Pulaski Heights Elementary School

PHE is an incredible school atmosphere. My older daughter attended another elementary in LR and by far I find PHE the better choice for our family. The parents are involved, but they do not run the show. The children and their needs come first, not politics. The school seems to a mirror of the neighborhood in which it is located. Parents appear to be predominantly well educated professionals, but actually there are many families who would not fall in this category. I love the diversity, the liberals, the genuine concern for the children. I have been pleasantly surprised at just how much I truly love this school. I couldn't ask for a better place for my child!
--Submitted by a parent

I truly agree on those who have said this is more of a social club. If you live in this area or have money you will be treated well but those that are different will suffer. Of course most parents in PHE will say it's excellent. They practically run the school. The principal does not have a voice and does not take her place. My child was treated awful for being different. He was and still is smart. I'm glad we will be in another school. If you have an outspoken child Whois talented and speaks his mind recommend you look somewhere else. Unless of course you live in the area and willing to join the "social club". ETC was boring and the teacher although sweet doesn't know how to deal with a real talent when she sees one. When there are problems they listen to those who are dramatic and exaggerate but do not give the other person to speak up and defend him/herself. My child teacher was for me a waste of a great year for my child. The office ladies are rude and have no compassion. They are lazy and don't even respect the principal. Pulaski Heights Middle School on the other hand is awesome. At PHES they need to learn from them. Good riddance.
--Submitted by a parent

i really love this school cause its a great school for my child parents out there its really a great school u be making a bad chioce if they werent here at p.h.e its really great. with great parents and teacher and students amd counselor.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school... It has the best principal, teachers, staff, students, and parents a person can ever look for! The principal is very caring and supportive of each person who steps into the building. The teachers truly care about each and every student. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure the teachers get the support they need. The students at this school are honestly there to learn. The parents are very supportive and will do anything to further the education of all students...
--Submitted by a teacher

I feel lucky to have my children in this school. It's just the right size and has a neighborhood school feel with a great parent presence.
--Submitted by a parent

Too much emphasis on testing, not enough on learning. Principal is very nice, but afraid to take chances or be innovative. Most teachers are very nice and nuturing. Good luck though on making your kid feel socially accepted if you can't hang out by the oak tree before and after school. Considering the liberal nature of Hillcrest, its a very clique-ish school.
--Submitted by a parent

There is a social club at the school that isn t easy to crack in to. We started in 3rd grade, so many of the parents and kids had already established their circles. While, that has more to do with the area and the parents, it can make it difficult for a child, especially girls to fit in. As for education, the teachers and principal are genuinely concerned with the children. My child was getting C s and D s in before moving to PHE. Since then, she has never gotten worse than a B and mostly makes A s. I attribute a lot of that to the nurturing and encouraging atmosphere the staff has created. My only complaint is the school stresses the standardized tests way too much. They basically stop learning fundamentals, and pickup learning how to take a test about way through the school year until the tests are over.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the mom who mentioned social class at PHE. If you have money, you're kid will fit in great. If you are middle income and below, you're child will have a much harder time fitting into the 'clicks' that are ever present. Especially if you're child is a girl. If you think your child is having problems fitting in, then this is not the school for you. We have loved the education our child has recieved, but get very tired of the constant politicking between the children. If one of the mom's of the 'inner circle' think your child does not measure up, then your child is out! She/he will not be included in birthdays, sleepovers, play days...etc. I feel that it doesn't really matter that your child is getting a top notch education if they are miserable. Just something to think about.
--Submitted by a parent

I personally feel this is a GREAT school and we have such GREAT teachers wanting to help our children reach their highest potential possible on a daily basis. Pulaski Heights Elementary truly leaves no child behind! Keep up the GREAT work PHE!
--Submitted by a parent

Its a great school if your child is an inside of the box, average student, or if you live on Ridgeway. However if your child is truly gifted, or needs academic help, look elsewhere. The school is up there on all of the state rankings, but if you look at the black/white disparity, you can see the high numbers are due primarily to socio-ecomomic factors, not the school.
--Submitted by a parent