Cherrydale Elementary School

1201 Galloway Street

School District

Steilacoom Hist.
Grade

K-3
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Steilacoom Hist. School District

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 other on February 04, 2024

I am neither a parent nor grandparent to a child at Cherrydale Primary School. I am a retired Middle School teacher from Southern California that volunteers at Cherrydale because I can. For the past two years, I have assisted teachers in multiple Kindergarten through Third grade classes. I am impressed with the classroom management of those teachers I have the privilege to assist, the inclusiveness of all students and their individual learning abilities, as well as the creative teaching methodologies used to promote learning. Student's are encouraged to learn. The support staff/paras are an integral part of the learning process. Students are referred to as "friends" creating a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment. The students, for the most part, are happy and glad to be at school. Unfortunately all schools (public or private) will have issue; however, I have witnessed positive methods of addressing these issue. If I had a child or grandchild interested in attending Cherrydale Primary, I would not have any reservations.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2023

My son has struggled with learning in this school since he moved to it. His teacher hands him a packet in the morning, and in the afternoon, and that's pretty much all she does for teaching. Everytime he's fallen behind, the school has taken 0 new strategies and has put all of the responsibility on me as his parent.Teaching seems to be synonymous with punishing in this school. If packets aren't completed on time or properly (after not being taught) the student is given bad marks and forces to miss recess to catch up.This school has referred social emotional support to state run programs, and my son's teacher has made nearly no attempts to connect or build any rapport with him. My son doesn't require special education so i can't comment on their special education programs. However, I have seen their paraprofessionals mishandling special education students. One instance was a para pro playing loud music in the back drop off area. Students that had big reactions to this music (covering their ears, shouting to turn off the music, literally crying tears) were told that they needed to "learn" because other students liked dancing to the music. (Again, learning=punishment here.)Safety is a joke. One of my son's classmates was assaulted (punched in the chest) during class. My son was assaulted (slapped in the back of the head) while at recess. Physical assault is incredibly common amongst students, and I receive reports of someone getting hit often.Family engagement is awful. The only way you can talk to a teacher is through their parentsquare site. When I addressed a teacher by their first name, she made a huge deal about how i needed to address her by a professional "Ms or Mrs. Soandso". There is no two-way communication going on at this school. The school has an iron fist of self-deprecating polices that consistently interfere with the learning process, and when addressed by parents, it's simply met with "well that's the policy."If you're looking for an "old school" elementary for your kid, this is probably the place you're looking for.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2022

My grandchild was physically assaulted and bullied (with racism slurs) by a 1st grader on the bus today. This is unacceptable and the parents should be held accountable for their Childs' actions, and they need to sign a behavioral agreement regarding their child actions. This is not the first time this incident happened to my grandchild at Cherrydale Elementary. My question to the school is What is your best practices in handling racism in Cherrydale?
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2022

My child was physically assaulted (punched/slapped) and teased by other children on multiple occasions. Fights break out frequently on the school bus. Administration is incompetent at dealing with bullying. We've complained to teachers and the principal and they've promised resolution and follow up. They have not followed through on their promise to date.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2022

This school embodies what every parent would want in an elementary School. The principal truly cares and takes the time to listen to what you have to say, he always follows up if anything ever arises. The staff is like sunshine! They love and treat all students as if they are their own.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2022

Absolutely a safe, welcoming, student-centered school. Teachers are engaged with students and they partner with parents/guardians in the community. Mr. Douglas is an approachable leader who genuinely cares about the students and their learning. Wish we could stay here forever.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2021

We love this school and all the teachers we have encountered are simply wonderful! This is my son's second year at Cherrydale Elementary and it has been such a great blessing. I was so impressed with my son's kindergarten teacher (Ms. Rae) and all his specialist class teachers (Mr. Kirby, Mrs. Olson, Mrs. Ridge and etc.) that we decided to stay in this school. Not forgetting Mrs. Yoho who is exceptional with the kids in the highly capable (Gifted) program. These teachers are so patience, caring and brilliant at helping our kids stay focus and be the very best! I am honored to be part of this school!
Submitted by other on March 04, 2020

As a retired pediatric nurse and 3 year volunteer at Cherrydale Elementary School (Kindergarten through 3rd grade), Steilacoom School District, Washington. I wanted to commend the excellent teaching I have observed at the school. Their remarkable exercises and skill at maintaining interest and attention in the younger students has been remarkable and effective. I have noted this very dramatically in the kindergarten and physical education classes where rarely a student is seen drifting off or failing to have fun. In Mr. Kirby's PE class, the kids love him and are eager to participate. He uses a variety of methods to not only teach athletics but weaves in how your body uses that energy. He has very cleaver activities to keep kids engaged. Other classes consistently encourage kids to think about the subject, and pay attention while learning. I consider Cherrydale an ideal elementary school and recommend it to any parent who has that opportunity to enroll their children.
Submitted by other on January 14, 2020

Fantastic. I’ve never seen a school so open-minded, inclusive, and supportive to their students. The ability to collaborate with parents and other caregivers only integrates the support system the school provides its students to their families.
Submitted by other on December 03, 2019

I give the school an "A+" As I noted working with the staff and kids has been a great experience and my wife and I always look forward to coming to the school and working with the staff and kids. In closing; We want to thank The Steilacoom School District, The Steilacoom PTA and Steilacoom Cherrydale Primary School for allowing us as "Grandparents" to also be involved and able to volunteer at the school. Thank You!
Submitted by other on November 15, 2019

Having been a Watch D.O.G.S. representative there for 3 years, I have come to know and appreciate the leadership that Ryan Douglas has demonstrated. The school efficiently gets the students' and parents' needs met and resolved quickly. Attention to detail means that the big issues can be handled quickly. From the firs persons you see like Sharron and Laura to the custodians like Gary, you see quality and experience that is top notch. Teachers really care about their students and relate to them so very well. It is a privilege to be doing volunteer work here.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2017

Exceptional! My son just started kindergarten, and I have been nothing but impressed. From the kind and patient office staff, an active PTA to my son’s incredible teacher, Cherrydale has proven to be a warm and welcoming learning environment.
Submitted by other on April 16, 2017

All the staff cares so much about the kids! It's a warm and friendly environment.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2015

I had two sons there for 2 years until the finally straw happened & I pulled them out. After problems the year before I was surprised that nothing had changed. They had/have a nurse who lacks training in proper procedures in contacting parents. The nurse didn’t not contact me when my 2nd grader had an accident on the playground & received a concussion. He did NOT receive help until his classroom teacher noticed he was completely out of it during class. When I was finally called I rushed him to the ER and he had a serious concussion. I told everyone at the school for the future that if my children come down to the office, call me, period. The following year, 30 days into the school year my 1st grader was assaulted on the playground by another child kicking him in the head while he was hanging upside down on the monkey bars. I didn’t find this out until my 1st grader got in the car at pick up time & gave me a warning sheet about signs of a head injury. Again I was NOT contacted except for a half of sheet of paper that my 1st grade was responsible for showing me. I called & left a message for MRS. MCCLURE (conveniently in meetings) & when I receive a call back it was from the newly hired Vice principle that I have never meet or even since. I asked him why she didn’t return my call and he didn’t have an answer. He seemed nice enough & stated that he would try & handle this situation. However, in the end nothing was solved & nothing changed, I did receive a strongly worded email from Susanne Beauchaine the executive Director of Student Services that her nurse did no wrong and when I told her the nurse didn’t not call me she said she did and that was that. I have the phone records to prove my side for both occasions. I felt as Ms. McClure didn’t want to be bothered by my son’s and I, since I decided to homeschool. Since enrolling my children in K12 program I needed a recent progress report. I started emailing the administration Nov 4th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 13th and finally on the 18th I was passed around for 2 weeks then received last year’s report cards NOT this year’s progress reports. I have yet to hear from the principle after 3 direct email to her.Conclusion: I found Cherrydale to be a VERY cute school with GREAT Anti-bullying pledges and nice teachers. However, Mrs. McClure is completely unprofessional, petty, cold and struggling in her leadership position.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2015

This is an incredible school. The staff makes learning exciting and fun. My kiddos look forward to coming each and every day. They have made incredible strides in reading and math this year. I am so impressed with the time and energy each teacher takes to work with students 1-1 and in small groups. The principal is positive and encourages students frequently. We are so happy to be a part of Cherrydale Primary!
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2015

Excellent facility however, this is the worst school my children have ever attended. This school is extremely far behind academically. Thursday packets feel more like advertisement and harassment then updates on student education. Can't wait until my kids transfer out this year, they deserve a better education.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2014

I was very disappointment in school and school district. Students with special needs are treated very poorly.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2014

We love Cherrydale! My kids have had awesome teachers and have learned so much. There have been lots of extras that have made their experience even better like Mileage Club, Cheetah Leaders, PTA events, field trips, concerts and holiday events. PE does creative things like Geo-caching, the music teacher is awesome and enthusiastic and the librarian is super. The support staff is fantastic and make the kids and parents feel right at home. There's no part of school that my kids don't like.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2014

We are a military family who moved to the area this school year -- and I could not be happier with Cherrydale! My child's teacher has been wonderful, and the principal has welcomed me and my family into the school community. The principal has always answered questions and always seems accessible -- and the office staff goes out of its way to make the public feel welcome. Cherrydale has been a great experience!