Intergenerational School, The

My son is entering his 4th year at TIS. I am very pleased at what he is learning. The class sizes are small which is ideal for learning and teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

TIS is the best!! The teachers and staff are very friendly and everyone seems to work together to insure that students LEARN. The smaller classroom structure, provides so much individual attention and help. Parent participation is a requirement, children are encourage to read half an hour each night,plus visits to nearby Nursing Homes, teaches students to respect Seniors and to be more compassionate. Dr.Whitehouse is a sincere and dedicated principal, that loves her students and wants them to succeed!
—Submitted by a parent

As my grandduaghter once said Ms. Cudell is the best teacher ever!!! This school is the best ever. I love the interaction of the teachers with the students. You can tell that at the end of the day they have enjoied being at school. Also the teachers are always willing to give a report to the parents on the days activites.
—Submitted by a parent

I love TIS. My son attended TIS for two years and it was a wonderful experience. The teachers are caring and supportive, Dr. Whitehouse is an excellent leader, and the class size is unheard of in an inner city school. Unfortunately due to family circumstances I had to pull my son out of the school and enroll him in an area school closer to our house. I wish he could have stayed. It was a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

So glad we found this school--they are providing the quality education that what we had hoped to find at our area public school, but did not. TIS is a wonderful school in many ways.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children are in their 2nd year at TIS. The limited classroom size, integration of age levels, intergenerational programming and focus on basics is proving to be very positive for both of our children, one of whom has an IEP. The philosophy that the school espouses shows in their programming and curriculum--including test preparation. A school like this will not be for everyone--there are few 'extras' and the multi-age classroom can have its pros and cons, but there is no false premise here. Every element of the school day is specifically geared towards the highest level of learning and interaction between the students, teachers and beyond (reading mentors, etc). It is a tight ship, and Dr. Whitehouse is firmly at the helm. Parents are expected to engage with their children's learning everyday ad we find that the student body reflects this parental commitment. We are very happy with the school!
—Submitted by a parent

Changing my son's school in third grade was a tremendous leap of faith for us, having previously attended a parochial school where he had been nurtured since the age of 3. After 1st grade I felt there were delays in his math and writing skills which were not being addressed. My concerns were met with comments like 'Sometimes it just takes boys longer to focus in these areas.' That was just not acceptable. While watching a segemnt on schools of choice I was introdeced to TIS, and I can't begin to tell you the didfference it has made. While my child still has some math struggles, his math teacher and other staff are all on board, and we work together as a solid unit to get him the help he needs to make sure he is succesful in all areas of his education.
—Submitted by a parent

Forgot to say that my granddaughter's growth in multicultural awareness and environmental awareness has been very impressive!

My child is an exceptional academic achiever scoring in the 93rd to 99th percentile range on national standardized tests. He is academically challenged without having to skip grades as a result of the Intergenerational model and supported in developing as a whole child. I highly recommend the school!
—Submitted by a parent

The intergenerational concept may not be appropriate for every child. I spent my early life in 'high achieving' class rooms, as did my siblings and cousins. As adults we see the emphasis was on test taking and not a commitment to lifelong learning and community. My son's experience at TIS fosters his natural curiousity and imagination. He is an active member of his classroom and wakes up every morning excited about school and learning and teaching. When we visit friends and family, he is comfortable and engaged with both peers and adults. Many of my peers with children in private schools cannot believe the level of involvement I have with the classroom teacher and the administration or that my son's learning experience and grasp of concepts matches their children's private school classroom experience. TIS teaches every child what it means to be part of team - good citizens are raised here.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at TIS. We came from a more traditional learning environment. The concept of the One Room School House worked for yesteryear when the class room had the advantage of parents that managed their children in such a way that their conduct was more respectful of teachers, peers and those in authority. With that said, this proves to have its challenges today at TIS. I am frustrated to hear my child say that the younger students are regularly acting out in class and the teacher spends valuable teaching time on discipline and that the PE class is frequently placed on reset due to a few students. I too would hope that the TIS administration would consider organizing a class for high achieving students that would allow them to be challenged and excel with like minded peers. My child has not brought home a school book to date. Worksheets are fine, but student should have books in school. Parents should be asked to assist with the cost if the school cannot provide for the students needs. If a high achieving class were established, parents should be encouraged if not required to participate in the cost of the education. Overall I am encouraged by our experience at TIS so far, but would appreciate consideration to future changes.
—Submitted by a parent

Well I must say this is my son's first year at this school, he's a kindergardener. I am pleased at what he is learning, however I must agree with the parent that said the school is not okay for kids who are high adademic achievers and the classrooms are very disordered. I am also displeased that there are little to none extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is okay for children perform at your below grade level. It aims to foster a sense of community and interconnectedness. It does okay at this. But classrooms could be quite disordered which hinders learning. This school is not okay for children who are high academic achievers. High achieving students are expected to serve as leaders for lower achieving students. But high achieving students are not challenged to go beyond what they can already do. Worksheets were overused. An atmosphere of preparing for achievement tests was pervasive.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my school my school is good. Mrs.Fisher is a hard worker so as Mrs.Dr .Whitehouse is a great princapal.
—Submitted by a student

My child has been attending TIS for four years now. My past experience has been great! However, this year has not been a great experience for my child. I do not find the principal's or his current teacher's attitude very inviting or helpful this year. So, this school year has been very disappointing for my family.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred our two girls to TIS from a Catholic School that was closing. What seems to make TIS so great is a combination of hardworking students, parents who are truly concerned, teachers who really want to make a difference and Dr. Whitehouse's tremendous vision that holds everything together. Bravo to TIS for demanding and achieving academic excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in 1st grade at Metro Catholic school. I really loved the experience with this school. Everyone in the building was terrific. I would recommend anyone to send their child there. My child did really well in this school. She came theri struggling with reading and exceeded by the end of the year.
—Submitted by a parent

T.I.S is a very good School! The Small Class Sizes and Teachers makes the school a comfortable enviornment!
—Submitted by a former student

School has excellent math, reading, and music programs and does well in preparation for state test. However, their social skills and overall student discipline is less than to be disired
—Submitted by a parent

A private school education and experience in a public school. Excellent curriculum delivered by dedicated teachers. Music, art, computer, classes. High expectations for academic performance; homework, literacy-based learning. 100% of 3rd and 6th graders have passed Ohio's proficiency and achievement tests. Rated excellent by state for three years in a row.
—Submitted by M W, a parent