Samish School

I know many people who love Samish School. This preschool came highly recommended by a good friend, so I came into this school with a hightly positive attitude. \r It's not that Samish School is bad, it's just not for everyone. What's helpful, is to know a few facts that they don't always tell parents on open house night. \r 1. Pam and Jody switch teaching each class every 3 weeks. This is problematic for children who need consistency. \r 2. There is NO director at this school. If you have a problem, you will have to take it up with Jody/Pam.\r 3. Parent/child social groups are preexisting. Be prepared to be at every fundraiser (for others, not the school) or social event if you're invited. Otherwise, you're on your own.\r 4. Jody loves to diagnose. She is not qualified to do such, and Pam will back up every one of Pam's diagnosis.\r 5. Basic skills are neglected. Many of the children in my child's class were having difficulty writing their own name at the end of the year and also didn't know their letter names. I never did get a single piece of original artwork that was done by my child. I did however get plenty of Jody and the aids work.\r 6. Discipline is very old school and that's fine if that's your thing. It just wasn't mine. \r \r As a whole my family and I were very underwhelmed by our experience here. There was a lot of gossiping between teachers and parents and once we decided not to return (the decision must be made in March with a deposit to keep spot for next year) all commnication about our child's progress ceased. In addition, we never received this: ""The pre- kindergarten families will receive an anecdotal report concerning their child, in written form, in mid-January"", as promised by the website. There is immense pressure to support Jody and Pam no matter what. It felt a lot like Junior High all over again and that was unpleasant to say the least.\r \r All criticism aside, there are some things that this school does very well and it explains (at least to me) why many families find this school so amazing.\r 1. Samish School does a great job teaching about various cultures from around the globe and I was attracted initially to their curriculum. \r 2. Pam and Jody can be incredibly supportive if your family is going through catastrophic change (i.e. divorce, death in the family...) I enjoyed watching how kind and understanding they could be to those families.\r \r I learned a lot from my experience there and hope that this review will help others make a decision that is right for them. more

we love samish school,the teachers are wonderful ,the aides are kind.children are encouraged to explore and give goals to reach for!!! the teachers know that each child could shine in their own way.if you expect nothing from a child you might get that.at samish school they expect the brilliance of childhood and that's what they get.each child is a star and each child is loved as a star.children are like snowflakes each one is different.samish school is the best snowstorm ever! Pros: love learning and fun!!!! Cons: we didn't go all three years more

Great School! I can't believe that someone would actually claim that Children are not treated equal at Samish. I have found the teachers to be exceptional and my son has always been treated with respect. Pros: Teachers are exceptional more

My first memories as a kid are from this place, and they are very happy ones. The teachers are wonderful people, and if they're still there, I recommend them to anyone wishing to enroll their children here. Overall, I'd have to say that Samish School offers a good start in education to children. Pros: nice district, great teachers, outside activity area more

Not everyone is treated equally here. Lacks social diversity. ""Rules"" have selective application. Enrollment has preferential treatment. Discipline is from the ""for your own good"" era. Communication...what's that? If you feel all children should be treated with respect, then this is not the place for you. If you celebrate diversity and want your childs experience to be healthy, honestly caring and loving, where every family is treated with integrity, then I recommend looking elsewhere. more