Richardson Terrace Elementary School

Very pleased with the educational vlaue our boys receive at Richardson Terrace Elementary. Staff has been first-class in making the community feel involved in the process.EXCELLENT!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 kids go through k-6 at Terrace. My kids loved it and so do I. My children are sucessful due to the Teachers and Principals at Terrace. I do see some problems, but they are similar to other schools. Low parent involvement and lack of basic skills coming into the school. Not really the schools fault. Many times teachers are spending time with trying to correct basic discipline problems, when that should be handled at home. Unfortunately, if parents are unwilling to involve themselves in learning at home, how is ANY school going to fix that problem? We have to start at home.
—Submitted by a parent

My two sons are for 2011-2012 school year enrolled as first and third graders. I have been VERY IMPRESSED with the strong administration team, top-shelf teaching staff and the balance of the Richardson Terrace Team. My wife and I are both very active with the PTA here (AWESOME GROUP of folks!) and I regulary get to see student life via PTA, lunch weekly with my boys and reading in to their classes. Academically my guys are ON POINT! Feel very fortunate and blessed to be in a community as rich in ethnic diversity and culture as well as economics represented here. As a parent who enjoys the door of adventure to walk thru everyday of my life- this school fits right in with our family DNA. this time in the life of our family is SO MUCH FUN and Terrace is a part!
—Submitted by a parent

Terrace Elementary is a great school that serves all of it's students very well. We highly recommend Terrace because it focuses education efforts to make sure all of its students succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Very great school but from my experience I have encountered some very impatient teachers. They are unable to handle children with behavioral issues so they call the parents multiple times a day concerning issues such as; running in the hallway, not staying in line, moving around in chair. Not fighting or being insubordinate, but a child that has ADHD. These are minor issues that teachers should learn to deal with while handling 7-8 year olds! On a lighter note the PTA is awesome, they are on top of things and help families throughout the year!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome. My son entered Kindergarten there last year and was having difficulties. The teacher, counselor, principal and everyone did everything they could to determine what the cause was. They are very proactive and want all of their students to succeed. Despite being an ethnic and cultural potpourri, they are rated Exemplary. No child would feel out of place in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Yesterday was my son's last day at Terrace and he was very, very sad. It is a wonderful, wonderful school. My son experience was amazing. I am hoping that more people move into the neighborhood to take advantage of the caring and nuturing environment.
—Submitted by Rita Bevers, a parent

Richardson Terrace Elementary is a warm and caring school where my 3 children (2 of whom have special needs)have flourished. In the past 2 years that they have attending Terrace, all three have made huge improvements academically, have made wonderful friends, and have been made to feel like special individuals. The teachers and staff are so dedicated to helping the children reach their true potential. The diverse student body allows my children to understand and appreciate people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. We have, and continue, to enjoy our time at Terrace.
—Submitted by Alexandra Salazar, a parent

My son, now in high school, went to Terrace from K - 6th grade. He LOVED it, as much as I did! I now have a daughter in second grade and she is also very happy. My son earned the Presidential Education Award and his only school was Terrace Elementary! My daughter is learning and reading above grade level and attends the Quest Program. This says something! One reason I love Terrace is that is isn't an 'all white' school. I want my children to grow up in a loving, supportive, enjoyable environment that represents the real world. My children know about other cultures, religions, and holidays first hand! They don't just have to read about the world and other nations in a book, they can discuss these things with their friends! To me that is a gift! Because of this they are happy, well adjusted, cultured kids! I love Terrace!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my third year at Terrace and I love it. My kids also love this school and our family is very involved. Not only am I a parent I am very involved with the PTA; and I will admit that my frustration comes from parents not wanting to get involved with their childrens education, so we do have problems with getting volunteers to help. We have 150% backing from the school admin staff & teachers. As for the teachers, they are top notch they work after school and they even provide Saturday school for the children who need the extra tutoring. But you have to be a supportive parent to notice. In addition, Terrace has also started an ESL class for parents and other family members at night to help better communicate with families. I have children with learning disabilities as well and they are doing great.
—Submitted by Cindy Davis, a parent

My son went to Terrace for one year in the 2005-2006 school year. I do not recommend this school. We were highly disappointed. I felt like an outsider to the other parents and the teachers. My son is in Special Education. We felt the entire time that he was an 'inconvenience' to to the school. Several weeks into the new year at his new school, my feelings about Terrace have been confirmed. Now he is again surrounded by great, caring teachers. My son went down 2 reading levels during his one year at Terrace. He has a lot of making up to do academically and emotionally. I blame Terrace for this horrible set back. He has had 100% positive experience every day at new school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished the first grade at Terrace for the 2005-06 school year. I have to say her teacher, Ms. Jones, was the best thing about that school. Little to no parental involvement... if there aren't enough volunteers, the school uses the older kids to help out. Overall, I was not too pleased with school. I would recommend transferring your kids to MST for a much better education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school- they are 6 and 8 years old. We are a minority in this school (we are caucasian) and there are tons of low income kids here. There are also tons of english-learners here. The teachers are top notch.
—Submitted by a parent