Tappan Middle School

it is so bad they do not pay enoghe money for the school and the are so bad teaching

Jo Ann (the vice principal) is a bully and demonstrates passive aggressiveness towards other adults, which creates a very toxic environment. The principal doesn't even respond to emails or phone calls. The teachers are nice and seem to genuinely care about the kids. If the administration fails, how can the school function? This place is setting itself up for a potential lawsuit in the near future with this "I don't give a care" mentality.

My kids loved this school and so did us. The teachers are amazing and always there to listen and help as needed. When my child needed extra help I was contacted immediately and received the support I needed in order to help them succeed in the school. Even though it is not a special education school, students who need extra support or have disabilities receive the needed accommodations and the school works with the parents to make the best plan for each child.

My older child went to Summers-Knoll through last year (K-5th) and my youngest is still there (now in second). Summers-Knoll has been like a second home to them. They feel loved and seen and have always been super excited to go to school. I’ve never had a day where my kids didn’t want to go. I’m sure that is in large part due to the amazing teachers, excellent field trips and engaging projects. The kids spend hours outside each day and learn things like the “science of sledding”. Really that was a physics lesson (force, mass, acceleration) and one that was absorbed and not forgotten. I have to admit I was a bit nervous about the schools model although I knew according to research project-based learning mixed with lots of time outdoors is the best way for kids to learn (look at Finland). But as an academic the lack of testing and the structure was a challenge for me. However, my eldest daughter thrived and by the end of fifth grade was years ahead in math and reading at a high school level. The school is also diverse and really brings all children and families into the community. My kids have also learned about social justice, different cultures and religions. Overall, the school has simply been an amazing place for my children to be for the last 6 years and so I cannot more strongly recommend this school.