Hutchens Elementary School

Do not ignore test results as the prior review stated. The students take the tests in 3rd grade but the academic content begins when they enter kindergarten. The scores-good or bad-are directly correlated to the education they receive during their first 3 years of school. The school has many programs they use to enhance curriculum such as AR, ticket to read, and Talents Unlimited. The teachers are fabulous and very attentive to the individual needs of students.
—Submitted by a parent

No longer goes past 2nd grade, so ignore test results(not for 3-4 yrs). Old principle was great; new one horrible!!!!! (Angry control freak) Students are scared of her, the teachers are afraid to lose their jobs and say nothing. There's no real p.e. at this school anymore- it is recess only, for the most part. They care mostly about AR goals and test results, not what your individual child may need. They protect their own- which can be good- but is often a mistake & lately a lot of parents have been less than pleased. They lean towards wanting to medicate "difficult" kids, & letting those that are above average perform on less than average basis. As long as they are not failing, they do not care. The car pool lines are well planned out. They definitely believe in homework. The general staff is fine. The surrounding area seems safe- but more and more kids are being bused in and this is making for some issues with bullying & in class behavior issues that detract from the learning process. If Dr. Foster would come back, I think that things would be a lot better. There are a lot of parents involved in the school, which is a good thing since there is next to know funding sent here.

Great school and teaching Staff , Principal!!! They really care and work hard to make a dfference.
—Submitted by a parent

The lack of leadership from the new principal has had a very negative impact on this school. Teachers do not want to work with parents who want to help their children excel. If your child needs help, the only help they will recommend is ADD/ADHD assessment. My childs teacher only demonstrates handwriting skills on the smartboard. She never returns graded handwriting assignments to the students so the students can see their mistakes and make improvements. The students should just know what their mistakes are and make improvements on their own. Other subjects are basically the same. If a student can not learn from sitting and watching the teacher work samples on the smartboard they will never learn the information.
—Submitted by a parent

When our first child was ready to start school my husband and I started reviewing test scores of local schools. We moved from Ms. to Mobile to enroll our daughter in Hutchens Elem. My daughter, now at Causey Middle School, had an absolutely wonderful experience at Hutchens. As Christian parents we were thrilled to hear Dr. Foster tell the children that he prays for them and loves them. The test scores are a reflection of the devotion to the students of Hutchens by Dr. Foster, the teachers, and the parents. I now have a third grader at Hutchens and I feel truly blessed to be part of a school that is preparing my children for a succesful future.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is outstanding, and that is in most part of the wonderful man who has been in charge. Dr. Foster has exceptional character and genuinely cares about the students. This led to him choosing an outstanding staff to back him up. The teachers my children had were all wonderful. We have moved on but I will always cherish those days at Hutchens, as it eased my fears of having my children in public school and I realized there are awesome public schools out there. I too am proud to say Dr. Foster had no problem telling us he prayed daily for us and our children. We did the same for him!
—Submitted by Mary Rabon, a parent

I'm very proud to have 3 of my grandchildren attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I am so proud that they still pray ay the pta meetings and that the staff are predominantly christian. Dr. Foster tells the kids every morning that he says a prayer for them every day. When a school is in Gods hands, it can't be anything but good.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience with the faculty and staff at Hutchens was spectacular. Our son David has severe hyperactivity and emotional disorders. His teachers (Ms. Sprinkle & Mrs. Mabrey), Dr. Foster (principal) & Lori Giles (special ed teacher) were always compassionate & exceptionally well-equipped to handle any challenge. What a fantastic group! We decided to place David in a very expensive private school for 2nd grade. What a disappointment. His 2nd grade class at the private school was just learning concepts in Math that were taught the first half of 1st grade at Hutchens. And David is forced to read books the rest of his class is reading even though he's on a 4th grade reading level (thanks to Hutchens) . We will be re-enrolling David at Hutchens next week.
—Submitted by a parent

As a grand parent, I have been exceptionally impressed with the school staff. Their professional attention to details and their concern for each student has really made a difference in my grand daughter's attitude. She loves going to school! Her younger sister will start this year and how exciting it is for me to know the she will have that same attention. While the whole staff is exceptional, Miss Nich, as she is affectionally call by my grand daughter, has that special gene that makes her a great teacher. She challenges without stressing, she enforeces without instilling low self esteem, she builds both a strong acadmic foundation supported with a strong 'can do' attiude. Thank you again!

All 3 of my kids went to / attend Hutchens. By far, it is one of the best schools in Mobile County. The PTA is very active, the teachers are terrific and Dr Foster and his staff never forget a child's name. Hutchen's test scores speak for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

Hutchen's is about the best school that I have come across. The staff, teachers, and especially Dr. Foster are great. This school really gives new meaning to No Child Left Behind. Dr. Foster loves all his kids and it shows. Keep up the good work Hutchen's.
—Submitted by a parent

We just recently moved to the Mobile area, Hutchens is a good school however it needs to be a more high-tech. Everything is still being done on paper. On the other hand Dr Foster is excellent in his leadership role as principal. He makes all the children feel special and he truly is interested in the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Hutchens is the best school all around! We are blessed to have such a fantastic principal and wonderful teachers! I couldn't say enough about this school and its staff. The extra-curricular activities are an added bonus.
—Submitted by Lucinda Nance, a parent

I have 2 children at Hutchens & my 3rd is starting this fall. I have had nothing but good experiences the entire 4 years my children have attended school here. Dr. Foster knows each child by name - and they really know that he cares about them. The teachers are always polite & treat the parents with respect. My children have not had a single teacher that does not show she truly cares and is concerned about their education. The children at this school are taught respect for both adults & fellow students. Both of my sons are in the PACE program & look forward to that class every week! I can not say enough good things about this school, its location, its faculty, and most importantly, its leadership. We could not be happier!
—Submitted by Robin Dreibelbis, a parent

My son started going to Hutchens the first year it opened. After his 3rd grade year, we had to move to LA. For the entire fourth grade school year we felt such a deep loss over our leaving this wonderful school (and our church CUMC). The decision was made to come back to Mobile at any cost and to let our son complete his elementary education under the direction of Dr. Foster. Our daughter will be starting her kindergarten year this year as well! What a joy it brings me to have both of my children cared for at such a wonderful school. I might add that in our return to Mobile, Al I only looked at property that was in this school district! What an impact you have made in our lives Dr. Foster and teachers alike!
—Submitted by kemberlie sahawneh, a parent

As a former teacher and daily volunteer, (substitute when needed) I see the dedication every teacher has toward their students. Our principal can't walk down the hall without the younger students attaching themselves to his legs. I have never heard a teacher complain about his leadership, nor have I heard complaints from parents about the teaching staff. There is a fantastic group of parents in PTA, just waiting for a 'call to work' at anything the school needs. The cafeteria rates 98-100 on every inspection, and the food is good too! Our SAT scores are at the top!
—Submitted by a parent

The best kept secret in West Mobile is Hutchens. My children attended a private christian school and I only wish I could get a refund and give it to Hutchens. We have had the best years at Hutchens. My child has learned more in 1 1/2 years than the 4 years in private school. The teachers and staff are phenomenal. However, I can not say enough about Dr. Foster. He is truly a man you feel great about leaving your children under his direction/care. The kids are truly in his best interest - - education and safety wise. I wish they could go there until they graduated.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely wonderful. I have a first grader who has attended a private school for 3 years(K-3 THROUGH K-5)and I was undecided about public schools until I met Dr.Foster He is the backbone to this great school. He puts our children first, no matter whose toes he steps on.He shows no favoritism for who you are or what you do for the school. Children are first and foremost in his eyes. That is the kind of person I want watching over my children when I can't. He is truly a great leader! With that said when you have a great principal, you will have a great school!
—Submitted by M. WHITE, a parent

I am not a parent, but a teacher at Hutchens. The principal, faculty, and staff are some of the most qualified, caring individuals that I have ever had the opportunity of working with. The students are wonderful and the parent involvement is out of this world. I am very fortunate to be at Hutchens.
—Submitted by A Cunningham, a teacher