Tolland High School

Posted November 18, 2006

I agree that if you have a special ed child then Tolland schools would be a good fit, however, for those looking for something extra for their academic child, you will not find the support beyond grade 2. Nearly all families with gifted children end up choosing private schools, even when it comes at quite a sacrifice. If you have a college bound child, you must be vigilant in the academic guidance and course selection especially at the high school level. The vast majority of the academic core classes are not academically rigorous enough to qualify as college prepatory. Tolland is a beautiful town, but buyer beware!
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Posted January 27, 2005

I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of education at Tolland High. In particular, the support staff really invest in the students and make parents feel heard and empowered. My interactions with the school psychologist as well as the principal have been positive. My son, who attends, feels the same. I would highly recommend this school to other parents, especially to those who have kids with special needs.
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Posted November 15, 2004

I have two children in the Tolland system, one of which has significant special needs. The system was willing to consider outplacement after a few years, which was the best choice for my son. I am a bit biased with Tolland, since I graduated from the system myself several years ago. But, I have seen significant curriculum enhancements since graduating. I made little effort and was a member of the national honor society... today, students are addressing higher level concepts at a much younger age. Qualifying for graduation is much more difficult than it once was. I have not been 100% thrilled with all of the teachers my children have encountered. My least-favorable comments would be toward the tenured, skating-toward-retirement category. My daughter went from hating 6th grade math to having it be her favorite in 7th grade(today her teacher is young and full of enthusiasm). What a difference a teacher can make!
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Posted September 26, 2004

I found the lower grades seemed excellent but as the children progressed to middle school & high school, the quality digressed greatly. The teachers stress it is the parents' responsiblity for the child to excel-when the opposite is true. They lack enthusiasm and creativity to spark young minds to 'strive for excellence' (the schools' motto). Some teachers in the high school cannot handle discipline in the class but there are a few very good teachers who can. Others make the mistake of giving opinions strongly in-class when both sides need to be taught indiscriminately. The vice-principal is great in the area of discipline but is not supported in her efforts enough. Guidance counseling is terrific. Drug sales, cigarette smoking happen though forbidden in the rules. I will be glad when my children are graduated!
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