Lowell School

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.

When Principal Hedlund led the school, we were having a more positive experience. There was accountability within the staff and parents. Communication was clear and much better. Since Principal Russell has stepped in, that has all gone down hill. There’s been several safety concerns that goes unaddressed or parents aren’t aware until AFTER it’s happened. The teachers are poor communicators (especially in the 4th grade), no accountability and often show favoritism. As a parent I could not be more disappointed in the negative turn Shepherd has taken.

We love ESS. It is a focus school so class sizes are small, and it’s a smaller school with mostly walkers. Two of our teachers have been fantastic, one was not and resigned but the administration communicated well with parents and ensured a smooth transition. I like how families are so engaged with the school and practically everyone comes to school events. The school also has a magical atrium garden that grows tons of food for students, including grapes, strawberries, paw paws, and salad. The school is diverse and always communicates in 3 languages (English SpaniSh and Amharic). If you want a school with engaged families, good teachers, and diversity, come here!

My son attended this school for two years before we moved to get away from this school and their sad excuse for leadership. My son was the victim of violence on several occasions at the hands of the same aggresor. Every time I brought the incidents to the Vice Principal, I was given the same answer, they would talk to the children. Every altercation was instigated by the same child, and nothing was ever done but the Vice Prinicipal had high hopes, that by doing nothing something would change... As time went on it became very difficult to get my son to go to school. He did not feel safe there and I can't blame him. I can't stress enough how disappointed we are by the lack of action of this administration. I've never said this about a school but I HATE this school and I am so excited to leave this community in the past.