Explorer West Middle School

10015 28th Avenue Southwest

Seattle, WA 98146

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 01, 2022

Oh how we love this school! Starting with the most incredible Head of School, Barbara is an amazing leader, so thorough and thoughtful in her communication, and adored by everyone there. The teachers are all gems, getting to know each of their students so well and challenging them accordingly. And the outdoor program is a total bonus, getting to camp and hike with classmates provides such a unique experience. Our middle schooler is blossoming there and we are so grateful.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2021

Explorer West has exceeded our expectations for our daughter’s middle school experience. The teachers are inspiring, creative and caring. The leadership and staff of EW navigated the pandemic with resourceful determination. From outdoor education, to Latin class, to providing a safe place to try team sports, this is the middle school experience we all wished was possible. We are grateful for Explorer West and can’t recommend it highly enough.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2018

We are extremely happy with Explorer West. It is different from other schools, perhaps, but it is a great fit for us. We need some extra care, because of our son's ADHD and dysgraphia, and we feel heard and supported. Our son is thriving, and trying out many new things like theater and he's learning to play the sax! It is a very safe environment to be yourself. Highly recommended.
Submitted by student on March 07, 2018

This school is absolutely AMAZING. Mr. H is highly effective without conflict. Mr. H demands respect from your first minute at the school. The way of dealing with misbehavior is a very fair punishment, and the students learn from their mistakes very quickly. The facilities are nice for a very small school, and the gym, while small is pretty awesome. There was a new floor put in over the summer of 2017, and while it is a little inconvenient to have special PE shoes, the benefits definitely out way the drawbacks! This school has been amazing for me, and I am so excited for my 8th grade year!!!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2018

I have to say, I'm not all that impressed with this school. I think "Mr. H" is all talk, no action. He avoids conflict at all costs. They recently installed a new gym floor that the kids are basically not allowed to use. Ridiculous! What is it for? They make them take their shoes off for assemblies and now hold dances in a different location. I think my child does ok here, but I'm not blown away by it. There is a lot of fundraising and asking for additional funds. I wish we had a better local option.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2015

This school has done so much to help transform my son's maturity level and his thirst for knowledge. The Principal and educators at this school are nothing short of exceptional. I can't recommend this school enough. I wish all middle schools were like this: nurturing, challenging and confidence building.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2015

My comment was inaccurately shown below as a "community member". Note that the school has grown. "88" is no longer accurate for enrollment.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2014

Amazing school my daughter use to dislike math with a passion once she enrolled for her eighth grade year she now loves it! Excellent principle and staff. Definitely a family atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2013

Explorer West has some great teachers and a small community feel which is supportive to the kids. However I agree with the previous reviewer that the math program is not challenging enough for all. Explorer West is not able to accomodate kids who are advanced in math by moving them forward to work at the next grade level, like some schools do. If your child is gifted at math in 5th grade, be prepared for the possibility of a year of boredom once they hit 6th grade. Otherwise we are pretty happy with the school. If you are transferring from a Seattle public school be prepared to be on a different schedule, with almost one less month of instruction than public shool. So far we've experienced longer school breaks and school is getting out earlier in the summer which can be problematic if you have kids in both public and private school.