Eastside Preparatory School

10613 Northeast 38th Place

Kirkland, WA 98033

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

5-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 27, 2023

This is an incredible school my child has gone here for just about two years and has loved it. the teachers are incredibly supportive and the community is the only school i have ever seen that has a truly accepting community. there is a group for everyone and it makes me so happy to see. if you can i sincerely urge you to apply for this school. in fact my son was facing some mental health challenges and the amount of support he received was incredible there are multiple counselors, and everyone is approachable.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2022

ALERT!!!!!! The tide has turned with the EPS leadership ..if you are looking at EPS please question....my advice stick to a school that honors your Constitutional Rights!!! If a school/leadership can't even honor the Constitutional Rights to a child's academic path their is problem! Beyond heartbroken that EPS is not following their values that we so valued for so many years.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2020

Our daughter joined Eastside Prep in 5th grade and she is in 7th grade now. We are not a typical Eastside Prep family, as the school seems to have many Microsoft parents, some at really high levels, as well as "old money" parents who manage their wealth. We are a first generation immigrant Turkish family who runs an elderly care facility for 6 residents (Mindful Senior Care) in Redmond so we don't really have the finances to keep our child in this school till the end although we will try. And we can't get any scholarship because we are not citizens. So, we seriously push our limits but we believe the school is worth it. Our daughter takes 2 grades ahead math (something "similar" good schools do not offer) and at the same time thrives socially. She loves her advisory group where they have many discussions, as well as her history classes where they learn incredible, real life facts about the World, USA and different races, that they present to reflect in many, interactive ways. She also loves her science classes in which they do hands on projects to realize the meaning of scientific approach. She is learning Spanish as her 4th language (although we are not sure whether she will need that, after the future Google + Neuralink technology!). They use computers all the time, minimizing the hand writing, and they have media and high tech exposure. Apart from academics, they have a very good level of interaction with each other in study hall where they work together, in EBC weeks, PE classes, choir, drama and other clubs. They have play dates at the weekends and some socials through school. There are not any "cliques" as the school administration is very sensitive about this, and some minority groups are very well supported. As a family we love many things about the school. The only things we might suggest on top, would be to have a scholarship system for everybody so that more culturally diverse people could join. And to give more support to a "parent community", by starting a Facebook page or some other social media channel for parents. PTA is working hard but I really don't think we are that much of a sharing community. Specific to Covid Era, I think the school is doing a good job with online learning. Teachers are working with a lot of dedication, and we are really grateful to them. Our teachers are the main reason we really love our school.
Submitted by other on November 05, 2019

We finally have a theater department at ESP. The last middle school performance of "A Wrinkle in Time" was terrific. Whitney Stange is a terrific director and Ian Duncan (assistant director) is equally terrific. It was an amazing performance by middle school students. One of the leads was a 5th grader. This quality of theater enhances the experience of the students who participated as well as the entire school community.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2019

Horrific. If your child is a follower, if you want to keep up with the Gates and the Bezos families, if you want to brag to your friends and family that your child is reading and doing schoolwork normally assigned to students up to four years older than them, this may be the right place for you. If you think children should have a happy childhood, that everyone deserves respect, and if you'd like your child to continue to love learning, choose a different school. Even costlier than this school's tuition is the ongoing therapy and trauma that two years at this school have cost our family. If I could go back in time, I would NEVER have sent my child here.
Submitted by student on November 22, 2018

I attended Eastside Prep for six years, and I can confidently declare that I absolutely loved it. At what other school can you learn about environmental practices through hiking trips, public policy through hands-on service learning, or biology through DNA sequencing experiments with high-tech equipment and real results? At EPS, truly anything is possible. I started clubs, achieved leadership positions in sports, conducted research on subjects that I was truly interested in, and learned about the world in ways that the average high-school textbooks gloss over. This is all made possible by EPS's one-of-a-kind faculty. At EPS, the goal of teachers is not to complete a textbook by the end of the trimester, but to facilitate wonder, curiosity, and drive. Teachers encourage debate and discussion, celebrate alternate points of view, and provide great praise for a job well-done. The leadership advocates for and pushes students to try courses that they may not have previously considered, and is extremely helpful with scheduling and day-to-day occurrences. The student body is certainly competitive, though not cold or cutthroat. At EPS, competence is celebrated by student and faculty alike, therefore striving for one's personal best is not only encouraged, but expected. That being said, the students are also very tight-knit and help each other with scholastic and personal issues alike. Overall, EPS prepared me for university and beyond in a way that I believe no other school could have, due to its rigor, breadth of learning material, leadership development, and support network. Because of EPS, I not only became a better student, but also a better member of society.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2018

we will never move from the Seattle area because of this incredible amazing 5 star school! For the last three years our MS child comes home and says BEST DAY EVER!!! She is so inspired by this school that she even asked Santa for more school time! I don't know what they do here but it is magical and everyday we feel blessed that she was accepted. Good luck to everyone that is trying to get in this year....I know the word is getting out about how incredible this school is and all I can say is it is beyond incredible!! Thank TM for your amazing vision and dedication to EPS!
Submitted by other on March 31, 2017

If you are looking for a STEM math science education, this might not be the school. The emphasis is on the entire curriculum and that mean History, English, foreign language, etc. The students learn about their place in the world and how they can positively affect it. It has been wonderful for my son. He has thrived In the small classes, felt challenged and is well rounded. The environment is positive and the school stresses self advocacy which for some is a difficult skill but so necessary in life.
Submitted by other on December 14, 2016

Overpriced. And lots of heavy marketing. They refuse to divulge SAT/ACT scores so that tells you something. In contrast, even the less stellar private schools in the area are honest enough to provide that information if you ask. EPS says they have a great STEM program, so ask how many of their students have qualified for the most prestigious national math competitions: the AIME and USAMO or state/national level MATHCOUNTS? You can go to the MATHCOUNTS and MAA site and check for yourself. Same thing with science competitions. Some of their claims are deceptive by omission. They tell you their students win math competitions, but don't tell you that they strategically only compete against schools in disadvantaged areas like Federal Way and rural state schools instead of going head-to-head with the top Bellevue, Issaquah, and LWSD students. I've been there, done that. And I know others who have done the same. Do you homework. If you never look closely, or make in-depth comparisons, you'll never see past the shiny brochures and venture capital-like boardroom speeches. And their admission process is a crapshoot. I know several kids who were accepted but who were total disasters, while they rejected well-balanced kids who won math and science competitions. A lot of it is how much they think the parents are going to contribute to the school. If you must get your child in, make sure you don't offer even constructive criticism, and be gushing in your praise and enthusiasm for the school. That matters more than anything.
Submitted by other on July 02, 2016

Funny how I've written an honest detailed review of the several years I was a student at this school and that review has disappeared off this website both times. (I would not recommend this school it is a place where wealthy kids with serious behavioral issues are fluffed up with fake accomplishments as long as their parents keep giving money). There is a seriously messed up atmosphere at EPS. There was a boy in my brother's grade who was so out of control (and touching girls inappropriately against their will) that his parents had to hire a grown adult to go to school with him every day to try and control him. If you child is smart and decent do them a favor and keep them away from this school. Also don't take the majority of these reviews to heart as I'm sure they'll get this one removed the same as the others and the glowing 5-star ones will remain.
Submitted by other on April 10, 2016

My daughter attended ESP from fifth until eight grade and then transferred out as we did not find the academics challenging. Be cautious of their marketing materials filled with fancy sounding educational jargon. Have your child attend another school if you wish for AP/Honors caliber material. There is a reason ESP does not publish SAT scores.... Many students who did not get into top or second tier schools are here along with quirky learners from public middle schools. We did not find the school worth the price tag.
Submitted by student on March 06, 2016

I am a current freshman at eps and this is my first year. I have never had such an amazing experience at school, honestly I've always hated it but here, I'm excited to come and learn everyday. One thing I was worried about coming into eps was homework, but we get 2 free periods a day, and I have found that if you manage your time well, homework load is not a problem at all, and for the first time ever I feel appropriately challenged. I would have to say one of my favorite things about eps is the amazing community, but then agian everything is my favorite thing about eps. Everyone has been so welcoming, teachers and students alike. I have made lifelong friendships and priceless bonds with teachers that will open up opportunities for me to further my education, and I've only been here 6 months! The class sizes are perfect, no bigger than 18, and teachers really get to know you, even if you haven't had them as a teacher yet! One of my favorite things about eps is EBC week (education beyond the classroom). There are so many options for all students, you can choose anythig from looking at seattles public arts, to filmmaking at eps for a week, to Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Thailand and Cambodia! The whole school goes to different places for a week, and I think that is a priceless experience, that is unique from any other. At eps, teachers are here for you to answer questions, and to challenge you appropriately. I can safely say that in my 6 months as a student here, I have grown more mature, confident in myself and my abilities, and more interested in the world around me. I wish that everyone could experience eps, although that would alter the small community we have today. I know that last year, the concept of interacting with upperclassmen would have terrified me, but now I have some very close relationships with juniors and seniors who have shared electives and after school sports with me. I think that if you have the oppertunity to apply to eps, you should, because and chance like that would only come around once and it's somethig you really shouldn't want to pass up.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2016

Coming to middle school from a public elementary...the ratio of student to teachers makes such an amazing difference. Smaller really is better. The quality of the teachers is amazing and their method of engaging students in their education is so valuable. The curriculum is sophisticated and much is expected of each student. Lots of support goes around these expectations. No one gets lost in the shuffle here. They really do "know" each child. The proactive engagement of the school and board of directors is something special. We've enjoyed the social activities for kids and adults alike as well as having our child participate in athletics. Very happy to be here.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2014

Great school! Our son loves it! The teachers are wonderful. The school is giving him opportunities and encouragement that he was not given in his previous high school.
Submitted by other on March 18, 2014

I am a student here at EPS who started as a freshman and love it. I love how close knit of a community Eastside Prep is because you really get to know the people you go to school with. I also like how friendly everyone is, in just a few days it's hard to tell who is new and who is returning because everyone makes the new kids feel at home and welcomed. The staff members and teachers are also fantastic. All the teachers are super willing and even encourage meeting with them outside of class to get help if you are struggling, clarify and questions you have, go further into the subject if you need a challenge, or even just to hang out. All the staff members at Eastside Prep take the time to learn the names of everyone in the school. Plus the student teacher relationships are great. I can go to a teacher for almost anything, and they take time to get to know you on a personal level, many of the teachers even know things like who's dating who and things like that. Overall this is a great school that has something for everyone from the drama kids to the math lovers to the artistic ones, I would highly recommend coming here. I have enjoyed my time at EPS and I think you will as well.
Submitted by other on March 18, 2014

From a current student, Eastside Preparatory School is a fantastic school. It was nearly six years ago when I had moved to the Seattle Area and I had the opportunity to choose my, at the time, future middle and high school education out of a large variety of Seattle Independent Schools. I visited numerous schools and met with many students and staff; but when it came time for my initial decision, I knew that EPS was where I wanted to go. And I say happily today having spent the past six years there, I am well beyond satisfied I made that decision. EPS offers the student more than just a education. At EPS, you build true character. Beyond the traditional things you learn in subjects like History, Math, or Spanish - at EPS you also learn what really matters in life; how to be an individual, a collaborator, and a leader. The tough thing about being a current junior at Eastside Prep is that I am having to make decisions on where I am going to college. And it's tough because I know I am not going to find an environment as good as this. But I know one thing moving on; that I made the right decision six years ago, and I hope other interested families and students do to.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2014

I wish my kids weren't graduating from EPS quite just yet! I have twin boys who transferred to EPS from a large public public high school at the start of their sophomore year. One son wanted to come to EPS and the other one not so much, but as parents we were disenchanted with the public school system's approach of one teaching style fits all learners and felt a change was necessary. From the onset of their first trimester all of us were impressed and delighted by the faculty's ability to access each of our sons individual learning styles and to meet them with instruction that they could best use to advance academically and personally. They both now have been accepted to impressive private colleges for next year and my only regret is that we did not find EPS sooner in their academic journey as their success and personal confidence has blossomed in this nurturing and academically challenging setting. They both recognize the many academic advantages they've been giving by being able to attend EPS.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2014

What an amazing school community. I have multiple children and the school and they are all very different people and Eastside Prep is able to give each of them what they need to be successful. The key to the school is the individualized attention they are able to give each student and the culture of kindness that transforms this old office park into a magical place. I am thankful to have found such a great school for my children and encourage anyone to ask any staff member or parent about the place. The community Eastside prep has created makes this a truly awesome place.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2013

"We are committed to having your son walk on our stage for graduation. We will help you get him there!" These words were spoken to me by one of the faculty/staff members of Eastside Preparatory School, and this statement embodies what this school is all about: Commitment to the education of a child AND a respectful partnership with the parents. In addition to this, the quality of the educational experience for each grade level is beyond compare. The teaching faculty are highly skilled in their subjects, and they also have an uncanny way of connecting to the children they teach. They all garner respect from the kids through their infectious enthusiasm for the subject matter and their devotion to the school. This devotion is no doubt due to the extraordinary vision of the Head of School, Dr. Macaluso. She is sharp and is a true visionary in the field of education. We are very fortunate to have this caliber of a school in this area. My eighth grade son won't consider going anywhere else because he also sees himself graduating on EPS's stage--and thank goodness for that!!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

Eastside Prep is a remarkable school. The low teacher-student ratio and small class sizes ensure that teachers know their students well, understand their learning styles, and work closely with them to meet their needs. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves, and teachers are available and willing to meet with students before, during or after school. Lines of communication are equally open for parents, and the head of school meets regularly with parents to listen and respond to any concerns. It is clear that faculty and staff feel genuine enthusiasm for the school. They love their jobs and love being there; no one is just going through the motions. It's great to know that my child is the hands of people who truly like and care about what they re doing. My eighth-grade son doesn t love school, but he loves his school. He d much prefer to spend his days playing video games. But as long as he has to go to school, he absolutely wants to go to EPS. He has no interest in looking at other schools for high school, and neither do his parents. Eastside Prep is the best and only school for us.