Highland Park Elementary School

Gilbert Public Schools are A rated! Families move to Gilbert for the school and family-centered town. We have many friends in the GPS district and I must say we are so happy to be at Highland Park! HPE has high parent involvement, a PTSO that supports the students and school 150%, and a diverse faculty that is suited for all learning styles. While other GPS schools are great, HPE goes above and beyond to provide a well-rounded, educational experience by going on field trips that reinforce what is learned in the clsrm, teaching students to critically think about the work they are performing, and offer several extra curricular activities: 4th gd Zoology Club, 5th gd Oceanograph Club, 5th & 6th Band, 5th & 6th Strings, (band & strings - not the typical concerts!) 5th & 6th grade Disney Jr. Musical Production (amazing that the production is put on by 5th & 6th grdrs), running club, Student Council, Battle of the Books, math club, book club...the list is endless. The school is very clean due to a great custodial staff and the cafeteria manager cannot be nicer. Thank you HPE for making my children LOVE school and providing them with a great educational experience. Mr. Martin is awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are so happy with this school. We have 3 kids all attending HPE. The teachers and staff are fabulous! Mr. Martin (our principal) knows almost every one of the 960 kids. My kids are learning and doing very well. The teachers strive to challenge the kids to think outside the box.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school since 1st grade and will be graduating this year! He has learned a lot and has enjoyed his time here at this school! Awesome principal, office staff, teachers, cafeteria staff and instructional assistants. PTSO and parents are very involved and do an awesome job!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Highland Park for 3 years and love it. Mr. Martin and all the staff are friendly and helpful! I have never been made to feel like I am a bother when I have questions or emails. I have received prompt response on inquries. We have had a few issues with some bullying (majority of schools do) but they were addressed. We are sad that this is our last year!
—Submitted by a parent

I've been going to this school for almost six years now and I think that my favorite thing about it is that the teachers are very fun and creative. My first grade teacher's name is Mrs. Dobrunz she was very nice and funny and she encouraged me to read and now I go through books faster than my parents do. My second grade teacher was very nice but she doesn't teach anymore. My third grade teacher was my favorite Her name is Miss Allen but I don't think she'll be teaching at the school next year :( . My fourth grade teacher's name is Mrs. Buchanan, she was very fun and interactive and she let the class plant things in the school garden. My last teacher's name was Mrs. Coassolo well I'll say this if you're on her good side she's hilarious and nice. But if the class ever gets say a C average ooh she will lecture you for an hour even to the kids who got strait A's. Also if you are in the A.L.P. class you will have Ms. Bentz a kind funny teacher who teaches advanced math and language to fourth fifth and sixth graders I recomend testing for language ALP Its worth the hard work! So good luck at Highland Park Elementary Gilbert Az.!!!!!

In response to the review, increasingly dissatisfied. You can't blame the school for allowing their PTSO to have fundraisers. With the state of our current education budget you have to look at other ways to supply the schools with money they are no longer receiving from the state. As for the Disney movies, it is interesting that none of my four children have ever said anything about a movie being shown except the day of field trips or the last day before a school break. I think parents need to understand that it is their responsibility to bridge the gap! My students are thriving at Highland Park because I look at it as a partnership, one between the parent and teacher. Maybe it would be wise for you to seek other alternatives to your child's education if you are dissatisfied, Remember our public education system isn't a one size fits all.
—Submitted by a parent

Over time, I've become increasingly dissatisfied with the education my child is receiving at Highland Park Elementary. I've found that 'fun' activities take over vital instruction time, which leaves parents and children to 'bridge the gap' at home, with increased homework. My child regularly reports to me on the Disney/Pixar movies that are shown in school -- not just in the classroom, but in library, as well. I'm really at a loss to understand why the librarian is having the children watch movies, rather than reading to the children or allowing them to browse the stacks. When you add in the constant barrage of fundraising for PTSO (restaurant nights, food sales, etc.) and favored charitable organizations (Relay for Life, Jump Rope for Heart), I'm astounded at the amount of advertising my child is taking in at school. All in all, I cannot recommend Highland Park Elementary as a strong school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with HPE. Mr. Martin, as well as his staff, is awesome. Our son's teacher, Mrs. Coassolo, deserves to be teacher of the year! Nurse Denise is caring and helpful; the receptionists are so friendly! We have been treated with the utmost respect, genuine caring and concern for our son's needs as a student and a person. We are very blessed to ba a part of the HPE family!
—Submitted by a parent

Mychild has gone to Highland Park since it opened. Mr. Martin is a great principal he interacts w/ the kids all the time. Although he sometimes lets the parents have to much control over what goes on in the school. My child has had great teachers for the exception of one. Over all I would definetly give this school a rating of a 9.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved into the neighborhood over the summer and my two children are lving their first few weeks at Highland Park. You can definately tell the entire staff is all about putting students needs first. I am thoroughly impressed with the leadership and sincerity the principal, Mr. Martin, brings to this school. You can tell the staff loves him as well as the students and parents. I firmly believe the success of a school starts at the top and I am so happy Mr. Martin truly cares about Highland Park. His level of energy, integrity, and enthusiasm impresses me everyday as I always see him out of his office interacting with students, staff, and parents. The two teachers my children have are fantastic. They have taken the time to build a relationship with my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This neighborhood walking school is the best of it's kind. I love everything about it, from the activities, to the teachers. It is phoenominal! I love the new ineractive garden that is going in, also. I would definately make a point to have my child at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the best schools in the east valley. Mr. Martin is a fantastic principal and the teacher are top quality! I am thrilled with the education my children are receive at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I would have to disagree with the review below. My son has learned so much at Highland Park and continues to excell and read at a higher grade level. Not only is the school beautiful, but my son has been challenged with his 'busy work' and continues to succeed and shine.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher, I appreciate the dedication of the principal and teachers at Highland Park Elementary. The community is very involved in helping this school thrive.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a totally committed school. We have been attending here scince its beginning and couldn't be happier. Jason Martin, the principal, and all the support staff are exceptional. There may be a hiccup here or there but perfection from top to bottom would be impossible to find anywhere. The school is beautiful, cozy, and you feel welcome immediately. Parent involvement is high and the feel of a neighborhood school is at its best here!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Highland Park Elementary since it first opened in Gilbert. I have been impressed with the teachers, support staff and principal. After working in his classroom, I am impressed with the patience and care provided to the students, given the fact that the teacher has so many different student needs to meet on a daily basis. Parent involvement and PTSO are impressive.
—Submitted by a parent

My children just started at highland park this year and we have been very pleased with the school so far. Everyone has been very friendly, the school has a strong community spirit and a lot of parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best schools in the area. Teachers are very qualified and caring. Kids can really excel in this school. Learning & Creative activities are well balanced. Lot of attention is given to the well being of all the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been in the Gilbert Public School system for many years.....compared to the other elementary schools my children have attended, I would say by far that this one is a cut above the rest. Immediately upon walking into the school, you can feel the atmosphere - very warm and caring! The parent involvement here is impressive. The principal, Jason Martin is extremely supportive of the parents and teachers alike. The PTSO is unlike many other PTSO's...they are very organized and keep you informed. I would recommend this school to anyone in or out of the school's boundaries.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attend HPE since its opening and I must say that the environment is inviting. The staff is friendly. All the teachers that we have had have been great! I feel that the Principal, has a high standard for what he wants from his teachers, staff as well as the students. My child has enjoyed going to school. We, as a family are pleased with HPE.
—Submitted by a parent