Bertha

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dr. Thacker and the majority of the staff at Red Bug Elementary. They truly are an amazing school. They put together so many wonderful events for the students, and it’s clear how much they care. Dr. Thacker even spends her weekends at the park watching the students play—giving her personal time just to support and connect with our kids. That level of dedication and love for the students is truly special.

My 8 yo daughter took a very important test that would determine if she could be promoted to the next grade or be retained. She has ADD and gets distracted very easily. I received a phone call from one of her two teachers telling me she did not pass the test and she would be retained. She got the lowest score possible which made me question if she had even paid any attention to the test. When I asked her teachers they had no clue of her performance during the test. I was told they were not with her while she took the test but didn’t care to find out how she got the lowest score possible. I addressed my concern to them and their reply was to not reach out to them for the rest of the year and instead to reach out to administration. Zero commitment, dedication or accountability. If you are an advocate for your child’s education don’t enroll your child in this school. Note: The other staff were always great to me (front desk, nurse, principal assistant, and others).

The principal is more concerned with optics than actually effectively building up the school and community. She’s gotten rid of wonderful, dedicated teachers seemingly because they were squeaky wheels about her policies and practices. We can’t hold standard community events for the kids at the school if it interferes with her personal time. We were told we can’t have trunk or treat because her birthday is that month and she doesn’t want to have to be there. She expects PTA to fundraise and run events but won’t let them keep any of the money to enhance the school. She makes the teachers meet their recertification requirements on their own time and dime while other schools in the district support their teachers. I just don’t understand why anyone would choose to work in a child-focused career if they really don’t enjoy the company of children and aren’t passionate about seeing them flourish as a whole person.

Great school with amazing team. My daughter loves her school teachers and the class. It has a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel part of one big family.

Their withdrawal policy is insane and they want it notarized on top of it.Withdrawal Policy Agreement2026-2027Please read the following statement from the ICS Financial Agreement and sign below."If a family decides they must withdraw from ICS, they must notify ICS no later than April 14, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year. If you withdraw your student any time after this date, you are committed for the entire annual tuition and fees, regardless of circumstances (e.g., any personal decision or a disciplinary action resulting in expulsion). You will be responsible for the balance of the annual tuition and fees (including unfulfilled Parent Partner days). Registration fees and new student fees are non-refundable and non-transferable at any time."I have read and understand the ICS withdrawal policy, which states that I am financially committed for the full year's tuition should I withdraw my student(s) after April 14, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year regardless of any reason or circumstance.

This is a business to the owners, that is their first priority. The directives from the top mgmt mostly prioritize their bank account, not the quality of the education. There are a handful of good teachers, but they often use their own curriculum, which only slightly resemble Montessori techniques, as direction from the top is mostly absent.