Tanglewood Elementary School

Incredibly disappointed with this school. I had high hopes based on reputation, reviews, etc., but they were misleading. We dealt with social issues with my child and the teacher as well as the administration failed to do anything about it. I agree with previous posters about the PTA. But the ironic thing is that the PTA is so active w/activities & fundraising, yet they seem to have little to no voice when it comes to the most important elements about the school -- teachers, curriculum, etc. I've felt very much on the fringe w/the administration even though I volunteered. Almost as if you're welcome there if you're going to be a robot and keep your opinions to yourself; otherwise, move along. If you have the money, I would seriously consider the private schools.
--Submitted by a parent

This is in response to the review posted on September 4, 2011. Why would a parent NOT be a member of the PTA. Not being a member of the PTA would be a disadvantage at ANY school. Tanglewood does not receive any Federal funds, so the PTA is integral in making sure the teachers and students have all they need to not only succeed, but excel.
--Submitted by a parent

Tanglewood is a great school and seems more of a private school. The teachers are great. I have one child in Tanglewood and my other child has already moved on to middle school. Overall, it is a good school, but not being a PTA member is a huge disadvantage.
--Submitted by a parent

This is in response to the May 12th and May 24th post. I agreee that no teacher should pressure a parent to medicate their child nor should we as parents not talk positive about our child's teacher. But our children are with their teachers more hours in the day and then with us. My son was miserable and I repeatedly told him that the teacher is "the boss" and as a teacher myself, I felt I needed to support her. It wasn't until he had trouble sleeping and I could hear him talking in his sleep, that I realized there was a problem. After seeing a therapist, I requested a teacher change because his anxiety and fear of doing something wrong in class was effecting him. I feel guilty for not listening to my son and acting sooner. There is no excuse for a teacher who humilates and shames a child. Tanglewood has a lot of work to do to include the child with ADD, speech concerns, dyslexic, non-caucasian and the child that doesn't fit in the box of this "all our students are gifted and talented" school. If Tanglewood is unable to accomodate for the above, they should be designated as a school for the gifted, so another child won't have to suffer and lose their love of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

We are extremely happy with the school. My kindergartener really liked going to school and learning new things. He was challenged every day and was banded with other high achieving kids. Highly recommend it.
--Submitted by a parent

We are parents who have experienced both the private and public side of education in Fort Worth. I would agree that they are not the same. Each side has its strengths and weaknesses. Tanglewood is as close as you can get to private without spending an arm and a leg. Yes, there is a lot of benchmarking in public education. It can be very insightful. They do not badger all children to take medication and if a parent is involved in his/her child's education as a teammate to a teacher it can be a very positive win/win for all involved. We are proud of our children and Tanglewood. The world demands a lot of children today. It is our job to provide the best education we can and to support and love them along the way.
--Submitted by a parent

Tanglewood remains the best elementary school in Fort Worth, public or private. As with any group of several hundred students you will find a handful of parents who are just not satisfied. Maybe they would be happier elsewhere, but I suspect they would rather complain and are just good at finding fault and laying blame. For every negative review I'm sure there are 99 parents who LOVE this school, the teachers and the staff.
--Submitted by a parent

this school, because of its high rating perhaps, teaches almost solely to the test. They pressure kids constantly on this, to the point that my straight 'A' student has been getting test anxiety over timed tests! I do volunteer, and parent involvement is great. Great families, but curriculum is outdated/ nothing special or progressive. Classes are above state limits, classrooms are crowded, homework is out of control. Also fundraising is CONSTANTLY pushed in your face/ down your throat, but perhaps this is to be expected in this type of demographic. Overall a disappointment, as we moved in this area just to be in the district, and were expecting a really great school. Also, although I do not have a learning disabled student, I find it WRONG and lazy to design a public school that cannot accomodate these students properly.
--Submitted by a parent

Agreed last reviewer!! To bring up or hint around that a 6 yr old boy should be medicated is unethical and irresponsible. Which in my case is what is happening. I plan to reach out to a parent/student advocate group. I am involved with the school, and have had meetings with both the teacher and principle, and Im sorry to say I ve had a rough experience. Communication is lacking. This is our first year, I was so excited and ready to develop a coalition with my sons teacher but clearly it is not the Tanglewood way. I have not heard ONE positive thing about my son from his teacher, so I have to lie to him and tell him "your teacher says your so smart', or " Your teacher told me your doing great in math". Bottom line .....if you want your kid to get "The Beat Down", or want your child to become a medicated zombie then this is the place.
--Submitted by a parent

I have mixed feelings about Tanglewood, I have two children that have gone through the school. Our first child is the perfect student. Perfect test scores, self directing, alway seated quietly, never any trouble. Always with her nose in a book. If that describes your child you will have an amazing experience. However, if your child does not fit squarely in that box, they will have an entirely different experience. I could write a book on what happens next if your child is NOT the PERFECT student and especially if you have a boy.(For some teachers that alone constitutes ADHD. You will hear that conversation a lot, by the way. It is a favorite topic of both the teachers and parents.) My advise is to be YOUR child"s advocate. Most of this stems from the pressure that Tanglewood does teach to the tests they give each year. Overall Tanglewood is a very good school, with excellent staff and leadership. There are of course bad eggs in the group and you will know them by their reputation. Parent involvement is extraordinary here. it is a blessing and a curse and it can be intimidating, just jump in. Find something you are willing to do. It benefits YOUR child.
--Submitted by a parent