Washington Middle School

Posted: October 14, 2025

My child has only been at this school for one and a half months, but so far I am really happy. I've heard and read that the school had a number of challenging years in the past, but I am very happy with the community the new principal seems to be building. My child looks forward to going to school every day and says that the students and teachers are nice. She came in with friends already, but has made new friends quickly, too. She has told me about 1 or 2 pretty typical middle school behavioral incidents, and the response from the staff seemed quick and appropriate (not too harsh, but also not ignoring the matter). My child is ahead academically, so I wouldn't say that she's extremely challenged, but she is definitely learning and is enjoying what she's learning. I appreciate the communication from the principal and teachers, and the positive changes they have already made and plan to continue.

Posted: October 14, 2025

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Posted: September 24, 2025

Washington Middle School has experienced a number of significant improvements over the past two years that have made a positive difference in both of my kids' lives, and in the lives of many families I know whose kids attend WMS. The administration is proactive and communicative. My kids have loved most of their teachers and have learned a lot over these past three years. Over half the students participate in one of the four bands or orchestras during the school day. There are numerous extra-curricular activities through the HOST after-school program and athletics. WMS is definitely in need of major renovation, but we know that is not the fault of the school administration or teachers. Families and the community need to lobby to get WMS on the levy for the next round of SPS renovations. We love WMS!

Posted: September 24, 2025

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Posted: May 15, 2025

Seattle public schools are failing the kids that attend school in the South district. There are no type of positive activities for the students , Washington middle school is disgusting and looks as though it hasn’t been cleaned or sanitized in years. The school needs to be shut down and remodeled , the high school students are dealing with a murder at the school! This is the worst school district I have ever seen in my life; I have never met employees with such disregard for kids, when working for the kids is their responsibility. The administration staff is terrible , the punishment and accountability that they give out to the bad students is non existent. My kids will not attend Seattle public schools next year I literally hate this school system. SPS system is aware of the issues the South ends face and instead of tackling it, it’s swept under the rug, I mean “Superintendent, have you done anything to improve this mess?” Every single SPS employee needs better training, to be more hands on with the kids, and to do a better job

Posted: May 15, 2025

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Posted: February 7, 2025

This school is not great and they suspended the kids over the dumbest reason . The students don’t feel encouraged enough to stay in class

Posted: February 7, 2025

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Posted: October 13, 2021

The principal barely communicates or interacts with the parents. Modes of receiving communication has been nothing but challenges and you have to persist or ask the most involved parents or Facebook group just to get a simple answer. They tout this wonderful new TAF program that has done really nothing to help diversity, inclusion or parent involvement. My son who has a high IQ but a learning disability doesn't fit in and is bullied and hurt physically. To get special education services for him, I've had to threaten to get the courts involved because they don't even respond to my multiple requests. They are just shuffling kids in and out and hoping that no one raises a stink about these poor conditions - even the most hardcore PTA parent friend of mine gave up and changed schools.

I have had mixed experiences with teachers - the nurse and some teachers are great in trying to help my son (with education and bullying), but some staff should not even be there because they are dismissive and lack basic manners. The school facilities are worn out and parking/traffic is horrible being next to main streets and the Franz bread company. If they had more organization, these low-income issues wouldn't be a problem but leadership is severely lacking. We're just trying to get through and finish with this school so we can move to a better place for high school. Would not recommend this school unless you have no other options and your child isn't special needs and can fight back with bullies or fly under the radar. I used to think these low income schools need help with funding but now I'm realizing why they shouldn't be funded unless a really stellar principal can come in and make changes.

I have another child in a West Seattle elementary school who got in by lottery and I am sacrificing the commute to keep him there because the difference between that school and these south end school is night and day. I've even pulled my daughter out of a different south end school due to the same type of conditions.

Posted: October 13, 2021

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Posted: June 5, 2018

I enjoy going to school because of my friends and my electives. Some teachers are not good at explaining their lessons or controlling the class. Our school is filled with inappropriate language, references and behavior. Many students feel alone, bullied and misunderstood. Our school is often not a good learning environment and it doesn't make kids feel safe or able to ask for help

Posted: June 5, 2018

Homework does not have clear instructions and is overly complicated

Posted: June 5, 2018

Some teachers can not control problem students and don't explain things clearly

Posted: June 5, 2018

Many students have bad manners and are not compassionate towards others

Posted: June 5, 2018

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Teachers are not observant and are not quick to take action

Posted: May 17, 2017

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Posted: May 17, 2017

Posted: May 17, 2017

My child does not fit the box of "normal" children. So she is being pushed out of the school. The principal has assaulted her 3 times. The principal doesn't care. Because of the principals distaste for my child she did not make the basketball team because the coach is the principals daughter. I have had to fight for my child to get her education under FAPE.

Posted: May 13, 2016

Washington MS is an amazing place in the inner city that is home to a rich cross-section of families. I have sent two children to WMS because this environment has helped them understand how to collaborate and navigate the real world. Principal Susan Follmer is in her second year of leading this school and is making impactful cultural improvements including raising the quality of teaching and the expectations of all students and faculty. This school has an award winning music program where nearly half of all students participate in a musical ensemble. The teachers are dedicated, the staff cares and the Principal has vision. WMS is not without its issues - 1150 students come with different needs and abilities - but under Principal Follmer's leadership, WMS is a great school getting better all the time.

Posted: March 27, 2016

The teachers I have met this year know my kid and do much more than just stand and talk all period.

Posted: March 27, 2016

This varies, I like the homework that my child can do independently and that gets him into enjoyable learning.

Posted: March 27, 2016

This is no easy task in a huge middle school but the school is addressing these values in changed practices that give students more opportunities to develop their character such as leadership classes and advisory and community service.

Posted: March 27, 2016

A diverse and caring community, teachers go the extra mile and parent and the community have a strong and uplifting presence at the school.

Posted: February 5, 2016

My daughter has gone to this school for two years and at this point I'm genuinely nauseated by how horrible the school is. We are literally hanging on until the end of the year because we have no other option, but I cannot express now awful our experience has been this year.

First off, I will say we got lucky with some great teachers last year. SOME of the staff is wonderful. However, the administration is simply terrible. They hate kids, and hate parents even more. If you bring any problem to their attention, they will blame either the student or the parent and refuse to do anything to help.

But by far the worst thing about the school is the institutionalized racism. First off, just walking down the halls you see how African American boys are constantly chastised, criticized and threatened. Then there is the school "dances." These take place during the school day—and cost money.

$2 might not seem like a lot—but plenty of poor and homeless kids don't have $2. They are forced to sit in the "quiet room" while their friends go to the dance . They are not allowed leave school early unless a parent picks them up, which working parents cannot do. So, instead poorer students sit there, humiliated.

I cannot understand the monstrosity of any adult who would set up a PAID dance during school hours. Oh, and by the way—tell your kids to watch out for their cell phones. On "dance" days, kids break into lockers, trying to find things to sell to be able to afford to go to the dance.

If your son or daughter wants to be informed about institutionalized racism and classism, they won't be told that history at Washington Middle School. Instead, they will be treated to posters, slogans and coursework that tells them over and over again that "their future is their own choice!" As if circumstances play no role. They are told to sit down, shut up, & accept whatever scraps are given to them.

Oh, and the bathrooms have non-potable water running from their sinks. Yep, there's a little bit of Flint Michigan happening in this Central District school. But I suppose since it's in the inner city, no one cares. I guess the kids are supposed to be "grateful" they can wash their hands at all.

Basically, WMS is a great place to send your kid if you want them to witness the school-to-prison pipeline firsthand. Thank God we are almost out of there.

Posted: February 5, 2016

It's middle school. I don't expect teachers to work miracles. And some teachers are great. But others manage to alienate kids so badly no learning is possible.

Posted: February 5, 2016

I really can't speak to the homework load. My younger child goes to ORCAk-8 and has way more homework but is also far happier doing it.

Posted: February 5, 2016

This school teaches kids to paste a smile on their face while doing anything they can to skirt the system.

Posted: March 29, 2015

I am a very concerned parent, my son has attended Washington Middle School for 2 years. This is by far the worst school he has ever gone to. There are some very good support staff members here but it is out weighted by the staff you have to deal with on a regular basis. There are staff that work in the office that act like it is a chore to help or assist you. My philosophy is "if you don't like people/children don't work in an environment where you know you will have to encounter them" . The quality of education is very poor and communication at this school is non existence ( unless someone is brought in from a higher position to contact the person you are trying to communicate with). I moved to Seattle from a small town, for the diversity of people and life experiences for my child. I am however planning on moving out of Seattle come the end of the year because of my experience with this particular school and the administration at this school . I would NOT send your child to this school

Posted: April 8, 2014

This historic middle school was where Seattle son Jimi Hendrix attended before he graduated to Garfield High. Although not much to look at on the outside, inside this school is a hive of some of the finest teachers and motivated students in the City. Regular, Spectrum and Advanced Programs are available to qualified pupils.Language Arts & Reading, Math & Science, Social Studies, Art & Technology, Special Education & ELD are perfectly balanced (inclusive in the curriculum) with a truly excellent Music Program. Students can acquire credits for School Bands and Orchestras and Choirs. Teachers cover beginners to the more advanced. Physical Education is also considered key for student participation. On offer is Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee, Girls & Boys Soccer, Boys & Girls Basketball, Co-ed Track, Girls Volleyball, Fencing and Yoga. Most importantly is the Social Justice of good "Student Citizenship" is encouraged (and enforced as needed). Middle School years are challenging. Washington's students are the beautiful, highly diverse faces of the real-world future. I feel most fortunate my child attends.

Posted: January 20, 2012

Washington has an odd dynamic, because it is trifurcated by its general education, spectrum, and APP programs, so it is better evaluated as three different schools sharing the same facilities and non-academic programs. When I was there just a few years ago, sports were very strong. As the poster below has alluded to, the once-outstanding music program has been crippled in the past few years. Half of the school's APP students have been moved to Hamilton, and Robert Knatt, nationally known music director, retired the year after I left. Academically, I can only speak from experience about APP: math is excellent, history is very good, language arts are fine, most of the science program is pathetic, and languages vary in quality. On the whole, Washington is certainly a letdown from Lowell, but the APP community, both of parents and students, remains wonderful - the primary reason I am giving this school a 4/5. This is really a solid school. It's just disappointing that Washington doesn't do more with what it has.

Posted: January 5, 2012

I have attended WMS as an APP student for three years. There are many highlights to the school, as well as many disappointments. As for teachers, I found that they are either excellent and passionate for their work or simply terrible. During the sixth and seventh grade, I had a teacher that was ill-tempered, dishonorable, and favored some over others. My other teachers however encouraged hard work, achievement, and were likable. The music program has declined since I arrived in the sixth grade, but, by normal standards, it would still be considered good. There are many after school opportunities and out-of-school music performances/trips Academically, the science programs are poor. The labs are redundant, and there is little room to make discoveries on ones' own or be creative. The teachers have little scientific knowledge beyond the curriculum. It is likely this way with most public middle schools though. WMS has APP and Spectrum learning programs, both of which are fairly challenging and have high expectations. Ultimately, it is at the student's discretion how much work to put into academics; the school provides an excellent foundation to do so.