Tavan Elementary School

This is not a good school if your child is an advanced student. Slacking gifted program and little support from teachers or administration.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Tavan for the last 4 years. In second grade he was diagnosed with ADHD. The principal and teacher was EXTREMELY helpful with providing him with the help he needed to be successful. My son had attended the Sonoran Science Academy where the 1st grade teacher was horrible, negative and yelled at him often. We also explored St. Theresa's School, but they were unable to provide help my son needed with ADHD. I also have a son in kindergarten. He has received absolute love and kindness from his teacher. I feel she has made the class challenging for them and he is excelling as a result. He is already reading independently. I am so happy my children are at Tavan!
—Submitted by a parent

The kindergarten program here is great, and the teachers are wonderful. But after that, I am not impressed. I have been around this school for a while now. The principal is very difficult to communicate with and is more interested in sweeping issues under the rug rather than dealing with them. She likes to lecture students, parents, and teachers, but is not willing to listen to anyone and speaks in a very disrespectful tone. A very negative environment. Many parents have been taking their children out of the school and placing them in nearby alternative schools. Also, many of the great teachers have left to teach at other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had at least one child at Tavan for the past three years. I feel they are getting an excellent education. The teachers and Mrs. Margaret Serna are devoted to early childhood education and it shows in everything they do! Mrs. Serna is always getting grants for new school equipment and programs. She loves the kids like they are her grandchildren. She is a constant fixture on campus. I literally give thanks to God we are able to have our children attend this wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, Mrs. Serna, is extremely committed to helping kids succeed and the teaching staff is excellent--my children have benefitted from many outstanding people and programs offered through this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Tavan (Ms, Serna) helped my son out in a dire need from Hopi ES, without her I don't know what I would have done! Tavan is a great ES and meets every need that our son needs to get the education he needs to. The teachers are very will educated and know their job as well as what is expected of them they are firm and treat the child as if they were their own. The teachers are concerned about the children in the classrooms and it shows upon them.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at tavan, and we could not be happier with the kindergarten program, including opportunities for accelerated learning, staff involvement at all levels, and safety of the campus. We're looking forward to next year!
—Submitted by a parent

Tavan creates a positive atmosphere. When you walk on the grounds, you feel like you are part of a family. Everyone is happy to make you feel at home-a safe place for your children to be.
—Submitted by a parent

Tavan is a family focused school. There is an open door policy between the classrooms and the principal's office. It is such a comfortable place to be kids an parents tend to hang out after school almost daily.
—Submitted by a parent

The great parent involvment, planning wonderful events for our Tavan families. The administration is involved in all the events. Our school Tavan is a community of families where each child is important. Our staff wants our children to excell.
—Submitted by a parent

We have so many programs available to help, both our children at risk, as well as our gifted students to achieve their best! A great mix of families from all over the world . . . led by the BEST TEACHERS IN THE WORLD!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Tavan because the students love to learn and they are happy to be there!!
—Submitted by a parent

Tavan is an amazing school. The teachers and staff are highly qualified and implement interventions to help a variety of students succeed. it is a collaborative and positive community!
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone at Tavan goes above and beyond for their students!
—Submitted by a teacher

I love the parent involvement, our generous devoted PTO, and driven staff. The three together define the word community!
—Submitted by a parent

My kid had gone to this school for about 3 years now. I had transfered them to another school closer to home but that didn't last very long. Tavan had left such a great impression on us that we had to bring our kids back.
—Submitted by a parent

We chose this school (after researching all the schools in the Scottsdale District) for our children in spite of warnings from other parents about the challenges of sending our children to school with a large percentage of non-English speakers. They couldn't have been more wrong. Our children are receiving a high quality education. They are adequately challenged and are very happy. The PTA is really strong and the atmosphere at the school makes it easy to be a part of the life of the school. If you want to prepare your children for the world, this is the school for them. Our children are receiving a well-rounded education and they are happy to go to school and don't want to miss out on even one day...which will ensure their continued success.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a positive experience at Tavan. Our daughter has been adequetly challenged and the teachers and administration has been quick to address any arising issues/concerns. The teachers are amazing and truly 'make' the school. Tavan continues to grow in a positive direction.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started out very slow and his 1st teacher immediatly noticed the struggled and envolved other teachers to help evaluate the situation. He worked with the Tavan reading group, who saw the need for a summer reading program (a free service w/ SUSD). His self esteem and reading shot up a great deal. The school picked up right where they left off when my son started 2nd grade and continued testing to see how things were going. He continues to need the service of special education, which I feel has helped him a great deal. He enjoys his core class and is involved in the weekly music, art computer & gym classes. Tavan also offers many social activities, allowing for families to meet. The PTA is strong and is trying to get more parents involved. The staff is great and the VP is very involved with the school. It's great!
—Submitted by a parent

Tavan has been a great experience for our family. The teachers are truly concerned with my child's progress and ensures that she is adequately challenged. The diversity has been a great experience for our family as it is teaching tolerance and acceptance of everyone! The greatest challenge that I see is parent involvement, however, I am begining to see this increase. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a diverse, positive and enriching public education.
—Submitted by a parent