Meadows Elementary School

836 Deerbrush Dr SE

School District

North Thurston Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
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 January 24, 2023

Great school, amazing teachers and staff. They truly believe all children are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS! Much less homework than another area school some of my 5 children have gone too, not quite as academically rigorous but they focus on developing the whole kid. My middle child has autism, several kids make it a point to say hi everytime they see my child. The special Ed group is amazing, and have found a way make a gen ed classroom work for my child and others. If not for their hard work on our behalf, my child would have had to transfer to another school, something I am very grateful we didn't do... I try to make sure all my kids are treated as equally as possible, if he had to go to a different school than everyone else, it would have destroyed what self confindence he does have. Years ago life skills classes were moved to another school, but have started again for younger grades. It is a good option to have available, I for one am glad it is back! It may not be the most rigorous, but everyone has the support they need to do well, whatever that looks like. Plus kids are taught to be caring and compassionate! A good mix of backgrounds, and the school tries find ways to celebrate them all.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2019

I couldn't agree more with Angela's review. At Meadows, you feel like a community. Your community. We too are a military family so for us, we move often. It is so nice to feel welcome each time we step foot in Meadows. They are always available should you have any concerns or needs. My son's teacher and para are amazing! My son truly looks forward to going to school every day. They're attentive to each child's needs. I've seen them first hand how they manage behavior issues and it's always with kindness and always with the intention to build the child up. I once asked if they had some sort of merit system like the Yelm school district. The response shocked me. They do not believe in merit systems where the child's lack of progress or regression is paraded to the entire class and therefore, humiliating the child and lowering their self esteem. Instead, they reward good behavior and reguide the children who need the extra help. Pure kindness and love.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2019

We couldn’t be happier with Meadows. They developed an amazing IEP for my son and we’ve seen nothing but incredible results over the last year or so.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2019

Excellent! The teachers are wonderful and the school loves to include all the kids in events that are going on. My kids have learned a lot.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2017

The boundaries changed this year and I was nervous about my daughter changing from Olympic View to Meadows. However, I have been pleasantly surprised. She says she loves this school even more than OVE! I love how her teacher has recognized and thoroughly supported her strengths. Again, last school was really good too, but I think, this year, Meadows is even better! The facilities are certainly bigger and nicer and all the staff seem really friendly. I truly believe the rating of the school will rise in the next couple years due to the boundary change. It has allowed more diversity and there are now more parents involved and helping staff to support the students.
Submitted by other on June 11, 2015

Too often, the motivation to post on these pages are negative experiences, and those who have had a great experience are silenced by their satisfaction. Meadows is a fantastic school with a dedicated, experienced, educated, caring and loving staff. This climate is set from the top, beginning with their principal who spent many successful years as a teacher within the North Thurston School District before becoming principal at Meadows. From her leadership down through the counselor and teachers, each individual member of this staff cares for kids with the primary focus being safety and learning. There are challenges at any school, and Meadows is not immune to behavioral, social and academic challenges but the families and educators rise to meet these challenges head on. This school is a fantastic elementary school that produces valedictorians, in fact, the last four consecutive years the River Ridge High School valedictorian has been a Meadows Elementary Alum. It is important to remember, when reading the posts of the disgruntled that there's always a story behind their words and the school may not be the problem. This is certainly been my experience with Meadows Elementary School. It's great to be a part of the Meadows family!
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2014

Almost all the positive reviews about this school are by those that work there. I think this is pathetic and the only reason they are doing it is to keep out of the cross hairs of the school review board. The reviews by parents seem to point to the fact that children are not safe here, and that the staff are inept, inexperienced, and have obviously chosen the wrong career path. Hopefully, the PTA and other organizations will come together to raise the standards and create a safe environment at Meadows Elementary. There seems to be widespread violence, intense bullying, and the teachers, administration, as well as the inept counselor are unable to deal with problems. I am sure many teachers at Meadows honestly care about doing the best thing for the students and community, but there are a few there that only care about the paycheck.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2014

Will rate it a zero! People should know this school is very unorganized. Your children are not safe here and their academic level is very poor. Kids play more than they read and the bus route is messed up. Definitely recommend another school. I went to pick up my daughter from school on September 24, 2014 (Yesterday) and her teacher tells me shockingly that she's not here. As I say excuse me, she says she's gone on the bus. She was given a note from the front office saying she has been put on the bus (permanent change) I ran to the bus to get my daughter off. One, I never authorized it, never signed her up to take the bus and two, the front desk says it wasn't their fault and that we had to contact transportation. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER IF THEY HAD DROPPED HER OFF SOMEWHERE?? WHERES THE ADULT SUPERVISION?? Let me point out that my daughter has never ridden the bus before. THE SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE CALLED ALL PARENTS BEFORE LETTING ANY CHILDREN ON THE BUS. Sad to say there's more to what happened but will be dealt with through the board of education.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2013

Meadows is a school of hard knocks. Yes, there are some, and I mean some teachers that are exceptional, and some have no business being with children. The office staff is warm, responsive and professional, but the plight is that of its students. Sadly, it is the surrounding demographics that give over children that are missing guidance, discipline and support. There are many students here that need a lot of intervention and although the school does a good job at attempting to give these children special care, it cannot work unless the families step up. There are many incidents of bullying, harassment , anger issues, many kids have been held back a grade or two, and as much as we can blame the school system and point the finger, the root of all behavior and aptitude is what is learned and modeled in the home. Class sizes are over limits. My child's class has 29 students, and a few of the classmates are very troubled so discipline issues are huge. My child witnesses angry outburst, swearing, disrespect etc. On the bus home my child hears profanity, gets punched and kicked. How many times do I complain? Parents, teach your children well.
Submitted by teacher on October 10, 2013

Our school is a "Kids at Hope" School. This program teaches students to plan for their future, set goals and to believe that they can and will be successful contributors to their families and communities. The staff are dedicated professionals, who love what they do and strive to create safe, engaging, invigorating learning environments for their students. Our students are 20th century kids from all over the country. In part, because of our closeness to Joint Base Lewis McChord, we have a higher student turn-over rate than many schools. This makes for a diverse and rich student population, that always brings new faces to the Meadows community. We think that is a unique benefit to the social fabric of our school. Meadows, in addition to the daily subjects, offers a wide range of specialist classes, extracurricular programs and family support programs.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

This is a wonderful school. My daughter has gone here for kindergarten and 1st grade and I am sad that we are moving away at the end of the school year. Both of her teachers were outstanding at challenging a very smart girl and her class sizes were incredibly small. The biggest her class got this year was 18 kids. All of the aids are great with the kids and they have lots of opportunities throughout the school year to learn lots of things hands on. I absolutely loved this school. I would recommend it to anyone.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2013

I find it interesting that a parent would rate the school 2 stars for music and art? What? Classes are indeed overcrowded and teachers are overworked, but are you rating the school, district, bus department or the state in your review? How involved are you as a parent at the school? I'm an approved volunteer, work at Meadows weekly & don't think you'll find a more caring staff anywhere!
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2012

Wow, I am surprised by some of the comments here about Meadows. This is a wonderful school. All three of my students have attended here! I find the teachers to be caring and thoughtful. They work hard to know each child as an individual. As a volunteer in the building I see how hard the staff works and how dedicated they are to each family. I was hesitant to send my children here because of a prevailing attitude about them in the community, but friends told me to give it a try and I am so glad that I did. The Kids at Hope Philosophy that was recently adopted has taught my children to look towards their future! They also tell me of the importance of following the Meadows Mustang Motto. If this is the school of your attendance area, please give these people a chance. You will not find a better, more caring group of people!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2012

I am amazed at some of the comments written here. I wonder if the parents complaining have actually volunteered in the school to see all the wonderful interactions taking place. Teaching children respect & empathy begins at home as well as parents making sure their children are prepared for school by doing their homework, getting enough rest etc. mmm test scores are not all on the teachers. Volunteer -you can see /hear for yourself - the caring atmosphere from every staff member. There have been many changes over the years for the better I think. I love Kids at Hope. Just look at the world we all live in our children face things we never had to worry about. Meadows Elementary has been a nurturing envirionment for my children & I am so glad I didn't listen to the negative talk. I say make up your own mind - every school is going to have something you may disagree with. We love Meadows!!! Go Mustangs!!!
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2012

The school is alright for Special Needs class. I was surprised someone was let go that my autistic son was used to. I feel sorry for Jimmy but he is a darn good teacher.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2011

I think I agree with you , my son just started attending the meadows and he is mean now ,he is unhappy and withdrawn . Im really concerned this may not have been the best choice
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2011

When school lines were redrawn last year, a group of students from Meadows transferred to the school my children attend. The older students were mean, disruptive bullies who have made things very difficult for the students who were already attending the school. This just shows that Meadows doesn't teach students respect and empathy for others and now we have to suffer for their shortcomings.