Eastside Catholic School

232 228th Avenue SE

Sammamish, WA 98074

21 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 17, 2024

We have two children at EC, and our experience has been positive. We chose EC to avoid low academic standards, behavioral challenges, and dysfunction in public schools, as well as the elitism, high cost, and lack of diversity in independent schools. While not Catholic, EC’s values align with ours. Although some political content has entered the curriculum, EC remains largely balanced, promoting open-mindedness and strong values.EC’s diverse student body fosters an inclusive community. Our older child, a high achiever, excels with AP courses and friendships with peers aiming for top colleges. EC offers more opportunities than some “elite” schools that restrict applications and favor legacies. Controversy over a valedictorian listing college acceptances last year was rare.Our younger child thrives through sports, clubs, and social activities. Support services are excellent, with positive feedback for the Options program. Most middle schoolers continue on to high school at EC.Teachers are caring and qualified, and retention is good. Administration is responsive, though there are occasional bureaucratic issues involving one finance officer. The president’s daily greetings are a nice touch.Facilities are impressive and well-maintained, with new air conditioning coming soon.Like any school, EC faces issues with drinking, drugs, and vaping, but these are handled seriously with expulsions for major infractions—though stricter enforcement would be welcome.Football receives significant attention and funding, but other programs like the arts are expanding, which we hope continues. Most sports are competitive “cut” sports, so EC may not be ideal for non-competitive athletes, though school spirit is strong, creating a “Friday Night Lights” atmosphere.Overall, EC has been fantastic, with only minor complaints.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2024

Eastside Catholic is a huge letdown. The administration doesn’t care about student concerns, especially with bullying or mental health issues. They’re more worried about their image than actually helping students.The school is super cliquey, and if you don’t fit in, good luck feeling welcome. There’s barely any diversity, and their attempts at inclusivity feel fake. Also, for a “Catholic” school, the hookup, drug and smoking culture almost all high school students have is out of control, and the administration either doesn’t know or doesn’t care.Academically, it’s not as great as they claim. Some teachers don’t put in the effort, and classes aren’t challenging. For what you pay, it’s just not worth it.I wouldn’t recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2024

We love EC because of the college prep and academic rigor, the focus on servant leadership, small class sizes, and the alignment EC has with our core family values. Best decision we've made in our child's education!
Submitted by other on December 09, 2023

My child attended this school's Middle School for 2 grades and neither my child nor us parents would recommend this school to others. CULTURE - It is elitist and extremely clique and bullying, drug, and disruptive behavior issues are brushed under the carpet to keep a clean image. My child reported several sightings of more than one student vaping and vapes being hid under clothing to use at breaktime in the bathroom. Nothing was done for an entire school year and one of those friends became very addicted and had disruptive behavior even though reported to school administration. Athletic students' are treated favorably and receive favoritism in grading and extremely disruptive behavior is tolerated from those students without real consequences. SPECIAL EDUCATION - Private schools do not have to provide this and EC is unprepared to support certain specific learning disabilities (that were known to them at time of enrolment). The Special Education Director left in 2021 and following her departure there were no meaningful support classes for students who required extra help. Sometimes there was a group class that met infrequently and then it disappeared off the schedule without notification to parents. In meetings no data was provided on the student's exact areas of struggles and no specific goals were set to overcome them. FINANCES - Tuition increases over the years are sharp 2021/22 annual tuition was $24k, 2022/23 $27k, 2023/24 $30k yet funds are not evenly distributed (a lot goes into athletics), and some helpful programs are cut entirely without any parent notification or input. The Equity & Diversity Director and her helpful initiatives just disappeared in 2022 without any communication to parents and no replacement for the entire school year. SUBSTITUTES - Subs do not require a current WA state teaching license and my child reported that some just sit there scrolling on their phone and let the class do whatever they want. That is a shocking waste of my money. TEACHERS - There were a handful of really caring and committed teachers but also several who were shouting in the class room and directly at students who struggled which is intimidating and inappropriate. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES & FAMILY INVOLVEMENT - This is an area that is great at EC and important to socially minded students. Although I have experienced similarly amazing programs at public schools so I am not sure it is worth the price tag that it comes with. My child does not want to return
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2022

Inept leadership for both middle and high school. Failure to acknowledge and remedy the issues. athletics > academicsTeachers coddle disruptive students in the classroom to the detriment of learning for the restToxic student culture with respect to race tolerated and in some ways exacerbated by staffbullying of boys and girls tolerated. Many students have recently felt unsafe in and in between classescountry club parent environmentstrong parent organizationsgreat athletics and school spirit excellent fundraising resultsteachers & staff not paid well considering the abovebeautiful facilities and campus
Submitted by other on November 10, 2021

The school does a great job of emphasizing community. The teachers and staff care for the whole student and their well-being.
Submitted by student on November 03, 2021

My experience at Eastside Catholic was overall really good. I have gone to EC since sixth grade and the teachers are so welcoming and kind. The staff will help you with anything you need. Everyone at EC just wants to see you succeed and will go out of their way to help you. The community is so strong and definitely one of my favorite parts about the school. The spirit at the school is amazing and everyone feels welcomed and loved.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2021

I have had three children attend Eastside Catholic. Our oldest graduated and is currently attending college. She was thoroughly prepared after her 4 years of high school at EC for college level work. We have two children currently enrolled in the high school (they started and went through middle school there too). Although different students, they have both been able to be fulfilled at EC. They get the personal attention they need with the small class sizes and teachers are readily available to answer questions and offer guidance. Teachers and Administrators are genuinely concerned for their entire well being. Both children at EC participate in athletics and have found a true comraderie with their teammates and the coach, who is a wonderful example of sportsmanship, grace and grit.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2021

unfortunately, i would strongly suggest that you look elsewhere
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2021

While there are some top notch teachers, overall the bar is average in terms of academics. College placement counseling is abysmal. Most families, if they care, hire outside consultants. Students attending Ivy League or even 'top 20' universities are the exception; and more often than not, they were admitted as recruited athletes who end up struggling academically in college. The overarching culture is extremely cliquey, among both the students and parents. Drugs/alcohol are less of a problem than at area public schools, but only marginally. Sadly, parents often lead/perpetuate the party culture at the school. Bullying is a significant problem that is swept under the rug. Diversity is low, this includes physical diversity among the student body, socio-economic diversity among families, and, sadly, diversity of thought. Problems go unaddressed b/c the revolving door of administrations over the years, including the current administration, have been weak in leadership. Even the Board of Trustees is a clique; lacking strategic or deep thinking and pushing group think. There is a general opinion that a few major donor families are running the school. If you are looking for a faith based program, this is not the school. EC is faith based in name and token actions only. Parents giving a positive reviews are either 1. not paying attention, or 2 have a very low bar. I'm giving a rating of 2 stars, rather than 1, only b/c there are some very dedicated teachers doing their best on behalf of their students.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2018

Excellent - kids are extremely well prepared for college, and the student atmosphere is so positive and fun. No matter what friend group you're in, you feel at home there.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2018

We have had an amazing experience at EC. My daughter transferred in as a Sophomore and immediately felt welcome and has a great group of friends who all have strong work ethics and family feel. The academics has been challenging and prepares one for college. The community of parents, teachers, staff and students works together to support the whole student. Love the Destiny retreat and the Diversity of this school.
Submitted by other on August 02, 2016

As a student at Eastside I have seen and experienced many things I am going to be brutally honest. 1 Yes the education is good but I wouldn't say it is worth 22k+ a year especially if you already live near a fairly good high school. 2. Yes the football recruiting is a huge issue. A lot of school funding is directed toward football, and athletic scholarships are routinely given out. The lack of fair funding for other small sports is astonishing. Also, football players are not held to the same academic standard as other students. Even using grade manipulation in order to be eligible for games or teachers ignoring the fact that a player walked in late to class. 3. The students here are EXTREMELY cliquey and if you don't go here for middle school it is very hard to find your group. With that being said Even though I did not enjoy my experience I cannot deny that Eastside prepared me for college, with a few not all fantastic teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2015

EC has the potential to be a great school but it is mismanaged and disappointing. They have lost the head of school, vice principal and several board members in one year. The current principal is leaving with no replacement in sight. Tuition is over 20k-- more than any other catholic school. Lots of money goes toward football recruiting, basketball recruiting and tutoring athletes. This school gives a lot of money to kids to play sports, and does not require athletes to meet the same academic requirements as non athletes. pros: good teachers, mostly nice kids, some religious education. Cons: can't maintain a strong administrative staff, big donor catholic families have undue influence over how the school is run, over emphasis on football and basketball.
Submitted by student on January 10, 2015

As a student of various public and private schools, I can easily say EC is my favorite. I have had the best, most dedicated, and engaging teachers, and the sense of community at the school is very strong. People are very friendly and generally accepting, and although some of the rules are strict, the experience is worth it. Drug and promiscuity problems have definitely gotten much better since 2011, and this school really prepares kids for college . I'm so proud of our opportunities at this school, and to be a Crusader!
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2014

Eastside Catholic is a pronominal school that offers a perfect blend of academic excellence and a rich high school experience. The environment truly embodies the meaning of "family" as each unit goes over and beyond to assist. I cant imagine another school being better in providing inputs into my child's life. Some consider Lakeside, Seattle Prep, ODea and others; but, none compare with EC.
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2014

While EC has had its share of challenges since its move from Newcastle to the Plateau, it has remained a rigorous, spiritual, connected community that allows students to thrive. We have two graduates from EC and both earned the highest merit scholarship amounts to private Catholic colleges and both have had highly successful high school experiences. Our youngest is about to enter EC as a freshman and we can't wait! Yes, we make many financial sacrifices to be able to have our children at a private school, but as a public school teacher, I wouldn't and couldn't dream of a better gift and legacy to have our kids be a part of. I am very proud to be pat of EC and feel strongly that we have made the right choice for our family.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2014

Eastside Catholic truly teaches the whole person. Our daughter is in the middle school and we are thrilled by the caliber of her education. Teachers are involved and interested in each student, challenging them and providing them with opportunities inside and outside classroom time to learn and grow. The focus on ethics and moral character is wonderful. Our student has become a more engaged member of our community, concerned about those around her and a happier child to be with. We're very thankful to Eastside Catholic!
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2014

Eastside Catholic (EC) is a fantastic school. The entire community (Students, Faculty, Administration, Board and Parents/Alumni) is focused on maximizing the talents and capabilities of each student. Everyone is accepted for who they are and the unique gifts they bring. EC is academically rigorous, provides leadership opportunities and encourages all students to participate in extracurricular activities. It truly a hidden gem, that I hope you will discover.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2014

This school is a miserable joke of "catholic" education the fact that there is a wide spread amount of recruiting for football is insane that the parents that value education and their hard earned tuition is being spent on football and their athletic scholarships that they give out so freely and believe me its widespread. Its astonishing how the direction of this school has changed in a few years from a school that values its students education to a "football school" thats education is no better than the schools down the road (Eastlake & Skyline). Very disappointed at the direction of the school, which is handing out athletic scholarship after another to students that only provide to the football program at the school rather than striving the Academic Excellence like their touchstone says. What ever happened to the old Eastside Catholic that strives to be a top college prep school in the east-side? This school has some serious management issues and needs to go back to its fundamentals rather than the new found persona of the school.