All About Artondale Elementary School

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Everyday Moments
A Welcoming Community
Additional Thoughts From Parents & Students
Artondale Elementary School Stats
Neighborhoods Within School Boundary

As your neighborhood expert I’m here to show you all the ins and outs of life in Gig Harbor, and I know one of the important aspects for families is what the schools in the area are like. Today’s post is all about Artondale Elementary School, a brand new school in the Peninsula School District. Read on to learn more!

Otter Expectations

Jessica Rosendahl, Principal

I’m the principal at Artondale Elementary, and we are the home of the Otters. Artondale Elementary is located in the southwest part of Gig Harbor, and we serve students from preschool through fifth grade, and after they attend Artondale, then they go to Kopachuck Middle School. 

At Artondale Elementary School, we believe that every child every day should explore, create, and be an empathetic global citizen. How we live out those values every day is through our “Otter Expectations.” So we believe that students and staff should Show Respect, Solve Problems, and Make Good Decisions. We also have our themes of the month and those can be anywhere from goal setting to growth mindset and problem solving. It’s a way for students really to learn those lifelong skills and practice it in our school environment.

Mia E., Student

Here in Artondale I’m a fifth grader. The three “Otter Expectations” are Solve Problems, Show Respect, and Make Good Decisions. Lots of kids here always show respect and that’s really kind of them and lots of kids here are very friendly.

Sophia H., Student

I’m in third grade and I’ve been at Artondale for three years. Library day is where Miss Baker reads us a book. This month our trait is empathy and she reads us a book about empathy and being friends. 

Greyson B., Student

I’m in fifth grade. The kids treat me nicely.

Everyday Moments

Rashelle Pratz, Teacher

I teach first grade and this is my 19th year here at Artondale, and most of it’s been first grade. My own kids went to school here, I went to school here in Gig Harbor as well and graduated, and so I just always knew this was a place I wanted to raise my kids and live. It’s just a really great place to be.

Taylor Flynn, Teacher

I teach fifth grade and it is my second year teaching here at Artondale. What I love about teaching is when you are explaining something to a student and at first it’s not clicking and then they have this light bulb moment and they get so excited. It’s just so fun to see that on a student and looking at their growth throughout the year and seeing how much you matter, in a way, that you’ve done so much and worked so hard and they are actually learning, and it’s so great to see.

Jessica Rosendahl, Principal

I am so proud to be Artondale’s principal. It’s in those everyday moments that I see throughout the school when I’m walking into a classroom and I hear a student explaining their thinking about their math problem that they’re solving, or when a student comes up to me and they say, “Mrs. Rosendahl, I reached my reading goal!” and they’re just so proud. Or again, in those interactions that I have with parents and with staff and all students, I’m just so honored to be the principal here.

A Welcoming Community

Jessica Rosendahl, Principal

The staff at Artondale Elementary are amazing. They really think about how to really meet each individual student’s needs. They are a great, warm, collaborative community where we really work together to support one another.

The PTA here at Artondale is probably the most amazing PTA I have ever worked with. They are so supportive—anytime we have an event or if we have a need that we have as a school, they jump right in and they support us. And the parents are wonderful as well in really coming together as a school community. 

Carry McAllister, Parent

I’m a parent—I have two kids, third and fifth grade. I feel great with the school having to buzz in on every door. It’s very safe. 

The school is really good with involving parents. I can volunteer in the classrooms and I do a lot with the PTA in the yearbook, which is really fun. So I’m always in the school.

Taylor Flynn, Teacher

I have grown up in Gig Harbor and it is just such a welcoming, warm community. As a new teacher, you’re coming in and really getting that welcoming feeling, especially during Covid. Parents are so kind, the community is so kind.

Rashelle Pratz, Teacher

Artondale is amazing, and what makes Artondale amazing is the community. It’s the people that live here, it’s being out and about on a weekend and running into the families that I have gotten to know. It’s just the collaborative effort of parents and teachers that just make it a warm and inviting place to be.

Mia E., Student

I am new here. This school was very welcoming to me and I feel like everybody has a smile on their face on the first day of school. I love being an Artondale Otter.

Additional Thoughts From Parents & Students

What Parents Love About Artondale

“The teachers and staff are the friendliest! I love how supportive the PTA/parents are!” 

“I love that the staff connects with the students.” 

“I love the people! We have some amazing teachers and staff. They really make you feel at home at Artondale and it has truly become like family there.”

What They Wish Could Be Better

“Not a thing! With a new school, I feel SO much better about sending my kids there. Originally, with the old building, I was concerned  about health problems from the mold.” 

What Their Children Love About Artondale

“They love all the events/fundraisers/assemblies! Digging into the community, and seeing their friends out and about is so much fun for them.” 

“Seeing their friends and playing.” 

“My child has been at Artondale since he was in preschool at three years old. He is currently in his last year as a fifth grader. He loves the staff and friends who have become family throughout his journey at Artondale.”

What Would They Tell A New Family At Artondale?

“If you can volunteer, and have the time, do it! Being inside the classrooms and getting to know the teachers/staff is such a fun part of being part of the community!”  

“Interact with the school, be on the school board, be a class parent, get involved so you know what is going on daily.”

“The school is brand new and beautiful! The PTA is very welcoming and we have so many fun activities that go on throughout the year that benefit all of our kids.”

Neighborhoods Within School Boundary

Some neighborhoods include:

  • Artondale

    • Artondale Country Estates

    • Artondale Woods

    • Black Bear

    • Brentwood Manor

    • Canta Rana Estates

    • Ford Hill

    • Hidden Ridge

    • Madrona

    • Madrona Vale

    • Meadow Park

    • Pine Crest

    • Swanson

    • West Bay Ridge

    • West Park Estates

  • Cromwell

    • Bridlewood

    • Countryside

    • Cromwell Pointe Estates

    • Eagle Crest

    • Fox Crest

    • Inwood

    • Point Ryan Estates

    • Sea-Fox Estates

    • The Hill at Sunny Bay

  • Rosedale

    • Braewood

    • Rosedale Estates

    • Rosedale Sunset

    • Steeplechase

    • The Dawn

  • Wollochet

    • Bay-view Terrace

    • Cedar Haven Homes

    • Galbraith Waterfront Tracts

    • Tall Timber

    • Wollochet Bay Estates

    • Wollochet Creek Estates

    • Wollochet Yacht Harbor


If you want to learn more about our wonderful community here be sure to check out my blog, or for more information on buying and selling in Gig Harbor and the surrounding area go to askpaigeschulte.com.

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