Neighborhood High Schools in Seattle and living in an area with trees (Normandy Park: homes, neighborhoods)

[DCDoula]

Hi folks, this may sound like a strange combination question but we're considering a move from Washington, DC where we have tons of big, lovely colorful trees all around us. We have a daughter entering high school and another entering 5th grade in the next school year.
We love city living, walkable communities particularly. We live right in DC now and want to have a home in Seattle (detached if possible) where we have trees around us, green space near by but also an urban feel with shops, restaurants, libraries, schools to walk to. Is this possible in Seattle? I've been looking on line at photos of different neighborhoods and have actually felt like there aren't that many trees around - except of course off in the distance.

So....high schools you think work in Seattle for a kid who is not an academic star but is really well rounded - loves art, nature, history, math science, exploring, talking and reading! We're looking for public ideally. We're looking for homes under $700,000 and a place where there are friendly folks. Thanks,
Heidi

[DCDoula]

which do you prefer? Why and what are the neighborhoods like that feed into them? We're looking for a small-ish, creative high school for our daughter.

[Ira500]

Of the high schools you mentioned, I think Roosevelt has the best reputation, but if you're looking for a small school with a creative bent, maybe consider NOVA, which is an all city alternative school around 19th and Harrison on Capitol Hill. Small classes, lots of students involved in decision making, lots of active parents...A little too hippie dippie for some, but NOVA students for whatever reason score higher on SAT tests than the avg Seattle high schooler...And I'd also suggest North Capitol Hill as a nice leafy neighborhood.

[DCDoula]

thanks we'll start looking at Capitol Hill and at NOVA

[DCDoula]

what do you think of Nathan Hale? It seems somewhat alternative on it's website? what are the neighborhoods around Hale like?

[tobester]

also on north capitol hill is seattle prep, a stellar private school. plus there are trees everywhere in seattle.

[DCDoula]

thanks, the tree thing may sound strange but when you look at posted pics of the neighborhoods in Seattle there appears to be not so many trees, it began to remind me of the streets in San Francisco. Obviously there's greenery and what I'm really looking for are tree lined streets, overhanging, with some density.

I don't think we can swing private school, but we'll look into it.

[pw72]

Seattle planted trees along major arterials in the 1970's. Today they are huge and sometimes completely overtake the streets. Trees that come down in Seattle are usually on private property to make way for new development, or even to create views. There are certain legalities about this, but I don't pretend to have any information regarding that. As for high schools, most public schools share the same general philosophical concepts. Minor differences here and there, but mostly the same. Hale represents the NE quadrant of the city, where the demographics have been changing. Once a very white, middle class area, now much more ethnic and lower income. Roosevelt continues to be the "Cadillac" of public Seattle high schools, and coincidentally, covers some of the wealthiest Seattle neighborhoods. With Roosevelt, some things never change.

[LongDawson]

You can find that all over in Seattle. You will love it here, we have "trees galore". You must look at Normandy Park area. Around here

1002 SW Normandy Terrace, Normandy Park, WA 98166 | MLS# 29135605

Come scope out the territory yourself to see the real thing. Your kids sound interesting.

[tobester]

While Roosevelt may be the "cadillac", Garfield turns out more national merit scholars than most state schools.