This school contains many stellar educators. However, the administrative functions are disorganized, capricious, incompetent and outright disrespectful to their teachers and parents. We had a child in their preschool program. Enrollment was complete chaos: they promised us space in the after care program, assured us there would be plenty, then forgot to add our name to an email list serv for families so we never received the email asking to register. We had to beg and plead for a spot for extended day so that I could continue full time at my work. Their emails to families never come from one person, sometimes it's the head of school, sometimes the CEO, sometimes the librarian. It makes it so confusing and to this day my husband is still not receiving emails that I do, and vice versa, seemingly randomly. During our year of enrollment the preschool encountered numerous challenges and communication to parents was abysmal. Our classroom flooded and randomly had to be closed for more than a week. There were issues with the "lunch program" which is I guess adequate calorie wise, but truly pitiful. Many staff and families feel that the admin leadership, Director of School to be specific, sees the PFA program as a cash cow, but does very little to improve or support the preschool division. (And there's a question about whether they really are in compliance with all of PFA mandates). Half of the enrollment at this school is the preschool. Our beloved teacher raised many concerns with their leadership team and was ultimately fired for being a squeaky wheel, and she was literally the only reason we could recommend this place. After this school year none of the families I know will re enroll and many of the preschool staff are planning on quitting. All that said, I believe that TM has the ability to reform and I sincerely hope they do, because I believe that the educators have skills and experience and the grounds of the school are incredible. read more

Tucker Maxon... catering to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children but charging them significantly more in tuition than typically hearing kids. Do better. read more

What started out as a really positive experience with lovely pre-k teachers ended up turning into a terrible experience by the time we left the school. There were huge communication gaps from the leadership at the school regarding my child's behavior, safety and health issues regarding potential mold, and treatment of staff. While the current leadership is in place, I can not in good conscience recommend this school to anyone. read more

Tucker Maxon is a truly incredible school for children both who are deaf or hard of hearing or have typical hearing. My children who are typical hearing, but one with severe learning differences, have thrived at Tucker beyond what we ever could have imagined or expected. Small class sizes, wonderful caring teachers, lots of opportunities for outside time, movement, art, music, and reading, as well as a tremendous support staff makes Tucker one of the best elementary educational opportunities out there. I could not recommend Tucker Maxon more highly, and would be happy to answer any questions about my experience there. read more

To all the parents who are using Yelp to help them decide on a school for their child, please make sure you read the reviews from the parents who ACTUALLY had a child that attended the school. It seems that other reviewers are very quick to form their opinions about everything a school has (or doesn't have) to offer based upon a hour visit.. Our son just graduated from the 5th grade in June 16' after attending the school since 1st grade. When we were looking for a school for our son it was very important to us to have a traditional school feel but with smaller classroom sizes. We definitely found that and many more things that we had never anticipated our son would learn from Tucker Maxon!! I cannot say enough about how much Tucker Maxon did for my child (non hearing impaired). He was in a classroom each and every year with hearing impaired and non hearing impaired kids. While I cannot speak extensively about the program for hearing impaired children I can say that, after spending 5 years with some of these children, the progress I saw was nothing short of a miracle, not only the kids speech and knowledge but in their self esteem. The hearing impaired kids leave the school feeling like a normal kid should feel at that age and the non hearing impaired kids leave there with something that most schools will NEVER be able to teach and that is treating kids that are different or have disabilities just like they would treat every other kid. My son was taught how to read, write and do math and was also taught about history and punctuation.... BUT more importantly that all the above he was taught to have compassion, patience and caring and the belief that ALL kids should be made to feel accepted and not left out because they may not hear the same or speak the same or even look the same. KUDOS to Tucker Maxon and thank you for teaching my child things I never imagined him learning at such an early age... read more

This school literally saved my son's schooling experience! My son attended public school in kindergarten and I quickly realized he was getting "lost" in a classroom with 28-32 children. For some children, this may be okay, but I knew that my child would fall behind. From the moment he walked into this school, with its family atmosphere, I knew we had found a home. This school has many resources for hearing impaired children, but the typical hearing children learn about empathy, fairness, and to be kind to each other. Hardly any schools, let alone homes, can claim to teach this. My son loves to go to school everyday. Did I mention they have the best PE teacher in the universe? You have to meet him to understand. read more

I am so happy my son attends Tucker-Maxon. The minute you walk in you feel welcome. The front desk is awesome, the principal is awesome, the teachers and assistants are awesome... You can tell that everyone on the staff wants and likes working there. Other parents and students are very friendly as well. My son learns so much and is excited to be at school everyday. Communication from his teacher is absolutely amazing. She sends out updates on what the kids learn every week. It s great to be able to follow up with my son after his day at school and chat with him about what he learned. They also send out lots of pictures of their day and what they do. So glad we found that school. read more

Just what we were looking for. We moved to Portland a year ago, and after having had a good look at PPS decided that we wanted to see more movement, more music, more art, more green space, and most importantly more capacity to focus on the individual needs of our kids in their school. Our older one was about to start 1st grade, and the quality of the introduction into more serious learning (she has been in various international schools for 3 years) was very important to us. We did not want her to be one of 32 children for this important step, nor have PE once a week, and arts and music being relegated to add-ons dependent on funding. My younger child would attend pre-k, and here too a caring and nurturing environment with many opportunities for play was what we were looking for. We found it all at Tucker Maxon, and after a year there are still very happy with our choice. It's a caring, diverse school (more so than PPS) filled with great teachers. Mrs Humphrey was phenomenal in grade 1, and our son had not one but three great teachers in his pre-school class (of 12 kids total). I find the curriculum interesting and appropriate and have regularly volunteered in math class, which was a lot of fun. We had some issues with the amount of home work that after deliberations was reduced, and that worked out really well. The school is excellent at getting parents involved and creating a community. My kids look forward to school, something they never did before. They know all of the kids in their school, many by name and love hanging out in the playground after school is done, playing with kids across ages and classes, never in a hurry to leave. That to me is the biggest compliment a school can get. read more

I have two boys that both attend Tucker Maxon (one hearing impaired and one typical hearing) and both are thriving within this nurturing school environment. We will be starting our 6th year here and absolutely love everything the school has to offer. Tucker Maxon boasts small class sizes (neither has ever been in a class larger than 15) taught by some of the most caring teachers I know. In addition to academics, the staff focuses on emotional intelligence. Every classroom has a blend of hearing and hearing impaired students, which benefits both types of kids. The typical hearing students walk away valuing and accepting differences, while the hearing impaired students gain confidence and community. As an education specialist, I spend time in classrooms all around the country. I know that the school culture at Tucker Maxon is unique; almost family-like. And I can assure you that the academic individualization that occurs at Tucker Maxon is one of the best I've seen. Due to the small class sizes, teachers can cater to small groups and individuals giving students exactly what they need. Teachers use the standards to guide their instruction, and do so in a way that is motivating for kids. The math classrooms focus on infusing the 8 standards of mathematical practice (which are the habits and behaviors of mathematicians). Using the enVisionmath2.0 program, each math block begins with problem-based learning experience in which students work cooperatively to generate solutions and strategies and the teacher serves as a facilitator of the learning. This successful model encourages problem solving and flexible math thinkers. In reading, the teacher facilitates literature circles built around high interest books at various levels, depending on student need. This encourages students to love reading and discuss books with both the teacher and peers in an authentic way. The teachers and staff here have so much heart and their love for the students definitely shows. They foster confidence and provide opportunities for students shine in their own unique ways. They have personal relationships with students and make the effort to know their likes and interests. The teachers then bring those interests into the classroom lessons and make connections to enhance learning. Lastly, it is hard to talk about Tucker Maxon without mentioning it's beautiful outdoor space. It contains an organic garden, goats, chickens and natural play areas. And kids are out there throughout the day - for recess, lunch (year-round) and classroom learning! My kids beg to stay after school for extra playtime and rarely want to leave. This is a special school and I am so glad that we are a part of the Tucker Maxon community. read more

Our hearing TAG son is thriving here: intellectually, developmentally, and socially. Individualized instruction has opened the door for our son to push far beyond the limits he faced at his previous school. Effective use of technology, an engaging curriculum, and high achievement standards all balance a fantastic PE program, a safe and inviting facility, and a strong focus on cultivating friendships and community. TMOS's caring environment supports children in becoming their better selves. Here, there is no "teaching to the contract" that made us abandon our Eastmoreland public elementary. TMOS's service to the deaf community empowers its teachers to see each child on his or her own terms - as a complex individual with specific needs and abilities. The only reason this review does not get to 5 stars is that we'd like to see more family involvement, and more parent-led initiatives that directly involve or benefit students. That said, the school is making a great effort to this end, and we look forward to seeing what comes to fruition. After touring so many schools (public and private), only TMOS gives us that bang for the buck: affordability, close proximity to home, and excellent education for our kids. We just wish TMOS would bring back K - 8 education, instead of ending their program at grade 5! read more

To Michelle, I find many interesting faults in what you say. TMOS is a stand up school and I have felt that way for many years. I agree that sugary treats should be limited however, speaking as a teacher from another school, it is the parents that are brining in treats at the last minute with little to no warning to the classroom. If teachers get a heads up then we can give you one, if not... Welcome to our world. It makes no sense why a parent would keep their child in a school they felt was unsafe. So the fact that you seem to still be there with your child makes no sense. Although I understand your perspective on immunizations, you ARE taking advantage of the religious opt out while potentially compromising the health of other children. Yes, all schools are in need of more manipulatives. So please do something about it. Do not expect the teacher spends his or her own personal money on it. It's not about what you have, it's about what you do with it. If this still doesn't work for you, donate or help find someone who can. If you really feel that TMOS is a bad school then please leave. There is a difference between being an advocate for your child and staying in a situation you don't like and whining about it. Im not sure what you are trying to get out of this. I wouldn't let my 3yr old behave this way. It seems to me like you are the gossip here. Our children's educational experience is not an opportunity to gain attention for ourselves and feed a need for drama. Your opinions would feel much more valid if you said this AFTER you leave. My son, although challenging has been met with kindness and patience on a consistent basis from all teachers. I will not be taking him out of there and your "review" in my mind is an inappropriate vent that just makes me feel bad for whatever teachers have had to deal with you. read more

Our younger daughter attends 4th grade at Tucker Maxon (TM) and loves going every day. She always has a lot to say about her day after school and doesn't bring home stacks of easy worksheets which were the norm at her previous public school. She attended TM with her older sister until they were heading into kindergarten and 4th grade when we switched them into our neighborhood public school. Both did well in public school but were ignored since the teachers always had other students who needed lots of attention. After I saw her developing a little apathy about school, we switched her back and her enthusiasm has returned. TM also has such a family atmosphere where projects can really be achieved without going through the PPS bureaucracy. To top it all off, TM has amazing PE, Music, and Art programs. read more

This school has the most amazing teachers! I cannot begin to tell you how much time and dedication they put into the children, personally. I have referred many parents here and continue to, along with donations from me, family and friends. It's a wonderful investment for hearing impaired children learning along side of typical hearing children. read more

This is a private school making a conscious choice to operate like a mediocre standardized public school when it doesn't have to. They did not used to be this way. They have succumbed to the testing/standards culture that over-emphasizes math and reading and de-emphasizes other subjects and interest based learning. They also seem to be wrapping around the false "STEM" crisis created by corporate interest to narrow educational curriculum (they were advertising a STEM Fair when I visited). They recently brought in SBAC testing to be able to sell their scores (which measure little of value) and bought curriculum packages sold by the same companies that sell the tests. EnVision math curriculum has a less than favorable reputation amongst actual seasoned teachers. When I was there I witnessed kids in all grades doing canned math worksheets and second graders taking a math test in hushed silence. A child told me that he had to hurry to finish his "homework" because they give the kids the homework in school and they don't have to take it home and do it if they get it done there. So they are teaching kids that homework is a punishment and making sure that kids who have a harder time are punished while those who are less challenged are rewarded. It's very sad that this school has wrapped itself around Ed "reform" in this way. Private schools can do things differently. Many kids were not engaged when I visited. Many were doing their work, but engaged in learning they were not. If you want a standardized approach that looks like a mediocre quality public school with a smaller class size this could be your place. But if you want interest-based learning and teaching that is teacher-driven rather than canned curriculum driven look elsewhere. Ironically, the school was recently associated with a film premiere about the over-emphasis of testing and the problems associated with non interest based learning. The Executive Director told me the main push for the testing and standards adoption was from parents. In talking to him it was clear he had no idea how the standards or tests were created and that leadership at the school had a political stand around it rather than one grounded in knowledge and values. read more

Tucker Maxon is great! They have great teachers, an amazing PE teacher, a loving environment, and high academic achievement. Our kindergartener loves school and looks forward to the relaxed but well managed environment that she learns in everyday. As a parent, I couldn't ask for anything more! read more

I fear I can't explain what a wonderful and extraordinary place Tucker Maxon is. My daughter is in first grade, her second year at this school. She has typical hearing, but is benefitting so much from the values of individual attention and respect in the curriculum here. There are 10 students in her mixed first and second grade class, and I feel that her teacher knows her better than any teacher she has ever had, and is more enthusiastic about her and her specific learning style than any teacher she has had. She is learning far beyond the average first-grade curriculum and is given many opportunities to work further at her own pace. I am not usually a community-type person, but I truly enjoy the parents and teachers here, as I think they have self-selected into a group of incredibly warm and generous people who want to put their children in a universally-respectful and warm environment. I truly can't imagine what Michelle R.'s experience can possibly have been about. read more