I never give 5-stars on reviews. But I must make an exception for this school, because I've simply not seen one thing wrong with this it. They continually impress us with the level of education and attention to the other details. First, education... I was surprised at the jump in education level
... Read more when we moved our son to this school from a Mesa, AZ school he was attending. Since then, I remain impressed with the quality of the teachers, and the real-world application of book knowledge that this school employs. I don't have the room in this review to explain detailed incidents, but I can attest to the fact that both the teachers and the principal, Mr. Hensley, really care for their students. I'm so glad we moved to the neighborhood we did so that we get to enjoy this school! Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/12/09
Tarwater has been an excellent education and social experience for my daughter. She moved from Tempe and I've seen so much growth in her this year. Mr. Hensley is a very active, caring Principal. His heart and passion is seen throughout the school, through the teachers, students and to the parents. I'm
... Read more so proud of Tarwater's continued success (A+ by the AZ Educational Foundation, Excelling by the AZ Dept of Education, STARS school for Phys Ed, and the list goes on...)! I know MANY other parents that have moved from the area but still travel out of their way to take their kids to Tarwater. That speaks volumes! Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/21/09
This is our first year at Tarwater and so far it has been a pleasant experience. I appreciate and enjoy the spirit spread within the school. I am impressed with the communication from our teacher - I can have as much as I need/want. I am more impressed with Tarwater as I share experiences with friends
... Read more who currently have children at three other Chandler elementary schools - when we compare, Tarwater is the school I am happy to have my child go to. The only downside is not specific to Tarwater but to the education system itself - I would like the schools to cater more to the advanced children with the same amount of effort as they put forth helping the children who need extra help staying up with the class. Read less
Posted by a parent on 01/01/09
My child has been at Tarwater for 5 years now and has never had a teacher that was experienced in her grade level. 3 of these 5 teachers do not even work there any longer. I do not feel that my child has had the 'great' education that most other people say about Tarwater. I guess by reading the other
... Read more reviews, I can now see that there really is a favoritism in this school. AS far as the PTO, they do try really hard but it has completely dwindled since we got there... This year seems however to be looking a little better as far as PTO. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/31/08
Tarwater is an excellent overall school with plenty of community support and interaction. Principal Hensley and the experienced teaching staff are models for an outstanding Chandler District school. I'm confident that my children are gaining the experience and knowledge to becoming properly educated
... Read more citizens. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/30/08
My child attended Tarwater for 4 years and I believe the statement made by a parent regarding the teachers and communication is true. It is so important to have great communication especially when your child is struggling in certain areas academically. They will and can slip through the cracks. There
... Read more is also a lot of favoritism. I saw this in first, second, and fourth grade within my child's classroom. i have finally decided to move her and it was the best decision I made. Not only are the teachers great in communication they are willing to be involved with tutors and care about the child's confidence in acedemics. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/08/08
'08 is my son's second year at Tarwater. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful, experienced teaching staff, most with 10+ years of experience. We couldn't ask for a better school in our neighborhood. Principal Hensley is very friendly and involved. He recongnizes nearly every student by name.
... Read more And he even ate a fried worm- how cool is that?! And where was he on the first day of school?? He was greeting kids at the drop-off drive thru! Art Masterpiece is a fun, diverse program for the students & teachers. The staff is focused on involving every student and bringing out their individuality. They have excellent tutoring for students who need a lil extra help. The teachers are great at communicating. Tarwater Toros Rule!! Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/04/08
My child has attented Tarwater for 5 years. If your child fits into the 'perfect' mold of how a child should perform academically and socially you will likely be happy with this school. If your child presents with classroom or social challenges that do not fit into the special needs criteria, I
... Read more am not sure that you will happy. I have found very few teachers willing to communicate with me regularly so I am able to 'Stay on top' of my child's learning. I have seen the teachers and principal show definate favoritism to the 'popular' kids crowd, rather than giving extra positive kudos to all kids who need them. There us a lot of time spent teaching toward 'testing' success on 'Standardized' testing, and not a lot of time spent teaching success in academics. Testing results do not show the big picture. Read less
Posted by a parent on 01/31/08
I would rate Tarwater Elementary School an A+. It is an Excelling school in AZ for 3 years in a row and we are very fortunate and proud to have this school in our neighborhood. Great principal, teachers and staff! We love Tarwater Elementary! We could never ask for anything more because we have it all
... Read more in Tarwater Elementary. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/15/07
I am very happy with Tarwater Elementary. The principle is great, very involved! The parent involvement is great and the opprotunities to be involved is good as well. Children have music, art, computer, and PE once a week. I wish they had PE more fequently. They have a running club (inthe winter)
... Read more that is very well attended by all grade levels. We are very happy at Tarwater. Read less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Chandler schools — Tarwater Elementary School is located at 2300 S Gardner Dr, Chandler AZ 85248. 2300 S Gardner Dr is in the 85248 ZIP code in Chandler, AZ The school district for Tarwater Elementary School is the Chandler Unified School District 80. Tarwater Elementary School is a Public school that serves grade levels K - 6.
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Test Score Ratings
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