Thomas G. Pullen School

This school has potential and was a good school at one time. They offer great performing arts programs, but what's the point if the kids are unable to learn? Nothing but constant FIGHTS at this school and the staff doesn't have control.
—Submitted by a parent

Nothing good to report at this time - in need of a NEW principle, The staff is unprofessional the moral is LOW - it has potential to be a good school if they revamped a lot of things.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love Thomas Pullen my son has been there since grade K and is now in the 3rd grade,and I have LOVED all of his teachers thus far. As many of the older schools in the PG county area this is one of them so its not very pleasing to the eye BUT the inside of the school (teachers, students, and etc) are all well worth it! I highly recommend Thomas G. Pullen.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the BEST schools in the nation... that really made me laugh out loud...I think not... I would beg to differ...These reviews MUST be coming in from staff members, or friends of the staff members there because as a parent I have had the worse experience dealing with this school... unprofessional would be an understatement, the appearance of the school is an eyesore The Principle is nice but lacks enthusiasm The ONLY good thing is that they do offer some pretty good programs as far as dance, music, etc.,but not enough to keep us there...I'm currently debating on whether to keep my child at this school or not... 1 year and 3 weeks and I'm pretty much fed up with this school. Going to this school should be a privilege and an honor but I really don't feel that way. I've been holding out hoping it would get better and so far no such luck. The only reason I'm still there is because my child (as resilient as kids are) doesn't appear to be affected by any of this..My child has made friends there so this makes it hard...Luckily for me it's still early enough to transition.
—Submitted by a parent

Thomas Pullen is one of the best schools in the nation. The staff is amazing. They not only teach the kids, but they nurture and invest in them. They know most of the kids by name, have built relationships with both students and parents and quickly respond to any concerns expressed by the children and parents. Their arts programs are enjoyable, but challenging, and they allow the kids to be who they are, while loving them. Its a fantastic school!
—Submitted by a parent

Very challenging curriculum and a multitude of activities make this a very enriching learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Pullen has excellent teachers that really care about the students! The school leadership definitely puts the kids first and provides great leadership. The academic programs are challenging and they are teaching the students to be responsible and accountable. The creative & performing arts programs are also excellent and offer many opportunities to the kids!
—Submitted by a parent

this school is awesome it lets u be urself while havin any major but also learnin and gettin a good education

My daughter has attended Thomas Pullen since the fifth grade and we are seeing the hardwork from the staff. . I do think overall the transition has push Pullen back since they transfer many staff members to the new school. In the end, I recommend Thomas Pullen for its strong principal leadership, engaging staff and outsiding art support to help make our children the best in Prince George's County.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school. i have been here since kindergarten and will be graduating next year. because of them i have been in the honors class the whole time. we have gotten high scores on our test. i would highly (10 stars) recomend this school for your child. i hope to see your child at thomas g. pullen creative and performing arts school next year as a polar bear. we also adopted our own street. our address is 700 Brightseat Rd Landover, MD 20785. it is directly next to fedex field 'home of the redskins'. the phone number is (301)808-8160
—Submitted by a student

My child came from a private school and entered first grade 2007-2008 and just in during that time I think she has fallen behind. i don't think the teachers have the assistance that is needed with 25 7yrs olds. The homework that came home did not get challenging until the third quarter. I think too much time is taken to review. I don't get the family feel that I experienced with the private school. I may give it one more year and review this again.
—Submitted by a parent

Well I graduated last year, and I am glad to get out. Being there since kindergarden, I had a good elementary career filled with teachers who made learing fun, and A principle who strived us to do better. But middle was not that great, Nothing ever interesting happened because all the teachers were watching our every move. it was filled with the worst lunches, bathrooms, teachers, and middle school administators. Some of our teachers could never control us. But there were 2 good teachers that taught us through those three years. And the arts program was way underfunded. Overall, the K-5 is good, 6-8 is severly overrated and poor, with bad administation,teachers.
—Submitted by a student

Ms. Lucas and staff are doing a great job at thomas pullen. We had a few problems in the being of this year, but all that has been taken care of.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a current 8th grader and she started Pullen in the 6th grade. I think the school is terrible. Both academically and artistically. I feel the teachers don't expect much from the students. Education is not taken seriously here. With regards to the arts, the dance program and the drama program are weak. My daughters has been a dance major all 3 years. She came in on the top level. Outside of the school, she is considered just slightly advanced for her age. The drama productions have been very poor quality. The system as a whole is extremely poor. I am taken both my children out of the county next year.
—Submitted by D. Green, a parent

The academic program at Thomas Pullen is much to be desired but that comes not from school only but the County. When you chose Pullen, it is for the arts only. My daughter is very artistic but extremely academically sound and unfortunately Thomas Pullen does not foster a environement for children who can do both. There focus is the Arts and you know that coming in. The teachers I have worked with are wonderful if you show envolvement with your child. The music is exceptional at Thomas Pullen and I enjoy every program there. But because I feel my daughter needs more of the academic than the arts she won't be attending and I must admit. I will definitely miss this side. The schools with strong academics needs to take the hint from Thomas Pullen. A mixture of the two would be great. Overall, I like The Pullen Family.
—Submitted by a parent

I like the school so far. The teachers and the staff are excellent. The cirriculum is great and my daughter is learning a lot. I have good communications with her teachers and I hope she continues to excel. The have excellent trips and activities. And being an artist I enjoy having her learn through the arts.
—Submitted by Regina Reynolds, a parent

In response to the last review of this school, if the arts are not going to be your child's primary focus, then transfer him or her back to their neighborhood school. The arts enrich us in ways textbooks can't. They foster critical thinking skills and creativity, skills that improve reading, writing and math abilities. The arts promote leadership, initiative, self-confidence, and independence. It's unfortunate that the limited enrollment at Thomas Pullen is taken up by students who do not devote themselves fully to their art form, while hundreds of other students from around the county would gladly take their place. Instead of criticizing the excellent work the staff of Thomas Pullen is doing, become more active in your school and your child's life. Join the PTA, observe your child's classes. You'll see the wonderful things going on here!
—Submitted by a parent

As with other schools, there has been a lot of turnover that has impacted the quality of the curriculum. The teachers and staff are excellent. The elementary kids could be challenged more academically, but their exposure to the arts and music is outstanding. The middle school has been excellent. The k-8 model helps kids worry about their work and not the social and physiological changes they go through at that age.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been going to this school since Kindergarten. Kindergarten was a great year. First grade and second grade was not challenging. I don't think that the curricullum is strond enough so far. In my opion it takes a good principle with strong leadership and comunication values to run a school. I didn't see that here with the old principle, and I don't see that with the new principle. My child is now eight years old. I know that he will not be here for his third grade year. I am very dissapointed. Even though they have an arts program, I think that academics is of great importance. I don't see my child excelling in this school. I want more for my child, and I know there is a better school out their that will give him what he needs. His needs are definitely not being met.
—Submitted by a parent