Best Local Schools in Yelm WA 98597
Westlake Academy in Yelm, Washington is an outstanding school with highly dedicated staff members that work to make it an exceptional learning environment for children. Teachers, principal and other employees all share this goal of making Westlake Academy an exceptional school.
However, this school is relatively small; students do not get much opportunity for socializing outside of class and making friends outside their class environment.
1) Yelm High School
Yelm High School offers many programs and resources to assist its students with planning for their futures, from higher education to exploring possible career pathways in trades.
This school also partners with state agencies such as DSHS’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and nonprofit organizations like ANEW to offer additional services that enable students to acquire job shadowing experience and soft skill practice that will give them the necessary edge after graduating.
Yelm High School and ANEW joined forces this summer to host a Youth Career Exploration Program camp for students interested in trades. Over two weeks, students learned practical construction skills while developing social-emotional competencies that could help them thrive in potential work environments.
2) Yelm Middle School
Yelm Middle School boasts an engaging curriculum with an abundance of extracurricular activities and a supportive parent community, boasting one of the largest student enrollments in its region, over 1,000. Their fine arts program and Meet the Masters art show also rank highly within their region.
Yelm High School graduates 2015 include an outstanding physicist: Valedictorian Kristin Kensrud will soon earn her bachelor of chemistry at Central Washington University and then transfer to Cal State Puget Sound for further studies.
Yelm High School boasts one of the state’s most impressive science labs and its IMAX theater is an attraction, drawing visitors from throughout Washington state and serving as Yelm’s first public park, hosting both an annual jazz festival and Christmas in the Park, plus multiple picnic areas.
3) Yelm Elementary School
Yelm Elementary School enjoys an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and serving low-income neighborhoods, while being recognized as one of the best local schools in Washington for students with disabilities.
Teachers here are truly extraordinary! They provide children with an outstanding curriculum beyond math and reading that includes cultural, artistic, and historical experiences.
Parents are actively engaged at all levels and bring in volunteers to assist with school activities, in the community and at home. Thanks to such dedicated staff and families, this school makes for a fantastic learning environment.
However, there are numerous issues at hand which must be resolved, such as the absence of a principal and counselor as well as teacher shortage. One third grade class did not have a permanent teacher until more than one month into 2015-2016 school year!
4) Yelm Junior High School
Yelm Junior High School provides students with an exceptional education. Offering many specialized classes taught by compassionate teachers who truly care for their pupils.
At our school, advanced courses such as Global Studies Diploma and Outdoor Environmental Education program allow students to expand their understanding of global issues while being responsible citizens in their local communities.
However, the school does not appear to be well-rounded as there is no principal or assistant principal to assist with supporting students who require extra attention. Furthermore, 3rd graders were without a permanent teacher for over one month during the initial school year – an unmistakable sign of administration’s unpreparedness.
5) Yelm Senior High School
Yelm Senior High School boasts an outstanding academic program and provides students with an ideal learning environment. With small class sizes and excellent teachers, this school is an excellent option for any student wanting to advance their studies.
The school works closely with ANEW, a non-profit organization specializing in trades such as construction, carpentry and electrical work, to offer students opportunities for career exploration in these trades. Through ANEW’s Youth Career Exploration Program students gain direct experience through workshops and bootcamps designed to build social emotional skills while learning job-specific practical knowledge on construction sites.
At this school, there are also various opportunities for extracurricular participation by students. Our music department boasts one of the finest in the area and students may join various athletic teams for extracurricular fun and exercise.
Yelm Senior High School’s academic program and opportunities for career exploration are impressive, but the lack of extracurricular support is concerning.
I am impressed by the dedication of the staff at Westlake Academy, but it is concerning that the school is relatively small and limits opportunities for socializing.
Yes, the size of the school should not restrict students from having a well-rounded educational experience.
I agree, it’s important for students to have opportunities for socializing and making friends outside of class.
Yelm Elementary School has an outstanding reputation, but the issues such as teacher shortage and lack of principal and counselor are worrying.
While Yelm Junior High School offers exceptional education, the absence of a principal and teacher shortage are inexcusable.
Yelm High School seems to provide excellent resources for students’ future planning, which is commendable.