Tinker Elementary School

HHORRIBLE SCHOOL! I really thought I was sending my child to a great school but soon discovered this school if far from it. The school is ran like a army base and the kids are aspected to act like soilders. The kids have to run laps if they have to use the restroom when it's not the designated bathroom break time. Kids are picked on and there's nothing done about it and they are made to feel like there the problem. A teacher has admitted in front of the principal during a meeting that she hallers at the students and slams books on her desk when she wants the kids to be quite and tells the kids to shut up and she is still allowed to teach there. The principal said she was gonna handle it but has failed to and is now trying to switch the blame from teacher to student. My child WILL NOT be attending this school next year and I recommend anyone to NOT enroll there child in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Tinker! I have a child in the Fourth grade. I love the teacher group and the flexibility offered to my child. I also have a child in first grade that also is part of the gifted program. Both sets of my childrens' teacher call me for concerns or rewards. The principal is amazing! I hope to keep him for a long time since my first grader will be there for a while. The admin staff does seem a little strained, personally I believe there just is not enough of them. I would like to see more parent involvement or a monthly calander of events. Overall, I am extremely happy!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very satisfied and feel very fortunate that my child can attend Tinker Elementary. They have the most kindest teachers and they give alot of support to the military families. My child's fourth grade teachers are willing to do anything to make sure she succeeds! Iappeciate all that this school does!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is completely lacking the necessary skills to be considered a "great school". The kids are treated like prisoners. There is no talking through the school day and the way the children are treated is horrible. For example, in the 4th grade, they lose recess or have to run laps on the track for sharpening their pencil during class or going to the bathroom out side of the predetermined bathroom breaks. I am one of many parents who decided after the start of the school year to pull my child from this school and we are perusing other schooling options.
—Submitted by a parent

We came to Tinker during right before the christmas break of 09 and I have absolutely love it. My kids excelled, they loved it. The teachers were great and very involved! I have no complaints other than I wish the district would reinstate the AR program and maybe the had more choices at lunch!! Let's go PATRIOTS!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended 4-6th grade. One of his teachers that has been there for many years is an absolute busy body and does not focus on school as much as she does this nutty touchy feely keep up with the kids' love life business. He had a great 6th grade teacher. The principal is awful...unwilling to see any side other than the teacher and makes no bones about it. Moved out of the school district!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attend this school and I have been very disapointed in the lack of supervision. I really hated this school and will be switching him to another hopefully soon. Although I have to say his teacher did TRY to stay involved in his everyday situations my son was bullied and came home talking about it often.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended both pre-k and now kindergarten at this school, and we absolutely love it! She has Mrs. Laughlin, and she is simply amazing with the children! The teachers are so creative and truly get to know each student and try to meet their individual needs. We love Tinker!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I, like many parents LOVE the teachers and staff of Tinker Elem! The principal is rarely present. I have not seen her at evening activities, in the cafeteria, or on the playground. She does not interact with the children and does not appear to know them by name. In fact, one child thought the counselor was the principal! Something needs to be done! The teachers and staff deserve so much more. They work so tirelessly to give Tinker their best with so little leadership from their principal. My heart goes out to them. A Very Concerned Parent
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I've really loved Tinker! The teachers have been very supportive and helpful. I have noticed that the principal seems to be very 'absent' and difficult to reach. I've attended numerous functions where I've seen many teachers and other support staff but no principal. Maybe I'm just coming from a school with a very visible principal, but I would hope that my child attends a school where not only the teachers are seen on an everyday basis.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I appreciate the teachers and staff members at Tinker Elementary. They are friendly and helpful. There are people standing at the front of the school welcoming kids as they come in and leave. I have been very impressed with my child's learning. His teacher has gone above and beyond trying to let me know how he is doing and sending home stuff. The only thing I don't like about Tinker is the principal. She is never around when I've been there. She doesn't even know my kid's name. Overall, Tinker is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son that goes to Tinker Elementary and I really am impressed with this school. We came from a school that was behind in their studies and the teachers here are doing everything they can to help him. I think this school has high expectations for their students as well as for me. I enjoy their 'Pride' assemblies and their PTA was very nice and helpful when we came here. The teachers are very knowledgable and caring. In fact I was there a couple of weeks ago to pick up my son and I noticed all the teacher were in a meeting after school. They were in class learning about new ways of teaching. My son was exitced about knowing his teacher went to school just like him. I think these teachers go up and beyond for my child. Great job Tinker!
—Submitted by a parent

This school deserves no stars..Totally unsatisfactory. My children have been going to Tinker since Kinder and I have had nothing but problems. The prinicpal has no leadership whatsoever. I do hope someone looks into this school..it needs serious help!
—Submitted by a parent

This was my daughters first year at Tinker and I will not allow my daughter to go back. The teachers do care but the Leadership their starting with the principal who is horrible and doesn't care less about what is going on at her school. They make assumptions about certain students and parents and treat them differently. They dramatize everything to be worst then it is and speak down to you. My daughter stopped being excited about going to school in fear of what she was going to get in trouble for next: helping a classmate, wanting to answer all the questions, being cheerful and anxious at the start of every school day. Tinker needs to think about a complete makeover from the dilapidated building to the Administration.
—Submitted by a parent

The secretary deals with people in an unfriendly aggressive nature leaving parents with the feeling that their concerns were unwarranted and bothersome. The principal makes no attempt to respond to parents about situations in the school. Once the principal reassured me that she would deal with an issue and respond however; no attempt was ever made to get in touch with me. This school is the worst my children have attended in two states. The school smells, is unclean, and is managed in an unorganized manner and to date I have not encountered one skilled teacher currently employed at this school. Avoid this school at all cost if you value your child s education and future. Also it is worth noting that I remain anonymous due to a fear of reprisal directed at my children in the event that the author of this review is to become known.
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership at Tinker Elementary is very lacking. The office staff is often seen as rude and indifferent. The principal does not return phone calls nor address parental concerns promptly. While the teachers are among the best, the leadership at the top is quite lacking!
—Submitted by a parent

We have one child at Tinker Elementary. As she is in the first grade, I had hoped our experience would be positive. I am disappointed in the level of academics she is tasked to perform. She is bored and there is no accelerated learning program available for gifted children. The administration is not proactive in dealing with issues and concerns raised by parents. The PTO is the same group of individuals, year after year, all of whom are not interested in the assistance of other parents. I've found the school to be both unfriendly and not helpful. I am looking at other options for educating my child next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The level of parental involvement at Tinker is outstanding. Thr teachers are great, and if your child is in a mainstream class it is truely one of the best schools to attend. Unfortunately, children with disablities are often given general treatment and many receive the same IEP.
—Submitted by Marie Lewis, a parent

This is our first year at Tinker Elementary. I am very glad to say that the teachers are awesome. They put all their focus and energy on each individual child. They are available to hear concerns, comments, suggestions, and give my child and me their full attention during conferences. It feels like a big family away from home. I do not worry about their safety because everyone looks out for everyone else. They have a security surveillance, an impressive check-in system and office personnel that are always grateful to help you in any way possible.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child has gone to Tinker for 5 years and I have 2 others that have been at Tinker for 3 years and we just love the school. The staff and teacher are supportive and caring. I would recommend this school to anyone come to Tinker AFB. We also would like to thank the PTO for all of their help and support. WOW, we are lucky to have such amazing educators for our Tinker children. All I can say is Tinker Staff keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent