Sunset Elementary School

4229 West Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast

School District

Issaquah
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 02, 2024

Sunset is not a great school. The school focuses on DEI rather than teaching math and science. My son went there and he didn't learn a thing the entire year.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2024

This school might be the worst school in the state of Washington. It has so many more resources than schools in poverty areas, but somehow manages to operate in a way that does notpromotes learning. Most of the classrooms are filled with many students that are distracting learning by yelling, throwing objects, aggressive, threatening, and swearing. I have seen police and security cars there. I have heard there are little to no consequences for inappropriate behavior. Students are given breaks and then returned right back to class. Children are afraid to go to school. Most of the special education teachers quit before October. A lot of the paraprofessionals have also left.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2022

I would give Sunset more stars if I could - my daughter began kindergarten here last fall, and I have had nothing but good experiences. Great communication from office staff & teachers alike - & good listening skills too! I feel like the whole school is a kind, caring, and professional environment where kids love to come to school - thank you to all the staff @ Sunset!! :)
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2021

My son started kindergarten 2020 remote and then transitioned to in person hybrid March 2021. All the sunset staff from administration to teachers have been very attentive and helpful. My son had a incident on the school bus with another student and the staff quickly addressed the situation to ensure safety and order. Administrative staff is super helpful, often even answering my emails at night and on weekends. The dedication they have to students is seen throughout the school.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2021

We loved this school and will miss it dearly.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2019

Sunset is an excellent school. Excellent teachers who care aboutt he students. Lots of community involvement.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2017

I fully agree with the last parent review, Sunset is an excellent school. The principal is respected by both parents and staff, and the kids love her and the Dean of Students. They are on top of everything that happens in the school. We've loved all of the teachers my kids have had. Something else that I think sets the school apart its strong community. There is a lot of parent involvement ( The first Friday of every month is parents at recess- parents are encouraged to join their kids for lunch and play). They have great assemblies that parents can attend like Memorial Day that honors the veterans in the students' families and the very popular Last Day of School Assembly. The Halloween Event (Spooky Speghetti) is the biggest event of the year ( which sadly isn't happening this year because of the construction ). We are thankful that our kids are at this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2016

We adore this gem of a neighborhood school! My children are thriving in the nurturing environment and love going to school every day. The principal is in her third year at Sunset and is well respected and admired by parents, her staff, and the community. (In fact, my friends in a neighboring school have remarked that Sunset's administration is top notch.) The teachers are excellent and go above and beyond every day. We've loved every teacher that we've had, and you don't see parents jockeying for the "best" teachers here....because they're all excellent! This school is very safe and creates a positive environment for learning. Academics are rigorous, yet there is still focus on meeting the needs of the whole child, raising good citizens and making good choices. Homework is reasonable and still allows for plenty of family time in the evenings. In addition, students can select from a range of popular extra-curricular activities, including newspaper club, Sunset Singers, student council, Global Reading Challenge, coding club, etc. I really can't say enough about this school! My oldest child went through Sunset and was well-prepared for middle school. Clearly, I highly recommend Sunset Elementary!
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2012

I can't imagine sending my children to a better school! The parental involvement is spectacular and the staff is incredibly dedicated. The classes sizes are good size (22-25) and they is such a strong sense of community among the Sockeyes. Any review without mention of Mr. Hamasaki would be shameful. I have never known a pricipal to give so much of his heart and soul to a school. He gives 200% to his kids and goes above and beyond. He is at every PTA activity and usually is dressed up. Every year the school celebrates Mr. Hamasaki day by wearing silly ties or WSU gear. Last year he hosted a reception at the district office for all the children who had artwork chosen to be displayed. He did that. He went out and bought cookies and punch, took their pictures and celebrated their success. He personally published a newsletter EVERY MONDAY with school news and pictures that he takes during the week. He knows every child by name and is a wonderful man!
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2012

We love the school . My daughter don't want to leve the school and go for another school for 6th grade. She said i wish i stay and study till 10th. Me and my wife will recomond this school .
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2012

I love this school! We may be moving to another state and I am heartsick over leaving Sunset. The principal, Mr. Hamasaki, is amazing and seems like he would do anything for his students. Parental involvement is incredible - 100% PTA participation for the school 9 years in a row. My first grade daughter has art, drama, library time, science and animal science (2 different programs that run simutaneously), computer lab, music, and P.E. as part of her regular curriculum. The teachers are amazing, supportive, talented and truly dedicated to their students. Reading the previous reviews from a few years ago, I don't recognize them as the school my daughter attends now. Kudos for the changes that have clearly taken place.