Kenmore Elementary School

19121 71st Avenue Northeast

School District

Northshore
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Northshore 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 February 14, 2024

Certainly, a considerable amount has transpired in the past seven years. There are valid reasons why this school currently holds the lowest rating. It would be in your best interest and that of your child to avoid enrolling in Kenmore Elementary school. Opt for any other school available. The lack of control from the principal is notable, and the situation has led to new teachers feeling overwhelmed and consistently expressing dissatisfaction with the school environment. Expectations for first and second-grade students to conduct themselves like adults and independently manage their studies!! We continuously receive complaints from teachers about our child every other day, despite the fact that our child is well-behaved and has never caused any trouble. This indicates that the situation is escalating and teachers are becoming increasingly frustrated and fed up.At the end of the day, children are not able to learn effectively in this toxic environment.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2023

This school does not meat academically needs of my child. And weave stuck here cause of ridiculous neighborhood school boundaries. There is certainly a reason why this school has the lowest rating in NSD.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2021

My daughter started Kindergarten in a pandemic. She was remote learning most of the year but did attend in person for several months in a hybrid model. We were able to experience all of the Kindergarten teachers with the earlier model and really enjoyed them all. My daughter learned a lot even in this atmosphere. I'm saddened by the low rating of this school but I'm taking it with a grain of salt given our experience so far.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2021

Most of the Teachers are good at what they do, but the focus of the School District is not on the most important factor: the quality of education provided to the students. Northshore School District (NSD), and esp. Kenmore Elementary, seems to be primarily concerned about equity when it comes to race, gender preferences and learning differences*. They do not seem focused on educating kids, the main component of their jobs, and appear to teach to the bottom of the bell curve. Educators do not strive to challenge all students, an opportunity cost which fails to support and enrich those who perform at the top of the curve and beyond- reportedly with the exception of students in HiCAP and PACE. Teachers appear to frequently be overwhelmed with mainstreamed special needs students who struggle to perform basic tasks and follow classroom rules. Students who are not enrolled in the PACE program are caught between the bell curve and HiCAP and many find themselves spinning their wheels, so to speak, and have educational needs and growth opportunities that are not met by this School District. Children who excel are asked to help those who have special needs, which is a nice learning and growth opportunity- but not when it interferes with the quality of their own education and it becomes a daily task. One of our children has even been placed next to another child so they can help him with his daily tasks, something that should not happen to a young student in Elementary School- and especially on a continual basis. NSD fails many students who would otherwise excel were their needs met and their minds challenged. Were they encouraged to grow and develop in a district that supposedly fosters a 'growth mindset', but doesn't question it's own path and the mindset of those who choose the path itself.*all of these are very important, but not at the expense of focusing on teaching.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2018

I had to take my kids out of this school because they were not progressing at all. Unfortunately, the teachers did not care at all
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2018

We enrolled our daughter in Kenmore Elementary after speaking to many enthusiastic parents of current and graduated students. We couldn't be happier with the leadership, staff, and our daughter's teacher who expertly manages the range of student needs as well as parents' expectations. What a wonderful community we've found!
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2017

I love Kenmore Elem. Great community and the teachers are committed to individualized learning for the students.
Submitted by other on May 29, 2015

Any parent that attended the recent Kenmore Jr. High orientation could readily see the community strength of KE. Perhaps it was only a function of numbers, but what I saw was a level of esprit de corps that others seemed to lack. As noted, there is much more to it than test scores. KE is by far the most diverse, reflecting the world in which our children will grow and become a part of. The majority of low income housing in Kenmore feeds into KE including a higher percentage of ESL students. Perhaps recent news of racist statements recorded at the school board meeting should highlight this issue in our community and limit a single shibboleth from detracting from our history and heritage of inclusiveness. Visit the school for yourself and I guarantee any cynicism will quickly melt away. As far as facilities go KE could use a major update! I'm not positive but I think we have the only indoor kiln in the district. The air quality in portables is an issue, though not exclusively to KE. We also lack a grass athletic field... also not exclusive to KE. The Gym however is scheduled for a refurbishing with District funds and the hard work of our outstanding PE Teacher Mr. Frisch's fundraising and lobbying efforts. Any lack in facilities is easily compensated in the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. Mrs. Plant (1st grade teacher) recently obtained funds and managed thru completion the addition of a learning garden to the school. We get every cent we put in back from these outstanding educators. They constantly make me eat my words and earn my respect thru their actions. I can honestly say I love KE!
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2014

This school is fantastic! Our family has been here for 4 years and overall, we love this school. The new principal, Melissa Riley, is amazing and we are so excited about the positive changes and direction she is taking--it's only going to get better. I can't believe the greatschool rating is so low since it really doesn't reflect the quality of the teaching. Our two kids both do very well and we are happy about our choice to send them here.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2014

LOVE this school! Such a great fit for our family--truly great teachers and a healthy positive environment for our kids. New principal this year who seems very strong and committed. Our kids (3) all have tested well on the state tests so we aren't concerned by overall test scores. All the teachers are good to excellent, but if you get Ms Plant, Mrs Sweeny, Ms Combs, or Mrs Olson, you've struck gold!
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

I'm very impressed with this school. Last year we had an issue come up and within 2 hours the principal had resolved the problem and called multiple parents to let them know how it had been resolved. He also made himself available for follow up questions.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

Kenmore Elementary is tremendous school. All of the teachers and staff are warm, friendly and welcoming. Most importantly, the teachers have put in place a curriculum that supports growth and learning in a positive environment of respect, friendship and cooperation.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

We will start our sixth year at Kenmore Elementary this fall and can't wait! I encourage those looking into attending KE to learn what this dynamic community has to offer to students and families. Our talented and dedicated staff has the highest of expectations for all students. Teachers and staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of ALL learners through targeted instruction and support from special programs. They enthusiastically mentor students in Drama, Math Olympiad, Student Gov t and after school sports. Building-wide positive behavior support provides structure across grade levels to help students succeed. PTA programs are amazing! Check the KE PTA website to learn more about Academic Enrichment, Social/Community Support, Family/Fun Events and our exquisitely streamlined and consistently successful fundraising efforts! KE students go on to success in middle school and high school and beyond. They thrive, in no small part, because of the experiences they ve had at Kenmore Elementary. Check out what Kenmore Elementary, our PTA and the community offer students and their families. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

I have two children who attend Kenmore Elementary. I've had nothing but really great experiences with all of my kid's teachers. They have always been available, helpful and accomodating. My son has ADHD and his IEP team really supports him and makes sure he gets all the services he needs. Great school!
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2013

The principal is weak and does not address issues AT ALL. Too many old grouches working here who are so unhappy that the kids suffer.. Definitely moving my kids out of the school.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2013

We have been at Kenmore Elementary for 6 years now and cannot say enough good things about it. The teachers and staff are approachable, dedicated, sincere, and do an excellent job with a challenging demographic. The Great School rating doesn't give an accurate representation of what the school has to offer. The academic curricula is the same here as it is at the other schools in the district. Our own children are "highly capable" and we strongly feel that their academic needs are more than met. The school has a strong Math Olympiad, Chess club, enriched reading groups, and excellent coverage of science, art, and music. The Science Fair, Art Docent, and music programs are especially well done. The PTA is active and supports a broad spectrum of enrichment opportunities and teachers are keen to have parent involvement in the classroom. The social environment at the school pushes kindness towards others, making good choices, responsibility, and civic pride. Other schools in the district might test better due to a less diverse student body, but we feel our kids are having a well rounded elementary experience and will be well prepared for middle and high school.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2012

Our family has been in this school for eight years so far and we are extremely happy here. The teachers are excellent and work very hard to see that individual learning needs are met. The principal and teachers work very well together and provide many opportunities for parent involvement. Lots of emphasis on positive character traits. There are some great after school activities too including sports, arts, chess, math team and science.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2011

Obviously a LOT has changed it 5 years. There is good reason why this school has the lowest rating in Kenmore. Do yourself & your child a favor and stay away from this school. Take your child to ANY other school. The principal here is soft and can't even control the recess lady. The older teachers tend to be inflexible and seem bitter.