To be sure, Bellevue’s International School is a unique offering and an excellent academic experience. But it is certainly neither the only, nor the most rigorous, academic experience in the Bellevue School District.

In fact, it is difficult not to have an academically challenging and rewarding education in the Bellevue School District, if that is your goal.

Students who qualify academically are eligible for two levels of the PRISM program, part-time or full-time, beginning as early as first grade, and continuing all the way through eighth grade.

Virtually all of Bellevue’s high schools are consistently ranked in the Top 200 nationally, and within those schools are the AP and Running Start programs, as well the International Baccalaureate and Gifted International Baccalaureate programs at Interlake High School. Those programs are not admission by lottery.

Our son applied to International, and was waitlisted. However, we elected to pursue the PRISM and Gifted IB path and have no regrets.

His best friend was accepted into International, and upon comparing notes, there are no regrets there either. Perhaps the International admission policy is somewhat unique, but the logistics and familial challenges presented by splitting attendances would have far worse outcomes than than the current policy.

We are extremely fortunate to have the educational options provided in Bellevue, a tribute to the dedication and vision of the late Dr. Mike Riley. My biggest fear is that his replacement will not share his vision or be able to maintain what Dr. Riley and so many other dedicated educational professionals have created.

Richard L. Johnson, Bellevue