Woodward Middle School

Woodward Middle School has been a deeply disappointing and harmful experience for our child. If your child has learning differences or isn’t fully white, be prepared to fight for their safety, dignity, and legally protected rights because the school will not protect them.

Bullying is rampant and unchecked. Students casually throw around violent and explicit language—including threats and the word “rape.” Racist harassment is pervasive, yet the administration refuses to acknowledge or address it. Reporting issues to staff or leadership accomplishes nothing—concerns are dismissed, “investigations” are performed in ways that only worsen the bullying, and students who report are outed, making them bigger targets. Most students refuse to speak up because they fear retaliation, creating a toxic culture where bullying thrives.

For students with disabilities, Woodward routinely violates federally protected IEPs, resulting in the denial of FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education). Instead of providing legally mandated support, the school actively undermines students' accommodations. Staff have surveilled our child in a way that worsens his challenges, rather than helping him gain independence. Instead of working collaboratively with families, administration makes unilateral decisions behind closed doors, avoiding transparency and accountability. Communication is inconsistent, with critical information often withheld or downplayed.

Perhaps most concerning is the way administration gaslights both students and parents, making them feel as though their experiences aren’t real or serious. When we have advocated for our child, we have been met with dismissiveness, deflection, and misleading explanations. Rather than taking responsibility for the school’s failures, leadership shifts blame onto students and families.

The emotional toll this school has inflicted on our child is immeasurable. He has been failed by a system that was supposed to protect and support him. If your child needs accommodations, a culturally inclusive environment, or simply a safe place to learn, I strongly urge you to reconsider Woodward Middle School.

Bainbridge Island is often seen as an idyllic place to raise children, but the reality at Woodward tells a much different story.