Charles W. Tewinkle Middle School

I am a parent of a newly promoted 8th grader. I must say, I had my reservations about TeWinkle. There were many rumors about TeWinkle, and the "bad' students, 'gangs'...the list goes on. I told my daughter who was and will be in all AP classes, that the moment she felt she wasn't learning, or she felt bullied etc. to let me know. To make a long story short, every fear I had was completely, and utterly unfounded. The kids there are friendly, polite, and sweet. My daughter knew only children who were motivated to do well, considerate and a pleasure to know. The teachers were SO helpful, hardworking and communicative. My daughter scored in the advanced levels on the STAR tests, and now she is in all honours classes as she moves onto High School. TeWinkle is great, and I will never judge a school again, until after my kids have attended it. One more thing, the old and the new principals are completely available for any concerns you may have. The school is small, and it is very easy for parents to be involved in their child's very good education. There are many non-white students there, and they are no different than my kids. A wonderful and all too fast experience.
--Submitted by a parent

This year is one of the best years I have had at TeWinkle. We got a brand new gym, and it is my 8th Grade year. There is a new program at Tewinkle called ZAP (zeros aren't permitted) if you do not complete your homework you have to call your parents, to tell them you will be staying after school to complete your homework. I think this program has been very effective. I am looking forward to my years at Estancia.
--Submitted by a student

This is my son's second year at Tewinkle. We moved to this area from Buena Park where my son went to elementary school for all 6 grades and kindergarten. The move was difficult for him. He had no friends as they were all left in Buena Park schools. I am happy to say he has adjusted well at Tewinkle and now has many friends. He loves school and is really working hard this year to improve his grades over last year. Tewinkle is a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at TeWinkle, and I am so proud of the gains our school has made. Our principal has set a climate where teachers are allowed to teach and students are encouraged to reach for excellence. I saw very few, if any, disruptions during this last school year. If you want a school that is supportive and active in the community - TeWinkle is the best choice!
--Submitted by a teacher

I am a teacher at TeWInkle. Nothing special about it either way. It's a normal middle school with the same positives/negatives as any other. Your child will succeed if you value education.
--Submitted by a teacher

i currently go to tewinkle and i think its a cool school i havent seen any physical bullying yet so i think in those years they bullied but not this year so maybe there is a little name calling but doesnt that happen in almost every school if you never attended that school dont vote.
--Submitted by a student

Even though some people don't want to pass, most of the students do want to succeed. The teachers are good and Dr.Baurmeister (sp?) has many programs to help failing students with their studies.
--Submitted by a student

My son tells me that his classes at Tewinkle are filled with so many disruptive students that many of his teachers have to yell just to get the class to quiet down so they can begin teaching. Although this may work I don t really think it looks that professional and it wastes my son s learning time.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently go to tewinkle school(2007) and it is truly horrible. The teachers are very un-open and embracing with there students. I get bullied alot here and I do not reccomend this school for any parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended Twinkle (as we called it) from 1999-2000. The bullying was intense, and resulted in broken (nose, ribs). The teachers knew what was going on and supported the bullies, once informing me that I would have detention for a week while I was at the emergency room getting stitches from being smashed with a glass bottle. I went on a hunger strike and went from 85 lbs to 65 before the let me to transfer to Ensign with some classes at OCC. If your child is black, foreign other than Mexican, small or smart, do NOT send them Tewinkle.
--Submitted by a former student