Tanglewood Elementary School

My son is in second grade at Tanglewood. We are extremely pleased. The teachers are excellent. I love that the front office staff knows every child by name. They take the time to speak to each one and get to know them. The school is very safety conscious which I really appreciate. I don't agree with the parents who thought there was too much homework. Yes there is homework but I can't remember when it's ever taken my son more than 30 minutes to do and usually its much less than that. I am extrememly pleased that both the art and music programs are full time this year. There are also new strings and choral programs. The PTA is active and involved. They raise funds to support field trips, classroom supplies, art, music and PE erichment and library books to name a few projects.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Tanglewood is outstanding for a public school!! My daughter is in 3rd grade and my son in 1st grade. We moved here two years ago mid-year and the teacher really cared about my daughter back then and did everything she could so she could catch up to the level (NC was behind in comparison with the curriculum). Yes the homework is considerable but it's worth it! My children are learning so much and excelling in academics thanks to great and experienced teachers...the after school program is good too and my children really like it there. I feel they are in very good hands every day...thank you Tanglewood!! I am a speech therapist and higly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Thanks GOD for Tanglewood! my son jumps out of bed to go to school...he went to another school before and it was a struggle...hey, if your kids are not happy there is always a real reason...my son is blooming in this school! He loves it...eachers are super sweet and fun..this school truly CARES for our children...The Fall festival was AMAZING..WOW..teh decoration, the games...I was shocked to see the effort the teachers and PTA put there...the other day there was a math night...the teachers are always smiling....My baby is learning so much.kids deserve to learn and be happy! and mine is ! Thank you Tanglewood! You are THE BEST!!! I will forever be grateful ...
--Submitted by a parent

i would have to agree with the other parents, its a good school but, the homework is ridiculous,my daughter is entering the 3rd grade this year...2nd year at tanglewood and my son is entering Kindergarten this year.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just finished K at Tanglewood. He loved it. They test the kids over the summer to place them in class with other kids at the same skill level (6 k classes total). His teacher was very energetic. In fact, all the teachers seem to be young and very good working with the kids. My only complaint is that they school does not encourage volunteers. In fact, they say parents cannot volunteer for their own kids class and make it very hard to volunteer at all in my opinion.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my kids' second year attending this school. Overall, we're very pleased with the teachers and staff. The front office staff isn't entirely great, but we never really have to deal with them. The principal is wonderfully sweet and caring. Homework there is ridiculous. Be warned, working mothers and fathers! You will need to dedicate a considerable amount of time a week working on homework assignments. My first grader spends an hour and a half a night working on math, reading and language arts in addition to monthly class projects. My only real complaints are the frequent fundraisers you're forced to participate in and the fact that the music program is no more at this school. Regardless, for a public school, Tanglewood is impressive.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just started kindergarten but I'm not too happy with Tanglewood so far. The amount of homework is incredible--every night, Monday-Thurs-we have 2 double-sided worksheets to complete, sight words to practice, reading tests, full book reports on Thursdays, and posters to make about respect. Plus I get notes, for example, that he needs to practice putting periods at the end of sentences so he should write out some sample sentences. My son is cheerful at the beginning, but gets totally overwhelmed. All day are rules and structure for the first time in his life--and of course that's appropriate--but to have to continue to sit in a chair and work for another hour after he's home and needs to run and play and go to a friend's house seems wrong. He's only five. At orientation the teacher said homework would be minimal and it is not that.
--Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Bobak and Mr. DiLascio have given both my children the best education possible. Both are caring and work long past their scheduled hours to make sure all students are doing well in their studies. I highly recommend both of these wonderful teachers and the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Tanglewood-Riverside welcomed us openly, quick to answer all of our questions with patience and understanding. My daughter is in Mrs. McBride's gifted class and has excelled at reading and social studies under her wing. I feel that more one-to-one help could be given to my daughter in her weaker areas, as made clear on her report card, however TR's gifted program is only part-time, and so she does not receive the higher level of attention she otherwise would. Mrs. Adams, the principal, is interactive with students and parents more than I've ever seen an administrator! She's in the parent pick-up line every single day, and you can usually stumble over her directing traffic in the hallways. I definitely recommend this school to any parent considering it. There seems to be less riff-raff behaviour in the gifted class, so if possible, have your child tested and put in that most-excellent class. Good luck!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent academics and great sensitivity to each student. Of course the music, art, sports is undervalued by money - like all public schools - they only get specials on a limited basis - but they make the most with what they have. Parent involvement is great!
--Submitted by a parent