Tuscaloosa Magnet School - Elementary

After finishing a wonderful first grade year, we were thrilled with the quality of our first year. My son's teacher was wonderful, but so were the other two. The quality of the physical activity is phenomenal and the coaches work the kids, and the kids love it. The principal is available and present. Children see her, not because they have to, but because they want to. How often does that happen? It has been a pleasure to meet so many involved parents from all over the Tuscaloosa community. One of the greatest pleasures is to get to go to school with everyone in your city and to get to know so many from the community. We look forward to the upcoming school year and a wonderful and challenging educational year. Oh, and yes, in first grade there was regular homework.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very good school, but it isn't as perfect as many here suggest. First off, the high score largely has to do with the fact that it is a magnet school and draws off the top students from area schools. Yes, it has a good score, but that comes at the expense of making other schools in the city worse by lowering their average test scores. Second, all of the extra-curricular stuff is nice, but it isn't a replacement for solid schoolwork. The teachers care, but they are apparently instructed to give as little homework as possible, Okay, maybe some research suggests too much homework doesn't help, but our children have had almost no homework all year while our son struggles with his multiplication. He needed regular homework throughout the year, and having parent-assigned work isn't as good. Third, I would rather see this school eliminate the questionable field trips and give the kids back recess! They are typically instructed not to talk at lunch, during P.E. on the bus or carpool line ... are they expected not be social, involved little people? TMS strives to be more than a typical authoritarian Southern school but still needs come practice to get it right.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very happy to see even more interest in learning from my daughter. The project based learning gave my daughter a new way to learn how to apply herself. The principal spent countless extra hours developing enrichment programs to be implemented at the school. Quality learning from math, english, science, foreign language, and even P.E.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two kids in this school - one in th elementary school and one in the middle school. Both schools are absoultely fabulous and represent a significant improvement in the quality of public education in the Tuscaloosa City School System. The elementary school principal provides fabulous leadership and support to a group of innovative and committed teacher. The active learning has kept both of our kids excited about learning and eager to go to school. The partnerhship program with The University of Alabama provides opportunities not typical of a public school system with children learning everthing from geology, to French, to guitar lessons.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter really enjoyed her first year at TMSE. She was always excited about the new opportunities to learn. The UA partnership program is the best, by allowing the children to interact and learn about so many different things. My daugher and I are already looking forward to the TMSE 2010 -2011 school year.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been delighted with the Magnet School! The partnership with the University of Alabama is wonderful and the enrichment programs add so much to the curriculum. The teachers are very strong. My children love going there!
—Submitted by a parent

TMSE is an amazing school! My daughter has been given so many opportunities in this first year! I am constantly amazed at the faculty and staff involvement! The school provides a wonderful educational environment!
—Submitted by a parent

This has been a wonderful experience for my children. I highly recommend it. My children have been exposed to things they wouldn't have been before and it has been exciting for them.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended TME this year. At first it was challenging for my daughter but the teachers and the faulty were very supporting and gave her the confidence she needed to work harder. I really appreciate all the hard work everyone put in to make this school year a great success.
—Submitted by a parent

TMSE is an excellent school, due to the wonderful leadership by the principal and the fabulous faculty. The faculty have the full support of the principal in allowing them to try new and innovative teaching techniques. Project-based learning is key to the success of the Magnet School (also known as the "Magic" School because magic does happen there!). The opportunity for students to explore other interests beyond the typical elementary studies through the UA partnership and club days allows students to stretch and grow and learn in ways not often found in an elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved the experience that the school provided for both my child and my family. The teachers, administration and staff are geared toward providing a great learning experience for every child. The methods of teaching and learning allow the children to reach a level of education above and beyond the expected all while keeping them engaged and having fun.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm thrilled that my children attend Tuscaloosa Magnet schools (one in elementary and one in the middle school). TMSE has excellent leadership and innovative learning methods. Kids actually interact and don't just sit and "listen" to a lecture. TMSE keeps everyone involved!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Tusc Magnet School last year (one completed 3rd grade and the other completed 8th grade). I regret that there are no higher grades than 8th grade. This past year was a wonderful experience for both of my children. I especially like the project-base learning and hope that my soon to be 4th grader will get even mor eof it next year.
—Submitted by a parent

BOTH OF MY KIDS GO HERE AND I LOVE IT. ITS BETTER THAN THE OTHER SCHOOLS BECAUSE THEY WERE SO FAR AHEAD OF THE OTHER KIDS. THE TEACHERS HERE ARE GREAT AND MRS. B IS WONDEFULL..
—Submitted by a parent

I ENJOY SENDING MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO SCHOOL SO SHE CAN LEARN AND EXPERINCE DIFFERENT THINGS.THE TEACHERS,PRINCIPAL ARE GREAT LEADERS.

I LOVE THE CURRICULUM BECAUSE EVERYDAY MY DAUGHTER COMES HOME SMILING EAR TO EAR AND CAN HARDLY WAIT TO TELL ME ABOUT HER DAY OF FUN- FILLED YET MIND CHALLENGING EXPERIENCES THROUGH OUT HER SCHOOL DAY. THE TEACHERS ARE ENTHUSIASTIC TO TEACH AND THE PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE EVEN MORE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT PLANNING EVENTS FOR THE SCHOOL.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at TMSE (1st, 3rd) and have found their experience and mine to be first rate. Their teachers are imaginative, caring, and professional. Not once have my kids 'I don't want to go to school' or 'I'm bored' this year. I attribute their attitude to the quality of the teaching staff, the unique partnership classes with UA, and 'clubs' they can join which have enhanced their learning and exposed them to subjects they were not able to explore previously.
—Submitted by a parent

TMSE does a great job of getting students to think differently about solving problems. They are learning that there are usually many ways to approach every problem and arrive at a solution. Also, they do a lot ot team/group learning, which helps to build a sense of responsibility and pride of ownership.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons attend Tuscaloosa Magnet and they love it. I think that it's wonderful how the teachers put a fun and intereting twist in their teaching methods.
—Submitted by a parent