Glacier Park Elementary School

23700 Southeast 280th Street

School District

Tahoma
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

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 March 15, 2024

Glacier Park Elementary in Maple Valley offers an exceptional educational experience. With dedicated staff and a nurturing environment, students thrive academically and personally. The curriculum is engaging, extracurriculars abound, and facilities are top-notch. It's a place where children grow academically and socially, preparing them for a bright future. Highly recommended for families seeking a supportive and enriching school community.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2020

We moved from another state to WA and glad that our daughter was going to Glacier Park for 2 years. She had learned and grown so much in the years she's at the school. She was well equipped to begin middle school thanks to the wonderful teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2018

Everybody is great and friendly. Non-judgemental and caring
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2017

My son's been attending Glacier Park for 2 years now and so far he's been thriving there. The teachers he's had have been wonderful, caring, and very talented in their profession. The school also gets a lot of volunteers and that makes a huge difference for the students and the teachers. The office staff is warm and caring, and I've seen first-hand how they know most of the kids by name, there are over 800 kids attending! Katrina in the front office is a gem, she's got so much to handle, yet manages to stay sweet with the kids and attentive with the parents. I can't say enough good things about this school.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2015

I am still waiting to see the 5 star rating at this school. It has been nothing but a disappointment since my daughter starting attending here in kindergarten last year. So far, we have had "dud" teachers each year. The K teacher was smug, dry, and rude to the kids right in front of the parents. The 1st grade teacher has been very passive aggressive in their responses to questions about my daughters progress, as well as concerns about the classroom. Very condescending. The office staff seem to have every excuse in the world when bringing concerns to them. No one ever takes any responsibility for mistakes or oversights, which are constant. My child was lost by the school staff one day and they just shrugged it off. Many parents, when picking children up, are rude as well. Many just cut you off in the line to pick up your kid and just look at you like "what?". The only positive so far has been the principal. He is a sincere man who takes responsibility for his staff, something they should learn to do for themselves.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2013

I have had three children in Glacier Park over the past four years and can confidently say that NONE of them has had a "dud" teacher. My son received a perfect score on the 5th-grade science MSP, and I give his teachers 100% credit. The Tahoma district is a funny dichotomy: District curricular leadership is exceptional, so teachers and administrators really collaborate and devote themselves to the notion that students should experience an outstanding curriculum across the board at every level. That means, happy, stimulated kids and high test scores. On the other hand, TSD struggles to get the community to approve construction bonds. That means the buildings are a mess, overcrowded and falling apart. Glacier Park is no exception, but they make it work anyway. Beyond awesome academics, the school offers before- and after-school enrichment clubs and sports, a visiting drama program, and one of the best music teachers around. The principal is fine, but the teachers are outrageously good, and kids just seem to love it there.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2011

School has wonderful supportive staff. Teachers vary. I love the emphasis on reading at every level K-5. Homework could increase a little to prepare students for middle school. New principal on board who seems to have a good handle on things. PTSA is wonderful. Hoping to see more parent involvement in PTSA in order to continue to provide excellent enrichment programs that kids thrive at at GPES. Definitely recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2010

My son attends this school and my daughter did also, and just graduated from Tahoma High School. My daughter had a very difficult time from 2nd to 4th grade. She was is the reading assistance program and struggled with reading. She graduated with a gpa of 3.6 and was accepted into the UW. She took mostly honors classes and now enjoys pleasure reading. If her teachers didn't intervene on her behalf at Glacier Park, who know what would happen. The school cares about each individual child. The only downfall is the lack of diversity in the school, both teachers and students.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2010

Now that my child has been in the school almost two school years, we have realized how lucky we are. Where else can you find TOO MANY parents participating? Where we're almost fighting to help?!? With a dedicated staff, completely friendly atmosphere, and well rounded curriculum, it's the perfect school