Holladay Magnet School

This school has returned to its former status as a hidden gem in TUSD. Now that the leadership has stabilized, and the school's existence is not threatened by the district, we are enjoying the wonderful variety of offerings at this school, which include visual and performing arts, music instruction, and sports. Students here can participate in chorus, theater, team sports, and take lasses in journalism, gardening, cooking and dance. An amazing place.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went here for all three years. When we moved out of district, I put him in the home school, and quickly realized that it was a huge mistake. He was able to come back without any problems. Even if it is a far drive, I know he is getting the education that he deserves and the support that he needs. They have just approved the school to become a k-5 school so it will no longer be an intermediate school. The parents worked really hard advocating for the school, it is one of TUSD secrets! They have amazing before and afterschool programs that continually enrich the children lives beyond the classroom. They also do a lot of projects with the kids to help foster what they are learning in the classroom. They have a full time gym, art, and preforming arts teacher so your kids get a great all around. You definitely should check out this school!
—Submitted by a parent

my son has been incredibly happy at this school--and wishes it would roll out to 6th grade so that he could stay (and thats not because he's freaked out about middle school!) He has gone from being so-so about the annual performances at every grade level to wanting to become an actor and playing the piano like a maestro. He takes advangtage of the great after school programs AND Club Wednesday. Fortunately he has only once had to take advantage of the before-school a.m. tutoring for a problem that he had with math. He enjoys all of the above and the systems thinking that is a key part of his education. Collaborative work among the teachers and project and inquiry based learning work well for him, and they work well for me too, as his Mom. He is thriving in an academically strong and extremely diverse environment that he would not be getting at other schools. Frankly, I couldn't be happier with the principal, the great teachers, and the curriculum that the school offers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for all three years. He has become such an amazing musican. So well rounded starting with keyboards in 3rd. The teachers are supportive and the community of the school is amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a wonderful experience at Holladay! My children have participated in the free after-school program and I know they are receiving quality care and learning many valuable skills that will carry them throughout their academic career. The academics are amazing. My children have learned some amazing facts about real-life, usable information. They know the value in recycling, reusing and reducing! The P.E., art, music and performing arts programs are the main reasons my children attend Holladay and these programs are stellar! Thank you for the opportunity to write about this excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised to be reading the review below. Our experience at Holladay has been very different. We have felt the principal has been very fair and clear with the children, setting consistant standards for behavior and academics. It seems someone had an issue and used this blog to vent. No, Holladay is not perfect, but I have had one child go through Holladay and another is there now, and I am very pleased with the academics and do not feel there is a prison-like atomosphere at all. Our experience from the teachers and staff has been warm. However, my children are well behaved.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing up 5th grade at Holladay, and has been there all 3 years. It has been a terrific experience! There are very few public schools that offer a major drama production for all 3 grades, every year with an incredible instructor, Mrs. Draper- plus extended day programs in chorus and dance, which my daughter participated all 3 years. Also Coach Legan, amazing! Olivia participated in track and field events for the 1st time, which was a whole new experience as well. For the 2nd year in a row, Holladay took 1st place at the city-wide track meet, and girls basketball. Not to mention a 1st class fine arts program, keyboard labs, computer, solid academics and wonderful parental/community support in a small school setting. I do not understand why more parents do not consider Holladay for their kids , grades 3-5. Wonderful school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to Hughes Elementary for third grade, and switched to Holladay for fourth. His experience has been wonderful at Holladay. He has been exposed to a multitude of arts and music, and his teacher has been both supportive and challenging. He feels a real sense of community (which he was lacking at Hughes). We are thrilled to be at Holladay, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to any parent.
—Submitted by a parent

My daugher loves Holladay! It has an outstanding fine arts and performing arts program - as I write this our house is filled with the songs she learned for the class play. Her classroom teacher is a wonderful, warm person who has enhanced her writing skills significantly. The pull-out GATE available at Holladay provides a mathematical and logical 'stretch' for advanced students. And finally, my fairly sedentary child has been motivated to join both basketball and track teams that are available to all students.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to a review posted on Dec 12, 2009, the school has had some challenges with turnover in principal leadership that has settled now significantly. There have been some student behavioral issues that have been nipped in the bud. The school is active in promoting a respectful school climate between students and an engaged parent teacher community. Our current principal epitomizes this and brings the best out in all. Funding cuts are harsh everywhere. The school is on a clear new path with expeditionary learning and morale is high. Holladay is a great school and I've heard that kids who have left tell their parents how much they miss Holladay.
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVE Holladay! We have an amazing teacher. He completely inspires my daughter. She has learned more this year than ever has before. The best part is that she doesn't even realize it! Holladay does a terrific job combining academics with art. Performance art, fine art, orchestra, PE, environmental education with a strong academic focus. We love this school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, this school is going downhill rapidly. It's very sad because it used to be a great school. They are now on their 4th principal in 3 years, and the lack of consitent leadership has really hurt the school. The morale here is very low, especially among the teachers. Also, bullying and behavioral problems have become much worse recently, and I no longer feel that my children are safe there.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at this school and we are very pleased. Warm welcoming principal,teachers and staff, very family oriented
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding program. Academics are highly stressed with lots of individual attention and opportunities to succeed. Magnet emphasis is on Performing arts. Full time visual art and music teachers on premise. All students learn piano keyboarding and music theory. Full time PE teacher who coordinates track and basketball programs. Track team has won city championship at least three times. After school program is free with a variety of choices, including dance, homework assistance, chorus, keyboarding, games, and sports. Approximately 150- students with small classrooms. Great diversity opportunities. Parental involvement highly encouraged, again with many opportunities for areas of interest. Never have a problem getting my children to go to school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides a wonderful combination of arts, music, basic curriculm and diversity.
—Submitted by a parent