Van Horne Elementary School

This school has been closed by TUSD. It is empty. It should be taken out of the Great Schools database.

becoming dissatisfied with this school due to diminishing resources for the kids.The class sizes are large and the teachers have no aide. the school counselor is no longer there. good amount of activities for families. PTO is very weak and unattended.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended kindergarten there and it was great. Now he is in 1st grade. It's a catastrophe. The class size went from 15 students to 30 students with the second grade (also 30 kids) in an adjacent room with an opening. My son went from loving to hating school. Within two weeks he and the peers at his table went into time out three times. This is because the teacher is overwhelmed. I don't understand why the school is not allowed to hire another teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons have attended Van Horne, and I have been very pleased with the school. The principal has been wonderful, especially in helping with a bullying problem we had. I have loved the very active parent involvement. The PTO is very active, and organizes many excellent events for the whole family. Both of my kids have thrived at this school.
--Submitted by Jan Holder, a parent

This school is amazing! The leadership there is wonderful. Both of my children attend this school and we are in under open enrollment. I drive 25 minutes each way just so they can come here. They really do care not just about the child but the whole family. The office staff and the nurses are loving and attentive. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by Donna, a parent

The principal has been at Van Horne for two years and has recruited exceptional teachers during his tenure all of whom go way beyond the call of duty. Our son's teacher has taken the time to know everything about how our son learns. She has created a classroom environment that is calm, inviting and fun. Our interactions with other staff members has always been very satisfying, this includes the office staff, exceptional education staff, the crossing guards, and the nursing staff. The after school program is also wonderful and is run by the Ott YMCA. Parents are involved and there are many school activities that include families such as family movie night.
--Submitted by Ginny and James Studwell, a parent

While the school environment is solid/good in many ways the school Principal is not an adult I want influencing my children in any way. I will return my children to Van Horne when TUSD replaces this Principal.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers have all been very good, and for the most part, very easy to communicate with. The parent involvement is great, especially on field trips and other school events. There is a band program for childern from 4th grade through 5th. This is the first year that the principal has had dual principalship. The school is in a nice neighborhood, and is well maintained. Track and field is offered, and they are just now beginning an official PE class (I believe 2 times a week).
--Submitted by a parent

This school has very good teachers.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son just promoted from 5th grade, after attending Van Horne for 5 years. I also had a kindergarden there, as well. The school is really great. It's a shame that TUSD moved it's boundries and the schools population is decreasing. This is also a good point because class sizes are small. (Open enrollment is strongly encouraged.) My children got the one-on-one that was needed for each class. The teachers are there for the children and encouraged them to do their best. I served as the PTO treasurer for a year and the decreased population is hendering the budget. The PTO wants the students to have fun in all their learnings and activities. The principal, Mrs. Bing, is kind and understanding and knows each child by name. I will miss the friendly faces of the staff at Van Horne, they have helped me to help my children to grow.
--Submitted by J M, a parent