Idlewild Elementary School

Posted: November 2, 2021

This is a diverse and inclusive school. The diversity changes with each year due to the demographics of this city. They have a waiting list at Idlewild because they are well respected for both teachers and curriculum. The PTA has always been strong at Idlewild. Parents, teachers and community working together to form new citizens through education and awareness of self and respect for others. My child started here in kindergarten and continued through to college graduation and is a contributing citizen today. We were a middle class military family (now retired). My grandchildren now have the opportunity to attend Idlewild and are even luckier with the addition of the IB curriculum. No one is forced. New ideas or feelings are embraced as teaching and learning opportunities by the staff. People who feel left out need to get involved not complain on this forum. Addressing the comment I saw about Black heritage month being ignored. January was when the school was on remote learning due to covid-19 in 2020. I can assess that Latino/Hispanic heritage month was September/October 2021 and that my grandchild shared with me a few things from school on that. In Idlewild's defense it is much easier to notice awareness of the respecting of heritage during in school attendance. The school and staff were doing their utmost to give the best education to each and every child under difficult circumstances last year. Our thanks for a job well done. Teachers should not be made into surrogate parents. Idlewild's teachers give parents and each student the tools to excel. What you do at home to enhance and develop them is up to each individual family in the community. In conclusion I would add- once a falcon always a falcon "Soar to your highest level". We can raise the ratings by being personally responsible for supporting good citizens in every way as individuals, students, and community members.

Posted: November 2, 2021

Posted: November 2, 2021

Posted: November 2, 2021

Posted: November 2, 2021

Posted: November 2, 2021

Posted: November 2, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

As everyone stated this is an IB school, which is an amazing curriculum to shape global learners. However, this school is very cliquey. If you're not involved in the PTA or have close relationships with office staff it's easy to feel excluded. Many broken promises from staff regarding individualized learning plans. Favoritism here definitely exists. Quality of learning depends on what teachers your students have, there are great teachers and there are teachers who are doing the bare minimum especially with remote learning. Also my student's teacher did nothing to acknowledge Black History Month. Do with that information what you will.

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: March 15, 2021

Posted: June 12, 2020

My children went to this school and there's a reason there is a wait list to get in if you're out of district. This is an accredited I.B. school and they take education seriously.

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: October 22, 2018

It’s consistent and very doable every week.

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

We have a new principal so experiencing some growing pains as she takes over

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Really enjoying this school. They are open to feedback and work well with parents. The PTA is very strong!

Posted: September 19, 2016

Posted: September 19, 2016

Posted: September 19, 2016

Posted: September 19, 2016

Idlewild is an excellent IB school. The teachers there are all dedicated to making sure the students learn what they need to succeed not only in school but later in life. They even start teaching Spanish in kindergarten! The parent involvement is like no other I have seen. The PTA makes sure that the teachers , students, families & the school have what they need. Whether it be field trips, supplies, science fantastic, carnival, or food baskets. Most of the families at Idlewild are on waiver, meaning they have asked to go there & provide their own transportation to & from school. That should tell you something about how much we want to be there!!!

Posted: November 30, 2014

My 5th Grader has a severe trauma from previous bad teachers. I searched for a great school that will help my daughter improve. When we found Idlewild, we knew it was going to change everything and we are pleased at how much our daughter has improved. They care about children's academics as much as the children's social and emotional well being. Idlewild's greatest weapon for good is having to be a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. We are thankful to all the staff and teachers there.

Posted: October 5, 2014

This school is amazing. If you're living in Lakewood and you actually care about your child's education and who they're interacting with, then you want your kids in Idlewild! The pta is very active and when parents are involved, you know it's a good sign. My son is having a great experience here and is very happy.

Posted: June 21, 2014

We have been to other schools in Clover Park S D...nothing comes close to Idlewild. The IB curriculum has been amazing and the fact they teach Spanish has been a Blessing. The staff, teachers and principal make it a fun and excellent school for children. Learning doesn't have to be boring! Thanks to all who have helped my child especially Mrs. Bryant.

Posted: May 22, 2014

Both my children have attended Idlewild and I have been so impressed with the education they have received. I chose Idlewild and waivered my kids in because of the caring teachers who challenge the students with many different ways of teaching. Idlewild is an International Baccalaureate candidate school which has also enhanced my kids learning including teaching a foreign language (Spanish). The parent involvement is great and we are always welcomed to help in the classroom and at family events. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: February 28, 2014

I have been trying to work with my student's teacher from the beginning of the year and yet every time we develop a plan which is really to keep the teacher more structured it has changed when I check back in with no reason given. The principal is unprofessional and takes repeated e-mails and phone calls to get a response and still does not help resolve issues.

Posted: August 26, 2013

Best school in tacoma by far. Kids learn spanish and really great personal skills with their program. Basically to develop well rounded little people. Its amazing. I love this place as do my children.

Posted: January 29, 2013

My son is in Kindergarten here. We have been pleasantly suprised. We had heard about the school from friends, and enrolled early into the full day program. It's a good thing we did because there was a waiting list. They have an amazing PTA of which I am a first time member, and am seeing how busy they are trying to make the school experience exceptional for the kids. My son is learning a second language in an actual class they go to. There's a "Spanish Teacher"! They have after school activities such as chess club, and band. I am excited for the next 5 years here. I don't know about past experiences from other parents, but I know that I am happy with mine, and have heard nothing but good things. :)

Posted: November 13, 2012

This school has been a breath of fresh air. The faculty and administration really understand what it takes to develop life learners. My sons love to learn, and really enjoy school. Having come from another school in the district, I am so happy with the way things are handled here. I am a spouse of a soldier, and I'm glad to see discipline problems handled quickly and effectively. Bullying is definitely squashed here, much to my delight. I can't say enough great things, and I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for the best education for their child. Idlewild continuously challenges my children to push themselves towards their best work. An IB school has a different testing schedule, so don't let the test scores scare you away!