Moving to Seattle (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland: health insurance, how much, elementary schools)

[tigerwu]

Hi everyone,

We are thinking about moving to Seattle area and have a few questions:

1) How are schools in Kirkland? We have a girl who is almost elementary school age. We are hearing good things about schools in Bellevue, but not much about schools in Kirkland. Considering both cities are pretty well off, can I assume the quality of public education is very similar?

2) would anyone recommend a good montessori school in the kirkland/bellevue area?

3) How expensive is private health insurance around Seattle? Say comprehensive coverage for a family of 4.

Thanks!

[LongDawson]

Trying to find a difference in schools between Kirkland and Bellevue is like splitting hairs. They are both good.

I have Lifewise insurance and pay for it entirely out of pocket. High deductible. It is quite reasonable.

https://www.lifewisewa.com

[tedprix]

I have been struggling with this question as well (though mine is expanded to Woodinville/Redmond). Based on schooldigger, it looks like the elementary schools in Kirkland are consistently lower ranked than those in Bellevue (though to be fair, there are some low ranked Bellevue elementary schools as well and this ranking seems to be primarily based on the WASL).

With that said, the elementary schools in Kirkland are still much better than the state average (they are 4/5 stars). Personally, I have been checking out the websites for the elementary schools and the respective PTA/PTSA websites as I am looking for things beyond the rankings; however, right now Kirkland is not on my list. With school being out, it will be difficult to personally evaluate until the fall.

Originally Posted by LongDawson

Trying to find a difference in schools between Kirkland and Bellevue is like splitting hairs. They are both good.

I have Lifewise insurance and pay for it entirely out of pocket. High deductible. It is quite reasonable.

[URL]https://www.lifewisewa.com[/URL]

[seattlenextyear]

3) Go to ehealthinsurance dot com and you can put in your family data and it will give you quotes from the 5 or so major companies, based on how much you're willing to pay for a deductible, office visit, copays, etc.

[nikdahl]

My fiance works at a Montessori school in Seattle, and while the owners have a few schools in different places around the city (and Mercer Island), they don't have anything on the eastside. I've always thought that was a mistake..

But in any case, you just want to make sure they are AMI or AMS certified. Because, as you probably already know, anyone can use the Montessori name, but they may not be following the principles. Beyond that, just make an appointment to observe the classroom, and find the teacher that you like the best.