Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School

I am the proud parent of 2 Tucker Tigers! Tucker has excellent teachers who go beyond their work to educate and enrich the children. The principal and assistant principal are strong leaders who care about our children. The academic program is fantastic and gives the student the opportunity to learn and apply it in a day to day basis. The year round program is a great tool for working parents and the kids look forward to it. My oldest child attended Tucker from K-5th grade, now my youngest is a Tucker Tiger and loves it as much as my oldest one did.
—Submitted by a parent

This school formly had 5 stars, instead of 2, based on test scores. The fact that it has dropped like this should be a wake up call to the Alexandria government and school system.

We are not pleased with Tucker. While there are some good teachers, the administration and cirriculum are not great. Most families moving out of Cameron Station do so because of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have continually been impressed by the dedication of the teachers at Sam Tucker Elementary. They truly believe that each child is capable of learning at the highest levels--and they hold the children to that! The school community celebrates its diversity and makes good use of this wonderful resource.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was suppose to attend this school for the 2011 and 2012 school year. The registration process went smoothly but then in June when I was expecting a welcome letter instead I received the letter saying that they had over the limit registrations this year and that I have to choose another school within a week or else they will do a lottery and if he is not selected they will send my son to any school of their choice. I called them to find out whats going on they were very rude. I have always heard nice things about this school but my experience wasn't at all satisfactory. They should have informed the parents before hand that they were having issues regarding the available space. They did announce in the open house that they are cutting down no. of kindergarten classes this year. But this was nothing I expected. Then I have to go through the list of schools they provided to see which school will be appropriate and how far is it which was a headache. Anyhow I must say the teachers seemed nice and friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely excellent, from the extraordinary kindergarten teachers to the atmosphere of high expectations. The teachers are warm and kind, yet they do have steep standards for their students. Of course, like anywhere, there are a few duds personality-wise, but even those few still seem to have the success of the students as their priority. There is a diversity of culture, but it's amazing to watch the kids just think it's normal to have so many students of so many different backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent

Tucker is a great school. It is definitely a community school where teachers, parents, administration and the community work together to teach and enrich our children's learning experience. The year round schedule is great and works really well. My children have been able to opportunities gain skills and learn about many other subjects that are not part of standard curriculum. Tucker has a diverse student body where heritage is celebrated, not discriminated.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school! Love the staff and the facility. It serves a diverse population and get great results.

Tucker in an excellent school, my kids love it and so do I. My oldest son is currently in 4th grade since k. The staff are very professional and care for the students. The modified schedule works just great for us and the intersession classes are very positive for the kids. The cultural diversity has a positive and incredible influence for all of us in our family. The communication and security in the school make me feel very comfortable. Unfortunately, we will be moving out of state and my kids will not attend to Tucker next school year, but I strongly recommend Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

Tucker is a great school with a superb staff and involved parents. My daughter loves the school and is always excited about learning. The modified school schedule has a shorter summer break and longer periodic breaks throughout the year. This schedule helps break up the learning into nicely dispersed chunks, so the kids are never away from school too long (the summer break is about six weeks). The school has a great focus on academics and works hard to develop good young citizens. It has a broad ethnic and social diversity, which is a refreshingly positive influence on my daughter. My son starts at Tucker next school year. He can't wait.
—Submitted by a parent

Since K my son has gone to this school. He is now in 3rd grade. Each of his teachers have been great. They are stiff, but that is what makes Tucker such a great school. The teachers always answer to the emails and assist you with anything you need. They care for their students and their weillbeing.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School all around. Solid Curriculum, highly knowledgeable and trained staffs, great Intersession program and a lot of activities for parents to stay involved. The schedule is a bit stiff, but of course 'you can t have your cake and Eat it too'. there is definitely an upside on having a continuous schooling schedule with minimal interruptions-for parents who don t know, Samuel Tucker is on a modified school year schedule-. Altogether a great school in Alexandria/VA with a great little lady as its Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Tucker since beginning Kindergarten (she's currently in the final quarter of 3rd grade), and I cannot be positive enough about the school & it's staff! In spite of it's exceedingly high minority and mobility rates, the school as a whole continues to meet/exceed expectation academically, and the social impact of such a diverse socio-economic group has been incredible - not only has my daughter excelled academically, she has also had the opportunity to learn first hand about countries and cultures from friends her own age! The staff is also very responsive - every year I think she's been in the most capable teacher's classroom, but after having interracted with nearly all of the teachers in the school at some point, I'm pleased to say that the level of dedication and enthusiasm the teachers bring each day is the standard and not the exception!
—Submitted by a parent

What an excellent school! Our daughter is in second grade and attended half the year last year right after we moved and all of this year. She has excellent grades, excellent test scores (as do most the kids) and enjoys the school and it's diversity. That's always a plus in an inter-racial family like ours.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son only attended Tucker for one month before we moved, but I must say the faculty seem to be in control as we saw the students already into their work as soon as the bell sounded at 8AM! I do have a concern that the front office staff does not appear to be as welcoming to parents. I suppose one reason for them being so formal is that many of the children who attend come from lwo-income/at risk families and need this structure. I consider this an 'inner-city' school when compared to the one he will be attending in Loudon County. Not a knock, but Alexandria is a city after all. I would still recommend this school to those living in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Tucker for 3 years and it's awesome. Because of the involvement and enthusiasm of the teachers and support staff, we've joined countless functions and my daughter is doing well scholastically and socially. My 4-year-old son will definitely attend Tucker too.
—Submitted by a parent

It has only been two months, but up until now, our experience has been extraordinary. Teachers and staff have been very supportive. The intercession program is a plus. My son needs extra help in Math and the school has put together a terrific two-week program to reinforce his skills.
—Submitted by a parent

With some added (and meaningful!) homework, I am sure the students could do much better, in bringing the overall school rating higher.