Laurelhurst Elementary

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why should I choose Laurelhurst?

• Focus on problem solving skills.
• Strong mastery of the basics – reading, writing and math.
• Curriculum that includes visual arts and music
• Strong parent and community support and involvement
• Excellent preparation for Middle School.
• Accountability – school staff monitor student progress frequently and adjust instruction to bring about better student achievement
• Communication skills – students must be able to explain their reasoning verbally and in writing.

Laurelhurst Elementary is not our neighborhood school but we want to attend. Can students get into Laurelhurst Elementary if it isn’t their reference (neighborhood) school?

Very likely! The Laurelhurst Elementary student body comes from a diverse geographical area. Many of the students come from the Laurelhurst, Cedar Park, Matthews Beach, Bryant, View Ridge, Ravenna, Lake City, Meadow Brook, University, Wedgwood as well as other neighborhoods. Enrollment decisions are made at the district level through Enrollment Services. It is very important that you apply on time during the open enrollment period.

Will my child be prepared to attend Middle School after attending Laurelhurst Elementary?

Yes!  Laurelhurst Elementary is an excellent primary school.  The curriculum supports the goal of having a firm foundation of the basics (reading, writing and math) by the end of second grade so that more advanced skills can be learned in grades 3 – 5.

Many students from Laurelhurst Elementary attend Eckstein Middle School. (A large number also enter the Spectrum program at Eckstein).  Every year there are students from Laurelhurst Elementary who are admitted to area private schools, such as Lakeside, University Prep and Seattle Arts and Science Academy.

What is the difference between the district half-day and the district full-day Kindergarten class?

The full-day Kindergarten class attends school from 9:05am to 3:20pm.  Half-day Kindergarten attends class from 9:05am to 11:40am or 12:40pm to 3:20pm.  In both  half-day and full-day the district required curriculum is taught.  The full-day curriculum also includes many social and fine motor skill activities.  

Is there a way to extend the half-day class to a full-day schedule?

Yes.  Half-day Kindergarten and half-day LASER enrichment equals a full school day (9:05am-3:20pm).  There is a half-day Kindergarten enrichment program offered in the morning and afternoon.

Can my child attend only half-day Kindergarten?

Yes. There are two options for half-day Kindergarten at Laurelhurst Elementary: morning half-day or afternoon half-day.

How do I know if half-day or full-day Kindergarten is better for my child?

Is your child ready for a full day of school?  If so, would your child do better with the consistency of the same teacher and classroom or would your child benefit from the different approaches in half-day Kindergarten and half-day LASER?  The right class is dependent on your child’s personality and needs.

If my child attends half-day Kindergarten and half-day LASER, how does my child transition from one to the other?

The hour between the end of the morning half-day Kindergarten and LASER programs and the start of the afternoon half-day Kindergarten and LASER programs is lunch and recess time.  School and LASER staff supervise the students during this one hour break.  At the end of the hour, the Kindergarten teacher escorts the half-day afternoon Kindergartners to their classroom and the LASER teacher does the same with the afternoon LASER Kindergartners.

What does the Laurelhurst PTA do for the school?

The Laurelhurst PTA supports the school in many ways.  For example, the PTA organizes a strong volunteer network that increases family involvement in children’s education.  The PTA also raises funds which are used to support various programs and services offered at Laurelhurst. The PTA Board works closely with the principal, staff and the school community to implement new programs, set and attain academic and non-academic goals, be a positive influence in the neighborhood and ensure that the needs of our school community are being met.

Is before and after-school care available on-site for working parents?    

Yes.  Laurelhurst After-School Enrichment Rooms (LASER) is a licensed and insured not-for-profit organization which provides a before and after-school enrichment program for children in grades K-5.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the school?

Please call the school at (206) 252-5400 and ask to speak with Kathy Jolly, the school’s principal.