Holly Hill Elementary School

I would rate Holly Hill as "average". It has a reputation for being elite but I don't think it's any better than the other elementary schools in Enterprise. They benefit greatly from parent involvement (most of the Moms don't work, upper wage earning families live in this school zone) but the fundraising is excessive. Kids shouldn't be pressured into having to sell stuff several times per year. I think there were 5-6 different ones last year! I don't feel the principal is very warm or welcoming. She always seemed too busy to discuss important matters regarding my children. Once I was told she only had 10 minutes to talk to me and as a parent, if I felt that my child didn't matter to her or the school. The school puts way TOO much emphasis on standardized testing, too. My kids were so nervous they would fail their grade if they didn't achieve a high enough score, or their teacher would be fired for doing poorly on the tests. It was ridiculous! Kids shouldn't be seen as a number, they should be appreciated and treasured for who they are.
—Submitted by a parent

This was my child's first year at Holly Hill. She was in the first grade. I have never been happier. Her teacher Mrs. H. did a fabulous job. My daughter was not a very good reader before this year began, but now due to her 1st grade teacher, she is an excellent reader! I hope that my daughter has a teacher as dedicated as Mrs. H. when she goes to second grade.
—Submitted by a parent

My children just finished 3rd /5th grade here at Holly Hill after a move from Washington State. They were drastically behind at the beginning of the year here. We are not a military family and have no ties to this community other than it's where we landed for my husband's career. So, I feel like my opinion of this school is completely unbiased.This year our children's academic growth has been AMAZING and it's hard to believe they are the same kids. The school implements a school wide parent/student accountability weekly communication system that helps parents stay knowledgeable of their child's scores and classroom work. It's invaluable to parents and I wish every school did this! The school also grades on an A to F scale, which I personally feel helps parents see exactly where their child needs help. The teachers, staff and parent volunteers are amazing here ensuring every student success. Our children have grown so much and LOVED this school. As for the lack of art and music classes, well, I guess I would prefer my child to master Reading, Writing and Arithmetic first. And there is only so many hours in a school day. These teachers work SO hard. Thank you Holly Hill!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Holly Hill last year for 1st grade, and we moved to NC this year. Looking back, I am very impressed with the education she received at Holly Hill. We are in a great school here in NC, but because of the education she received in the Enterprise City School system, she was ahead of her peers in reading, and math. She is now in the gifted program at our new school because the students spent most of the school year playing catch up to her. My husband and I thank Mrs. Bradshaw and the faculty and staff of Holly Hill for the nurturing, caring, and achievement driven atmosphere they provided for my child during her time at Holly Hill. I'd also like to add that we are both military and minorities. I'm glad we didn't experience any of the biases stated in the previous review.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not impressed with the quality of education my daughter is receiving. I'm actually considering homeschooling my child. Children are stigmatized here. I actually overheard one of the PTO officers complaining that she didn't want her child sitting with a child from a different socioeconomic group. Some of these people need to venture outside Enterprise, AL. Maybe then they would understand the world a little better. I have often seen minorities grouped together. This school could definitely use a little culture. If you have strong roots in the community and the appropriate last name then this is the school for you. If you're military, I would recommend a different one.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Holly Hill Elementary. My husband is in the military and our family just moved here a year ago and like so many parents you want to know about the best school to send your child and Holly Hill is it. The teacher that my son had in 1st grade was AMAZING I can not say enough about her and some of the other 1st grade teachers I met we're also great. Too Mr. Jimenez I would suggest you call the school district about ESL or the school considering school starts in 2 weeks. I hope this help.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is aweful!!! She is very concerned with fundraising but we never see any results from the fundraisers except for the leather sofa and decorative wall hangings. She has also had numerous bullying complaints made to the superintendent by her teachers. Three students were paddled on a Friday afternoon and no office referral was ever filled out or sent home for the parents to sign. Tornado drills are impossible to comply with because clothes racks are up and down the hallways. The principal has also instucted the staff to give students mountain dew if they seem sleepy during achievement testing

holly Hill is the best. I really enjoyed this school. I wished that my daughter could attend holly hill for 7th grade. holly hill love teaching and i enjoying helping in the process.
—Submitted by a parent

The Holly Hill staff provides me with a sense of security regarding my childs intellectual and emotional growth. Learning is fun at Holly Hill, thanks to the great staff and support personnel! Even though there are over 700 students enrolled, the adminstrators and support staff can still call most children by their first name - now that's what I call taking a real interest in your job!
—Submitted by a parent

Holly hill is a great school, and wished that seventh grade would be like this too for my child. I have so much confidence in the staff at Holly Hill. I am always bragging on Holly hill when I am out in the community.
—Submitted by a parent

Holly Hill is terrific! We owe it all to the teachers of this school. They have shown me that teachers and parents working together educate our children. All parents need to help their children with reading and homework on a daily basis. Otherwise, we are not being the best parents that we can be! The teachers at Holly Hill give their all!
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is absolutely horrible! I am so displeased with how they treat my kids and am about to start sending them to private school just to get away from the way this school is run.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School...wonderful teachers and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best out of any school district. Iam very pleased that my children have such great grades is it because they stay up all day studying.no! its Because of the teachers they teach them the best they can i am very proud to say : Make Success Hapen!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has very unprofessional administrators. Although the teachers work incredibly hard, their efforts are not seen by the present principal. Students are certainly loved, however.

I feel that the condescending military reviews on here are both inaccurate and insulting. Holly Hill is a wonderful school My daughter is above grade level and comes home every day raving about school. This is a very good school system and those just passing by should learn to appreciate rather than deprecate southern culture.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! I am a product of the Enterprise City School System. I think that this school has some of the hardest working teachers and administrators in the system. I do not think that you can go wrong with any school within our system, but Holly Hill is committed to serving students. I think that most of these parents posting such negative comments need to realize why their children act the way that they do. We are always looking for someone to blame and this is evident with the number of bold military families complaining about everything on this site. One thing that I would like to mention is that Fort Rucker offers a school for military families. Why not go there if you are so unhappy? I know why. Sometimes I think that we as adults need to step back and realize that life is good!
—Submitted by a parent

Sounds like the last reviewer has a child that has discipline issues. Life is tough when you don't follow the rules! Teach your child to behave. Your child has choices and if your child makes bad choices, he/she chooses to suffer the consequences. Children must learn early to make smart choices because if they don't, they will not become mature adults. Quit blaming the administrators, Blame yourself or the child. My child attends HH and we are very happy with their discipline policy!
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best elementary schools in the nation and I have lived in 11 states.
—Submitted by a parent

Holly Hill Elementary is a great school! As a military family my children have attended several different schools across the US. I was very pleased with the curriculum and the welcoming school environment. The Feather the Eagles nest fundraiser is great. Hallelujah we didn't have to sell something. I am grateful to the school system for doing their best with the funds they have to provide students the opportunity to achieve success.
—Submitted by a parent