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GreatSchools Rating

Tallwood Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 612 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted June 11, 2011

I love this school. My child was in the preschool program and had awesome teachers who help him to flourish. My child was premature and had many delays. When he walked into the doors of Tallwood Elementary, he wasn't talking and had other issues. Now my child speaks clearly, knows is colors, numbers, and is ready for Kindergarten. I am sad that he will be attending another school in the fall, but I am grateful that he is ready. I know it is because of the administration and the wonderful teachers who supported me through my son s preschool educational journey. Thank you Tallwood Elementary! You will be missed.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 13, 2010

This school has gone downhill significantly over the years. Most of the teachers seem to care (although many are nearing retirement )but the principal is apparently waiting for retirement, and the assistant principal is far too eager to put her own agenda in place. Add to that the major growth and change in the area in recent years and you have a school that is resting on its laurels of the past.


Posted May 21, 2010

The problem with Tallwoo is they teach to the lowest learner. If you have a smart kid, prepare for them to be bored stiff. They believe in being politically correct more than doing the right thing. A child brought a large knife to school and it was covered up. Parents were not told about it. It would have been a great oppurtunity for the staff and parents to communicate with the kids and tell them how to handle a dangerous situation. They have taken away student of the month and put into place a star of the week program so everyone can feel good about themselves. Why not still keep the student of the month program to recognize the kids who go way above and beyond?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 25, 2008

Administration is not communicative. The school is not welcoming and friendly. There is a lot of yelling in the building, at the kids, in general. Kempsville elementary is much better.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 25, 2008

Dealing with the administration about parent concerns is very frustrating. There is a lot of yelling that is unnecessary and not acknowledged by staff at the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2008

Great school, great teachers, safe and friendly environment. The rate 4 doesn't mean enything for the education of my children. They spent 3 years full of happiness. AS
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2007

My daughter, and other classmates as well, loved, loved...loves, her 1st grade teacher from last year, Mrs. Blake! She is awesome!! I've expressed some concerns I have had concerning my daughter...and just our children in general for this school year, and Principal Chowns did not hesitate to jump right on the issue, and he reassured me with two phone messages stating such. Overall, fun, safe place for little ones, with a great mixture of backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2006

Not happy with tallwood dealing with medical issues. Low parent involvement.
—Submitted by concerned parent, a parent


Posted May 26, 2006

My son is a first grader this year and attended Kindergarten last year. The teachers and staff are excellent. The principal is very involved and really cares about the students. Everyone was extremely helpful and accomodating when my son had to have surgery and miss school for 2 weeks. We are moving out of the area and I am very sad to leave this school.
—Submitted by Stacey Donges, a parent


Posted May 10, 2004

My daughter's 1st grade year has been wonderful due to a teacher who is dedicated not just in scholastics; but teaches the children to be accountable for their actions. The job the limited number of PTA members do is great, but it is very disappointing how low the membership is. I wish more parents would step up to the plate and contribute. A $4.00 fee is not too much of a hardship for most people. I get tired of parents negativity about shelling out cash for school things when they aren't involved in the PTA & trying to be pro-active instead of reactive. You can only get as much out as you put in. I hope my dtr's 2nd grade yr. is as successful as this one. Nancy Shepherd. Proud PTA supporter
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 86% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
84%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 87% in 2012.

98 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
80%
Science

The state average for Science was 90% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 88% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
94%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 84% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
84%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 89% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
93%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 87% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
90%
History and Social Science

The state average for History and Social Science was 89% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2012.

101 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
92%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students82%
Female students89%
Male students75%
Black students91%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students83%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities84%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English82%
Not migrant82%

History and Social Science

All Students87%
Female students89%
Male students84%
Black students86%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students89%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged77%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities88%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English87%
Not migrant87%

Math

All Students62%
Female students60%
Male students63%
Black students45%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students73%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged53%
Not economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities62%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English61%
Not migrant62%

Science

All Students88%
Female students91%
Male students85%
Black students86%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students89%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant88%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students83%
Female students90%
Male students76%
Black students82%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students79%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged69%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilities75%
Students without disabilities84%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English86%
Not migrant83%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students73%
Female students75%
Male students71%
Black students70%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students71%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged77%
Students with disabilities58%
Students without disabilities75%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English76%
Not migrant73%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

English: Reading

All Students88%
Female students91%
Male students85%
Black students90%
Asian students80%
Hispanic83%
White students89%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities60%
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English89%
Not migrant88%

English: Writing

All Students76%
Female students83%
Male students70%
Black students63%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic58%
American Indian studentsn/a
White students80%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities40%
Students without disabilities80%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English76%
Not migrant76%

History and Social Science

All Studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

Math

All Students54%
Female students58%
Male students50%
Black students34%
Asian students80%
Hispanic36%
White students61%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged33%
Not economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilities20%
Students without disabilities57%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English53%
Not migrant54%

Science

All Students83%
Female students83%
Male students84%
Black students79%
Asian students82%
Hispanic75%
White students89%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities60%
Students without disabilities86%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English84%
Not migrant83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to assess students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, writing in grades 5 and 8, science in grades in 3, 5 and 8, and history in grades 3 through 8. The SOL tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Data is not reported when there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2007-2008, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".

About the tests


Virginia school accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and other assessments in English, history/social science, math and science. The 2009-2010 ratings are based on passing rates on tests taken during the 2008-2009 school year or on overall achievement during the three most recent years. Schools are identified as either Fully Accredited, Accredited with Warning, Conditionally Accredited or Accreditation Denied.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 47% 57%
Black 34% 26%
Asian/Pacific Islander 12% 6%
Hispanic 7% 9%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 29%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2025 Kempsville Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Website: Click here
Phone: (757) 648-3840

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