Tayac Elementary School

This school was awesome I was kind of discouraged when I was forced to go to another school due to bus zone changes. I say my little brother is pretty lucky to go to this school

As an educator I am very disappointed with the lack of professionalism, lack of leadership, and the closed door policy of this school. The principal of this school is arrogant, overbearing, and unfriendly. She cares more about her clothes and pay check than the students. Very few if any parents are pleased with the quality of education at Tayac. I would not recommend this school to any parent. I have three elementary school age children. Fortunately, my youngest has won the lottery to attend a Montessori school. The principal is so threaten by the presence of parents that she has established grade level PTO which is a strategy to diminish parent involvement and empowerment. The principal selects the parents that she wants to participate in school level meetings (ie school improvement plans). Parents are not encouraged to visit or volunteer. Teachers are discouraged from taking students on field trip.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went Tayac for 2 years, K and 1st grade. I found that the teachers tended to be unexperienced and that they perpetuate the disconnect between the student, teacher and parent. I can also say that the military style of dealing with the children is terrible. My daughter was pulled out of line and sat at a table for the entire lunch period w/o lunch. The principal really isn't concerned with any of the issues that you bring up and she is very defensive. Not professional at all. I put my child in private school to avoid having to send her back to tayac, i suggestion anyone else to do the same.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had a wonderful, interactive experience at Tayac. I appreciate that the principal and teachers expect greatness from the students. They're not about being the students' friends, but are present and engaged to teach our students for the future. Our daughter's teacher recognized her need for a different way of learning and brought it to our attention with a solution. Kudos. She loves going to school every day. I only hope that more parents will become involved in their child's school behavior and educational progress. Learning starts at home.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is a great leader.She knows all 400 students names and isn't feared but respected.Also the teachers try different ways of teaching.For example when the fifth grade was learning how to convert and add fractions one showed her work,the other used fraction strips,and one worked with the groups.Tayac has bands,math clubs,and a science club which will be on channel 96 on January 15.They also have Patrols,a chorus,a television crew (wtay),Talented and Gifted,special singers,G.O.L.D,and peer mediators.When there are PTA meetings,back to school nights,and confrence days most parents go.Overall Tayac is a fabulous public school.
—Submitted by a student

I am very pleased with my daughters' teachers. They are pleasant to work with, and they value the concept of a good parent teacher relationship. However, I have an issue with the desocialing nature of the administration and their policies. I was floored when learning that the children are not allowed to converse during lunch. Further, they are reprimanded if they are caught talking. This is desocializing and unnecessary. They should be allowed to speak with their neighbor. Getting the staff to greet, while in the presence of the Principal, is like pulling teeth. With the 'military style tactics' comes depression and stress (the staff and the children are STRESSED OUT). Greeting should be practiced and encouraged. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. Lastly, please respect and reward your teachers. Your dictatorship is a mess, and stop screaming at them and embarrasing them over the loud speaker.
—Submitted by a parent

Although, it is early in this school year, I am not happy with the instruction that my child is receiving. My youngest is in Kindergarten, and I am very pleased with that teacher. On the other hand, I am very dissatisified with my older childs teacher. Now, lets get to the source of the problem, the Principal. If she spent as much time trying to help the staff, kids and parents as she spends on trying to look good, things at Tayac might be different. If she wants to win a 'beauty contest' someone needs to tell her she is in the wrong place. Leadership is what makes for a 'strong' institution. She is lacking in that department. Instead of trying to run that school as so sort of 'military academy' she needs to remember that these are children. Children learn alot better when 'stress' is removed from their environment.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of academics is repulsive. If I didn't re-teach my child at home, I don't feel like he could measure up to kids from other districts academically. Not enough homework is given and with all this test preparation, the scores are still too low. The kids also don't get exposure to new experiences like various field trips. I will not send another one of my children to Tayac Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought it was just me,I have kids that go to that school and the principal is not a good principal. She does not greet people when she see them.I guess she thinks everyone is suppose to speak to her first because she is in charge over everbody.Black people forget were they came from,that's what type of mind she puts me in.I'm black myself so it's not predjuice.I no she can do better if she can relize she is the one who is suppose to help the parents,even if the teachers dont work with you.The teachers give you more respect then the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My first encounter with office personnel was so discomforting I kept my child in home school that year. The next year there was a new secretary, whew! But the principal still seemed uninterested, distance and unhelpful. I had to introduce myself to her after passing her several times at the front door. Administration leaves a lot to be desired. Teachers seem too stressed to focus on academics. If I had the money to keep my child in private school, I would. Because my child is obedient he is considered a good student, nevermind if he's not learning anything!
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is not a good school. You have kids answering the phones when you call in to speak with the teacher/s. The principal is not a friendly person when you ask to schedule a meeting because you're having a time with a teacher who does not have her students under control. The whole entire class is corrupted. The principal seems as if she's against the students and parents, so her only intention is to suspend the student for 3 to 5 days for minor disruptions in the class. Asking the principal and the teacher can we work out a plan. No coming from the principal, we have to go by our school codebook. But the principal is not there when the whole entire class is running around and teacher is constantly saying we have a guest please take your seat. And the kids are ignoring her as well as the visitor. Also, class size is over crowded.
—Submitted by a parent