Hay Elementary School in Seattle, Washington

“My daughter is getting a great education. The community is wonderful and the after school care is very much an extended family.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The education your child will receive at this public school resembles the best private schools in town. John Hay is a magical school with the nicest teachers and faculty, a rigorous academic plan for each student and a top-notch reputation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I can imagine a better introduction to a lifetime of learning. This school is outstanding! We had the most loving, creative and experienced kindergarten teacher, great interactions with the principal, and we made tons of new friends this past year. If you are lucky enough to get a spot in this school, you'll soon see what I'm talking about. John Hay is one big family and completely kid-centric! There's no other place I'd rather send my children. Yes, there's a parent volunteer in just about every classroom at any given time. Parents raise oodles of money to support tutors and Spanish. The community involvement, support and fund-raising are unbelievable. The teachers are warm and patient and smart. I just can't say enough. I whole-heartedly recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is a gem in a school district wrought with issue and poor leadership.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm a John Hay parent, and my son had an awful teacher his first year at the school. However, she is now gone and the last two years have been wonderful. The principal is excellent and remembers children by name. My son has had two great teachers and loves learning and going to class. John Hay is in a wealthy neighborhood, and I'm not a wealthy parent, but I am grateful for the many parents that are able to volunteer in the class and at the school in general. My son is getting an excellent education and is a very happy kid.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are a former family of John Hay and miss everything about it. We knew and valued the time we had there (3 years) but it took a move across the country and a new school to make you truly appreciate what we had - from the excellent calibre of the teachers, to the administration staff, to the student body and their families as well as the various opportunities to get involved and the feeling of welcome everytime you stepped in the doors. JH will always hold a special place in our hearts and we are envious of anyone who gets to be a part of the JH community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a single-mom of 2. I work full-time. I am not wealthy - at least, not financially. I have neither witnessed - nor been the recipient of - bias based on family or income situation. I am a seasoned volunteer - be it lunchroom duty every week, carrying out a classroom auction art project or basket, administrating auction data, or co-chairing the auction event. Confession: I tire of hearing people complain that they can't volunteer because they work full-time and/or are single-parents and/or they don't think they 'fit in'. If you want to be involved - there is a place for you. It may not be glamorous or exciting or exactly what you had in mind, but if you've got the will, Hay's got the way. On a separate note: Each of my daughter's teachers has been on top of her educational progress and has referred her for additional help as necessary. Thank you, Hay friends!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hay is a good school, with good parent involvement and solid leadership. It is in a wealthy neighborhood and it does seem that some of the at-home mothers have more of a 'say' in the classrooms because they are able to volunteer. I'm glad they do offer their time, because my daughter benefits.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It's no secret why this school does well. When you combine parents that care about and are involved in their kid's education with with a Principal whose focus is on education(reading,writing,math and science) and teachers that love to teach, you get one of the best K-5s in the state. I realize that the volunteers allow the teachers to focus on teaching and that benefits our kids. Perhaps, poke your head in a classroom to see what goes on.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With 2 children we have been involved at John Hay for the past 6 years-- through changes in leadership, our extremely full-time jobs and so have a wide range of experience. We haven't found that financial means or stay-at-home status (now a part-time option) are significant determinants. Many families do already know each other prior & I suspect this may be the genesis of the clique comments. We didn't have that benefit & with work, I do think it took longer to get to know people. That said, the commitment and value placed upon every child at John Hay is incredible & forms a ready common ground. We've been able to find ways to be active in our children's classrooms despite our hectic work and family schedules-- opportunities do exist afterhours & outside the school. I heartily second the comments about the wonderful teachers and the consistently strong, responsive leadership.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our family has had a wonderful experience at John Hay. It's unfortunate that some people feel looked down upon for being full time working parents, or single parents. I am surprised by such comments as I personally have never heard any negative remarks or comments made about peoples ability to contribute volunteer or monetary wise.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been attending John Hay for 2years now and as a single mom who works fulltime. I totally agree that the school is very cliquish and hard to make friends. The parents who are lucky to enough to stay home with their children do tend to look down on working parents. The teachers here are wonderful and do care about the students, that is the real reason that I stay here. The teachers here are first rate and really make a difference with the children. That is reason enough to stay here at the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have been attending John Hay for over 5 years with 2 kids. Overall it's been an excellent school. Unfortunately, the leadership is not what it used to be and that is of great concern to myself and many others. I have to agree with the other 2 posters that described the school as cliquish and reiterate the fact that the high profile, well-to-do people tend to get what they what. I am a stay-at-home mom and I donate many, many hours of time each year to the school in the form of heading up auction projects and other relatively low profile activities. You cannot go wrong at this school from K-3rd, however, and the teachers in those grades are top notch.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I do agree with the previous poster. I'm not a single parent, but my husband and I both work full time and more of the other mothers in my daughters class are at home mothers. There is a challenge to keep up with the costs and sometimes we feel second rate because we cannot volunteer or give money. It is a good school in a very good neighborhood.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is one of the better schools in Seattle, but only because parents put tons of money and effort into it. However, it does have its down sides. It is very cliquish and there is a lot of monetary favortism going on. Parents can basically choose their childs path in school based on how much money they donate. The parents are all very cold if you are not from the 'Hill' or if you are a single parent, forget about blending in. Luckily, the kids don't take after their parents. If you can put up with this, your child will get a good education. Take them somewhere else for fairness and diversity. Funny, how all the positive feedback seem to be from board members of the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great academics, strong parental involvement. I hope more encouragement and opportunities will be made available to all students of every academic level who may attend the school.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Parents are very involved in the programs at John Hay. My daughter has been there for five years and is switching to another school in the fall. With the execption of Kindergarten, I have been disappointed in the teachers my daughter has had. I have been told by teachers from 1st to 4th grade that my child may be ADHD or slow and need to be held back- when in fact she is a highly gifted student who was finally tested into a spectrum program last year. The four teachers she's had since K have seemed 'fed up with kids'.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“John Hay is a school committed to acedemic achievement for EVERY child. The staff,parents and community all work together towards the same goal of ensuring that each child succeeds. Joanne Testa Cross is a unique and strong leader. Her vision and passion inspires and instills a 'can do attitude'. My child left a private school to attend John Hay. The private school told us that they had no resources for our child who was struggling with reading. John Hay's attitude was 100% different. The principal said ' bring her on, we have all the programs in place to make her succeed.' Boy, was Joanne Testa Cross right! Due to Hay's great programs and outstanding reading speciaist, Genny Delaney, our daughter was reading ABOVE grade level standard by the end of the year. I recommend you visit the school for yourselves to truly experience the energy, dedication and love at work.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Personal success, public stewardship, and a pathway to the stars for EVERY student- this focal motto of John Hay truly exemplifies the level of commitment that the principal, the teaching and tutoring staffs, and the active community of parents have for each child. It is a warm, caring environment for students in which to learn. As a parent of a Hay student for five years, I am amazed at the high level of educational professionalism and personal care that are displayed regularly to my child and to other students. Ever-improving WASL scores demonstrate that students benefit from reduced teacher-to-student ratios and special early intervention reading and math support programs. To top this off, Hay is a fun place for kids to grow.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“John Hay Elementary on Queen Anne hill is a 'happening' in public education. Its innovative strategies; close-knit partnership of administration, teachers, parents, and community; and overwhelming parental involvement are producing encouraging results: soaring WASL scores (92% met reading standard), individual initiatives to challenge and support every student, and a warm, vibrant Hay Family. The Hay Partnership has refused to let class size, inertia, or limited funding slow our progress. Reading and math specialists effectively cut class size in half during key developmental windows. One-on-one tutoring ensures every student masters reading skills in early grades. Fast learners soar in challenging programs. Spanish is taught in every grade. The 'Hay Family' is more than a cliche -- parents in classes, lunchroom, and on the playground; come-one-come-all Fiesta Fantastica; Queen Anne cleanup. It's a friendly and welcoming community for kids and adults. Our whole family has loved the Hay experience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son (who is ethnically mixed - Filipino/Norwegian) is currently attending John Hay. He enjoys his teachers, learning and can t wait to go to school in the morning. He loves to learn and though only in first grade, he is developing a growing love of reading and math that I credit to his learning environment. From my perspective, I enjoy the mix of people at John Hay my son is friends with children of different ethnicities, social and economic backgrounds. The level of commitment shown by parents at John Hay is astounding and if there is one fault, that is it. John Hay is lucky that it has a parent group that has time and dedication to ensure programs like Spanish language continue on and flourish. This level of parent dedication and teacher involvement makes John Hay a wonderful environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Not a diverse school. Very few students that are representative of a variety of ethnic groups. Closed community that does not respect diverse cultures or ideas. Caters to an environment where all students are packaged and expected to fit a particular profile and who have the ability to contribute to the academic and economic success of the school and community.”
This review was posted by a parent.