Tanglewood Elementary School

Posted: October 30, 2022

Tanglewood is like a new school since the new principal took over in 2020. She is dynamic and invested in the success of ALL students. She embraces all parents and treats them equally, unlike her predecessor. Tanglewood has had its facilities upgraded in the last few years and has become much more diverse student population. It has a much more inviting feel and I attribute that to the administrative staff, teachers and a new generation of parents.

Posted: October 30, 2022

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Posted: January 25, 2019

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Posted: January 25, 2019

10! Amazing school! Great parental involvement. The staff here is outstanding. Its a great feeling to know my child is in a safe and successful environment when I drop her off every morning.

Posted: February 12, 2018

Posted: February 12, 2018

Excellent overall experience for my 3 children. I feel very welcomed as a parent to volunteer. The teachers have been great at communicating with me regarding anything I need to discuss. The curriculum is rigorous and they are able to individualize enough so students can succeed and are not brought down to a lower level. There are also many opportunities in different groups/clubs/enrichment offerings. It's not perfect, my only complaint is how the district handles money and our infrastructure not being updated in a timely manner. The administration is very personable and approachable. They are considerate with the child's personality and how they would pair with the best teacher for their personality to be most successful. I feel like it is a very friendly atmosphere and parent involved community. The PTA continually encourages ALL parents to get involved and volunteer.

Posted: February 12, 2018

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Posted: June 25, 2017

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Posted: June 25, 2017

So far My family is really satisfied and happy.Great teachers, awesome academics.My son has learned a lot, had lots of fun with it, enjoy going to school, made friends, grew as a person. We couldn't be happier!

Posted: November 30, 2016

They tend to look the other way with bullying because the parents of the kids could be key fundraisers. I know this because I was one of those bullied kids.

Posted: November 30, 2016

Everyone was fit into a 'one size fits all' box but there was a class for special needs kids that I remember. Other than that, I don't remember anyone making accommodations.

Posted: November 30, 2016

If you mean leadership by the administration, then yes. If you mean students being taught leadership, definitely not.

Posted: November 30, 2016

Eh, not really. You're taught to obey authority and fall into line. It's more like being a good little soldier than being an individual.

Posted: November 30, 2016

If nothing else, I got a great education here. When I went off to middle school I ended up being a full year ahead of everyone else as far as academics went and just coasted through everything.

Posted: November 30, 2016

From what I remember, as a former student from 2002-2008, it was a couple sheets a day that only took a few each to complete. Nothing too complicated.

Posted: November 30, 2016

Hey, former student here. I see a lot of reviews from parents and thought an inside view could be helpful. While I attended from 2002-2008, I'm guessing nothing has really changed based on the reviews I've gone over.

I was in the middle as far as intelligence went and, for the most part, stayed with the pack. One thing I remember, though, is that if you excelled in one area and tried to really jump ahead they would try and catch you and push you back. I was a very avid reader and was ahead of all of my peers. While were learning to read, I was reading chapter books. On trips to the library, I wasn't allowed to check out the books I wanted because they were 'too complex' for me even though the books I brought from home were the same kind as those I wanted from the library.

Another thing I noticed is that they shunned single parents. I was the child of a single mom who wasn't able to participate in anything. When she was able to, she was looked down on like she didn't belong.

The teaching style, for me personally, worked great but that could just be just how I learn. One thing I remember is that if you were bad at one subject, though, you were considered...lesser than the others. There was homework everyday but it also wasn't heavy and I was always able to complete it within 10-15 minutes at most.

The food was very good and if your lunch money ran out, instead of denying you lunch, they gave you your lunch still but just said you couldn't get extra stuff until you brought your money. Then, the money you'd racked up would be docked from the money you brought in.

Dresscode was law there once it had been implemented. I remember being stuck in the office while people argued whether the shade of my blouse was white or eggshell and getting sent off because I couldn't tuck my shirt in because it was hemmed. They were very nitpicky in places that really didn't matter.

The day care place they worked with, Clayton, was a godsend for my mom who worked late often in those days. I have fond memories of them and hope their service is still available.

Posted: May 19, 2016

Tanglewood is an amazing school! The kids are taught in a safe, fun, loving and challenging environment. We could not ask for a better elementary school experience!

Posted: June 20, 2015

it's a very very good school ,i have 2 girls there and they like it sooo much.

Posted: June 20, 2015

Posted: October 7, 2014

I am very frustrated that my daughter became sad and angry because I couldn't give her a big fundraiser check like the parents of her friends. The overemphasis on fundraising and using our kids as pawns to earn money for the school is very disturbing. Our kids should not be put in positions of earning prizes by who can get the most money. It is shocking that an educated community like ours at Tanglewood would allow this to continue. We need to put a stop to this destructive method of exploitation that has continued for too long at Tanglewood.

Posted: August 12, 2014

A sad truth that this school has no middle ground. Each child is labeled "winner or loser" depending on a single standardized test score. The focus on control and rigid scheduling has no opportunity for children to use their curiosity and imaginations for self discovery, which is the authentic way children learn. No opportunities for social and emotional connections of project based learning, since everything is teacher directed and the children work in isolation. The size and structure of this school is much too large, and causes children to be managed with rigid punitive methods and boring inflexible curriculum, rather than providing an environment of relaxed and inspirational learning that motivates children to love learning, and causes them to develop healthy self esteem. My overall perception of this school after two years is that it is more like a business than a school, where children survive by learning to cope with ongoing stress from fear of disappointing teachers and parents, rather than thriving and growing socially and emotionally. Adaptability, the best prediction of future success and learned via social and emotional development, is neglected in this school.

Posted: April 12, 2014

The curriculum maintains high standards but is dated, and there is WAY too much emphasis on testing. The social dynamics (particularly among the parents) are terrible. A group of insiders run the PTA, which emphasizes fundraising and excludes newcomers and minorities. In a city of great diversity, parents fight to maintain this school's exclusivity. Redistricting may be the only way to change things for the better.

Posted: August 7, 2013

Very very very disturbing experience there. We got swept outta there like Showtime at the Apollo!

Posted: July 5, 2013

TES claims that all our students are Gifted & Talented. However, research shows that students who are intellectually gifted need more emphasis on social and emotional needs since that is their area of deficit. TES is doing the opposite by providing dumbing down drill and kill performance based learning jn a rigid and oppressive environment which does not inspire students to love learning and to think for themselves. They are being taught NOT to think for independently. Instead of self directed project based learning which involves social interaction and emotional connections and relationship building, the students are being bullied by teachers into absolute compliance of what they want them to learn. My intellectually gifted son became so bored after two years that he developed ADHD in 3rd grade from being forced to sit still all day and bored to death. His behavior regressed and he lost interest in creative and imaginative activities as in the past. TES is producing Stepford like children - robots who have lost their spirit. The program at TES will prepare children for 3 things: 1. Workaholics w/ no relationships 2. Narcissists 3. Institution dependance Prison or Military

Posted: November 5, 2012

Our child is at at Tanglewood, and he struggles with various processing disorders which can lead to him having a hard time in a school setting. While we are getting him support outside of school, the school has been very involved in helping him succeed. The counselor, which the school DOES HAVE, along with the vice principal and his teacher were more than willing to set down before the year started so we could voice our experiences and concerns. The vice principal made sure he was placed with the most appropriate teacher and so far the year has been great! He has been challenged since day one, coming home with art projects, stories of the science and computer labs, games, songs, but importantly PRIDE in being a scholar. While the realities of being a public school in Texas influence the school, hence the focus on mastering the STAAR test and strict attendance policies, Tanglewood is striving to be the very best by providing the very best. And considering the cost of a comparable education at a private school, we are more than willing to do some fund-raising for our kids. No school is perfect but we have found Tanglewood to be welcoming and supportive even to a unique child.

Posted: August 30, 2012

The tellings of an excellent school are challenging, progressive curriculum, and tailoring instruction to the needs of the students listed as the top priority. Unfortunately, I found no trace of this in my experience with Tanglewood. There was way too much emphasis on fund raising and, contrary to what I have learned as an educator myself and am constantly being reminded by my principal, the teachers DO NOT individualize instruction based on students and how they learn best. A school's success can not be judged solely by the results of state testing. When a school's population consists completely of students who come from high socio-economic households with both parents, often highly educated, exemplary test results should be expected. It is NOT necessarily a testament to the quality of teachers at the school. I would love to see how well the teachers at Tanglewood would perform if they taught students that come from less than conventional households from the less desirable neighborhoods.

Posted: August 28, 2012

Tanglewood remains the best elementary school in Fort Worth, public or private. As with any group of several hundred students you will find a handful of parents who are just not satisfied. Maybe they would be happier elsewhere, but I suspect they would rather complain and are just good at finding fault and laying blame. For every negative review I'm sure there are 99 parents who LOVE this school, the teachers and the staff but have not taken the time to post a review. For the parent saying there is not a counselor, I guess her office is hard to find, since it is the FIRST DOOR when you walk into the main office and is clearly marked. Public school is a place to get an education, there is not enough money to have a team of counselors to handle severe mental health issues that should be handled by a private psychologist, social worker or minister. Also, if your child is doing 2 hours of homework a night you child probably needs a tutor, we have a 5th grader and he has never had more than an hour except when rare special projects are due.

Posted: August 27, 2012

I enrolled my son at Tanglewood spring semester, following a divorce and relocation. I was shocked - no support services in this school of 700, not one counselor. His social emotional adjustment was fragile, but the only thing his teacher was interested in was how he would score on the STAAR test. This is a large "industrial" school of 700+ where conformity is the agenda and the children's creativity and love of learning is stiffled by the drill of boring test curriculum. It is so arrogant to hang a banner out front to brag about Exemplery test status if the children are bored and miserable and their needs are not being met. And the homework is disgraceful - 8 hrs sitting all day - 2 hrs boring homework. Dismiss primary grades K-2 at 2:00 to avoid the "cattle call". Please parents, we must get organized and insist that support services are provided to all the students, that teachers are trained in social skills and mutual respect, and improve the curriculum to include Blooms Taxonomy of higher learning skills. The physical appearance of this school looks good. The performance is exemplary; however, The emotional climate is ghetto.

Posted: February 26, 2012

Incredibly disappointed with this school. I had high hopes based on reputation, reviews, etc., but they were misleading. We dealt with social issues with my child and the teacher as well as the administration failed to do anything about it. I agree with previous posters about the PTA. But the ironic thing is that the PTA is so active w/activities & fundraising, yet they seem to have little to no voice when it comes to the most important elements about the school -- teachers, curriculum, etc. I've felt very much on the fringe w/the administration even though I volunteered. Almost as if you're welcome there if you're going to be a robot and keep your opinions to yourself; otherwise, move along. If you have the money, I would seriously consider the private schools.

Posted: October 8, 2011

This is in response to the review posted on September 4, 2011. Why would a parent NOT be a member of the PTA. Not being a member of the PTA would be a disadvantage at ANY school. Tanglewood does not receive any Federal funds, so the PTA is integral in making sure the teachers and students have all they need to not only succeed, but excel.

Posted: September 3, 2011

Tanglewood is a great school and seems more of a private school. The teachers are great. I have one child in Tanglewood and my other child has already moved on to middle school. Overall, it is a good school, but not being a PTA member is a huge disadvantage.

Posted: August 27, 2011

This is in response to the May 12th and May 24th post. I agreee that no teacher should pressure a parent to medicate their child nor should we as parents not talk positive about our child's teacher. But our children are with their teachers more hours in the day and then with us. My son was miserable and I repeatedly told him that the teacher is "the boss" and as a teacher myself, I felt I needed to support her. It wasn't until he had trouble sleeping and I could hear him talking in his sleep, that I realized there was a problem. After seeing a therapist, I requested a teacher change because his anxiety and fear of doing something wrong in class was effecting him. I feel guilty for not listening to my son and acting sooner. There is no excuse for a teacher who humilates and shames a child. Tanglewood has a lot of work to do to include the child with ADD, speech concerns, dyslexic, non-caucasian and the child that doesn't fit in the box of this "all our students are gifted and talented" school. If Tanglewood is unable to accomodate for the above, they should be designated as a school for the gifted, so another child won't have to suffer and lose their love of learning.

Posted: August 2, 2011

We are extremely happy with the school. My kindergartener really liked going to school and learning new things. He was challenged every day and was banded with other high achieving kids. Highly recommend it.

Posted: July 17, 2011

We are parents who have experienced both the private and public side of education in Fort Worth. I would agree that they are not the same. Each side has its strengths and weaknesses. Tanglewood is as close as you can get to private without spending an arm and a leg. Yes, there is a lot of benchmarking in public education. It can be very insightful. They do not badger all children to take medication and if a parent is involved in his/her child's education as a teammate to a teacher it can be a very positive win/win for all involved. We are proud of our children and Tanglewood. The world demands a lot of children today. It is our job to provide the best education we can and to support and love them along the way.

Posted: May 23, 2011

this school, because of its high rating perhaps, teaches almost solely to the test. They pressure kids constantly on this, to the point that my straight 'A' student has been getting test anxiety over timed tests! I do volunteer, and parent involvement is great. Great families, but curriculum is outdated/ nothing special or progressive. Classes are above state limits, classrooms are crowded, homework is out of control. Also fundraising is CONSTANTLY pushed in your face/ down your throat, but perhaps this is to be expected in this type of demographic. Overall a disappointment, as we moved in this area just to be in the district, and were expecting a really great school. Also, although I do not have a learning disabled student, I find it WRONG and lazy to design a public school that cannot accomodate these students properly.

Posted: May 11, 2011

Agreed last reviewer!! To bring up or hint around that a 6 yr old boy should be medicated is unethical and irresponsible. Which in my case is what is happening. I plan to reach out to a parent/student advocate group. I am involved with the school, and have had meetings with both the teacher and principle, and Im sorry to say I ve had a rough experience. Communication is lacking. This is our first year, I was so excited and ready to develop a coalition with my sons teacher but clearly it is not the Tanglewood way. I have not heard ONE positive thing about my son from his teacher, so I have to lie to him and tell him "your teacher says your so smart', or " Your teacher told me your doing great in math". Bottom line .....if you want your kid to get "The Beat Down", or want your child to become a medicated zombie then this is the place.

Posted: May 6, 2011

I have mixed feelings about Tanglewood, I have two children that have gone through the school. Our first child is the perfect student. Perfect test scores, self directing, alway seated quietly, never any trouble. Always with her nose in a book. If that describes your child you will have an amazing experience. However, if your child does not fit squarely in that box, they will have an entirely different experience. I could write a book on what happens next if your child is NOT the PERFECT student and especially if you have a boy.(For some teachers that alone constitutes ADHD. You will hear that conversation a lot, by the way. It is a favorite topic of both the teachers and parents.) My advise is to be YOUR child"s advocate. Most of this stems from the pressure that Tanglewood does teach to the tests they give each year. Overall Tanglewood is a very good school, with excellent staff and leadership. There are of course bad eggs in the group and you will know them by their reputation. Parent involvement is extraordinary here. it is a blessing and a curse and it can be intimidating, just jump in. Find something you are willing to do. It benefits YOUR child.

Posted: March 1, 2011

Thanks to all teachers. My kid know reading and writing . Husain Alayashi 3rd gread Ms Barcus

Posted: January 31, 2011

Tanglewood is a great school, with a great community of teachers, administrators and parents who support classroom learning and activities. It is not the best school for mentally challenged children, or parents who want a school that does everything for them. In order for your child to succeed here, you must get involved as a parent, as 99% of us do.

Posted: May 22, 2010

This is our first year in Fort Worth and everybody, from the administration to the parents, has been very supportive. Teachers are very caring. The school offers more extracurricular activities that many schools are not able to offer, and many of those activities are funded by the PTA. The new Principal is great and always willing to listen to any concern and/or suggestion. I could have not found a better school for my children.

Posted: April 24, 2010

I terribly miss the old administration - but of course, truely accept the new principal but the ap isn't quite the same - but perhaps in time will get there. I wish the past administrators well and truely hope that get the recognition they deserve - especially Ms. Ratcliff - had the heart for children and understanding for all parents and situations. I feel fortunate to have been in that administration and still continuing our elementary experience with the new administrators. A very positive experience overall.

Posted: April 20, 2010

I LOVE IT!!!! My kids on the other hand think all of the children that attend are very stuck up and spoiled...but that is just THEIR opinion as 'Free lunch program' kids. We may not be wealthy enough to keep up or participate in all of the awesome events...but I have found the people to be very friendly and accepting...ESPECIALLY the wonderful school councelor, Mrs. Curtis. :))

Posted: March 10, 2010

Tanglewood continues to be the best elementary school in Fort Worth. Great teachers, staff and administrators. After school activities abound, and the PTA helps school with funding and volunteer hours.

Posted: February 22, 2010

The lack of diversity at Tanglewood is very concerning. You can see from the statistics here that almost 90% of the students are white and come from upper-class families. It's a completely different reality from the community my children are growing up in. I want my children to learn about the realities of our community and our world--the realities of working and living in a multi-cultural environment. I enrolled them at a different school.