I received a call the other day from a real estate agent who wanted to find out about Cottage Lake Elementary in Woodinville because her buyer had heard negative comments about the school. Wow. The sale of a home was being directly impacted by negative rumors.
So what did I tell her? Cottage Lake Elementary is a Great School!
Academics: I have had two children attend the school one K-6th and one K-2nd and both have had an excellent experience. They were well prepared for the next level - one went on to junior high and was able to get straight A's taking all of the available honors classes - the other went on to the Northshore Elementary Advanced Program and also did well. So I'd give that an A+ from an academic perspective.
Extra Curricular: There are plenty of extra curricular activities available to the children because there is a fabulous PTA and staff. Activities vary by season and by year but in the last several years the children have been able to participate in the annual K-3rd musical, annual talent show, Reflections program, Marimba club, Math Club, chess class, choir club, A variety of 6-8 week art classes (my favorites were Mud, Muck & Masks and Drawing & Cartooning...), science club, cross country, track & field, theatre classes brought to the school by organizations such as Studio East and Woodinville Reperatory Theatre, student newsletter, Spanish language, classic books, and more. There are also area clubs that provide access to T-ball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball.
Facility: The facility is almost new - having been rebuilt in the last few years. It also has the luxury of having both a cafeteria/mixed use facility and a gym/stage - which isn't typical for the schools in the area.
Parent Involvement: There is good parent involvement through the PTA and through volunteer activities in the classrooms. Parents are encouraged to participate and show the children that education is a priority for the family. The PTA sponsors Family Nights that the kids really love that help the parents get to know each other better also.
So why the negative rumors? Like all schools there are periods of ups and downs. Things that happen to most schools (and organizations) periodically as a result of change. There was an interim principal team last year who came in and made a lot of positive changes. There is new principal this year - that comes highly recommended - and a teaching/support staff that is energized and ready to do great things!
Want More information?
Cottage Lake School Website
Cottage Lake PTA
Please share your great stories & feedback about Cottage Lake Elementary!
By Michelle Blue
Your Guide to Woodinville Community, Neighborhoods & Real Estate!
www.WoodinvilleGuide.com
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