South Bay Elementary School

3845 Sleater Kinney Rd NE

School District

North Thurston Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 November 22, 2024

This school fails to involve parents. The administration cannot be trusted, be sure to bring a witness to any meetings. They will say one thing in your face to face meeting then deny they said anything of the sort later on.
Submitted by teacher on May 16, 2024

I have worked at SB for over 10 years, and we have had 5 different administrators during this time. Our current principal and AP team are the most supportive and transparent duo. They lead positively, tirelessly and with purpose. As a staff we have been rejuvenated this year as our new principal has shown what true compassion and leadership is. She is extremely knowledgeable and promotes antibias and equitable solutions for ALL children. I am honored to work at SB and bring my own children to thrive within our SB family.
Submitted by teacher on May 13, 2024

I have taught at this school for 14 years-and a large percentage of us have worked together here for 12+ years. South Bay is an exceptional place that I am honored to teach at and have my child attend. The teachers, admin and support staff work tirelessly to support ALL students and meet regularly to figure out ways they can reach all students both those needing extra support, those needing a challenge, and everyone in between. We hold daily meetings with our students centered around social emotional learning. This is a school wide requirement that we all do and it’s the most important part of our day. We have a Bruin Den with support staff available all day for kids who need even extra support with social emotional learning, need a break to reset, or just need some extra attention from a caring adult. Often times admin is in there too just building relationships with kids.Our new principal has made some really positive changes to our school. She cares about our students deeply and has been extremely effective in her role. She’s not only supportive of her staff and our students, she’s an advocate for them as well. To watch her be able to calm some of most dis-regulated students is truly magical. Because she cares and they know it. I am a mama bear to the truest extent of the word. There’s no school I trust more than South Bay Elementary to educate and love my child while keeping him safe and helping to instill in him a love for learning.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2024

The new principal is new, inexperienced and ineffective as a leader. This school year went way down hill. Last year the principal was incredible, the school was well run, the turn over rate for teachers and paras was low, my child’s test scores were 90th percentile. This year, my child’s test scores have dropped to 50th percentile. The school does very poorly at teaching students who are above or below the benchmark. The social and emotional support is non-existent. They write the kids up for everything now-a-days, it’s to the point my child doesn’t want to go to school. So sad.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

All three of my kids went to this school they loved it!!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2019

This school will not address your dyslexic child.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2018

We love South Bay. Our experience has been fantastic for our kids. Best choice for elementary school in the North Thurston School District.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2018

South Bay was my first public school experience as a mom, and I was less than impressed. During our very first parent-teacher conference, I felt like the teacher hardly knew my child and was very vague when I asked questions. I noticed very little differentiation, and agree with others that the students were mostly catered to as a whole, rather than focusing on different learning styles and skill levels. We have recently moved and are attending a new school. The new school is ranked lower on GreatSchools but is such a huge improvement from what we experienced at South Bay.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2016

South Bay Elementary is an extraordinary school in every way. I went to South Bay as a kid and now my son and daughter go there. Every teacher my children have had has been amazing by not only educating my kids but teaching them invaluable life lessons while really investing in who they are. My wife and I could not be happier with the effectiveness of the education and the devotion of the faculty and staff towards our children...great job South Bay Elementary!!!
Submitted by other on February 11, 2016

We've been at South Bay for 2 years now and love it! Making a new transition from a phenomenal school was difficult, however we have found a new home at an equally wonderful school. The teachers are amazing and helpful. We are happy here and the kids love going to school everyday.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2015

The staff at all levels are amazing. I have a child who is excited to go to school, is engaged at her level daily, adores her teacher, and talks non stop about her specialist time (Music Art and PE). As a parent, I couldn't ask for more.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2012

We have been a part of the South Bay community for about 12 years. It has always been a good school and with current administration is a great school. Most of the teachers ae exceptional K - 6. They care. Parents and family members are welcome and appreciated. Teachers go out of their way to meet the needs of EACH student, high, medium or low. I am proud to say my children attend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2012

My two children have been attending Southbay for 3 years. Out of a total of six teachers, only one has been extraordinary. Going above and beyond to make sure my child had work to do in class that would challenge him above what she was currently teaching. I am completely unimpressed with the new principal. She rules by the book and not always in the best interests of the children or parents. I disagree with a previous post about not enough activities involving families. There are opportunities almost every month for families to attend an event at the school, I.e. Jump rope for heart, science fair, back to school night, fun fair and many more. My biggest complaint is would be the inconsistencies of grading. Teachers refusing to give 4s at all and using the standard 3 for the majority. Many students go above and beyond socially and academically and should be recognized by more than an average 3. I have been very happy with the physical education teacher. He has a great attitude and kids are always excited and ready to work hard,
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2011

My son finished Kindergarten this year and we were extremely satisfied with the quality of the teacher (Ms. White). My son had social anxiety and did not want to go to kindergarten. After a month, he loved going to school. My other son went to couple private school and now I wish we would have sent him to South Bay Elementary. The school principal, the counselor, and other staff seem to be very professional and they truly care about the students. We have been extremely impressed about the academic and overall quality.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2011

Good school, good kids, BUT total lack of consistency with grading. Too much objectivity allowed. The teachers are not on the same sheet of music with the 1,2,3,4 grading system. Some NEVER give 4's others only at year end. It is very much an atmosphere of, "let's shove everyone into a "3" grade so no one feels bad". The broad range of what makes up a 3 makes the grading system useless and leaves my children wondering what they are striving for. We moved here from Texas and let me say, although South Bay is great by Washington standards, it pales in comparison with the NEISD in Texas.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2011

This staff and the Teacher are very caring and helpful. They treated are students as they were they own kids, and if you have any concerns regarding any assigments they are always there to give your child the helping hands. I have two children there for almost four years, and I hate to move then out this school. I know my kids will miss the school as well as I am. Thank you Southbay for educating my kids.
Submitted by other on May 05, 2011

I am interested in your programs for special needs children and also if you have art and music programs.
Submitted by teacher on May 23, 2007

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Submitted by parent on May 23, 2007

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