Quick trip from Long Island to Bothell - need some advice! (Kirkland: school district, property tax)

[PNWhopeful]

My husband and I will be taking a very short trip to Bothell to make a final decision about our potential relocation. I'm so excited about the possibilities but also nervous ... We will likely need to make big decisions (house rental, school enrollment for preK and 2nd grade daughters) very quickly. Recommendations for a re agent (if that is allowed on the forum) for Bothell (northshore schools) and Mill Creek would be greatly appreciated!!

Oh, also, we are visiting sans children so a recommendation for a great date night restaurant would be helpful too!

Thanks and please keep reminding me how magnificent it is out there. And how it will all be fine even if the kids have to start a new school after the semester starts... Sigh. A little nervous but very excited!!!

[Ira500]

For the date night restaurant: Be prepared to squander some money and go to the Cafe Juanita, just down the road from Bothell in the Juanita section of Kirkland. It's expensive. it's really good.

[PNWhopeful]

Thanks! I appreciate the recommendation. Just looked at their website and wow! What a special place ... And yum!!!

[newguy416]

If you have another night you want to eat out, Russells in Bothell is good.

[Life Traveler]

We have 3yrs now in Bothell, exp with both Junior High and High School curriculum's
Basically,if your child does extremely well at school,they will do well here
If not, here the district falls short and overall reputation is more of a real thing to school administrators than fairness to individual kids enrolled
The elected body that over sees the schools rule making is the only venue for
reminding principals of their responsibilies here (the high school principal was not happy when we appealed certain actions)
They will allow your child to be cut short of selected classes if another does better
The current explanation is the other is more deserving grades wise and may make more of this or that particular class in the long run
(like to see that statement on my property tax bill)
Our son was left with out a language class for a semester as a direct result
This info is fairly hazy fine print at best until it happens to yours,
Summer school is unfunded, if this comes up be prepared to pay upwards of a thousand dollars or more for a rushed run at learning
This district apparently at one time had bragging rights for its smaller class ratios, our recent exp is that:
Class size is increasing markedly,you would want to verify carefully what the long range pupil count per class will be next few yrs
Since the state is in a protracted legal battle with the districts over budget cutting, the axe may fall heavily and soon again

(side note)there are no swimming pools at either the High School or Junior High
The one that is located by the old original high school is in a dilapidated looking state and apparently closed permanently for safety reasons

"North Shore School District"
Canyon Park Junior High
Bothell High School

[Jalhop]

Originally Posted by PNWhopeful

Recommendations for a re agent (if that is allowed on the forum) for Bothell (northshore schools) and Mill Creek would be greatly appreciated!!

I've not met him, but can say from years of reading Ira500's comments on this forum and elsewhere that he's a top-notch agent who always tells it like it is (with no BS).