Jefferson Elementary School

4302 North 13th Street

School District

Tacoma
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 21, 2018

Pretty good so far. When I have difficulties with the school I never feel intimidated to bring them up to administration. They have treated me and my family with respect.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2018

We transferred from Franklin Elementary (A fantastic school) to Jefferson due to the S.A.I.L. program for our oldest daughter. We had no idea, however, that where as her educational quality would increase, that of our youngest would drastically decrease. Our kindergartner's teacher lost her on the 4th day of school, refuses to apologize or admit fault, while admitting that the incident did happen. She only admitted this once she was confronted and after multiple interactions still refused to apologize or explain how it would be better in the future. The principal was informed of the situation, and was willing to transfer our kindergartner to another class, until he learned that the teacher was the sole reason we wanted a transfer. He then refused to transfer and said we were welcome to go back to our home school instead. Splitting up siblings between two schools, even though there was space, because he doesn't feel the teacher did anything incorrect. Would NOT recommend.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2017

We transferred our girls from Lister to Jefferson last year and within months it was like a difference between night and day. Both of my girls were loving school again, and still do! The teachers make learning fun, the school encourages creativity as well as ensuring that they meet their academic goals. But they don't just shove college and test scores down the kids' throats. It greatly helps that parents are more involved and successful fundraisers allow the kids to enjoy fun things. Glad we made the switch!
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2017

I have a 5th Grader this year and she has been at Jefferson since Headstart. I love everything about this school. The staff is very caring and understanding. On top of any and all issues.
Submitted by teacher on March 19, 2016

This is a great place to work. It is well organized and calm. Successful leadership is evident. Staff is respected. Students are well behaved and PTA is outstanding. Proud to represent the Bruins as a staff member!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2015

The principal and teachers at Jefferson are all very caring. The PTA is highly involved and does a great job coming up with fun activities that both the students and their families can enjoy. The test scores have continued to improve year after year. We Love being a part of the Jefferson community!
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2014

Very happy to have my child in this school. I enrolled my child in the middle of last yr and couldn't be happier with the staffs welcoming of my son. My son has thrived already at this school and I'm excited to see what this yr brings. The principle really is incredible and my desire to write the review has a lot to do with him and how well the school runs as a result. I'm not sure if he has been recognized yet.. but he should!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

Jefferson is amazing! My kids have been there for two years and I could not be more thrilled. My children love their teachers and friends. The PTA is incredibly involved, as well as, the parents and teachers. The priniciple greets the children at the door and walks the halls to ensure children are safe and on task. I feel that my children are loved and safe there! So pleased! We left Jefferson for a short time and we could not get back there fast enough!!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2013

Jefferson teachers, principal and PTA are all super! We are very happy here for our second year, and looking forward to enrolling a K student for next year. My daughter's teacher is excellent, we feel so lucky to have her. The principal is involved with the children and the parents, even in the halls making sure the children have their coats at recess and greets them at the door in the morning. I can't say enough good things! Our building is fairly new, which is nice, no concerns about relocating for school updates and other annoyances. I'm trying to think of a negative so I seem well rounded....I wish there was before and after school care available on site, there is not.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2013

I have all three of my kids at this school. Kinder, Third, and Fifth. All of the teachers have been wonderful. My oldest passed all her MSP's last year due to our one of our two fabulous 4th Grade Teachers. Our school has really grown over the last few years and I'm proud to be a Bruin. All of their family events are free or close to it,and have an outstanding attendance. My kids have had some outstanding all school assemblies, such as the African Drummers, Chinese Acrobats, Pacific Science Center and more! I'll miss this school, staff, and families, when all my kids have moved on to Middle School.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2013

I love this school and it's staff. My children have been attending this school for 5 years now. They have great community involvement and a awesome PTA. They are always planning fun activities for the kids and great assemblies.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2013

If you are in the neighborhood, come to your school!! Jefferson has a passionate new principal, a growing PTA, a beautiful facility and involved families. I hesitated when signing my first child up for K four years ago, but finally decided that we would invest in our walking distance neighborhood school instead of driving elsewhere. I have never regretted this! Mr. Byrd is always in the halls of school greeting the children, they all adore him. One thing I notice that is different about Jefferson than some other North end schools is that we have a lot of field trips, many walking since we are so close to everything. Jefferson pushes the AR reading program and the PTA sponsored a walking field trip to the Blue Mouse for ALL the children who met their reading goal (The Lorax). The previous year it was a roller skating party. The PTA is very active and growing. They have sponsored some amazing assemblies like African dancers and Chinese acrobats. Other PTA activities this year include: petting zoo traveling farm, bingo night, fall carnival, winter craft event for all students, book fair (one BOGO book fair)....etc. Come to your neighborhood school! You won't regret it.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

Our family found this school to be mediocre, apathetic and uninspiring. Academics toe the teach-to-the-test line, science is barely rushed past a few times a year, art is almost nonexistent. Administrators are unresponsive to parent concerns about curriculum or homework, and inflexible -- the attitude is "this is the way it is, sorry if you have a problem with it". Older students routinely get away with harassing each other physically and verbally and even for younger kids I have found the staff to be unacceptably unresponsive to a child saying they're being picked on . The principal can hardly write a coherent email. It's a lovely building with facilities that are not taken advantage of to their full potential. The only shining spots are the kindergarten staff (engaging, passionate teachers who obviously love being with the kids and send home worn out, happy, stimulated classes every afternoon) and one fourth grade teacher who brooks no nonsense and is in great touch with her students.