Anaheim Hills Elementary School

My personal opinion based on my family's experiences at this school over the past six years. PROS: * Mostly EXCELLENT teachers. Only a couple who don't seem fully engaged. * Friendly and supportive staff throughout. * Principal is communicative and involved at every level * Active PTA who make huge efforts to supplement the lousy state budget. * Smart Boards in every classroom! * Kids enjoy Art Masters and a bit of music. * Fun & educational after school activities for the kids * Safe neighborhood CONS: * Strange building layout * Tiny parking lot * District lunch program is less than appealing. Personally, I wish they had a more current computer room with a dedicated technology teacher. I would also love to see laptops in the classrooms, but it's a public school doing the best they can with the tiny budget. The upper grades do some homework on the computer, which I like very much. The PTA has provided Smart Board technology for all of the classrooms so that is a big bonus. All in all, it's a wonderful school and I am happy my children are thriving here.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a public school teacher and now I am a parent volunteer at AHES and I want to respond to the 1/23 post. This poster brought up many points that are not accurate and I speak from experience. 1.The principal is standing outside for carpool to keep our children safe. She mans the crosswalk, helps student in and out of cars and keeps them clear of the road, and keeps traffic moving. I see her do this every day. 2.Teachers are not punting their job off on the parent volunteers. This is not possible. You have no idea how much work, time, and planning goes with being an affective teacher. The volunteers are there to help the teacher and that's what they do. 3.The PTA hasn't asked for any money since the direct donation drive in the fall. They did raise a lot of money, but nowhere near they amount they needed to fund all the programs we are use to and some programs will be cut. The Jog-a-thon was organized by the principal. That was the school asking for money, not the PTA. 4. Saying the office staff are busy bodies is laughable. I am in the office at least once a week and I have never seen this behavior. Our school is not one of the absolute worst schools in Orange County.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a teacher here for a long time and would like to thank the many parent volunteers that we have. The post on 1/23/12 regarding teachers punting their work off onto the parents upsets me. ONLY teachers know how much work it takes behind the scenes to make this a wonderful school. Our parents and office staff are a huge part of that. So, thank you! Our rising test scores and dedication to our students and job should speak for itself. We give more than 100% everyday even with the pay cuts we have been receiving. My w2 for 2011 shows $7,000 less per year since 2009 yet we still work the extra hours to ensure the children get what they need. ..because we love our jobs and YOUR children.
--Submitted by a teacher

One of the absolute worst schools in Orange County. I have grown children and grandchildren. The principal does not do her job at all. Her main concern is standing outside for carpool and schmoozing. I would like to feel sorry for the teachers because they have so many kids but they have tons of parent volunteers and they punt their job off on the parents. PTA is horrific!! They said they would cut back fundraisers if the parents gave a one time donation up front and they raised tens of thousands of dollars. Shame on us for believing them!! It's relentless!! Go anywhere else if you can. The office staff are busy bodies who make major mistakes that are harmful with no consequenses.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children in the school and have been nothing but impressed. The teachers are top-notch and the administration is organized and focused on the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I just finished school there and from my 7 years of experience it's not a very good school. 1. The PTA is constantly asking for money. 2.Cheap. (In 6th grade we couldn't even write in out practice books because they don't have enough money to buy new ones for the next year) 3. They serve EXPIRED milk (in bags!), and processed food to your child for lunch. But, there are many good things about the school too. 1. The school spirit there is very high and the teachers want your child to succeed. 2. They have many educational field trips, teaching tools, and practices threw out the year.

First grade does not have enough Math practice. Math are done 2-3 days a week at school and no math HW. Math practice packets are only available at school but not allowed to take home. Since students have an option to complete Math packets or play at recess, they choose to play and not complete Math packets. I have to buy supplemental Math practice books. The teacher did not care if my kid is reading at home or not. The advanced EXCEL reading teacher did not care if the student understnad what they are reading. The HR teacher does not correct the spelling or mechanics on writing assignments. Most of the homeworks are corrected by parents who volunteer in school. Teachers are too busy to get to know your kid well. Parents have to go over the subject material with the kids daily.
--Submitted by a parent

We tried the school for 2 months before we pulled our kid out and put her in a nearby private school. The school site is uninviting (no trees, block-style buildings). The classes are overcrowded (33 kids in 3rd grade) and the teachers unmotivated/unhappy (no assistant teacher). We were told that the large classes are due to the recent budget challenges in CA. From day one and during the 2 months we were at the school, we were constantly sollicited by the PTA to contribute financially. Students were also involved in fundraising. As an incentive, they had the opportunity to earn plastic toys or win a trip in a limo. We did not quite like it so we left.
--Submitted by a parent

A great principal and excellent teachers. We recently switched schools for the GATE program and we miss AHES. The facilities are fine (especially for a school that seems larger inside than it does from the outside)! The on-site daycare is superior and school and after-school care staff are genuine and caring. This school has a fantastic PTA with great parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been going to this school for 3 years now, and have had no problems until this year. The teacher this year is horrible, the administration is unresponsive and there has not been anything good to report at all. Very disappointed and will be moving him to another school immediately.
--Submitted by a parent