Chinook Middle School

4301 6th Ave NE

School District

North Thurston Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for North Thurston 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 September 18, 2024

My son goes here and I don’t have anything bad to say about his education here but there has been a lot of suspicious activity with the homeless in the area walking through. There’s also articles online saying they have found multiple suspicious “devices” on campus.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2024

My son is a student at Chinook Middle School, where he is enrolled in the highly capable program. His academic progress has been exceptional, and we are actively involved in his educational journey. We maintain regular communication with his teachers, all of whom we hold in high regard.The educators at this school go above and beyond to ensure students have ample opportunities to master their coursework. These efforts have not only motivated my son but also accelerated his learning. His impressive grades and test scores are a testament to this.In the 7th grade, my son expressed interest in joining the band class to learn the trombone. Despite this decision coming later than usual, he was able to enroll at the start of the second semester. He is now joyfully learning to play the instrument.I cannot overstate our satisfaction with this school. Every teacher he has had over the past two years, including his homeroom teacher, teaching assistants, administrators, and counselors, has been wonderful. We are truly grateful for their dedication and support.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2023

Principal Sarah Shaw's leadership at Chinook Middle School has extended its detrimental impact even to the realm of fostering a love for reading. It is nothing short of disheartening to witness an educational leader create an environment that is decidedly hostile to children enjoying the pleasures of literature.One of the fundamental goals of any educational institution should be to cultivate a love for reading and learning. However, under Principal Shaw's leadership, this objective appears to be sadly neglected. The very essence of a school library, a sanctuary for young minds to explore the world through books, has been tarnished by a culture of draconian restrictions and arbitrary rules.Rather than encouraging students to explore the vast world of literature, Principal Shaw's policies seem to stifle their enthusiasm. It is a travesty that students are discouraged from embracing the joy of reading due to the very person tasked with nurturing their intellectual growth. The atmosphere created by her arbitrary rules and oppressive policies has undoubtedly had a chilling effect on young readers, turning what should be a haven for imagination into a place of frustration.Principal Shaw's inability to foster a positive and supportive environment for reading not only robs students of the joys of literature but also hinders their academic and personal development. A love for reading is not just a recreational pursuit; it is a critical skill that underpins all areas of education.In light of these concerns, it is imperative that Chinook Middle School reevaluates its leadership and seeks to instill an atmosphere that encourages students to embrace reading and learning with enthusiasm. Principal Shaw's leadership has proven detrimental to this fundamental aspect of education, and it is time for a change that prioritizes the well-being and intellectual growth of the students.
Submitted by student on December 28, 2022

i go to this school and its okay there are defenitly some things i would change...
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2022

I had a wrestling meet there last night and it was awful experience. The bathroom was so awful that I rather go to a gas station. The gym is so small I diagnosed with claustrophobia. Referees were not certified to to be a referee.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2022

Made me want to kms in less than two weeks. Mean teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2022

This is by far the worst school we have ever attended. In 18 years of military moves I have never seen a school so poorly ran. Perhaps its because theyblet the kids run that place. Just walking into the school you have to walk through unmonitored kids who are OUTSIDE the front door, bullying one another, physically grabbing and swinging each other, cursing, throwing food. You can see remnants of that food on the entry way doors into the school. Smashed milk cartons, banana peels sandwhichs on the grounds. It's awful. Teachers making students feel uncomfortable by saying the girls shouldnt wear shorts or the conversations between boys and girls is flirting. I cannot even get through the rest be ause I'd be typing a novel. I wonder what the county health inspector would have to say about the conditions. And where is the pricinipal??? "Observing" classrooms. Perhaps she should start with her front door.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

The teachers are great and will do anything for the students.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2018

We love Chinook. All the bad reviews definitely reflect individual circumstances. Great teachers! Great administration!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2015

The teachers and principal at this school are wonderful. My daughter has had dificulty with enjoying school and wanting to learn. She was very nervous about starting middle school too. The teachers have made learning fun for her and she is developing a love for learning. The pricipal has set up a wonderful Pride system that makes all the kids feel included, and they have a place to belong. I love that in the morning they can get help from teachers and this helps them succeed. This school is wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better school for my daughter to learn and grow. She has learned academically as well as how to be a productive person in society, how to treat others, and how to care. The only thing lacking in this school is SOME of the office staff's attitudes. The office staff don't represent this school well at all. Which is unfortuanate because they deal with students and parents daily. Once you get past them its awesome.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2013

This school is not a very good school .We have found the north thurston school district to not be very good. They do not have very good policies in place for kids who are bullied and stand up for themselves. If you have a child who gets hit kicked beat up and the child hits back to stand up for themselves they. will get the same punishment as the bully they need better disciplinary rules in place and they need some kind of coverage for the victim. I tell my child to stand up for himself everyday ! The prinicipal in our opinion is awful ! One of the worst we have ever dealt with. However we seem to like the new assistant principal this yea r!
Submitted by other on September 22, 2011

This school is pretty cool. im an advanced student and they even have classes that challenge me. but of course they have an excellent special education. in addition to that they make it fun to go to schooL!!!