Stella Schola

Summary:

Stella Schola is a public magnet middle school located in Redmond, Washington, serving grades 6-8 with an enrollment of 89 students. As part of the highly-ranked Lake Washington School District, Stella Schola consistently outperforms nearby schools and the state average in academic achievement.

Stella Schola is a standout middle school, ranking among the top 6 in Washington with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's proficiency rates in SBAC English Language Arts and Math are significantly higher than the district and state averages across all grade levels. For example, in 2023-2024, Stella Schola had 88.37% of students proficient or better in SBAC ELA, compared to 80.42% for the Lake Washington School District and 52.63% for the state. In SBAC Math, Stella Schola had 87.36% proficiency, compared to 74.12% for the district and 41.68% for the state. The school also outperforms the district and state in WCAS Science assessments.

Stella Schola's unique student population includes a higher percentage of Asian students (49.44%) compared to the district and state averages, as well as a lower percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 3.41% to 7.87% over the past few years. This is significantly lower than the nearby Evergreen Middle School, Finn Hill Middle School, and other schools in the Lake Washington School District and Bellevue School District, which have free and reduced lunch rates ranging from 10.25% to 58.25%. Stella Schola's higher per-student spending compared to the district average may be a contributing factor to its academic success.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-8

 13505 NE 75th Street
       Redmond, WA  98052-4032


(425) 936-2475

District: Lake Washington School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
6th of 535 Washington Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,172 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  28.7 Help
Number of students:  89

Racial breakdown:

Asian:
49.4%
White:
37.1%
Two or more races:
7.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  7.9% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Stella Schola ranks better than 98.9% of middle schools in Washington. It also ranks 4th among 12 ranked middle schools in the Lake Washington School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 98.72. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: Asian (49.4%), White (37.1%), two or more races (7.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 7.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Stella Schola is 28.7, which is the highest among 12 middle schools in the Lake Washington School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Stella Schola employs 3.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Stella Schola is $13,172, which is the lowest among 12 middle schools in the Lake Washington School District!
Schooldigger Rankings:

Stella Schola was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Stella Schola 6th of 535 Washington public middle schools. (See Stella Schola in the ranking list.)

Lake Washington School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Lake Washington School District 4th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Stella Schola.

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Rank History for Stella Schola

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Rank History for all students at Stella Schola

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2007 98.96 1st 463 99.8%
2008 99.11 1st 466 99.8%
2009 98.06 3rd 476 99.4%
2010 97.75 2nd 483 99.6%
2011 96.57 4th 492 99.2%
2012 95.78 6th 497 98.8%
2013 95.67 6th 498 98.8%
2015 99.19 1st 445 99.8%
2021 98.06 6th 529 98.9%
2022 98.41 5th 541 99.1%
2023 99.08 3rd 539 99.4%
2024 98.72 6th 535 98.9%
See the entire list of Washington Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Stella Schola

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 98.03 7th 469 98.5%
2022 97.24 9th 479 98.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Stella Schola

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 96.45 17th 476 96.4%
2022 98.89 5th 480 99.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Stella Schola

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 81.96 29th 149 80.5%
2022 85.65 19th 161 88.2%
See the entire list of Best Washington Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for White students at Stella Schola

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 94.30 22nd 480 95.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Stella Schola Test Scores
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Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.3)
83%

0%

0%

0%

17%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, August 26, 2013

Open Quote My child attended Stella Schola for three years and loved it. They have developed a wonderful and challenging curriculum. The teachers are passionate about what they teach. The students really receive a private school education at no cost. It is truly a wonderful program and I would highly recommend this school. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, August 19, 2013

Open Quote I cannot say enough good things about this small choice school except I wish it were bigger, so more students could get such an amazing, excellent education. Stella Schola has all the benefits of a private school without the cost. The curriculum is history/chronologically based, and all subjects are integrated. So the students start learning about the Big Bang Theory in grade six, and I believe they finish up by the World Wars by graduation in grade eight. The integration of subjects makes SO much sense, too; for example, students will be reading medieval literature when they're studying that period in history, and learning the mathematics and scientific theories and formulae of the periods in question. There are so many related field trips and hands-on experiments each month, too, all related to the subjects the kids are learning that session. What does this mean? In a word: retention. The kids tend to retain what they've learned far better and longer.

My eldest daugher was lucky enough to attend this school. Yes, it was rigorous and required more from the students than other schools. Yes, there was more homework assigned, and harder homework, but it was balanced out by the school-sanctioned social events and the classroom bonding experiences (which were many). Yes, the standards were higher than other schools (what might garnish a low A grade elsewhere could get a C, say, at Stella). How do I know this? My youngest child attends another public middle school in the Lake WA School District. She desperately wanted to get into Stella, but she didn't get picked in the "lottery" to get in.(Luckily, she was placed on a waiting list and her number came up, so she will be entering Stella this year, in grade 7. Our family is SO happy!).

There might be a higher turn-around at this school than elsewhere, but I suspect that is because: 1. it's a small school with only 30 students per class, 90 students total. So if 2 or 3 leave, that's a higher attrition percentage than elsewhere. 2. As mentioned, the standards are more rigorous here than elsewhere. The school is very very clear to students and their families about this in advance. They want students to be aware that they will be expected to work hard. Despite the advance notice of the workload and espectations, some students decide that it's just too rigorous. They'd rather get higher grades elsewhere and perhaps not work as hard. I've known families where this played into the decision to have thier child leave Stella (and other harder choice schools).

I want to discuss the teachers here. They are capital-A Amazing. They are always accessible for individual meetings and tutoring with the students (and the parents, too, when needed). There is one teacher assigned for all subjects in grade 6; one for all of grade 7; and, the Stella headmistress and school Latin intructor, Mrs. Brigitte Tennis, teaches all of grade 8. I can't say enough about all the teachers - especially Mrs. Tennis. She has helped my child grow in ways I cannot articulate - not just academically, but socially, too. She believes in balance in life. She believes every single student can succeed. She believes in giving all students the foundation and tools to succeed in life. She believes in hard work, to be balanced with quality "play". She has intervened whenever student dramas unfolded, some petty, some not. She has nipped a few inter-student problem relationships in the bud before they became larger. This is how she runs the school: with fairness, and intervention when appropriate (although she attempts to first let the kids work out their problems themselves. But she definately will mediate when needed. She did so with my child, when problems arose with another girl).

What is the result of this 3-year program? Between the high standards expected of students, the emphasis on writing and quality studying, and the availability of excellent and caring teachers, Stella students have consistently gotten the highest MSP grades in the state of Washington. More importantly than that, though (in my opinion): the students obtain the confidence and tools to excel in high school and beyond. They are able to budget their time better. They are more confident in public speaking. They have better skills in reasoning, and reading and writing. They have better social skills for life. I wish more public schools were like Stella, and more students had access to them. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, August 5, 2011

Open Quote BULLYING ACCEPTED AND PROMOTED HERE - Having had a child at Stella Schola I am extremely DISSAPOINTED. The main reason is the Headmistress Brigitte Tennis. After several conversations with Brigitte about bullying she REFUSED to take any action at ALL - let me repeat - NO ACTION, no conversation with students, nothing. We eventually removed our child. Just look at the retention rate of students... Not the enrollments. Stella Schola has a HIGH turnover for the school size, especially considering this is a "choice" school and a three year program. Brigitte refuses to see anything wrong with the school at all. Every school and organization can always improve. Brigitte is a publicity seeking narcissist who cannot see beyond her own reflection. Unfortunately there are a couple of teachers who are very good and caring, but powerless to do anything... What a sad depressing place...Starting from the sub standard third world classrooms and facilities... If you love your child don't send them to this school. Close Quote


by a student
Thursday, June 9, 2011

Open Quote Stella Schola is truely the BEST. SCHOOL. EVER. I have gone there for all the three years, and have learnt valuable study skills, and useful life skills, while having an intruging time with people who practically become your family. The teachers are absolutely amazing. All of them decicate themselves to help the students be the best they can be while having tons of fun along the way.If you want your child to look forward to school send them to Stell Schola. Close Quote


by a citizen
Friday, January 29, 2010

Open Quote The best kept secret in the Lake Washington School District. A model the district should seriously examine to study ways to replicate the success of this school so kids throughout the district might someday have the same opportunity.

The secret of its success? A dedicated teaching staff of 3 who instilling a passion for learning, an integrated cirriculumn that inspires students, a building of bonds between students who study together in one room with one teacher each year, encouraged involvement of parents. All of this accomplished in 3 temporary structures set in the back of the Rose Hill Junior High campus. All of this in a *public* school.

These kids get an education that kids at private schools on the Eastside don't get at the cost of thousands of dollars. Why do parents have to enter a lottery to get their kids into this school??? Why can't the district's goal be to make this level of quality available to every kid in the Lake Washington School? District? Close Quote



Enrollment information for Stella Schola

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2005 75 2 12 0 0 n/a n/a 0 89
2006 70 3 16 0 1 n/a n/a 0 90
2007 72 4 9 0 1 n/a n/a 0 86
2008 76 3 9 0 1 n/a n/a 0 89
2009 77 1 12 1 0 n/a n/a 0 91
2010 70 3 15 0 0 n/a n/a 1 89
2011 71 3 13 1 0 0 2 0 90
2012 67 2 14 2 0 0 4 0 89
2013 61 0 17 3 0 0 4 0 85
2014 56 0 24 4 0 0 7 0 91
2015 47 0 36 3 0 0 5 0 91
2016 41 0 39 2 0 0 6 0 88
2017 39 0 37 3 0 0 11 0 90
2018 36 0 39 4 0 0 11 0 90
2019 33 1 38 7 0 0 9 0 88
2020 27 1 44 8 0 0 8 0 88
2021 32 1 39 7 0 0 9 0 88
2022 34 0 39 7 0 0 8 0 88
2023 33 0 44 4 0 0 7 1 89

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Stella Schola

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 89 n/a n/a 0
2006 90 3.0 30.0 0
2007 86 3.0 28.7 0
2008 89 3.0 29.7 0
2009 91 3.0 30.3 n/a
2010 89 3.0 29.6 n/a
2011 90 3.0 30.0 0
2012 89 3.1 28.7 3.4
2013 85 3.0 28.3 4.7
2014 91 n/a n/a 5.5
2015 91 3.0 30.3 7.7
2016 88 3.0 29.3 6.8
2017 90 3.1 29.0 3.3
2018 90 3.1 29.0 3.3
2019 88 3.1 28.3 3.4
2020 88 3.1 28.3 3.4
2021 88 3.1 28.3 5.7
2022 88 3.1 28.3 3.4
2023 89 3.1 28.7 7.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Stella Schola

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 89 n/a n/a 0
2006 90 3.0 30.0 0
2007 86 3.0 28.7 0
2008 89 3.0 29.7 0
2009 91 3.0 30.3 n/a
2010 89 3.0 29.6 n/a
2011 90 3.0 30.0 0
2012 89 3.1 28.7 3.4
2013 85 3.0 28.3 4.7
2014 91 n/a n/a 5.5
2015 91 3.0 30.3 7.7
2016 88 3.0 29.3 6.8
2017 90 3.1 29.0 3.3
2018 90 3.1 29.0 3.3
2019 88 3.1 28.3 3.4
2020 88 3.1 28.3 3.4
2021 88 3.1 28.3 5.7
2022 88 3.1 28.3 3.4
2023 89 3.1 28.7 7.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

6th Grade Immunization Rates

Stella Schola

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YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201886.7%3.3%3.3%0.0%0.0%96.7%90.0%96.7%93.3%93.3%90.0%
201983.3%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%100.0%83.3%100.0%100.0%100.0%83.3%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health

Immunization Rates (Entire school)

Stella Schola

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YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201986.7%2.2%3.3%1.1%98.9%97.8%97.8%95.6%97.8%97.8%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Stella Schola

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $364 (3.2%) $11,049 (96.8%) $11,413
2020 n/a $5,230 (100.0%) $5,230
2021 $332 (3.0%) $10,784 (97.0%) $11,116
2022 $506 (3.8%) $12,666 (96.2%) $13,172

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Stella Schola

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students8889
 1.1%
African American10
 100%
American Indian00
Asian3844
 15.8%
Hispanic74
 42.9%
Pacific Islander00
White3333
Two or More Races97
 22.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients3.4%7.9%
 4.5%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Stella Schola

In the 2022-23 school year, 89 students attended Stella Schola.

Yes! Stella Schola is one of the best middle schools in the state. It ranks 6th of 535 Washington middle schools.

Students at Stella Schola are 49% Asian, 37% White, 8% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic, 1% Not Specified.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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