John Rogers Elementary School

4030 Northeast 109th Street

School District

Seattle Public Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 September 01, 2023

There is a rich culture at this school that is undermined by a prevalent culture of social bullying. A cliquey exclusive culture exists amongst students that intentionally creates a sense of otherness for students on the outside. Despite anti bully lessons, social exclusion and mean behavior is the norm. This is reinforced by parent groups as well as do nothing attitudes amongst parents, teachers and administration. Despite the many positives of this school, my rating is quite low as every benefit is undermined by this culture. When students are actively excluded they do not feel safe, valued or accepted, significantly decreasing learning and emotional health.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2023

This school used to be great and an important part still is: they have an exceptional core teaching staff, who cares deeply about their students and their families. I sent my kid there because I could count on two hands the number of staff whose own children attended the school - they believed in it deeply.Unfortunately the principal Mr Ostbye, while nice, is poorly suited for the job: sub-par communication skills (both written and verbal) and a management style that has the staff in upheaval. He works really well with kids and makes an excellent Head Teacher and Vice Principal but after four years in the job he is viewed as an aloof and unapproachable principal. Unfortunately that has lead to a significant breakdown in the feeling of community at the school; what once felt warm, welcoming, and joyful now feels sterile. They've also axed the beloved learn-to-swim program and the 5th Grade Camp at Islandwood; these are programs that continue to be funded by the PTA, so the decision to eliminate them came from the school leadership, not from a lack of funding.John Rogers could be great again, but it desperately needs new leadership to usher the students and community into its next chapter. It deserves to be the joyful school that we knew and loved.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2020

I have a fifth and second grader at John Rogers, and they have both been at the school since kindergarten. This school has a wonderful sense of community, dedicated teachers and staff, and an engaged PTA. We live in the neighborhood and would never consider another elementary school. My children are learning more than just academics here - they are learning about community, empathy, and so much more.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2019

Fabulous! It's a great neighborhood school with a strong sense of community. The PTA is very active and organizes all kinds of wonderful events during the school year as well as playdates in the summer for kids to stay in touch or make new friends.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2019

This school helps us a lot. The social worker is really helpful in helping students from low income families
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2017

My daughter Mischa has attended this wonderful school since the 1st grade with Mrs. Pon! We absolutely love everyone and everything about this school but unfortunately have to move out of the area and will have to transfer for her last portion of elementary. We have both learned so much from her attending this school and the staff are absolutely amazing!!!! We are extremely grateful to them all!
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2016

Amazing school full of many programs and field trips! Programs and field trips such as Book-It Theatre performances, swim program, 4th grade field trip to Olympia, and Whistlestop Dance Company partnership for the kindergarteners help make this school a well rounded school. The Art Docent program which is run by wonderful parent volunteers is an amazing program where students end up producing some incredible art. It's great to see an art program run by parents in the school community. The school also has an awesome full time music teacher on staff who teaches students to play and read music.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2016

The teachers and staff are great and care a lot about the kids. The principal is wonderful and very personable. If I was just rating the staff, this would be a five star review. They really go over and above for their students but unfortunately, they aren't given very much to work with. The school is in dire need of replacement as the infrastructure is failing. There is no art program, the parents have to volunteer in the classrooms to provide an art education. There is no musical instrument instruction except for 5th graders, as was communicated to parents after the school year started. The swimming program, while great, is having a hard time getting staff and has been threatened to be cancelled as well. Horse camp no longer happens as the teacher running it has now retired. The communication to parents at the school leaves a lot to be desired and the PTA provides the vast majority of the information. Volunteers play a big part in the school and while there is decent parent involvement, it seems to be the same parents over and over again. More and more is being taken away as more and more children are crammed into the school. I wish I could have given a better review as my family really does like the school.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2015

Love this school! My oldest who is a freshman now at nearby Nathan Hale attended this school her last 3 years of elementary after transferring from Olympic View due to severe bullying. This school provides a great education, has great administration and teachers, plus it is supportive of children and families, and has other great programs which make school FUN for kids (swimming lessons for all grades, Camp Waskowitz for 5th graders, horse camp for 4th graders, etc). My younger two kids attend now and the school is still great. If anyone reading this is wondering how it is for special needs kiddos, we have a 3rd grader in the Access program here and he loves school and we're very happy with his education and he is lucky to be working with such a fabulous team :)
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2014

We have two daughters at John Rogers. We have been thrilled with the teachers and the learning environment. As in any school, not all teachers are created equal. Our kids seem to be thriving, and have made many great friends. It's truly a neighborhood school for us. We have met many of the families and become close to them. Hopefully things stay on the up and up for JR!
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2013

John Rogers school in a little gem in Seattles NE neighborhood. The school environment is warm and caring with excellent teachers who deeply care about their student learning!
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

This sweet school in the Northeast part of Seattle is what we call "our hidden gem." This school has great Teachers and parents who really care. We love that everyone Is so friendly and it truly feels like family. My kids love going to school and that says it all!