Fruchthendler Elementary School

My son is in 5th grade and has been here since 2nd grade. He has been pushed appropriately and has had a well rounded education with one caring teacher after another. He has embraced reading for pleasure and increased his responsibility and social/emotional growth. Unfortunately, art and Spanish are underfunded and sporadic, but he does have music and PE weekly.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is very high. The PTA is extremely strong and our fundraising efforts are very successful. In 2006 the PTA, through fundraising, purchased electronic interactive smart boards for each classroom. Additionally, parent donations purchased new playground equipment. If there is a negative to this, I understand some parents feel financial pressure due to these efforts. Overall, these efforts benefit the students enormously. Parental participation in the school, as well as financial support, coupled with outstanding teachers are the cornerstones to this excellent elementary school. Music, Art, P.E. and a variety of school clubs are available and encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with this schoool. Our daughter was accepted to the self-contained GATE program at a different school, but we decided to keep her in Fruchthendler instead, because we are so pleased with the program there.
—Submitted by a parent

Fruchthendler E.S. is a terrific school when I sent my child there when she was younger. The teachers are nice and excellent. They truely care about the students. I would tell anyone to send their child there. Also, it is extremely safe. Parents are always welcome and involved.
—Submitted by a parent

High level of parental involvement. Some classes have over 4 room parents! I wish classes stressed more 'essentials' such as proficient handwriting.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs is very high. An excellent music program is made available to all student. Parental involvment is exceptional
—Submitted by a parent

my child attended Fruchthendler in fourth and fifth grade. overall I was please with the academic, teachers and activities. The one weak spot is computers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transferred from a District 16 school to this school for her second grade year. Her teacher was wonderful and she learned a lot. However, class size is very large--27 and they say it will grow next year and there is no computer lab; no dedicated music or art teacher so volunteers teach these classes. There is much parental involvement and much volunteerism. The Principal, John Heidel, does a great job. All and all I recommend this school and think it compares to District 16 schools except in the above areas that were mentioned. It is the crown jewel for TUSD elementary schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I have enjoyed having my children, grades 4 and 2 attend this school this past year. The teachers they had were excellent and I feel they got a great year of education. The school was a bit lax on sending home information to the parents I felt on school happenings.
—Submitted by a parent

Beware of the huge difference between 2nd grade requirements and 3rd grade requirements. The bar is very wide between the two. Also, at the end of 3rd grade, no matter how painful the process, your child will have tested well (AIMS/Stanford 9) and will be ready for 4th grade.