W.H. Taylor Elementary School

My daughter is a rising first grader at Taylor and we LOVE IT. It is a wonderful neighborhood elementary school - great teachers, great staff, the principal is visible and involved, even answering the front office phone at times, the selection of after school programs is fantastic, the YMCA after-school is awesome, and the PTA puts on some amazing events for the kids. My daughter is thriving and we are very pleased. All in all, a WONDERFUL school.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to the Ghent area specifically because of this school's reputation, so I feel like I need to update the reviews. First, the test scores dropped significantly from 2009 to 2010 - the rating went from a 9 to a 5! But, more disturbing, the school did not breathe a word about the SOLs when the scores came out. That exemplifies the administration at Taylor: lack of communication. It seems as though the parents are the least significant cog in the education machine. If your child is screened for speech problems or receives the flu shot, the parents receive no word. If there is a special event taking place, hardly a peep, or maybe a one day notice. I hardly know what my child is studying or doing from week to week. The art program is nonexistent. We have received nothing - not a single thing! - from the art class. Language programs - none. Yes, you can pay for after school classes, but nothing during the regular school day. The PTA raises A LOT of money, and yet the school charges for field trips and after school clubs. Teachers are constantly asking for school supplies. What does the PTA money go to? The school has declined and shows no signs of turning around.
--Submitted by a parent

This is one of the better schools in Norfolk, however the academic challenges presented to the children are subpar. I fear that minimal academic requirements will hinder these children in the future when competing nationally. we have been to some other schools out of state that really had a much more intensive academic program and teacher coomunication. There is a no bullying policy, however, there is still a lot of bullying and the "fix" for the bullying is to send the "victim" to the school counselor rather then disciplining the child who engaged in the hurtful behavior. The special education staff is very kind and commited, however the school lacks the resources to put into place better services for special ed students with unique needs. I think if you have to live in Norfolk, have a child without special needs and cannot afford private school, this is the best option.
--Submitted by a parent

I think W.H. Taylor is an amazing school. My kids absolutely love it and we all feel that we are part of a community within the school and PTA. We walk to school every morning along with the other families on our block. The PTA is fantastic and offers the kids all kinds of cultural opportunities (like attending the Nutcracker). I honestly can't imagine how anyone could have anything less than rave reviews for the school. My children do not have learning difficulties, so I can't evaluate that area but one of my kids is a 'challenging' gifted student and the program has been great. I have to counter one of the other statements on here - West Ghent IS NOT a bad area. On the contrary, it is probably the most exclusive neighborhood in Norfolk. Many of the students are the children of ODU professors, Sentara doctors or Naval Officers. The catchment area for the school does include some less affluent areas, but I consider this a good thing. If I wanted my children to only be exposed to children just like them, I would send them to private school.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers, active parents, warm friendly environment, great neighborhood school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids in school here (Pre-K and 1st grade) and we feel like the luckiest family in the world. It is such a fantastic neighborhood school. Even the setting is idyllic- set back on a quiet street. So far, the education has been everything we hoped for and more. Great teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic public school! Incredible principal and teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children there. The school is nothing compared to the public school they attended in Tampa nor the private school one attended in Alabama. The school is better than many other Norfolk public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My son's first year at Kindergarten was absolutely fantastic. He made lots of good friends, learned to read well, and loved all his teachers. Taylor has wonderful Music, P.E., Art, and Enrichment Programs. We feel so lucky to live in the Taylor zone and have the opportunity to attend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

great school my child recently went from taylor to the exclusive ruffner young scholors. it is a great school in a bad area. dont be afriad to go ther she loves it there.
--Submitted by a parent