Villa Academy

I have three kids at Villa (an 8th grader, a 6th grader, and a 3rd grader), all of whom have been at Villa since pre-school. We've been very happy at Villa. Academics are strong, as evidenced by the placement and performance of graduates at local prep schools and high schools. Villa is especially strong in middle school math, for both girls and boys. The curriculum also features many long-term, multi-step projects as early as 3rd grade, so students learn early on how to manage their own learning. The normative culture of Villa is also *very* strong. Students who come out of Villa are respectful, kind, polite, and inclined to service. You notice this especially with the middle school students. My wife and I frequently voice gratitude that our kids are part of such a positive peer culture. We attribute this to the school's conscious effort to cultivate the right values and habits as well as to the values and norms of the families who compose the Villa community--about whom we also can't say enough. As a school and community, Villa Academy may be Seattle's best kept educational secret.

Academics at Villa are exceptional and is evidenced by some of the highest test scores in the city. The curriculum is by no means easy, but teaches learning concepts, group interaction, and advanced computer skills in addition to the specific information being studied. The teachers are very good and truly care about their students. They are often give extra support and instruction to students who are struggling and are pro-active in contacting parents when they see a problem situation developing. The administration is also very supportive and have placed programs which expand the opportunity of success for the students. Finally, the classroom size is very conducive to student learning at about 18-20 students per classroom.