Research The Bear Creek School Private Schools in Mountlake Terrace, Washington

“I have attended Bear Creek since kindergarten. The small class size (sometimes as small as 11 or 12 in Middle and Upper School) have been a very positive aspect all the way through. The course choices are very broad, especially for a school of less than 700 students total. From cooking to business to band to art, it's available. The fine arts programs--drama, music, and art--are very well developed. The math department has a wide variety of courses--all the way from kindergarten workbooks to AP Calculus and Statistics. The language department is also exceptional. Contrary to one parent's review, more than three essays are written in middle school. Granted, some of the essays are small, but they all serve a purpose. The ability to write strong essays quickly is emphasized, as this is an important skill for test taking--especially on the SAT. Overall, an excellent school community, with strong emphasis on academics.”

“I don't know what your child did, but I can guarantee you that there are definitely more than 3 essay between grades 7-8. A variety of poetry, lit analysis, research papers, short stories, parodies, author biographies, character sketches, fables, and narrative essays are all covered. My child was given detailed instruction on the 5-paragraph essay (building on lower school). In addition, students read a minimum of four classic novels each year and a variety of additional short stories, poems, and excerpts. It is a very busy course!”

“I sent my children here for elementary school and middle school. It is great for younger children, but when it comes to middle and upper schooling, this is not the place to send your children. The small class size may be appealing at first, but the limited class options are quite a detriment to a child's college career. In addition, because of the small size of the school, college options are extremely limited. Send your children here for elementary school, and them pull them in 7th grade; they will leave with a strong foundation in math, science and English and be able to move on to a school that will give them a future.”

“I have a kid in this school. Safe environment and sports programs are excellent. Math and social studies subjects are very strong and certainly better than the public schools. But very poor English Lit classes in Middle School. There is no emphasis in writing - my son wrote less than 3 essays in Grades 7-8. They should do something about this. Overall I would rate this a good school although the community is very close knit and makes it difficult for newcomers to fit in and feel at home.”

“Great school to send you kids. Worlds better than public school. Respects your kid's time by not wasting time on political correctness and 'bowing down at the altar of diversity'. Just gives a great education.”

“The quality of academic programs at this school is outstanding. They lay a rock solid foundation with emphasis on Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Music and Art. In Kindergarten, kids are introduced to 5 foreign languages and in 1st grade the kids are immersed in a Writer's workshop. These are just a few of the things that make this school top of the line. There is also a library with computers for taking tests on books read to confirm that kids actually grasp what they read. I also love the fact that kids are allowed to be at there own individual level in all subjects. So, a kid in 1st grade can take 4th grade Math. Really really great school!”

“Stong classical academic K-12 program, small class size, incredible teachers. Uniforms but flexible choices, great music department & math & science. Great size for K-8 however small, until the new school is built in 2010 ish, for High School. Doesn't mix with community/other private schools socially. Conservative christian families.”

“Wonderful Christian School. Tuition is too high. Have 2 kids here and love this in general, but tighter control of finances would be a good idea. Better communication with families too. Has had some teacher turnover, but new head of school is coming and could enlighten the community and bring the school into the realm it should be in. Continue developing the Middle/Upper school programs and it will become first rate!”

“The bear creek xhool is a top of the line school in all ways. From the building, grounds, and school amenties to the staff and philosophy of eduation it is an A number one institution. I cannot recommend it highly enough. There is not a Christian school in the area that offers all of the things that TBCS does.”

“An excellent, academically challenging college-preparatory school which integrates Christian worldview into all aspects of student life: academic, as well as extracurricular. Bear Creek is definitely a community...Faculty and Staff are compassionate and engaged, highly qualified in their subjects, and genuinely care about the students and parents they serve. Smaller class sizes are a big 'plus', too. Parents are highly motivated and involved, and the commitment and enthusiasm are contagious! We have a student in the Upper School, and this is our 4th year attending Bear Creek. Our child loves this school, and though the tuition is steep-and it is a great sacrifice for us to send our child to Bear Creek-we have never regretted our decision.”