Twin Ridge Elementary School

Very nice looking school. The teachers for my 1st grader were outstanding. Especially Ms. O'Keefe, one of the best teachers I've ever encountered. 1st graders confidence is so high thanks to her help. Thank you! 4th grade teachers are overwhelmed with class size. My son was bullied by 4 kids for a month. Repeated emails to teachers and nothing was done. Finally had to talk to school Psychologist to get some action. These 4 kids have a reputation at OTHER schools for being bullies at TRES. Unacceptable that the teachers and parents let this go on. Parents could care less if there kids are bullies. Nothing was done to the kids, just some stern warnings. I do not believe that the school even talked to the bullies parents. I would be horrified and disappointed if my kids were bullies. My kids would be apologizing to the bullied kid, kids in the classroom and to parents. I guess it speaks to how the parents are in this community. Teachers good to great. Administrators good, but slow on the bullying stuff. Parents involved but don't care if there kids are bullies...as long as their kids on top in something it's OK.
--Submitted by a parent

I just read the reviews and agree with much of what was said, especially about the previous principal. This year, Twin Ridge has a new principal who is very accessible, considerate, listens to parental concerns, and takes time to address concerns and follow up with parents with updates. I was concerned with the ever growing number of children in my son's Kindergarten class last fall. She listened to my concerns and let me know that she was working to get help in each of the classrooms. Several weeks later, I received a call from the principle informing me that a full time paraeducator allocation was approved to help with the Kindergarten classes. She also stated she was going to hire 2 paraeducators so that each class could have 2 hours of support during the morning when teachers stated they needed more support and that she would consider to monitor the ratios. The atmosphere is much more child friendly and the staff members appear happier. There are also more fun and engaging afternoon and evening activities for the kids and families and the principal is taking an active roll (participating in the staff basketball game, dressing in themes for school spirit days, etc.).
--Submitted by a parent

What they do teach they do quite well - my concern is what they DON'T teach !! They need a curriculum coordinator to see that they are keeping up with state standards at the pace needed to cover all the material for state testing.

I must say that I have been absolutely impressed with Twin Ridge. The teachers have been unbelievable, as well as administration. I feel the principal is connected with the kids. I was in the office one day when there was a child who was having trouble swallowing a pill. Our principal sat with this little boy and encouraged him until it was finally down. I was so impressed by her encouragement, sense of humor and patience with this child. I have seen other examples of her compassion and care for these kids. I cannot imagine the day in and day out demands of a position like hers. Twin Ridge is an extremely positive place, my child absolutely loves it and I feel my child is getting a great education. Every school has imrovements to make and challenges to face. I feel Twin Ridge is definitely heading in the right direction.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are wonderful and the vice principal is very hands on with the children. The principal however is not a 'child' person. She looks down on everyone and is very scary to approach. I am very sad by the path this school is taking since Mr. Storm left. It used to be a very happy environment but it seems more stressful not only for the teachers but for the children. Knowing most of the community, the students feel no connection to her. I feel sad for the principal because she needs to lighten up a bit and realize that these are children and they are not perfect and we should not expect perfection.
--Submitted by a parent

I had a child attending this school since 1997 and have seen this school go downhill in almost every aspect since then. There have been some wonderful teachers that my children have had over the years, but they have since moved on to better places as a result of the poor leadership over the years. The state test scores certainly do not reflect the aptitude of children that come from such an affluent community. The teachers have bad moral and certainly reflects on their uninspired performance. They used to have a Renzulli program for enrichment, but no longer exists once again due to the Principal. The school does get high marks from me on safety and discipline. The Principal barely lets them have fun at recess and extra-curricular activities are at a bare minimum.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that Twin Ridge is really a wonderful school and our family has had great experiences here. My only concerns are that class size is big and there are few options for accelerated learners.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 4th grade and has been going to Twin Ridge since Kindergarten. This school has always had the best Volunteers and teachers. Everyone in this school is a team. I ve always loved the way all of the adults look out for the children. When school is starting and ending teachers are outside and in the hallways to make sure everyone is where they need to be and they are always in a pleasant mood. That means a lot to the kids. I feel I can say my child is safe in this school. I think back to my Elementary school (Liberty) and Twin Ridge is like that. Every one is asking you how you are and they know your child s name. My child still has every teacher say hello to him. They don t forget about anyone. Thanks Twin Ridge.
--Submitted by a parent

My wife and I have been pleased with this school and its teachers -- it is one of the best schools my children have attended. The teachers are very good and leadership has always been strong. The facility is excellent and well maintained. We highly recommended this school.
--Submitted by a parent