has been a central part of the community for over 50 years! My daughter is a second generation PLCP student!

We moved to Sammamish in the middle of the pandemic, and I am so happy to have found Pine Lake…read moreCo-op Preschool (PLCP)! It is exactly what my son needed after being home for so long without regular interaction with other kids his age. At PLCP, we have found the perfect balance between flexible structure and the freedom to just play and be kids. Our family has had nothing but wonderful experiences the last two years with Teacher Kim! It's very evident that she is thoroughly experienced with these age groups and provides a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and lessons for the kids. There's no better feeling as a parent than seeing your child thrive in their first experience of school! I am grateful to have found a preschool where my son is safe, positively engaged with his peers and teacher, and excited to go to school each day. As a former K/1st teacher, I have no doubt that Pine Lake Co-op is a wonderful place for both you and your child to grow and learn together. The co-op model is unique and we have loved building connections with other families. Our younger one will be starting at PLCP in a few months, and we're so excited to see his education journey begin!!

Sammamish Children's School is our two-year old's home away from home. Every morning when he wakes…read moreup, he's excited to go 'play with friends' at 'new school'...he's been attending for two months, but this is his name for school. Our son is in the 'Dippers' class, and his teacher, Ms. Melissa and assistant teacher, Ms. Bella, are amazing. There are stations setup each morning with age appropriate and engaging activities (water play, sand play, Mr. Potato Head, etc.) which our son loves! There's music class every Monday and Thursday, an amazing outdoor play space on acreage, and nutritious, diverse meals served. Emotionally - Ms. Melissa and the staff helped reinforce preparing our son for the arrival of his baby brother by talking about being a 'big brother' and reinforcing our son's role in our family. It made the transition of bringing baby home more exciting than nerve racking. Above and beyond a typical school experience in my opinion. Operationally - SCS also has many less closure days than some of the schools my friends kiddos go to in the area, so much more predictable for work schedules. It did take us a little over 7-months to get off the wait list, but Ms. Kelly (assistant director) was awesome at helping us plan for a reasonable date to possibly join. I cannot say enough positive things about this school, the faculty, the activities, the food, and overall experience. Highly recommend to any families looking for a long-term 'home' for their kiddos.

The absolute best! Both of our kids have gone from 1 year old day care all the way through…read morekindergarten at SCS and it's the best money we've ever spent. Great Teachers (even at the early age, 1-2-3, they have a curriculum) Well run operations (sign ups, billing, updates) Awesome chef (yes, they feed the kids healthy food, you don't need to pack fruit by the foot) Safe! (Before, during, and all the way through the pandemic) The kids love it and it's really set them up for success.

Very pro-LGBTQ school - they openly encourage it among students. Lots of emphasis on diversity,…read moregender identity, and sexuality. They proudly fly the LGBTQ+ flag and the school has numerous LGBTQ+ posters and reminders around the school to encourage the children to be pro-LGBTQ. A wonderful place from Kindergarten to 8th Grade.

Open Window School Is a mediocre school,…read more As a current student it excels in programs for gifted students and for kids in need of special help. However, it lacks in some areas, it does not provide enough support to kids with mental health struggles and passes over kids they do not consider diverse. other than that, the teachers are the best teachers I have ever come to know and they always make sure that you will excel. overall open window is a mediocre school that is great if you are diverse and gifted.

I enrolled my daughter in Little Gems last year to get her ready for Kindergarten. She blossomed…read moreunder the tuteledge of Little Gems staff. She loves her pre-school and is ready for Kindergarten in a much better, prepared place than she would have been otherwise. The owners and the staff are wonderful educators and have a real appreciation for all the children in their charge. The activities and the interaction is awesome and my daughters command of reading, writing and socialization tripled in the time she spent with the classes. I highly reccommend this preschool as we have had great experiences all year long and my daughter continues to love learning and interacting with her teachers and students alike. A lot of 1:1 engagement and team building, hard to do with 4 and 5 year olds, but Little Gems makes it look effortless. Kudo's to Debbie and John for continuing to hold true to the values and commitment they bring to every student. Thank you! I am looking forward to sending my two year old son there when his time is ready. Sincerely, -Anna Ward acward@ix.netcom.com P.S. I am happy to answer any questions through e-mail that you might have in selecting Little Gems for your child/children.

From the owner: Check out our new Yelp page under our new name - Lil Gems Preschool!read more