Tell me about the Center School High School...can my son go there? (Seattle: 2013)

[mamainfl]

It seems to have a pretty good reputation. The school that my son is scheduled to attend based on address, is Garfield. Are students able to attend different schools... is there an option or choice?

Just curious. He is several years away from High School.

[DevanXL]

Garfield is probably one of the best High Schools in Seattle. Emerging Music program, Great Sports, Good education in th IB program. I'm assuming you just moved here? I few years back Garfield was a dump in the most part of the city but more police came in the area, The City pumped lots of money in the school and redrew the lines so the more affluent kids would go there as well and the school completely turned around! Alot of kids choice into Garfield for Sports and Education. Garfield would be your best bet for schools unless you going to send him to a private school or out of the district to Mercer Island or Bellevue School Districts.

[Inkpoe]

Emerging music program? Garfield was always been known for their music program, they have had an elite program for a long time, going Nationals for it. There's nothing "emerging" about it.

One thing very well known about Garfield is its elite IB/APP programs that has been producing many many National Merits Scholars for many years, more than any other WA schools. That's why it's got a very elevated status. The problem is, what about the regular students? Especially the poorer ones? My understanding is that if you're a regular student, you're better served at Roosevelt and maybe Ballard HS. I don't know about Center School HS.

[Ira500]

I'm going to answer your question:
Depending on where you live, there may or not be an available option or choice. To be eligible to attend the Center School, it appears based on SPS geographic zones, that you'd need to live on Queen Anne. Some addresses where Garfield is the assigned school are also eligible to attend NOVA on Capitol Hill as the option. Rumor has it that NOVA is going to relocate back to their old building on East Cherry across the street from Garfield. If that happens, maybe your son will be in their geographic zone even if he is not now.

[DevanXL]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Emerging music program? Garfield was always been known for their music program, they have had an elite program for a long time, going Nationals for it. There's nothing "emerging" about it.

One thing very well known about Garfield is its elite IB/APP programs that has been producing many many National Merits Scholars for many years, more than any other WA schools. That's why it's got a very elevated status. The problem is, what about the regular students? Especially the poorer ones? My understanding is that if you're a regular student, you're better served at Roosevelt and maybe Ballard HS. I don't know about Center School HS.

Im young so I didn't know that had an extensive history in their music program.

[beautifulseattlehomes]

There are only two official IB programs in Seattle Public Schools...Stealth HS in West Seattle and Ingraham HS. Most of the other high schools in the city offer AP which is quite different from IB but still a great option.

The Center School is known to march to the beat of its own drum...it feels more alternative than a normal public high school but still offers AP courses and is considered to be a rigorous college prep education while being strongly steeped in the arts. I have heard mixed things about it from families who have had kids attend. Some felt it was not structured enough and that unless your student is very self motivated, might not work for a student who needs more traditional structure and guidance.

On the plus side, the classes and overall size of the school are smaller. It is also a choice school meaning that kids from all over the city can attend! There are only 300 or so spots available at the school. What is great is that you can live wherever you want in Seattle and go to school there rather than having to live in the overlay of the particular school you want to attend. It is definitely on my list as a school to look at when my daughter is nearing HS age!

[mamainfl]

That way I can do research on my own without bothering you!

[benleis]

Originally Posted by mamainfl

That way I can do research on my own without bothering you!

Seattle Public Schools - School Directory

There are probably other references on the official site. But just from this list - if it has an attendance area link its a neighborhood school. If the school has a geographic zone instead then its an option school.

Ben

[Ira500]

And this:

http://www.seattleschools.org/module...b3635dde91d1d6