Tarver Elementary School

This is our first experience with public schools in Colorado. We are pretty happy with Tarver thus far. I'm impressed with the weekly spelling words for the 1st graders, and most of the work they do. My only complaint is that even though my son has complained about school being too easy, Tarver doesn't have GATE or some other program to challenge the kids who need it. Most likely we will be looking for another school to ensure my son stays challenged, I don't want him to fall by the waste side. I can't speak to what the parent involvement is, I have offered to help, but haven't been taken up on my offer. Overall I think that Tarver is a good school with teachers who care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Endured a third performance of "Frog and Toad". As many times as this "play" has been performed through the years one would think the teachers would have developed good sets, costumes, etc. But NO.... Teachers are given an afternoon "work day" once a week. So all the parents have to make special arrangements to get the kids picked up at 1:30. Are the teachers using that 1/2 day working diligently? No, drive by at 2:00 and the parking lot is empty. Bullies run the playground. Where are the playground supervisors? When they are found (usually getting coffee) Things reported to them get the canned response "what do you want me to do about it? During the snow last year where is the custodial staff? We finally carried our own shovels and cleared the area by our child's classroom so the kids don't stand in snow.
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers that are willing to spend extra time with my son.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with the academic success at Tarver. The principal is so involved and the staff memebers are incredibly attentive to the students. They are rewarded for positive behavior and great achievements every day. I am impressed with what my child is learning in the classroom and in their special rotations of gym, music, technology and art. Proud to be a Tarver Tiger!
--Submitted by a parent

Like every school...some teachers are fantastic and some are less motivated. This school has a significant lack of parental support for their students. If more parents were involved in their childrens academics, there would be more time for learning new curriculum. Its easy to blame the staff when your child struggles but you cant make progress when there are several students that dont get the home support they need. This school offers a very supportive and positive learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has low academic challenges for students who are above average. Most work is ungraded & teacher emphasizes understanding the concept, accuracy doesn't matter.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our 3rd year at the school. We have two students there. Students aren't taught the RRRs in class, they are too busy 'working' on computers, playing supposedly educational games, field trips, programs, extra recesses, and who knows what else. All the real teaching work is sent home for the parents to do as the child does homework. Might as well be doing home school. I am an engineer. The math 'system' they are teaching called 'Every Day Math' simply isn't. It presents the most ludicrous ways to perform simple things like multiplication. I will be surprised if any of the children ever learn how to multiply correctly. Reminds me of the 'new math' I was taught in 5th & 6th grades (1968?) that almost ruined me for life. There is a reason the charter schools in this area have huge waiting
--Submitted by a parent

Tarver Elementary School is a very friendly school from all aspects; within the classroom, the front office, library, cafeteria. The instructor involvent with students is very high and at an intense level. The instructors are very positive. Extra activities are many and either free or low priced. The extra activites are done very well are great fun and very educational and quite memorable. The children are given goals to be able to go to some of the extra activities and these activities are so wonderful, the children really strive to meet the goals to be able to participate. The school is very open to parents and the primcipals are readily available. They have tons of books in the library as well as the Front Range Book Mobile which comes once a week. The PE, art and music programs are very good. The kids do have to share computers. Great school!
--Submitted by Susan, a parent

Crowded classrooms, but par for the district. Teachers very involved. Great PTO.
--Submitted by a parent