Hillcrest Middle School

Ive put two students through Hillcrest, and was shocked at the change in attitude there compared to the elementary schools in the distgrict. I felt the administration spent alot of time and effort in "discipline" which involved students being written up for hugging (two males who crossed paths...this was considered inappropriate). They once gathered my son and others together to tell them they must straighten up. I felt they were being singled out, taken from their classes for this, and labeled "bad". Other parents told me it would be much better when they got to high school, and it was. I feel I shouldn't have put my kids through the Hillcrest experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Please ignore this review. I had written several lengthy ones only to realize that the one before it would get deleted, so I'll make this short if one still wishes to read this. I am currently an 8th grader attending this school. Pros: -Wide variety of activities -Advanced course for all academic classes and Honors for select math courses -Uses friendly competition in groups called "teams" -Police officers are at school to keep safety in check and as a percaution Cons: -Almost no field trips (to gain real-life experience) -Horrible overall school organization in MANY parts -Teachers have only been recently trained to teach Adv Sci. And S.S. And other new programs such as STEM. -Many teachers aren't very focused on what tactics are actually effective to guide the students to learn, resulting in a massive display of uninterest. This is of my own opinion. I am an 8th grader and do go to this school, so I guess I shouldn't be too hard on it. Before a person says that better students and blahblah, I do want to mention that I am in all Adv. Classes and in Geometry 1-2 H, take Spanish and band and am in NJHS, but I have normal friends who are average and they all agree with me.

Please define "bad" kids. (Directed at the post May 3, 2011) I just want to point out that kids at this age are going through ALOT of growing pains. Some kids will make poor choices and will end up facing the consequences for thier actions. The way that these situations are dealt with by the teachers and administration will make or break a student. I have had personal experience with my child making a poor choice at Hillcrest. *-By no means is my child a "bad" kid.-* Hillcrest could definitely use some improvement in the area of student/teacher/administration interaction. My understanding is that if you are in the field of teaching, you are there to improve the quality of a child's life. If I have mispelled or have made any gramatical errors, please don't judge me, this was not written to be graded. My hat goes off to the teachers who do wake up in the morning; ready to make a difference. You know who you are.
—Submitted by a parent

Too bad the parent that complained about Hillcrest being "horrible" doesn't know how to spell. Hillcrest is an excellent school and complainers usually have the bad kids and like blaming others for their problems.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school. Horriable communication between staff and parents, some of the staff act like kids themselves, most of the teachers don't teach but rather refer to internet access. Don't send your kids here.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school spend more time trying to be "cool" to keep students in line than teaching. As a result, students end up having to learn most of the materials at home with the help of their parents. They need to invest in teachers who can actually teach the materials and not just send work home and expect the students to learn on their own by reading the textbooks and using the Internet. Teachers are supposed to "teach," not entertain. I know this is a difficult time in students' personal lives, trying to fit in and struggle with puberty, but they also need to be prepared for the rigorous schedule of high school, which should be the main focus, and not how popular the teachers are with the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great administration and teaching staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I like Hillcrest Middle School because all the teachers are so nice, and the school is so well organized. Best teachers ever are Mr.Knowlton, Mrs.Sims, Mr.Greaves, and Ms.Davis.
—Submitted by a student

My schools teacher are amazing and everything that they do for us rocks. We have been excelling for 7 years straight!! The police department that watches over us are amazing!!
—Submitted by a student

Hillcrest is an the best!! The teachers are fun, caring, generous and always want to help. Go Team 8-3 (: i love you mrs Quinn!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, staff , and administrators, really care about the kids. They are willing to go the extra mile to make sure all students succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

i love hilcrest! it is an amazing school. it has good teachers and really good principal!
—Submitted by a student

Hillcrest is well-run, consistent, and has the highest of academic standards. I am very impressed and wish it were a three-year middle school instead of just two!
—Submitted by a parent

I was concerned at first, since they kids were so 'sheltered' at their K-6 Elementary school, but so far have had no worries. This is my son's first year at Hillcrest and he seems to be loving it!
—Submitted by a parent

My family just relocated to the Phoenix area and we have been very impressed with this school, the teachers, students, the technology and how organized it is. This could not be a better experience for someone moving 1500 miles!! Our son loves it here already!
—Submitted by a parent

There are many dedicated and caring staff members. Very good communication with teachers and parents, The Principal is very tuned and supportive of her student s positive accomplishments.
—Submitted by a parent

I love hillcrest because the teachers are awesome and it is a bully free schoool
—Submitted by a student

It's the best. And I'm not just saying that. We get plenty of academic oppurtunites.
—Submitted by a parent

My school is awesome! We have exceeded in AIMS for the past 7 years. It also has a bunch of great teachers.
—Submitted by a student

hillcrest is the coolest school ever the teachers are awsome and i have a lot of friends here its awsome!!!!(mr. Herold is the best teacher)
—Submitted by a parent