Lakeside School

There's no question that what makes North Seattle's Lakeside School a fantastic place to get an education is the teachers and faculty, who tell us, "this is a magical place to work." From the beginning, they say, they're made to feel supported to the utmost degree. New teachers at this nonprofit school for grades 5-12 (they also won in our 'Favorite nonprofit' category) are mentored by older teachers. All teachers map out their own long-term professional development plans and are given the time and money to pursue whatever additional training they want to be the best educators they can be. The result is a student body with a 100 percent advancement rate to 4-year colleges, and that, according to one proud staffer, is "accomplished with the wisdom of an excellent faculty, the support of excellent staff and ethical wisdom of compassionate superb leadership. A true team effort!"

Other top finalists*

• Antioch University Seattle
• FuturePoly
• Gonzaga University
• Green River Community College
• Headsprout
• Lake Washington Technical College
• Northshore Christian Academy
• South Seattle Community College
• University of Washington

*Listed in alphabetical order