Highland Elementary School

Completely unsatisfied with the school and it's teaching. My family feels harassed by my son's kindergarten teacher and it has been ongoing through the year. Very conflicting stories from the staff, a lot of gossip and unhelpful people at the front desk. Son's teacher told me to get my son checked for autism (she was very specific, and went as far as to tell me that "he does have it"). I took him to a doctor who said he was fine, that he was developing well for his age and that walking on his toes and playing with things in class can be considered normal despite being small signs of the disability. Teacher told me to get him checked again, I did, same story from a different doctor. So, she took to harping on my mother and brother when she saw them. Music teacher tied my son's shoes in horrible, massive knots that not even he could untie in less than an hour because one of my son's shoes were untied in his class once. Communication with the teachers and staff has been massively lacking. Correspondences with them have been filled with typos, grammar and spelling errors. These people teaching my child? No security measures. My son will be attending a different school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Not happy with my son teacher and the principle. They have double standards, like one; dislike one for no reason except personal. Not clean inside and outside is dusty and no shades for kids, plus extremely small parking lot!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Highland Elementary from 1992-1999. I know it was a while ago but I feel compelled to say that my time at Highland set me up for the success I'm experiencing now. I just received my degree in education and I have discovered that Highland challenged me in ways that are not typical for elementary schools. My teachers were all excellent. They helped me learn to organize, think critically, and most important, write well. Because there is an emphasis on art, we sang often and were encouraged to write creatively. The ELP program was outstanding. There is a different teacher now but the mesa district in general has a great ELP curriculum. Looking back with my current knowledge about education I am even more impressed than I could have expected with Highland's excellent teachers and programs.

I am in love with this school! There is a kindergarten teacher named Ms. Dominis and she is amazing. My son started kindergarden and he was behind on all the expectations that they had for him. I am proud to say, with help from this awesome teacher, my son is doing great!!
—Submitted by a parent

This has been a great school for my grand daughter. They teach the arts as well as the basics.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible! I am so unhappy with the lack of supervision at Highland!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who attended Highland Elem. We moved out of state in 2006. I was very pleased with the school as a whole. They helped my oldest daughter improve her reading skills by giving her a reading tutor at no cost to me. Anytime there was a problem or concern with eirther one of my children, I was contacted. Everyone was very open and willing to help my girls in whatever way they needed it. I thank them for that. The staff at Highland will be missed by my family very much.
—Submitted by Jennifer Sroka, a parent

Very good school, my daughter has enjoed all the art and music programs this school has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, great teachers, great curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

The school building, library and grounds were lovely, although there were too many portable classrooms and they were used for the kindergarteners (these students had to walk outside and to the main building to use the bathrooms).
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great. They really understand each student individually. They pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses. The library and computer lab are also fabulous. We've been very impressed with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Highland Arts Elementary School has many opportunities for music education. Orchestra, honor choir, musical performances and talent shows. Arts such as painting, sculpture, collage, etc., are used in all the curriculum. I have had 3 children attend Highland and they are all excelling in academics and music. They are competing statewide and nationally in music. I couldn't be more pleased with my children's elementary education experience.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Highland Elementary! My son is finishing up his first year and has enjoyed it so much! We love his teacher and her style of teaching. The principal and staff are wonderful and on top of things! We can't think of anything we would change about this wonderful school! Keep up the fantastic work!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Highland is a very good school. We have sent our 3 children there. They are ages 10,8,7. We have encountered no major problems.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school - teachers are top notch!
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremly disappointed that the non-custodial parent is completely neglected. I have gone through great lengths to be part of my children's lives and to participate in their educational development. However, Highland does not allow the teachers to contact a parent via telephone if that call is a long distance call. In addition, even though I have attended at the school on several occassions, met with the teachers, the school psychologist and the principal I still am not informed about my children's progress. Nor am I consulted regarding decisions that need to be made about my children's education. I have contact the administration with respect to my concerns and they have been ignored. The administration does not have the courtesy to return a call or letter.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel this is, by far, the best school my children have been enrolled in. We come from the Tucson area - the districts down there are in pretty sad shape. My kids test scores have improved dramatically. My son went from remedial reading groups to being one of the best readers in his class. What a wonderful group of teachers and staff. Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

The landscape at Highland is changing, diversity in the school is leaning away from the white majority,this is for the better. The down side to the whole issue is that the diversity is unwelcome. The quality in the teaching has been waining for a number of years. I hate to be negative but someone has to be real at our current situation at Highland.

I have a child in the first grade at highland. The teacher is excellent and all the staff at the school are very kind and wonderful to my child

Highland Ele. Arts School was without a doubt the best ele. school i have ever sent my childern to! The Math Blasters were a great way for the kids to learn there math facts & the kids always ha tons of fun with them! I jsut wanted to thank every member of the staff, Prin, Rollin, & Prin. Taylor! They added so much to my children's life!