Villa Academy

5001 Northeast 50th Street

Seattle, WA 98105

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 19, 2024

This is a school that should be better known in Seattle. I can only imagine that it’s less known than others because it produces the kinds of successful, confident kids who don’t need to brag or flaunt their credentials. The campus, buildings and resources are rivaled only by Lakeside’s upper school campus. The light and airy main building, soaring ceilings and stunning views imbue students’ school experience with a feeling of being part of something much bigger than themselves. The relatively new Head of School has energized the entire community and activated a new sense of purpose and drive in students, families, and especially the faculty. Everything at this school is being done with intention and an eye on truly serving the school’s new mission. The Head of School has a talent for recruiting and developing skilled teachers. Diversity of the student body has increased significantly and for us families who have been at the school for a long time, it's a relief to see that the student body is at last reflects the diversity of Seattle. As a parent of multiracial students, I am happy that our background is not unique among the school community. Occasionally families will leave so their kids can attend other middle schools connected with high schools, and inevitably they will share in private conversations that they wished they had stayed at Villa. The rigor of the education students receive combined with excellent support for social-emotional learning, service learning, and executive functioning skills is unmatched among area elementary and middle schools.
Submitted by student on March 07, 2024

I'm in middle school and have been going here for at least eight years. This school is amazing! As a disabled student, I've been getting a lot of support. I highly recomend this school for anyone
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2023

Excellent school experience! Great academics, caring and attentive teachers and supportive family community. My kids are always happy to go to school in the mornings and love their teachers. Great mental health support program, which is especially helpful coming out of Covid times. Welcoming and engaged community, we are very happy to be at Villa!
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2023

We have been a Villa family for over 8 years now and could not imagine going anywhere else. My kids love going to school and have friends they have known since preschool. As parents, we have chosen to very involved in the school and love the opportunity to do so. Villa has a new Head of School as of the 2022/2023 school year who is positive, engaging, extremely experienced, and making great things happen. We have truly appreciated our school experience thus far and are excited to see what Villa has in store in the future!
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2023

This is an extraordinary school, because its emphasis on the whole child makes Villa a happy place for kids. Rigorous academics that invite children to explore the outdoors. A balance of both STEM and arts education. A focus on compassion and creating a sense of belonging for all students and their families. No-cut sports teams from kindergarten through 8th grade. An independent and mindful approach to religious education that emphasizes caring for others and building community. Responsive and innovative teachers, and an impressive school record of supporting advanced teacher training (eg. for teaching gifted children). Deeply knowledgeable learning support staff and TWO full-time counselors who proactively get to know the students and even run workshops to support parents (eg. offering strategies for children's use of social media).The school is small enough that students are truly known by teachers and staff; but large enough that there is something for everyone -- soccer, band, drama, cross-country, skiing, basketball... Healthy-but-beloved school lunches, made in house! There's even a kiln for pottery.Villa is thoughtful and deliberate about both big questions (like using tech to support teachers' curricula -- for example, second graders make podcasts) and smaller details: this is a school that actually gives kids enough time to eat lunch, and toward the end of the meal makes them stop talking and just eat. Before arriving at Villa five years ago, our kid was a reluctant learner, often boisterous and disruptive in the classroom. Within a few short weeks at Villa his approach to school became: "please don't let me miss school for any reason." Intellectually challenged and delighted, our son has developed an astonishing love of learning. We researched ten independent, parochial, and public schools before choosing Villa -- but despite our research, we didn't know it was possible for a school child to thrive *this much*.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2022

We moved our child from a much touted private school in Shoreline WA (where she was academically flourishing, but the social environment was terrible) to Villa Academy and we are soooo glad we did. (If you are considering several private schools, you may find my negative review on that Shoreline school's page) At Villa, she is happier than she has every been and still academically challenged. She comes home and talks about what she learned, talks about how fun and kind her peers are. She likes her teachers and feels they care about her. Villa does differentiated learning well, so that my daughter can be challenged where she needs to be! Villa's teachers use a lot of project based assignments, so my daughter learns to work with others who have different skill sets. I feel creativity is encouraged, kindness is encouraged, doing ones best is encouraged. And I really get a feeling that Villa teachers try to see the potential in each student. I would say it is a nourishing atmosphere for kids to be kids and still to be challenged.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2021

Villa Academy has turned out to be a really great fit for our family. They have a fantastic community with great teachers. The classes are small, ensuring that the teachers really get to know the students and their individual needs. Our children have been able to thrive here. In these uncertain times of COVID-19, Villa has risen to the challenge and has exceeded our hopes and expectations for a school experience that would remain steady and valuable. The focus on education has been steadfast, providing consistent leadership and communication throughout this past year.The school fosters an environment that provides an outstanding education while also instilling the children with confidence. Our children start their day excited to go to school. The facilities are absolutely top-notch and quite unique in Seattle. Villa has worked hard to provide to communities in need, really emphasizing compassion. As a mixed family, we have been impressed with their diversity and inclusion program that provides invaluable information to the Villa community. We cannot say enough about Villa and would highly recommend it.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2021

Villa has been a fantastic school for my two children. They have been at Villa starting with their preschool program continuing up through middle school. My two children are very different students, one being very sporty and academic. The other very social, hard working but has some learning challenges. Villa has able to support and challenge both kids. My oldest is now a junior at a highly competitive high school and is in honors and AP classes. My other child is in 8th grade at Villa and is getting good grades and support from Villa's learning support program. The middle school teachers and curriculum is fantastic. During the covid-19 pandemic, the school has risen to the challenge and has made online learning effective and consistent. The campus and the grounds are amazing. How many in city schools can boast of a 31 acre campus. The community as a whole has been supportive, accepting, companionate and fun.
Submitted by other on January 29, 2021

Fine school. Good staff. Great location. Only challenge is- do you want your kids educated in a school devoid of socio economic diversity? Sure, there are some diverse families here but let’s face it- Laurelhurst families of whatever color aren’t the picture of socio economic diversity. Sorry. The place reeks of money and if you have it, join the club! If not, feel lucky to have the chance to rub elbows with such people.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2020

Good to great. Hey, every school has meh teachers and great teachers. The class size is small and the kids are focused on kindness and community. Is my kid going to be some Ivy League genius? Who cares. But for the time being I think this is a great place to send kids.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2017

We've been very happy with Villa. The teachers are all extremely competent and get to know each child personally and what works best for him/her in terms of learning. It's clear the teacher really love being there and are passionate about teaching the kids entrusted to them.My oldest, who is still in the grade school, has never had more than 18 kids in his class and in Kindergarten it was 13. (There are 3 K classes) The small class sizes --which get even smaller when it's math or reading time-- gives the teacher time to think about each child and his/her needs. There are 12 kids in my son's current math group as an extra math teacher is brought in to divide the grade into 3 smaller groups versus keeping them in their 2 classes. This really helps my son learn the things he needs. For example, my oldest son's "standard" math homework often comes home tailored in a way for him to practice the specific things the teacher has noticed he need more time on versus just a generic homework sheet. Villa has a great sports program. But, since that is not of interest to every kid, Villa also has many other great after school enrichment activities and ways for all kids to get involved. My one son loves playing team sports and the other one does not. He has enjoyed robotics, golf and drama -- he was in the the school play. As a parent, I love this school for the academics, the values it emphasizes and its vibrant sense of community. But what really makes me thrilled about being at Villa is how much my kids love it. I don't just sense this...they specifically tell me!
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2017

We came across Villa when it was clear my oldest son was not really ready to start Kindergarten. We did not live near Villa, but the P5 program was exactly what he needed so we decide the commute would be worth it. When we went through the admission process we were really focused on what to do for that one year. After very little time at Villa, I had that "Ah ha moment" when I realized that not only did we pick a great school that would help our son get prepared for Kindergarten, we also selected a school that would be our partner to challenge, nurture, and prepare him academically and as a person for a happy & successful life.Our family has been at the school for four years now and our youngest has started at Villa too. Our sons have very different personalities and interests and both are happy, confident and thriving at Villa. The school community is great. We are a same sex couple that was considering sending our child to an indepedent catholic school. I did seriously wonder how our family might fit in....but the P5 program was what our child needed so we decide to attend Villa. In terms of how our kids and family fit in --the short and long answer is great. There are many kinds of families at Villa and we have felt welcome since day one. I feel confident saying it's a non issue.If you are looking for a great school where your child is challenged to do his or her best and supported all the way by motivated, caring and highly competent faculty and staff, you should go tour Villa to see it for yourself. I am certainly thankful that we came across Villa. It's been wonderful for boys and our entire family.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2016

I've been a Villa parent for 5 years and have found both the community and academic rigor exemplary. My daughter transferred in as a new student in third grade and felt welcome from day one. We've made a number of great family friends over the years and have felt the community has been very open and accepting. We don't live in the immediate neighborhood but that hasn't been an issue with connection/community really - I think the majority of families don't live right by school. We've been very happy with the athletic programs and after school options as well.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2016

Horribly overpriced for what you get. Turn out cookie cutter students and are unable to deal with those that do not fit mold. Consider themselves intellectually superior when in fact education is below level of local parish schools.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2016

I felt like grades K-8 is where I learned how to learn. The study habits, classroom interaction, and language / math foundation built in grade school helped determine my success in high school, college, and professional life. Villa Academy excels at teaching kids how to learn. Academics is rigorous with high expectations without being suffocating or overly competitive. The kids and the community are amazing. While many Villa families live within a few miles of the school, I'm constantly amazed by how many people drive past very good schools on their way to Villa because they know what a hidden gem it is. Of course, it is not that well-hidden, since it sits on the highest hill of Laurelhurst with 360-degree views of the state and visible from as far away as Bellevue. Villa makes complete use of this amazing setting with active gardens, sports fields, science field trips through the wooded path to the shores of Lake Washington, and outdoor classes on Seattle's warm spring days. Amazing teachers can be found at any school, but it is a rare school where they are all amazing, like Villa. We never have to worry which teacher our kid will get next year since they win no matter what. Teachers often host study groups before school or during lunch. They go on overnight field trips. The number of parent – teacher conferences, curriculum nights, and after-hours all-school events makes me wonder if the teachers ever get time away. They must love their jobs, because there seems to be very little turnover.Yes, tuition is higher than other parish schools. Villa is not subsidized by the archdiocese, which means they get far more control over their decisions as an independent school. Instruction and activities are inclusive so other faiths feel welcomed. Villa does not need to get textbooks or reading lists approved by the Archbishop. My older child was awarded a partial scholarship to her high school, thanks in part to the education from Villa, so it is already paying back, in a sense. As a freshman, she also tested into second year Spanish and is in a math class with mostly sophomores and juniors. Check out Villa. Even if you do not choose it for your child, you will not regret meeting the faculty, parents, kids, and seeing the amazing building and grounds.
Submitted by other on March 16, 2015

Villa Academy was the best decision I've ever made. The campis is beautiful, and with Villa's help my daughter was accepted with scolarships and accepted with honors to all of the highschools she applied to.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2014

Villa is an amazing school! Both of my children enjoy school, like their teachers and, most importantly, feel well-liked and confident. We are at the school thanks to financial aid, and I was worried my kids would have trouble fitting in, because we are not well-off financially, but that has not been the case at all. They both have friends and fit in perfectly. One of my children struggles academically, and he is making HUGE strides while receiving assistance through the academic support services. If you are looking for a school where students are taught respect, kindness, tolerance and the benefits of hard work, then Villa is a great choice!
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2014

Fantastic school, educational program and community involvement. It has been a wonderful experience for our daughter
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

Our daughter currently attends Villa and we are very happy with the character education. She is so social and doing good in academics. We just wish the school focussed a bit on design aspects w.r.t to technology and did more think out of the box projects. The school has an amazing technology lab. Parent community is good as well.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

I've been a Villa parent for over 10 years. The real strength of Villa Academy is the culture of the school and school community. Parents are supportive, the school is responsive and caring, and the kids that go there are exemplary--kids you want your kids to go to school with and have as friends. Academic are reasonably solid. The curriculum is incoherent and the instruction addled by the same psuedo-scientific puffery and trite nostrums that plague the educaton profession generally, but it's no worse than you'd find at most any other school, private or public. And graduates nonetheless enter high school well-prepared because teachers are earnest, responsive, and caring; and students come from affluent, well-educated and hyper-supportive families. The school, parent, and peer culture are all positively self-reinforcing. As for the Catholicism, it's present but diluted enough to make non-Catholics feel included. (About half of students are non-Catholic.) The school does a good job reinforcing the 7 principles of Catholic social teaching. I'd encourage interested non-Catholic parents to learn what those are, because they embody values most parents of any (or no) faith would endorse.