White Bluffs Elementary School

1250 Kensington Way

School District

Richland
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 July 08, 2023

Cannot enough say great things about this school. My son has learning disabilities and even during COVID the teachers went above and beyond to make sure he was understanding the curriculum. Hours and hours of time were spent with him to keep him going to make sure he was not behind. The teachers, principal, special education teachers, and counselors all worked great together to accommodate him. They worked proactively to get him any and all support he needed when transitioning to middle school. Having had him at several elementary schools- not one compares to how they helped him.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2020

Below average. Just doing the minimum. Are they all burnt out?
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2019

I have had 3 of my children in this school, back when it first opened, and now again in 2018-19. I have had the same exceptional experience for each of my children. The staff and teachers have always been very engaging, attentive, and accommodating with my children’s needs. I have seen nothing but professionalism from my experience and the programs available to the children are fun and exciting for them. I’ve had my children in several different elementary schools throughout Richland and other states, and by far White Bluffs has been my favorite, as well as theirs. My daughter says that out of all the schools she’s been to it is the least drama and bullying that she’s experienced too. It is her favorite for that reason, because she says she feels less stress there and able to just be a kid and focus more on her learning. She has the most creative, supportive teacher and she now wakes up before the alarm every morning excited to go to school. This school is also in an area where there are less renters compared to home owners, so parents are very involved with the school, and children have the opportunity to develop long-term childhood friendships as a result of families moving away less often. Overall, this school has a very good vibe. In fact, White Bluffs is among 3 elementary schools in Richland, WA that was just recognized by state education officials as one of the top schools for closing achievement gaps and helping students grow and be ready for their futures. They are being awarded for student performance on the states smarter balanced assessments for math and language arts from the 2017-18 school year. This school not only consistently performs above the state average, but it has succeeded in helping previously struggling students catch up and reach their true potential. In my daughter’s class alone, the teacher influences the other children to mentor and help any other student that may be struggling with a concept or assignment, and tells the class how important it is for them to take notice of other students needs and as a group to not leave them behind.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016

Can't say enough good things about the school and the teachers. We moved into the area right before the school year started and finding a good school was at the top of our list for the community we chose to locate to. We made the right choice!
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2014

Complacency. It is pervasive in a majority of parents and some teachers. When I read assertions of greatness, all pros and no cons, in these ratings at this site, I think complacency. Public schools do not get enough of the funds to the classroom. It all starts and ends with us taxpayers - if we don't force the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), www.k12.wa.us to greatly up its game, the public schools will continue damaging for life its students, our children. The classroom teaching materials stemming from OSPI are lousy and contain material created solely such that only public school students would know the secrete code, forcing the teachers to teach to the standardized tests, making outsiders test poorly as if Washington students are superior. They are not. Akin to a police officer incapable of writing citations, I found Ms. Stredwick a teacher unwilling or unable to grade children's work, and worse. Ms. Stredwick as not unique. We are not adequately represented when the politicians sit down at the bargaining table with the most powerful unions in the US - the teachers unions. Let's start talking up to our students rather than down.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2012

White Bluff is an amazing school and expierience to endure. Although other schools in the district have fair quality, WBE is by far the best.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2011

Have had children attend White Bluffs since opening day. Great school with lots of energy! Don t let negative comments on the Principal discourage, they are dated to prior administration. New principal started in Fall 2010 and is FANTASTIC. Very energetic and has great communication with both parents AND students. Not enough words to describe the wonderful teaching staff; my experience with classroom and specialist have fantastic academically. White Bluffs has a great culture of supporting social awareness as well as community involvement. Including Anti Bully Week, Drug Free Week, support to Cancer Center families during the holidays; Coats for Kids; fundraising for the local food shelter and national relief organizations to name a few. PTO is another story. As indicated in other postings their financial expectations of parents are too high for a public school.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2011

Our son attended this school for 3 years, up until we had to move out of state, and it was an amazing experience! The teachers and administration at this school are just stellar, the new principal has revitalized the school. The teachers allow kids to be kids, to learn and make mistakes, and to challenge themselves. My son s reading level accelerated in first grade and then continued to soar above elementary level in 2nd grade. The specials teachers are outstanding! Wonderful parental involvement and commitment to education We will truly miss White Bluffs and everyone there!
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2010

great parent support and good teachers
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2010

Wonderful school! If you are lucky to get Mrs. Lipp for Kindergarden, you're in for a soecial treat! My child left Kindergarden with a mid level first grade reading capability. Amazing opportunities at this school including Spanish for all grades, after school. I was a bit taken back by the income levels, and people were a bit snobbish. However, I was willing to get passed this because of the education provided. Over all.....a great school!
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2008

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Submitted by parent on January 18, 2008

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