Soleng Tom Elementary School

The staff is excellent and parent involvement is incredible. Although the principle is sometimes harsh, she does have everything in order. She should be a little more flexible to some teachers' ideas.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was once a wonderful school that practically ran itself because of its excellent teachers and staff. The current principal does not lead the school; instead, she controls it with intimidation and manipulation. As a result, almost all the really good teachers and support staff (including a counselor recently voted the top elementary school counselor in Arizona) have bailed out, either taking early retirement or moving to other schools (over 25 so far under this principal). The parents are no happier, which has resulted in less and less parent support. As a former employee, as well as the parent of 3 children who have attended this school under its current principal, I cannot with good conscience recommend Soleng Tom anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

What a great staff if they would only stay! The Principal is too demanding and does not allow for creativity. Very micromanaging and treats teachers as slaves.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school are excellent But the turnover rate is horrendous. If you like curriculum all day and no breaks then you would like this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Soleng tom was once a great school, but good teachers are leaving and the ones who remain are constantly stressed out. Sadly, this school has been mismanaged into the ground. However, parental involvement is great and the ptsa provides for many extracurricular activities. I would probably not recommend this school until they replace the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents are the strength of Soleng Tom. The administrative staff skills are dismal and quality teachers are leaving. I would not recommend this elementary school to my family or friends.
—Submitted by a parent

Soleng Tom was once a great school; however, under the present principal, it has become a mediocre school with a largely mediocre staff. Parent involvement is still OK, but it is dwindling. Administrator seems to have many private agendas. There is no computer lab. Classrooms are too small for the number of students assigned to them. Safety and traffic control problems continue to plague the parking/pickup/drop-off areas, and promised surveys soliciting parental input on these issues have not been provided.
—Submitted by a parent

Provided a safe learning environment. Staff is friendly, helpful and well prepared. Our child received a top rate education from a public school. Provided many opportunities for parental involvement in classes as well as with other students and parents. Orchestra program while crowded provided fundamental skills which helped our child decide to continue with music.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful participation of parents,teachers and principal. Our children have been there a total of 10 years, no complaints! A great start for anyones education.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Teachers and other staff go above and beyond to provide a quality educational foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel the school in general is very good academic wise, there however is a need for more emphasis on individuality needs as far as personality differences. To much attention is placed on 'cutesy' type things like the giving or taking of 'peace bugs' or the like, depending on the grade level. A child starts the day with so many of these 'items'and as the day wears on they lose one or more of these items for 'misbehavior', at days end the child's day is judged on how many 'items' they have been able to maintain. I disagree with this 'value calculator' as well as with the inability to diffentiate the obvious differences/ expectations between male and female students, way to much generalization done here. The principal is very 'my way is the way'.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started Soleng Tom in January of 2005. He loved the activities and the learning environment and had a wonderful two quarters with Mrs. Brunenkant. Well done, Soleng Tom!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the top schools in TUSD for parent involvement. I had two children who attended here and I would recommend it very highly. Teachers are wonderful. Great school overall!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a great extracurricular program. My son really enjoys and looks forward to going to those programs during his school day. They also have a ""desert habitat"" which is amazing, and a wonderful hands-on way for the kids to learn about our desert.

Soleng Tom is an excellent school with active parent participation. Our extra-curricular activities are lacking due to non funding from TUSD but our PTSA has been quick to help fund a music & Spanish teacher to our children to make up for that. Overall, I am a very satisfied parent.