Takoma Elementary School

Posted: April 23, 2026

I’m disappointed with my experience at Tacoma Elementary School this year. My son has attended for three years, but during his second-grade year, I’ve noticed concerning behavior from both his classroom teacher and dance teacher. There have been moments where my son felt singled out and antagonized, which has affected him emotionally. As a parent, I also feel disrespected and, at times, discriminated against in how concerns were handled. I hope the school takes these issues seriously and works toward creating a more supportive and respectful environment for all students and families.

Posted: April 23, 2026

Posted: April 23, 2026

Posted: April 23, 2026

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Posted: May 4, 2023

Current Pre-K parent. Takoma is a wonderful school. The principal and AP are super engaged, and the teachers work really hard to make sure the students are learning and developing, and most importantly excited about coming to school everyday.

Posted: May 4, 2023

Posted: May 4, 2023

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Posted: May 2, 2023

I have two kids at Takoma and we've been at the school for five years. We love it and our kids love it. They're happy to arrive at school every morning and they're learning a ton. The school is really great at meeting kids where they are and challenging them to make individual goals for themselves. There's a big focus on arts and creativity. The teachers and staff are awesome and the school community is very welcoming. Principal Clayton has been a breath of fresh air - he's brought a ton of energy and positivity to the building. This school feels like an elementary school should - a bright, happy place where everyone is welcome.

Posted: May 2, 2023

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Posted: January 15, 2020

My son has been at TEC for 3 years now- will be going into first grade in 9/2020, and his sister will be joining for pre-K. TEC is a wonderful, wonderful school. The staff and teachers are loving and responsive. Look beyond test scores. My son has great friends, has learned to read the first months of kindergarten, and is always happy to go to school. Thank you TEC staff, and the GREAT PTO as well, for the amazing work they all do to keep our children safe and happy and learning.

Posted: January 15, 2020

Posted: January 15, 2020

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Posted: August 24, 2018

We have a great experience at this neighborhood school. The teachers are fantastic! They care so deeply about all their students and making sure that everyone is learning effectively. The admin team is fully committed to addressing all needs and being engaged with the community. Our kids have done very well and I recommend it to other families in the neighborhood!

Posted: August 24, 2018

Posted: August 24, 2018

Posted: August 24, 2018

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Posted: August 24, 2018

Posted: August 5, 2016

Don't let the test scores deter you from considering Takoma!

Our child has just finished two years at Takoma in the pre-K program and will be entering Kindergarten in a few weeks. Every time we walk/drive by the school, she is excited to say hi to the school and can't wait to get back. She has learned an amazing amount in her first two years and I have the utmost confidence in the teachers and quality of education going forward.

The school is small enough that all the staff seem to know all the kids. It is truly a warm and loving environment with wonderful teachers. We are excited to return to Kindergarten!

Posted: August 20, 2014

Our child has thrived at Takoma, and we are particularly impressed with the early childhood program. We are entering our third year at the school and so far our teachers and teacher assistants have been capable and caring. The staff is energetic and positive, the facilities are very nice after the recent renovations, and Principal Taylor tries hard and cares about her school. It is not without its challenges as it grows in number of students and tries to capture more active parent involvement, and we wish more neighborhood children opted to attend, but we are happy with our experience and we recommend the school to neighbors and friends for their children. We work hard to help our child learn and grow, but we realize that much of his academic success and happy disposition is a direct result of his early school experience at Takoma.

Posted: June 21, 2014

Love this school! What a wonderful community asset. Extraordinary welcoming and caring professional staff through all grades. Check out website TakomaEC.org

Posted: April 28, 2014

I am disturbed by the previous post, as it does not fit with our experiences at the school over the past 4 years. There will always be some kids who act up, but it is not the norm. Moreover, if the problem described had been brought to the principal's attention, she would have intervened, as in my experience she is deeply concerned about any child being teased or bullied. She has made the school an exceptionally nurturing place, as the poster notes, and does not tolerate inappropriate language or behavior. But she can't intervene if the issue isn't brought to her attention. Interestingly, I recently met another first grade mom whose daughter transferred from an "elite" west of the park school and LOVES Takoma precisely because of the supportive and positive, environment and the caring and very competent teachers.

Posted: April 27, 2014

This is the first year that my first grade daughter has been going to this school and she has disliked it from the beggining. She has been getting picked on, insulted, and teased the ENTIRE YEAR! However the teachers are nice, and seem to try to make it a friendly environment. I hear 7-9yr olds cursing at breakfast, saying things that are inappropriate for their ages. After this school year I will be taking my sweetheart of a daughter out of this school. The things these kids say I can only assume, they get from home, or possibly older siblings. For something like this to go on the entire year is ridiculous, and I would not recommend this school to anybody that cares about their child's feelings.

Posted: September 25, 2012

We've been extremely happy with the preschool class at TEC so far - caring teachers, small teacher-student ratios, and administrative staff who are incredibly competent and helpful. The new facility is beautiful, and it seems the buzz about TEC being an "up and coming" school is very true. Some aspects of communication are a little haphazard, but with a bit of proactive parent involvement it's been fairly easy to get the information we need.

Posted: April 18, 2011

The teacher and principle quality should be at 100% and far greater than parents participation or their being involved. In this day an age a lot of parents just do not give a care about their children's education.. Therefore, the staff (teachers and principle) need to step up and provide the children with a quality education by any means necessary. Go back to basics when teachers were teachers and not equals with students. Dress appropriately so that children will no that you are a teacher not their buddy in wearing torn geans and too tight clothing. How can children learn when teachers are busy with the dress fad of today. Takoma should and can be one of the best, if the teachers and principle can get it together. Put the blame where it should be. Children leave home for school and this is where education begins and ends.

Posted: October 21, 2008