Tucson Country Day School

I've been a parent of TCDS students since the school opened in 2000. We've watched the school grow and have seen some struggles. The bottom line for me is this - did and do my children receive a quality education in a caring, encouraging and safe environment and were they/will they be prepared for high school when they leave TCDS? I have tree children who have already graduated from TCDS- they attended the school for 6, 8 and 10 years, respectively. My two older children are both high AIMS scholars and received tuition waivers to the AZ college of their choice. My 3rd child is on the honor roll at her high school and excelling in sports. They all enjoyed their years at TCDS and were extremely well prepared for high school. I have two children still at TCDS. Both have been there since their preschool years. One is in elementary school and the other in middle school. Both excel academically, have many friends, feel safe at school and enjoy being part of the TCDS community. Our experience with Middle School, having three children finish it and one still there, has been superb. We've had our minor issues but overall we've been extremely pleased. TCDS is an excellent school.
--Submitted by a parent

The reason that some parents think the school is wonderful is that most are not in Middle School. I truly hope things will change but we were so happy with the school until Middle School and my children went to this school for 7 years. I have seen great teachers leave to be replaced with in some cases really good teachers but then there those that should have been let go and have never been done. The policys can only do good if they are actually enforced. Too much has already gone undone. I have also volunteered for years and been part of SPA. It doesn't matter. I think they should really re-think the middle school. We had some great teachers like Ms Courtney and Ms. Weinstein and Ms. Rayan but that is about it anymore the rest can be replaced and that would be great. I know what the person said about sour grapes and bullying being handled at home but when your kid gets tortured and the kids doing it are kids who parents are teachers it is a different story. Or if they have special needs you just have to learn to deal with it. This use to be a great school. I hope one day it will return to just that.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter began preschool in 2009. She is now in kindergarten. She was reading by the beginning of this school year, and she is by no means the only student in her class who reads. We selected this school because we were impressed by the school's commitment to teach the kids respect, patriotism and core academic subjects. We have not experienced the issues that some of the other parents have, and perhaps this is because we volunteer at the school and we work with our daughter at home. We also make a conscious effort to model good behavior for our daughter, and hopefully for the other kids, too. The Champion Days are great, as they really instill a sense of self-pride in the kids without being overly praising. There is an anti-bullying program in place, but if the root of the bullying begins at home; the bullies' parents should also be held accountable. While I cannot address the validity of the disgruntled reviews on this site, I can say that good ideas are valued if real effort is made to help implement them. Complaining is useful for identifying areas for improvement, but as with anything, does not in itself make any changes or fix the problems.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended TCDS for four years. I have been extremely impressed with the education, social skills, after school activities that this school offers. This school is not about dropping off your kid and not being involved. Parent involvement is a key part of the TCDS experience and being a part of giving your child the best education, values and behaviors. I am continually informed on how my child is doing because there is open communication with the teachers and staff. Yes there always is room for improvement and when you have a suggestion they listen. The education level is amazing and also challenging for all students. I know that there was some bullying issues last year. It was not a good situation for some of the students. I agree that it wasn't handled as well as it should have been. After many hours with staff, parents, and students they have adopted a new bullying policy this year. This year they really focused on being a champion and what it means to be a good citizen. They have had champion and community building days and now pride shirts. The staff is working so hard in helping all students! As a parent I am very proud of TCDS!
--Submitted by a parent

I just want to bring up one point regarding the bullying policy. Did any of you hear about the incident in 5th grade where one student told another that if he had a bullet he would put it in their head. Yes, it happened and the school did absolutely nothing. The school should of handled this immediatley but instead he spent one day out of school and there were no consequences. He continued to harrass this student and it wasn't until the parent had to get Tucson Police Department that something was done. Even then it wasn't the school that handled it TPD took care of the situation. What is this teaching our children? It's ok to make threats and have absolutely no consequences? And this was after their Anti-Bullying Policy was issued. I guess since it didnt have to do with AIMS scores it wasnt a big enough issue to be taken seriously.

Pulled my kids from this school after the last school year. Its too bad, our kindergardner just loved Mr. Wright. Teachers are leaving, the Principal has no clue what he is doing, the asst principal is a total joke, no people skills whatsoever. My son had 4 different teachers last year for his spanish class, he and the teachers switched direction and were lost most of the class. Do your self a favor, speak to other parents, we are so relieved our kids will not be attending this school again.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! My child will be starting their 5th year at TCDS in August. We have great teachers, admin and staff who truly care about our kids and help them achieve their full potential. My child is receiving a top notch education in a safe and supportive environment. Unfortunately at this time there are a few parents who are struggling with the growth of this school and are spending a lot of time bad mouthing it on sites such as this. Visit the school for yourself and you will see why it is the home of the "champions"
--Submitted by a parent

Our three-year old attends the preschool and we are thrilled with the education and socialization he receives. Every day, it seems he comes home with new knowledge that amazes us. Recently, it was how to tell right from left, a skill he didn't have before. When we ask him where he learned this word or that skill, he always replies, "Ms. ______ (his teacher from school) taught me." It is so much more than a daycare. The daily curriculum includes pledging the flag, Spanish, and reading. Lots and lots of stories. The kids do art projects taught by an art specialist. Play time is built into the day, and our son has made many friends. When the children have a problem they are encouraged and empowered to solve it themselves. We can't say enough about the director and the school staff.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for 6 years and just graduated 8th grade. I am very impressed with his academic and social progess. I am a parent that takes resposibitlity for my children's education and work in collaboration with teachers and administration to ensure their success. I have two more children coming up in age and one attending the preschool next year. I have every confidence in the teachers and administration regarding my children. I think that attacking teachers and staff without knowing them is uncalled for and really sad. The teachers here are of the highest calliber and so much is expected of teachers these days. I look forward to the next 12-15 years here at TCDS.
--Submitted by a parent

Normally, I don't write reviews because I believe reviews like these about a company or a school are usually written by people who are disgruntled and unhappy. When I see the most recent reviews of what I know is a great school, my opinion is only confirmed. Great Schools rated TCDS as an 8 star school and it would be unfortunate for new parents who put huge effort into finding a good school for their kids to be swayed by the mean spirited comments of a few disgruntled and unappeased parents who represent a small minority of the school. TCDS is by far one of the best schools in Arizona. The teachers, staff and admin are honest, hard working and strive to prepare all students for life, not just academically but also socially. I have had children at the school since it opened in 2000 & still have 2 children there. FACT: Of the 44 teachers on staff, only 5 teachers were new this year. They replaced 2 teachers who moved out of state, 2 who left for personal reasons and 1 filled a brand new position. One teacher who left last year moved back to AZ and has excitedly rejoined the staff for next year. Parents, please visit TCDS and see for yourself. TCDS is a great school.
--Submitted by a parent