Overlake Specialty School

Overlake Specialty School serves 54 students in grades 3-12 in Bellevue, Washington, offering an intimate educational environment with a remarkable 7.7:1 student-teacher ratio. With just seven full-time equivalent teachers, this regular public school provides exceptionally personalized attention that allows educators to know each student well and tailor instruction to individual needs. The school has earned a solid 7.7 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks #171 out of 381 schools statewide, placing it in the 55th percentile among Washington schools.

This mid-tier performance reflects steady academic standing within the state's educational landscape. Overlake Specialty School's small size creates a close-knit community where students can build meaningful relationships with both peers and faculty across multiple grade levels. The multi-grade structure from elementary through high school offers unique opportunities for mentorship and collaborative learning between younger and older students.

The school is situated in the affluent 98004 zip code, where the median household income reaches $157,784 and 75% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. This highly educated community, with its low 5.3% poverty rate and median home values of $1,862,200, creates a supportive environment that values educational achievement. Overlake Specialty School operates within Bellevue's mid-size city setting, benefiting from both urban amenities and strong community engagement.

With an enrollment of 54 students, Overlake Specialty School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 7.7:1, Overlake Specialty School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Overlake Specialty School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.