Tanglewood Elementary School

Our child is at at Tanglewood, and he struggles with various processing disorders which can lead to him having a hard time in a school setting. While we are getting him support outside of school, the school has been very involved in helping him succeed. The counselor, which the school DOES HAVE, along with the vice principal and his teacher were more than willing to set down before the year started so we could voice our experiences and concerns. The vice principal made sure he was placed with the most appropriate teacher and so far the year has been great! He has been challenged since day one, coming home with art projects, stories of the science and computer labs, games, songs, but importantly PRIDE in being a scholar. While the realities of being a public school in Texas influence the school, hence the focus on mastering the STAAR test and strict attendance policies, Tanglewood is striving to be the very best by providing the very best. And considering the cost of a comparable education at a private school, we are more than willing to do some fund-raising for our kids. No school is perfect but we have found Tanglewood to be welcoming and supportive even to a unique child.
—Submitted by a parent

The tellings of an excellent school are challenging, progressive curriculum, and tailoring instruction to the needs of the students listed as the top priority. Unfortunately, I found no trace of this in my experience with Tanglewood. There was way too much emphasis on fund raising and, contrary to what I have learned as an educator myself and am constantly being reminded by my principal, the teachers DO NOT individualize instruction based on students and how they learn best. A school's success can not be judged solely by the results of state testing. When a school's population consists completely of students who come from high socio-economic households with both parents, often highly educated, exemplary test results should be expected. It is NOT necessarily a testament to the quality of teachers at the school. I would love to see how well the teachers at Tanglewood would perform if they taught students that come from less than conventional households from the less desirable neighborhoods.
—Submitted by a parent

Tanglewood definately has challenges. My two children have attended public schools in Maryland, as well as California, and Tanglewood seems to be overly traditional and lacking in a progressive curriculum. I attend medical conferences all over the country, and there are times that my children would benefit from traveling with me, but the rigid absence policy (necessary for funding) prevents them from gaining this enrichment to their education. I left two messages for the principal prior to school starting this year, and have not yet had any response. Tanglewood parents are very friendly and cordial in all the PTA meetings I have attended, but not pro active in making needed improvements. Their attitude seems to be: If you don't like it leave! The school is too large, and impersonal, and too many of the teachers seem to be in a rut with their homework assignments. Worksheets should not be allowed! I plan to be more involved this year as my children's best advocate.
—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 but have not taken the time to post a review. For the parent saying there is not a counselor, I guess her office is hard to find, since it is the FIRST DOOR when you walk into the main office and is clearly marked. Public school is a place to get an education, there is not enough money to have a team of counselors to handle severe mental health issues that should be handled by a private psychologist, social worker or minister. Also, if your child is doing 2 hours of homework a night you child probably needs a tutor, we have a 5th grader and he has never had more than an hour except when rare special projects are due.
—Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my son at Tanglewood spring semester, following a divorce and relocation. I was shocked - no support services in this school of 700, not one counselor. His social emotional adjustment was fragile, but the only thing his teacher was interested in was how he would score on the STAAR test. This is a large "industrial" school of 700+ where conformity is the agenda and the children's creativity and love of learning is stiffled by the drill of boring test curriculum. It is so arrogant to hang a banner out front to brag about Exemplery test status if the children are bored and miserable and their needs are not being met. And the homework is disgraceful - 8 hrs sitting all day - 2 hrs boring homework. Dismiss primary grades K-2 at 2:00 to avoid the "cattle call". Please parents, we must get organized and insist that support services are provided to all the students, that teachers are trained in social skills and mutual respect, and improve the curriculum to include Blooms Taxonomy of higher learning skills. The physical appearance of this school looks good. The performance is exemplary; however, The emotional climate is ghetto.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

Thanks to all teachers. My kid know reading and writing . Husain Alayashi 3rd gread Ms Barcus
—Submitted by a parent

Tanglewood is a great school, with a great community of teachers, administrators and parents who support classroom learning and activities. It is not the best school for mentally challenged children, or parents who want a school that does everything for them. In order for your child to succeed here, you must get involved as a parent, as 99% of us do.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in Fort Worth and everybody, from the administration to the parents, has been very supportive. Teachers are very caring. The school offers more extracurricular activities that many schools are not able to offer, and many of those activities are funded by the PTA. The new Principal is great and always willing to listen to any concern and/or suggestion. I could have not found a better school for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

I terribly miss the old administration - but of course, truely accept the new principal but the ap isn't quite the same - but perhaps in time will get there. I wish the past administrators well and truely hope that get the recognition they deserve - especially Ms. Ratcliff - had the heart for children and understanding for all parents and situations. I feel fortunate to have been in that administration and still continuing our elementary experience with the new administrators. A very positive experience overall.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE IT!!!! My kids on the other hand think all of the children that attend are very stuck up and spoiled...but that is just THEIR opinion as 'Free lunch program' kids. We may not be wealthy enough to keep up or participate in all of the awesome events...but I have found the people to be very friendly and accepting...ESPECIALLY the wonderful school councelor, Mrs. Curtis. :))
—Submitted by a parent

Tanglewood continues to be the best elementary school in Fort Worth. Great teachers, staff and administrators. After school activities abound, and the PTA helps school with funding and volunteer hours.
—Submitted by a parent