Nautilus Elementary School

1000 South 289th Street

School District

Federal Way
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Federal Way School District

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 October 26, 2020

We live in the neighborhood and our backyard backs into the lower field of the school. We absolutely love not only being in close proximity of the school, we love everything about Nautilus and are proud Nautilus Navigators.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2018

My son has gone here for 8 years. We love everything about Nautilus.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2017

Overall horrible experience. We were very excited to begin with and had wonderful conversations with the principal and staff prior to enrolling. Once we got there, however, we realized that the principal, Lucas and staff are extremely difficult to work with and have terrible communication with parents, as well as other staff members. Academically speaking, there is a great deal of confusion as to what is going on and kids are slipping through the cracks and getting left behind. Behaviorally speaking, there are regular fights and bullying that go unaddressed at the school. When they do get addressed, it is very poorly done and parents are often the last to hear about situations. There is very little conflict resolution overall, which is quite disappointing. Unfortunately, several of the excellent teachers have left due to these issues (along with others) and those that are left are slowly phasing out as well.
Submitted by other on June 22, 2017

When I first attended the school it was considered one of the best in the school district, if that was true today the entire school district would be doomed. This school in the past 6 years has gone spiraling down and now stands as a joke in education and leadership. It has washed out almost every good teacher and now stands as a ghost of what it used to be.
Submitted by other on January 29, 2016

Initially, we thought this school was good. the K-2 teachers were really wonderful. After that, we really struggled and found issues with rigor, accuracy of what our kids were being taught, and lot of inconstant rules. What tipped our opinion were two things. The first is the principal, Stacy Lucas. HORRIBLE. I could go on and on. The second was having the opportunity to move out of the state and send our kids to a different school. Only then did we see what a caring, rigorous, and attentive school looks like. When we were at Nautilus, we did not have experience with other schools, so we had little to compare our experience to. Nautilus has many teachers who mean well, but overall it lacks quality and substance. Don't try to deal with any serious issues with the principal, she does not know how to handle parental concerns with respect or with any semblance of accuracy or efficiency.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2014

My son went to Nautilus for his 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade year. Coming from another school in Federal way his first years in school was not the greatest. He was labeled as a problem child. So we quickly move him from that school to see if it was my child or the school. Believe it or not but Nautilus was the best move for my son. He excelled at Nautilus, was no longer the problem child. Teachers became close partners in our family. They were easy to talk to and gave us tips on learning styles and abilities. We did take him out for his 7th and 8th grade year. We wanted him to experience middle school and be prepared for high school.
Submitted by other on August 07, 2014

I attended nautilus and would not recommend this school. It is mostly rich snobby people who think they are better then you. I was picked on for not having nice clothes. Also, all most all of my teachers were extremely rude and would put me down in front of the whole class. I would come home crying almost everyday. If you want your child to have a good education get out of Federal Way!
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2014

I cannot say enough good things about the principal, Stacy Lucas. She is an amazing leader and willing to listen to parents' concerns. She is very personable and easy to talk to. We have a unique situation where we homeschool our kids half day, and they attend Nautilus half day. Mrs. Lucas and the staff have been very willing to work with us to make our kids' experience at Nautilus so wonderful. Our kids LOVE going to school every day so they can play with their friends and see their teachers. The front office staff are always so friendly and helpful. The teachers and staff truly care about the children and want what is best for them. The campus environment is very open and inviting, and I always feel informed on what is going on. I feel the school is lacking in parent involvement (although the group of parents who are involved are great), but I still give Nautilus 5 stars because of the great experience we have had there.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2014

Nautilus K - 8 is a fabulous school. The teachers (both elementary and middle school) are invested in their students and go above and beyond the call of duty in making sure that the students learn and understand key concepts. The administration is amazing, led by the very competent and inspiring principal, Stacy Lucas. The parent involvement at Nautilus is extraordinary, and the school has one of the more robust PTSAs in the district. The facilities and grounds are well maintained and you have a beautiful view of Puget Sound from the playground. The P.E. instructor is outstanding, as is the librarian, nurse, speech specialist, resource specialist, dean of students, office manager, music teacher, and the art docent. All grades have at least one field trip a year. There are multiple after school activities from chess, to drawing, to engineering/robotics. The school takes bullying very seriously (and having been at another elementary school in the district that did not), I can state unequivocally that moving my children to Nautilus K - 8 was the best decision my family has made for the education and wellfare of our children.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

My school is great...because all the staff members are always concerned and willing to help in any way they can. They keep parents informed as to what's happening with your child and the teachers work together with parents to ensure that each and every child gets the best possible learning experience, as well as, the best education in all subjects. I feel as though the staff really cares and wants the best possible for each and every student no matter what! I am very impressed with the school and what it delivers. There are so many things that I did not mention that make Nautilus an awesome school choice!
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2013

I can't say enough about the staff and administration at Nautilus K-8. This is our second year at Nautilus after choicing in from another area school. The team that is providing for my children is second to none and am so pleased that a poor situation and environment has turned into such a positive experience and leaning environment for my children. Can't say enough about the Principal at this school. Mrs. Lucas goes above and beyond on all levels and you can that throughout the school. Nautilus K-8 Rocks!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2013

Nautilus K - 8 has excellent staff and teachers. The principal is forward thinking and makes solid decisions based on what is good for the students in the long term. The campus is open and well maintained. There is clear pride in the facilities. But what speaks to me the most are the students. They are happy and outgoing and will smile and wave when you walk onto the campus. It's apparent that they like being at Nautilus. They exude the confidence that comes from a safe learning environment. I highly recommend Nautilus.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

Nautilus Elementary is a top notch school. They have prepared my son over these last several years to move on into the Cambridge program over at SAC. Never say never...my son was struggling throughout the 4th grade do to medical issues and the teacher stayed after twice a week until he understood things. Fifth grade went smoother from there. We felt blessed that Alex was able to move on and to such a wonderful program that a middle school had to offer. I now have two others following in his footsteps and I am confident and comfortable with them growing with Nautilus elementary school. The staff is awesome from the principle, front office, and then onto our teachers. Thank you for all the support you have given my children. I could never ask for anything more!
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2013

I really don't know about this school but my cousins are going this school they just loved teachers, students everybody in this school. That is why I'm taking my son this school, he will start going kindergartner this year.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2013

I moved my kids from a private school in the area. I was impressed with the positive attitude of the teachers and administrationI but was less than impressed with the academics. My older one spent the whole year reviewing and they never brought home homework. They were challenged everyday at their old school. How do you master anything if you don't practice. It seems to me like it's less work for the teachers and LESS learning for the kids. Luckily my oldest is challenged at the middle school one year later. STILL NO HOMEWORK! What's up?
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2012

This school is amazing! After having experienced 5 hellish years at Star Lake Elementary, we feel like we have walked out of a nightmare and into a dream. If every principal was like Stacy, the educational system would not be failing our children. We left a school that treated children like they were little beasts and had to be beaten down to get them to behave. At this school, it is obvious that the staff all like children and are passionate about what they do. My children are finally excited about going to school and after years of not being able to play at recess, my children are now actually encouraged to run and play tag! This is an amazing school for children who have experienced trauma in their lives as my foster/adoptive children have. I expect that a school will partner with you and this school has exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this school to all parents. You will not be disappointed!
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2012

Nautilus has a new principal and she is wonderful! She listens to parent's concerns and suggestions. The school environment creates a true partnership between parents, staff and students. As with any school, there are areas that can be improved. But what makes Nautilus special is that suggestions for improvement are heard and implemented. When your students are at Nautilus you feel like you are part of a community where people care about each other.