Tatham Elementary School

As a parent, there is nothing more important than seeing a child thrive in a safe, supportive, and responsive learning environment. Unfortunately, our experience at Saint Thomas the Apostle School has fallen short of those expectations, with many promises ultimately left unfulfilled.Despite efforts to maintain open and constructive communication with teachers and administration, responses were often dismissive and, at times, punitive, with little opportunity for dialogue.Important points to consider:    •    Teachers lack formal education degrees, certifications and training.    •    Some teachers do not maintain any weekly lesson plans, and assignments often change with little notice, making it nearly impossible for students to develop time management or organizational skills.    •    The use of educational tools like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams was inconsistent or completely absent in many classrooms, again making it difficult for students to stay organized and on track with assignments.     •    Teachers rarely communicate with parents regarding academic performance but are quick to email about minor “behavioral” issues such as talking. There is an excessive focus on “behavior”, rather than on academic progress and success.    •    Lunch followed by recess combined total time is maybe 30 minutes, leaving very little time for children to eat (15 min), recharge and socialize during the school day. It has become clear that the school is either unequipped or unwilling to provide the level of academic support many students need to be successful. The approach is largely one-size-fits-all, with little flexibility to accommodate different learning styles or individual needs.For families seeking a nurturing environment grounded in compassion and empathy, the core values that Catholic education promotes, this is sadly not reflected in our experience at Saint Thomas. I encourage parents, especially those whose children may benefit from a more individualized approach, to ask thorough questions and proceed cautiously.