Drachman Primary Magnet School in Tucson, Arizona

“Great programs. Dedicated staff. The specialized Montessori curriculum truly motivates the students to excel.”
This review was posted by a other.

“Everything about Drachman Montessori supports its mission of building independent, creative thinkers from the front office, the library, the playground to the classroom. Children learning to be well-rounded people.”
This review was posted by a other.

“I have a different view as well. We are very happy with Drachman, the teachers and the principal. These are challenging times for public schools in Arizona, and I am grateful for our thoughtful leader. He may be quiet at times, but he is very accessible.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are also new to Drachman. So far our experiences are for the most part positive. Both our children love their school. We too had issues with the pull out program for English language learners but that was taken care of with the signing of a waiver. I have recently met with the principal on another matter and can say that he was at all times professional, and not rude at all. No school is perfect, and certainly not one person is perfect either. We are staying.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Wow, the last two reviews are pretty out of touch with my experience. My husband and I both have PhD's too (but don't use it like it entitles me to make such irrelevant comments such as the reader below) and we find Drachman amongst the best we have visited in the district. The school has many students with challenged backgrounds, but they make them perform beyond their dreams. The principle is completely engaged, visionary and excited about making a difference in everyone of those students' lives. My husband regularly goes in and volunteers in the class room. When ever we take our son in outings with friends who have children of a similar age group, it is clear that he attends an amazing school by comparison. He is confident, well mannered, bright, and creative. He loves his school and refuses to take a single day off, even when he's sick.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree with the Feb. 14 posting. This school's leadership leaves a lot to be desired. The principal couldn't possible appear more uninvolved in the day to day operations of the school. I wonder if TUSD is paying attention to websites such as this? For someone with a PhD, this principal is a great dissapointment. My kid goes to this school and I do volunteer alot also. So I hear comments from parents and teachers alike. This principal is considered rude, abrupt, with no interest in the school and the students. He is seldom seen on school grounds. Actualy, we see more getting done by PTA on the school's behalf han from this principal. I too am dissapointed in this school--- the teachers are wonderful, ALL of them. But the principal attitude does affect teachers' morale and it shows. How sad that Drachman lost it's great school status b/c of him.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The principal is rude. Never greets students or parents. Complains about parents but doesn't make them feel welcome or appreciated. I stopped volunteering and giving money because he has never said thank you. We're looking for a new school for our son. The principal has moved the school from highly performing to underperforming. We will miss the wonderful teachers. Especially the music teacher and librarian. They go out of their way to make up for the horrible climate at the school thanks to the terrible leadership.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our child could have attended nearly any school in midtown, and after visiting many, we chose Drachman. All students are taught Suzuki violin with an amazing, amazing teacher Linda Barry. Student are allowed to academically move forward at their own pace - if they want to move faster than the grade level of the class, they are given the opportunity. My daughter was bored before Drachman, and she had sprinted forward, mixing on a subject-by-subject basis with the first, second and third graders in her class. The principal has been very, very responsive and is very involved with the operations of the school and concerns of the parents. We had a few issues, and they were dealt with personally and quickly. If you are willing to be involved, the school will welcome you. Montessori education isn't right for every child, but for those it fits, there are many opportunities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child attended Drachman for a very short while, during which I experienced a teacher to be very bias towards my child. When I went to the principal with my concern he took days before getting back with me and expressed very little concern about our situation.He was very rude and abrupt.I then proceeded to withdraw my child. I would not be surprised if there enrollment numbers decrease dramatically. I believe what was once a great school needs much room for improvement.The only good thing I have to say about Drachman is they have a great resources for the kids as far as there library and the program they have for kids checking out books. The librarian is awesome and very helpful.Other than that Drachman is in great need of help!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I just wanted to respond to the parent about the pull out program for English language learners. That was actually a state mandate, not something that Drachman chose to implement. Also, the initial requirement was 4 hours of pull out a day and many school districts across the state refused, and were able to get it to reduced to 2 hours.”
This review was posted by a other.

“This is this Principal s first assignment, and doesn t want to upset the Teachers. The Counselor is immature and along with much of the teaching staff shows poor judgment in regard to confidentiality. Extreme student poverty issues disrupt classes. Teachers refuse to give homework, as they feel parents won't participate, or maybe they don't want to grade papers. Children in this school can not take standardized tests. I have experienced a teacher giving my daughter good grades and she couldn t do basic tasks. This may be to keep parents from becoming too involved in the classroom or to make the teacher seem more competent. Multiple grades in one classroom do not work. In a true Montessori class it might, but this is wannabe. I wanted to believe in this school. I now hope for an opportunity to move out of this schools grip.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Drachman is a one of kind school. Most of the teacher's are wonderful with the student's. They have P.E. every week, which is unheard of in the TUSD district. They offer a wonderful program for Speech Therapy and Special Education! The art program my kid's love. The library is out of this world, the book's are well taken care of and reading is strongly encouraged through their Frequent Readers Club. The only thing I disagree with is the program that Drachman implemented this year.The kid's who don't speak English as their first language are pulled from Class for 2 hour's 4 day's a week! I feel that is way to much time & money dedicated to something that I see as the parent's responsibility. Those funds and time could be put to better use!! Drachman as a whole is a unique place for the children to learn and grow :)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We chose to send our daughter to Drachman because of its Montessori method. She has excelled within this system. Not only has she learned a great deal in the classroom, but she has become an independent, responsible person who is curious about the world around her. I could not be happier. The teachers and staff are outstanding and so very caring. The music program and library are stellar. Montessori is a great way for children to learn.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are so proud to say that Drachman has been proven to be an A+ school! My daughter is in the 1st grade and looks forward to school each and everyday. It's exciting for me to see this in my daughter. Every Teacher has a smile and shows dedication to their students. I see peace thoughtout the school. I can only say great things.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a jewel - wonderful campus, programs and faculty. a sense of peace pervades. the montessori program is dynamite - need more magnet parents!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Drachman Magnet is an exceptional school, being the only early elementary school that offers a Montessori education, which teaches children in a positive, loving and friendly atmosphere where children are taught and expected to take care of themeselves, their classmates, teachers and their environment in a very respectful manner. My child has been in the Montessori class for two years and has grown in academic and social skills by leaps and bounds. The class has a very close-knit feel, emulating a strong community setting. Children learn at their own pace and are encouraged to help others just as they would in a real-world setting. The academic scores of these children far exceed others in the district of the same age. The school encourages reading, as it has a wonderful library and library staff. It has much to offer in art, music and PE also with very knowledgeable and caring staff and teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have found Drachman to be very succussful in pioneering the first public magnet school Montessori program in Pima County. The program has increased children's success both academically and socially. Children show respect for others and the environment now. I was pleased to here that Drachman received a highly performing label in 2005. Drachman's Montessori Program employes only trained Montessori teachers. Children love the Music teacher and the violin lessons using the Suzuki method. Children's favorite special at school is the Environmental Science Program, they love being outside and learning about the environment. I am pleased that health and physical exercise are balanced at Drachman and that they are taught by a full time Physical Education teacher. The library is incredible, it includes a Frequent Reader Program that really motivats the students to read. I am very pleased with the full time Art program also.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“This school is beatiful. The kids grow there own plants and decorate pots for them. everthing is kid sized, even the doors. The class sizes are small.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“the library is extensive and mrs carrington really encourages reading by students and participation of parents. Parent involvment is pushed, however, it may be demographics, but the is a really low participation level.”
This review was posted by a .