Hyla Middle School

Posted: March 31, 2026

We have had a fantastic experience at this school. My 8th grader is a grade level ahead in mathematics, the history program is first rate, he has learned to be a confident speaker on stage and in the classroom, and best of all he is loved and supported there. It truly is a place where kids can fluorish as themselves and don't feel peer pressure to conform. They don't give students pointless busywork that never was very useful, but gets less so each year that technology requires students to think for themselves and find the best information rather than regurgitate facts. I had what was considered to be an excellent college prep education but I wish I had gone to Hyla when I was a kid.

Posted: March 31, 2026

Posted: March 31, 2026

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Posted: March 1, 2025

Our son attended Hyla Middle School and Hyla High School. He was supported all the way by teachers who celebrated and encouraged him and help him find his inner voice. The emphasis on experiential learning was great for him, from researching and building models of a star he was studying to performing Shakespeare in 6th grade. As a physician, I can vouch for the integrity and depth of the science and math curriculum at that school. Hyla is truly a special place and we will always be grateful that our son was fortunate enough to spend time with all the amazing teachers there.

Posted: March 1, 2025

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Posted: November 6, 2023

Our child was immediately welcomed with open arms after joining Hyla. The overall community of teachers, staff, and students was inclusive and made sure our child was immediately brough into the fold. Coming from another well established and highly regarded school district in the greater Seattle area, we saw massive improvement in her Math, English and Spanish development, and were equally impressed with what was being learned in other disciplines.

We were also impressed with the level of engagement that the school provides to families of both Middle and High school, with events and other ways to connect with one another. I recognize that the school may not be for everyone given how small the community is, but we have found that this tight nit, supportive and respectful environment was just what our child needed.

Posted: November 6, 2023

Posted: November 6, 2023

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Posted: February 28, 2023

would be better if everyone wasnt spoiled. i was told it was helpful but it fell short in some of the same ways public school has for me

Posted: February 28, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2020

Posted: November 4, 2020

The leadership and teachers at Hyla are incredibly focused and committed to living the values every day. They know the students well, care for them deeply and meet them where they are in their development.

Posted: November 4, 2020

Superior - Hyla continually and transparently works with students and parents to ensure a middle school experience that builds a love of learning, confidence and skills required for a successful high school experience.

Posted: November 4, 2020

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Posted: October 31, 2020

Hyla is fantastic and encouraged my son’s passion for learning!

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Teachers go above and beyond every single day to engage and inspire students

Posted: October 31, 2020

Hyla teachers and staff truly respect their students and encourage them to talk through any issues that come up. They work until a solution that feels good to all is reached.

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

Posted: October 31, 2020

My daughter's experience at Hyla has been nothing short of fantastic. I'm sure you know the stereotype that the middle school years are either awful, academically "wasted years," or some combo that would showcase nicely in a teenage coming of age movie. Hyla not only defies those stereotypes, but shatters them. On the academic side, the learning is purposeful, engaging, interdisciplinary and challenging. My daughter hops into the car at the end of each day ready to share some tidbit of what she has learned, experienced, or enjoyed. Because she engages in critical thinking and the material is inherently interesting (vs. rote memorization), she retains knowledge long after a project is completed. The classes are small (around 20 each section) and therefore the teachers can spend quality time with each student. The excellent teachers clearly love what they do, and that enthusiasm translates into student engagement. I challenge you to sit through your child’s conferences with all of his/her teachers present around a table and not get a little teary at how well they know and see your student.

The social emotional piece that is so critical at this age is woven throughout the curriculum. Each student participates in a dedicated class (Human Relations) in which the kids can talk in a safe space about all of the issues that a middle schooler would face. Some families come to Hyla for this program alone! Outside of the regular academic schedule, the students participate in programs to develop the whole child. As an example, each year culminates in something called "Exploration Week," during which students go off island for a few days in small groups to explore, challenge themselves, gain independence, and foster close relationships with their teachers and peers. If you are looking for your child to have a full experience in which (s)he is seen, heard, and known, in which (s)he is challenged to grow not only as a student, but as a human and a thoughtful citizen, look no further than Hyla.

Posted: October 30, 2020

Homework is increased gradually from 6th to 8th grade as kids are able to take on more responsibility.

Posted: October 30, 2020

The teachers at Hyla and their commitment to strong relationships with students is one of Hylas most special features.

Posted: October 30, 2020

Posted: October 30, 2020

Suzanne the Head of School is deeply committed to each student's success and the long term health of Hyla Middle School.

Posted: October 30, 2020

Posted: October 30, 2020

Posted: October 30, 2020

My daughter went to Hyla from 6th through 8th grade. She blossomed in every way at Hyla: academically, socially, emotionally. Hyla is a special place for kids at middle school ages. They are safe to explore and become who they are. While I think the social emotional realms are what Hyla does uniquely well, my daughter was also really challenged academically. She looks back at her time at Hyla as feeling challenged while still preserving her love of learning. She graduated Hyla and entered 9th grade at the public high school in primarily 10th grade classes.

Posted: October 29, 2020

Unfortunately we had a disappointing experience. It was a good lesson for us to explore other options.

Posted: October 29, 2020

Posted: October 29, 2020

Posted: October 29, 2020

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: November 30, 2018

This is not a school for kids who are interested in being academic in any serious way. You can't do even slightly-above-grade-level anything, which means after Hyla is over and you return to the public school system, you're sunk.

Posted: February 8, 2013

If you want your son/daughter to be able to think and have a positive middle school experience Hyla will deliver. Great thoughtful, enthusiastic staff, with a genuine interest in this very special transitional age! If you have read the "Element" by Sir Ken Robinson, you will understand why creativity will be essential for the next generation. Hyla has developed units that integrate science history and art into an archeology project that is just phenomenal. Their Shakespeare Dramas are very engaging as well. Math and science teachers are solid as they teach for mastery and understanding rather than rote regurgitation which only results in forgetfulness. The Spanish program is wonderful! Many student leave Hyla to go directly into AP Spanish at the upper grade levels in high school. The PE program is great! Kids are rock climbing, hiking, on track and ultimate frisbee teams, as well as many special outings as well. Lastly the focus on becoming a positive member of the community is presented as the kids volunteer with the local food bank, the housing resource board and beach cleaning projects as well as many others! Check it out, great community!

Posted: October 22, 2011

Hyla Middle School saved me. In fifth grade I hated school, I never did my homework, and I was bored. Then I started sixth grade at Hyla and found myself racing to the whiteboard to solve math problems! I wrote poetry and found out that I liked sports. Hyla made learning fun. The teachers were exceptional across the board with unbelievable enthusiasm. They got to know me as a person and helped me grow. I graduated valedictorian from BHS and am currently pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering. I honestly don't think I would be where I am today if I hadn't gone to Hyla Middle School.

Posted: May 19, 2011

We have a high school freshman who graduated from Hyla 8th grade last year. We have a 7th grader there this year and will have our youngest there in a couple of years. The school provides excellent preparation for success in high school. Hyla's emphasis on creative problem solving, hands-on learning, group interaction, communication skills and personal responsibility is very effective. A key part of the curriculum is having every student participate in a dramatic event each year. The 6th graders do Shakespeare. The 7th graders do improv. The 8th graders roll their own. In every case, the process is very empowering for the kids. As a parent, you will discover with your first middle schooler just how important and formative these years can be in a child's education, especially with children maturing at earlier ages. Lifelong habits and perspectives begin to take shape here. Sense of self-worth and self-esteem take root. Conflict resolution and problem solving skills evolve. It is very powerful to see your child become a young adult. I highly recommend Hyla. Students from Hyla are disproportionately successful in academics, sports, clubs and student government at BHS.

Posted: May 3, 2011

Excellent teachers coupled with an environment of respect and love of learning results in self reliant and confident students.