An Otumoetai College student said she and her fellow students thought they "might die" after shots were allegedly fired in the area this morning.
Students at Bellevue School and Otumoetai College were forced into lockdown after police said at least one shot was fired near classrooms at 8.45am.
The student said in an email she was freaking out.
"We all thought it was a drill at first because our principle [sic] told us we are having practice emergency situations this week and next week.
"It wasn't until our teacher told us it was real until everyone on our class was quiet. We all started freaking out until we heard the news that it was in Bellevue, and then we were just waiting for it to be over.
A 44-year-old Tauranga woman was expected to appear in Tauranga court tomorrow. She is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and recklessly discharging a firearm.
Sergeant Scott Merritt said the incident unfolded about 8.40am this morning after armed officers responded to reports of two gunshots being heard.
Merritt said a shotgun was found at a Queen Rd property.
The incident resulted in lockdowns at Bellevue Primary and Otumoetai College for several hours this morning.
Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said he wanted to reassure the public.
"We understand this has been a distressing incident for the Bellevue community, especially the staff and students at nearby schools.
"I want to reassure the community that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.
"The staff at Bellevue Primary School did a fantastic job of following lockdown protocols and ensuring the safety of staff and pupils."
Responding to concerns from some parents who worried the police did not respond fast enough, Paxton said police responded within 10 to 15 minutes.
Paxton said a police staff member was speaking with the school principal on site and was observing the address and relaying that information back to the station.
He said he had lived next to the school for about five years and said "nothing ever happens like this".
"Usually you hear kids laughing ... this doesn't happen here it is a really quiet neighbourhood."
A parent who wanted to be known as Dorne said in the 20 years she has had her five children attending Bellevue School and others in the area, this is the first time anything like this has happened.