Taylor Street Elementary School

16 24 TAYLOR STREET

Washington, NJ 07882

7 Reviews

School District

Washington Borough
Grade

PK, K-1
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Washington Borough School District

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 17, 2024

The staff is friendly and trying, but the school is overwhelmed. The classes have too many kids in them. They had too many kids in the school when it was Pre-K to 1st grade. Now, they added the 2nd grade to exasperate the problem. If your kids are having any type of social issue be prepared to be stressed out every day with continuous messages about every little thing, and constant criticism of your child (Pre-k thru 2nd grader). Although it may be a way of trying to get the parents to help in certain situations, the severity of the issues you hear in between the actual real worrisome ones, makes you annoyed and feel more like they're having a bad day and tired of dealing with your child. In my opinion, the teachers can't handle the volume; there are too many kids and, as a byproduct, too many distractions. It's easier to calm down 13 distracted kids than 23, especially when you have 1 or 2 class clowns in the room; laughter is contagious. These Pre-K to 2nd graders are just learning social cues, they are learning new things (good and bad), and trying to get everyone's attention. The classes are too large and diverse, with many kids coming in with ESL needs. The school's academic rating reflects the issues occurring. I also think because of this, they have difficulty getting new qualified and experienced staff to help. They look at the rating of the school, the size of the school, the parking accommodations, and the number of kids attending, and it becomes difficult to fathom how to help. I'm not criticizing the staff; I just think the school is small for the volume of children, and it's become an issue. I love our town but the schools seem to be struggling a bit, and I'm not the only person with this opinion.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2021

This is my first year with children enrolled in the school. Having worked in education for over a decade, I had set high yet reasonable expectations. The teachers absolutely lived up to - and at times exceeded - my expectations! All of the teachers are warm, wonderful and caring, and their dedication to educating our children is evident each and every day.Unfortunately, I have had nothing but poor experiences with the principal, Sherry Koeppen. From her inability to answer simple questions at the beginning of the summer (2020) regarding enrollment, to her extreme apathy towards the feelings of both parents and children alike, I am flabbergasted that she still holds a position there. Never in my tenure have I seen parents treated in the manner in which Ms. Koeppen sees fit. I am grateful that my children will be moving on to Memorial sooner rather than later, and hopeful that the principal there knows how to properly address others.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2020

Horrible. The most unresponsive, unprofessional and incompetent staff I've ever known of. Didn't know things could be that bad in today's age. Withdrew my son after they tried to pin child neglect on me with Child Protective Services after a parent and tax payer challenges them to do better. All the do is stigmatize and label children to help get more funds for their fledgling school. Very sad...
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2016

The teachers are dedicated and genuinely care about the children. The administration listens to your concerns, and tries diligently to be proactive. My children are excited to go to school each morning. They are being challenged appropriately at their respective academic levels. I feel these negative reviews are unfounded.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2016

Our child had learning issues but receive no support from the school or even a response to any questions or concerns. The school provided a list or doctors to take our child to which cost us a lot of money for assessments and evaluations but never receive a response from school. We are still begging for answers from the school and for support but no response.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

I have a preschooler at Taylor Street School. I have found many negative reviews to be unfounded. My son curriculum consists of alphabet and number schoolwork that is age appropriate.
Submitted by other on August 20, 2014

if you are reading this, and you are a parent, then take this from someone who has been through this school. Move schools. This school is so far behind on curriculum, that it leaves no opportunity for your child to grow and be the person that they have the potential to be. The school most go to after Taylor St., Memorial Elementary School, is better to an extent, in which they offer a program for those students above and beyond, but honestly it isn't enough. I moved out of this school system before middle school came about, and I was placed in all on-grade level classes, regardless of the fact that I was in the gifted and talented program at Taylor Street. I worked extremely hard to get to where I am now, with an all Honors/AP schedule in High School. If you parents want to secure a future for your child, then give them the education they deserve to have, something this school lacks. I hope the school sees this review, and makes something of it.. Change is needed if this school wants to produce students that are adequately prepared for the real world.