Tuckahoe Elementary School

Tuckahoe has been slipping in recent years, mostly because of the overcrowding and the lackluster principal. At the end of the last school year, relocatable buildings were placed on the only blacktop space the school has. Tuckahoe is next to a county park and county tennis courts, so they decided to make more use of those; however, the county started renovating the park space in early 2013, so that isn't available for several months. The highly touted Discovery School Yard used to be a place for school-wide outdoor learning, but that has become rather optional since the primary outdoor learning coordinator left and current coordinators are part time. The emphasis that made Tuckahoe unique just is no more. Fourth graders do not take a field trip to Jamestown and Yorktown as many APS elementary schools do. There is no world language (FLES) offered at Tuckahoe as it is in many APS elementary schools. Tuckahoe still has early release on Wednesdays (9:00 a.m. to 1:26 p.m.). There are still many wonderful teachers at Tuckahoe; however, the principal provides little support to them, so a few really good teachers have left in recent years. Good school; just not great as it was.
—Submitted by a parent

I love TES. I am a 6th grader who went to TES k-5th grade. This school is amazing, it's as close to a private school as there ever will be. The students are great and the teachers are amazing. It has the best traditions that never change, like Spring Fling, that even former students now in high school come back for. The school itself is kept extremely neat and orderly, while still allowing students to have fun and learn. Tuckahoe has taught many generations, parents and now their children.

The students are inquisitive, respectful, and quick to support each other.
—Submitted by a parent

All the reviews are correct about TES. It is an outstanding model of a school. Despite the fact that the building is not shiny and new, the quality of the teachers and administration are what counts, on top of the deep and positive relationships that they children develop.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children were at Tuckahoe Elementary for their kindergarten year. They both had different teachers and both were excellent. This is a treasure of a school. The principal, Cindy Patterson is an excellent eduator and leader in the school. She has an awesome open door policy and will work with you. There is not enough room on this website to tell you all of the positives. Quality education, quality teachers as well as special education, wonderful support staff, most parent involvement I have ever seen. We cannot wait for 1st grade!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school. Everything you want in quality education, parent involvement, safety and promotes making positive choices. We have been very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the school exceeds that of the many very expensive private schools in the area. Many residents who could easily afford sending their child to these incredibly expensive schools, choose instead to sent their children to Tuckahoe, due to the extremely qualified and responsive staff, the quality of academics, athletics, and the incredible resources that are available through Henrico County. Any students with learning disabilities or in need of just a little extra attention, are referred immediately to the highly qualified staff resources available through Henrico. The principal, Cindy Patterson, is the most professional, caring, and involved principal I have ever met. Save $20,000 a year and get the best education available in the West End.
—Submitted by a parent

My First Grader isn't the easiest student to motivate! Both his Kindergarten and First Grade teachers have worked with him to try to foster the love of learning. The school counselor has been very helpful. The adminstration has been attentive and professional. The PTA is incredible. I send my child each day knowing that he is safe and in a great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though it's a public school, it is very private in attitude. That's a negative. Almost no diversity in student population -- a real drawback. Strengths are strong academics and excellent safety and discipline.
—Submitted by a parent