Emerson Elementary School

9709 60th Avenue South

School District

Seattle Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
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 January 27, 2024

This school led me to leave public schools in seattle entirely. I had twins in this school in 2021-22. The teachers were amazing- visited our home multiple times to drop off materials during the pandemic, and were dedicated, talented, fun and caring. During the 2022 year one of my twins was pulled into a bathroom, and held behind the arms while another student punched him. The incident was investigated and it was found to be an assault. My child is white and the other students were black. I am aware of the high number of suspensions for students of color and didn’t want to see these two suspended, as upset as I was- I wanted to discuss with their parents and come to an understanding. All I asked was my child to be removed from the classroom with these two boys so as to defuse the situation, and be moved into a class with his brother.The principal, Ms. Rasmussen, refused. We spent over a month trying to get my child moved and she would not budge. I complained to the district. I wrote to a “neutral board” for SPS that just sides with the principal no matter what. I considered getting a lawyer. I tried to reason that I didn’t care what punishment they deemed appropriate- I just wanted my child to be able to learn in a class without sitting next to the two boys that assaulted him. The other teachers and even the counselor were horrified and at a loss to why we couldn’t move classrooms.After this experience, I was done with public schools, which broke my heart. I had volunteered with the school, supported the staff, donated money-… but in the end parents here have no power to protect their children from harm. At one point the principal told me “your son told the boys it was ok to punch him, so it’s a bit his fault too..” I told her my son was scared to death and embarrassed, which is so often the case with victims trying to make sense of situations. I have since heard there is a new principal- so that is excellent. I do not know the new principal but I have renewed hope for the school and the students after new leadership.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2023

I have two kids here in Kindergarten and 2nd grade. I've been impressed by their academic progress and the welcoming culture in their classrooms. I'm a big fan of the work the school is doing!
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2023

A good elementary school in a gorgeous, safe, diverse neighborhood with lovely teachers and a wonderful bunch of kids going there. Please disregard the reviews from 8 years ago - it's changed a LOT since then and we are proud to send our kiddos there.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2022

Why are there no reviews after 2014?A concerned grandparent
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2014

Emerson started as a great year and I was impressed by the great ideas and goals set by the new principal. However, as the school year went on, I was extremely disappointed in the leadership. Nothing came out of anything planned. Discipline in this school is a joke. The students are out of control and disrespectful because it is allowed. There are no programs to focus on students that are at or above the learning standards. This school focuses on the students that do not speak English well and the students that are behind in their learning. The school seems to be understaffed and all of the teachers seem to be overwhelmed because of that. Multiple substitute teachers have refused to return to Emerson and all of the families that live right next to school, attend elsewhere. That should speak for itself. There is zero parent involvement. Any active parents that I know of, eventually left Emerson. I believe my child will be leaving Emerson with a smile. With all of that said, I would advise that you send your children to a school that has reading scores above illiterate.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2014

Emerson elementary school is an improving school with the leadership of their new principal. Teachers are dedicated and understand students needs.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2012

It's amazing what passes for education in the south end. I wouldn't send my dog back to this school.