The Timmerman School

Columbia, SC 29206

Phone: (803) 782-2748
Fax: (803) 787-3925

NR

GreatSchools Rating

private • Grades PK,TK,KG,1,2,3,4,5,6 • 264 students

The Timmerman School, a private school located in Columbia, SC, serves grades PK-8 in the .

The Timmerman School is a private school located in Columbia, SC. 264 students attend The Timmerman School.

Posted: April 26, 2026

I would not recommend Timmerman based on my experience. Communication with parents is poor, and the school does not feel transparent. The classroom approach seems to rely heavily on worksheets, and I had concerns about whether the instruction was challenging enough.
When trying to communicate with teachers, they often seemed withdrawn, frustrated, or unwilling to engage. It did not feel like a nurturing environment. I also found the principal’s communication style to be very authoritative toward both children and parents. In my experience, concerns were interrupted or dismissed, and the school did not seem current with more modern teaching practices.
The administrative staff can also come across as rude and unprofessional toward parents. I had concerns about certain children being singled out and favoritism within the school. The school is not clear about teacher qualifications or student test results, and I have heard similar concerns from other parents whose children felt underprepared or behind after transferring to another school.
Overall, I did not feel confident that the school was preparing students well or treating families with the respect, fairness, and communication they deserve.

Posted: April 26, 2026

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Posted: February 16, 2026

We enrolled our son at Timmerman when he was around 18–20 months old. This review reflects our personal experience.

At the time, he had a speech delay. During nap time, I was told his teachers would clap near him to check whether he could hear. There was frequent concern expressed to us about possible hearing issues. We had his hearing professionally tested, and his results were normal.

One moment that was especially difficult for us was during a classroom birthday celebration. In a photo shared from that day, our son can be seen sitting near the wall and crying while the other children were seated at the table. We were told there wasn’t enough room at the table for him. As parents, that was upsetting to see.

While he was enrolled, there was one incident where he bit another child. We understand biting can happen at this age, particularly for children with limited language skills who become frustrated. It was not acceptable behavior, and we addressed it seriously. However, we sometimes felt that he may have been viewed primarily through the lens of that incident rather than as a toddler still developing communication skills.

We did not have a formal sit-down meeting to discuss a clear plan of support, which we would have appreciated. Our son cried at drop-off each day, and after about a month, we decided to withdraw him.

He is now at a different school and is thriving. He enjoys going, and we have seen significant positive growth.

Every child is different. Our experience may not be the same as others’, but for families whose children need extra patience or support, I encourage you to ask detailed questions about how developmental differences are handled and how communication with parents works.

There are wonderful educators out there, and finding the right fit can make all the difference.

Posted: February 16, 2026

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Posted: November 30, 2025

Administrative staff and teachers appear to be disinterested and dated. Not a forward thinking school.

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Posted: November 3, 2024

We have had nothing but great experiences at at Timmerman. Staff is great and teachers are amazing. The Curriculum for kindergarten (the grade my kid is in) is amazing. He has learned so much in a short period of time. I agree that the principal isn't as "chatty' when she sees you around but it's illogical to think she has time to stop and chat with every single parent. She is the principal she has a school to run. Non the less the staff is always positive and very friendly.

Posted: March 17, 2023

My son has been going to Timmerman since he was in kindergarten and he LOVES it!

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Posted: March 1, 2019

Homework is taught, assigned and expected to be turned in on time.

Posted: March 1, 2019

They not only teach their field of expertise, they develop character in the students by setting good examples as role models that last a lifetime.

Posted: March 1, 2019

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Posted: March 1, 2019

There is one code for all students. Consistent behavioral conduct.
Consistently meted discipline.

Posted: March 1, 2019

A great experience for my daughter. Her time at Timmerman prepared her for the future rigors of education. She has benefited through out high school and her scholarships in college. Her experience there and At HOME was a good solid foundation for her life.

Posted: August 8, 2016

This school is one of the top educating institutions in the state. With a student body of less than 300, they are still extremely competitive....both academically and athletically. They win local, region, and state awards EVERY single year. The Principal and Middle School Head were even recognized in 2016 with two of the highest honors offered from the South Carolina Independent School Association. Over 70% of the faculty has a masters degree in their respective fields. If you are looking for a great place to send your child, then look no more.....You have found "The Road to Success" at Timmerman School!

Posted: July 30, 2016

There is a bullying culture at this school. The kids are out of control. This school teaches their curriculum and turns a blind eye to the social culture they are breeding. If your goal is to raise a child who is respectful and kind to others, avoid this school. If your child is not the one being bullied, he/she will become a bully to others in order to fit in. Many parents have removed their children for this very reason.

Posted: July 30, 2016

Effective at teaching. Ineffective at classroom control and guiding thei students to mature in a commendable way.

Posted: July 30, 2016

Their test scores reveal their success in teaching their curriculum. Homework is a part of learning. The right amoiunt is being assigned.

Posted: July 30, 2016

Posted: August 13, 2015

When I was enrolling in Timmerman the school principal made you feel welcome. Now when they see you they walk by and don't speak at all. Not very friendly all the staff is family and money hungry. Parents don't have a say if there is a problem.

Posted: August 13, 2015

The teacher are al family and I feel that if their is a real concern it is biased. A teacher slammed a door in my face and the principle did nothing.

Posted: August 13, 2015

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Posted: August 30, 2014

Timmerman is an excellent school with very high standards. Our child has been there for 7 years and we couldn't be more pleased. He has two teachers, each with their masters degree. Public schools could never compare to the wonderful education our child is getting coupled with small class size and a principal that will sit down with you anytime you need

Posted: August 22, 2014

Because this is a private school, " teachers" don't have to be accredited. It bothers me that private schools can have such " teachers". Summer staff is rude. You rarely see interaction. Every time I pick up my child the staff is sitting down.

Posted: August 19, 2014

The school needs some updating. The rooms are old looking and cramped, small. The mosquitos are horrible there and no one wants to take care of this. The kids come home with so many bug bites. Roaches outside- how many get in? They need to welcome 2014 and get a real accountant and not a "book keeper". Quicken books would do wonders! Check your accounts and lunches you ask for.... the playground equipment probably would not pass inspection. the water fountain outside has not worked in years. Needs a big make over!

Posted: April 29, 2014

I was a student there from the 2004-2005 year up until the 2012-2013 year when I was in 4tb grade I say t was a good school but there were not many real teachers with degrees other than that and bulling in the 13-14 5th Graders which most left it was great

Posted: July 25, 2013

My daughter currently attends Timmerman. The school is okay. 2013-2014 will be her second school year there. I find that you must stay on top of the staff if you want things done. That's not a positive. Hopefully this year will prove to be a great one!

Posted: April 6, 2012

I attended Timmerman for three years and left the school in 1985. Since then I have completed college and am a teacher myself. When I first went to Timmerman they informed me that my reading level was far below par and that I would need to repeat the sixth grade. Even though this enraged me I soon learned to love this school and learning. The Timmermans know how to run a top notch school and I am sure that the teachers there today are as top notch as the ones entrusted with my education in the eighties. I owe my love of history to my eighth grade teacher and our trip to Washington D.C. and will always remember the collection of teachers that made every day at that school a wonderful experience. In three years ALL of my teachers helped me grow. I would recommend this school to anyone who is serious about their child s education. Once again thank you for helping lay the groundwork for me to become the man I am today! John Jay Farthing

Posted: March 17, 2012

This is a very good school. They could get kids more involed , but over all very cool school. The aftercare harsh thoue givers can be very givers can be very harsh expecetaly the over all all aftercare worker. She yells at kids for very weird stuff, but over all the school is wonderful.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Reflections Neighborhood/Subdivision Columbia SC 6 mi
2 Spring Valley Neighborhood/Subdivision Columbia SC 6.4 mi
3 Longcreek Plantation Area of Town Blythewood SC 11.1 mi
4 Linwood plantation Neighborhood/Subdivision Dalzell SC 29.1 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
Base Distance
Fort Jackson 2.1 mi.
McEntire Joint National Guard Base 12.3 mi.
Shaw AFB 28.9 mi.
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