Silver Beach Elementary School

4101 Academy Street

School District

Bellingham Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Bellingham Public Schools

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 February 14, 2024

Teachers that care, a great new playground, lots of energy put into after school extracurricular activities, and a growing sense of community in this small neighborhood school. We are lucky!
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2022

The new(er) principal cannot even be bothered to read emails (responses show she obviously didn't take the time to read emails). Pick-up process for walkers is a mess and not designed for the safety of the children. The school forced young students to switch schools due to boundary changes (after being promised to stay at the school kids started in - look at the studies showing that moving schools is detrimental both academically and socially for kids). Oh, and those boundary changes ended up in not enough students at the school (letting go of teachers, and not having enough for a full kindergarten class). The school many students were moved to now has too many students and portables are needed. Also, those boundary changes created an even deeper divide of socioeconomic status. Incompetent leadership and toxic bureaucracy. The Bellingham Promise is an empty promise and definitely not practiced at this school.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017

This is the 2nd year that my two kids have attended Silver Beach. They love their teachers and are happy to go to school! Every day when I ask them how their day at school was, they say, "Great!" I think that is the true test. My 4th grader still loves school. Both of my kids are strong students, identified Highly Capable, and their teachers try to challenge them and keep them interested. I love that the school gives at least 2 recesses, as active kids need physical activities to keep their bodies and minds healthy. This is a great school! Thank you, Bellingham Public Schools!
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

I have had a child at this school for 10+ years. In the last few years, the quality of this school has gone down. I think a lot of that has to do with the leadership of the school. Since the current principal took over, the mood around school has always been a little negative. You see it in the staff, you see it in the morning help, you see it on the playground. The volunteers are rude to parents and students alike, as well as the front office staff is rude and very curt when it comes to parent interaction.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2014

Great teachers and a wonderful principal. She has made a lot of changes for the good. I have had a child in the school from K to now 3rd grade. Wouldn't be at any other school.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2014

The principal of this school is out of her league. I will agree the first year was good, but its been downhill ever since. I am soooooo glad my kids do not attend this poorly run and dilapidated old school anymore.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2014

I agree the new principal is great. The teachers seem to really appreciate the support she provides. Reading and writing skills are very well taught - excellent. Math skills instruction is very good but is an area that could use some improvement. This does not mean math is bad here just weaker than other areas and not quite as focused. I have two kids who go here. Best view of the lake from the playground! Highest recommend.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2013

This school is outstanding. The new principal has made all the difference. The teachers were already amazing but with her support and leadership this has become an exceptional school.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2013

my student is not getting the help she needs in math they just move on to hardder math she lost