Point Defiance

My son came to Pt. Defiance after not having a successful experience at another school. My son is medicated ADHD and very challenging. I met with Mrs. Lay (the Principal) and explained to her my concerns regarding my son. She was caring and kind and placed my son in Mrs. King's classroom. He is a completely different child. He likes going to school, wakes up happy, and when I told him he will not have Mrs. King next year he was upset. I have spoken to several teachers at Pt. Defiance and the love they have for their children is unlike anything else I have seen anywhere aside from private schools. The teachers treat every child like they are the most important person in the world. I have seen teachers show patience with even the most difficult child. I can honestly say that Pt. Defiance is like a private school without the tuition.
--Submitted by a parent

Point Defianace is a great elementary school. The school welcomes parent involvement and has a high family turn out at all the events. We have been involved with the school for 3 years. My daughter started kindergarten with Mrs Riggio and she is such a GREAT teacher. I have seen several kids transfer out of Point Defiance when they move to a different area and have ended up returning to the school because they missed it so much. We have nothing but great things to say about all the staff and teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten with Mrs. Jacobs. She loves her teacher and principal. The curriculum is well rounded. She learned how to read and write, is doing math and science projects. We had an issue with a boy picking her. We addressed this with the principal and she immediately had a conversation with her and him. She listened to both kids, found the cause of the problem and came up with a plan to stop the situation. It worked and a few weeks later the 2 became friends. The PTA is wonderful with lots of family activates. The only complaint I have is the Music teacher. He seems to have a hard time handling a lot of children. Overall the school is great. If you choose to be involved in the school community you can make some great friends for yourself and your kid(s).
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Point Defiance for kindergarten and first grade in 03-05. Bullying was a huge problem and never addressed. My daughter became so much happier after switching schools and was finally able to focus on learning instead of other children tormenting her. It seemed the only academic focus at the time was reading and AR points, so much so that the principal seemed obsessed and singularly focused on it. My daughter has now received a more balanced education and has discovered how much she enjoys math and science, in addition to reading. Leaving Point Defiance was a smart decision, and I'd hate to think where she'd be academically if she stayed there. The difference has been like night and day. Her current 5th grade teacher wishes she could clone her, but we only received negative feedback at PD. I'm now convinced it was the environment and not our daughter.
--Submitted by a parent

Awesome school and great academics happening for kids
--Submitted by a parent

Point Defiance Elementary is the best elementary school in Tacoma. My child has attended since Kindergarten with Mrs. Riggio and I love it. We moved and another school was closer so I transfer my child to the other school and watched my child's personality, social skills and grades fall cause that school didn't care about there students and parents like this school. I trans my child back and drive there just for her to attend. That is how great this school has affect my child and she is back to herself again. Mrs. Lay is the most wonderful and caring principal I have met, and she is always somewhere in the school with her students and chatting with the parents. The Staff is just as wonderful. I will never leave this school again, I can't wait for my son to attend too!
--Submitted by a parent

Awesome school...they care about kids and really make kids reach the high bar. The PTA has monthly events and it is a wonderful place for kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Point Defiance has a very active PTA that helps plan family nights and events for everyone. This helps students be more active in school and want to participate. Reading and academics is stressed to the fullest. It is a great place for kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Pt. Defiance Elementary is not just a school, but a tight knit community where every child is made to feel important and loved. The staff is committed to excellence and makes it their mission to see that each child has the tools they need to succeed. They are led by an incredible principal who is rarely found in her 'office', she is in the halls, on the playground, reading to kindergarteners, making sure each child, teacher, and parent are given her full undivided attention. The academics are excellent, making sure each student is treated as an individual, from the one that needs extra help to read better to the one that yearns to be challenged. Parent involvement and commitment, coupled with this unbelievable staff make this school the best in Tacoma.
--Submitted by a parent

Pt. Defiance is the best school in Tacoma. It is a great North end school. The Teachers, Staff, Secretaries and Principal Lay always make my family feel welcome. The PTA is very strong and always planning activities for families. My children have attended since kindergarten and Mrs. Riggio is everyones favorite Teacher! Their are so many wonderful things about Pt Defiance I can't mention them all. I would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent