As one of the first elementary schools built in the Sammamish-Issaquah area, Sunny Hills enjoys strong parental support for its goal of academic excellence.
The school reports that each student is represented by a parent or Sunny Hills staff member in its PTA. School officials say that support can be seen in various programs, including choir, wildlife, science and gardening classes, and chess clubs.
Sunny Hills also tries to broaden students' world views. In the past, students donated clothing and toys for children in Bolivia.
During the 2009-10 academic year, the school had 36 teachers who helped 618 students. Of that number, 328 were boys and 290 were girls. On average, each teacher had 12 years of experience. On the faculty, 72 percent had earned their master's degrees.
The school attendance area resembles an upside down T -- with East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast on the southwest side and 228th Avenue Southeast bordering the western boundary.