Highland Oaks Elementary School

Large majority of teachers go above and beyond thus the strong API scores.Music program,after school sports and active ,strong Principal.7 year involvement with Highland Oaks with 3 children.Better than local private schools because of superior resources and specific reading ,math and science programs
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know what school the last visitor visited. It does not sound like Highland Oaks. Most of the teachers, students and parents are very nice and respectful.
--Submitted by a parent

I live in the neighborhood. I visited the school. I decided to homeschool. If you are looking beyond an average education, then don't rely on the basis of Highland Oaks' high API scores. At their open house try to look pass the snazzy technological classroom equipment (computers, "magic" white board, etc), then you will see that what the school produces: worldly ego centric kids. I observed several classrooms during the open house, the ceramic pieces were freekisly identical. Teachers and parents were in a chorus about how much their kids were able to read or write. However meanwhile you had disrespectful children walking over their parents. The teahers were the queen B. No thank you. I want my children to respect their elders namely their parents. I don't want them to be ego centric.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school! The teacher's committment to the students is amazing! They treat every child as an individual and have so many wonderful programs that other schools don't have! I consider us very fortunate to have our children at Highland Oaks! No school is perfect but they certainly come close. I have met and worked with most of the teachers and faculty at the school as well as several of the parents and have been humbled by the kindness and generosity of everyone!
--Submitted by a parent

We'e been associated with HO since 2003 with our 2 sons, with fantastic results. Of the 12 teachers, 9 were phenomenal, 2 were OK. I've had email correspondence with them on different issues, again with positive results. Children who transfer in from private schools or other districts are almost always behind in their academics & skills. I have never experienced teachers too involved with politics. Parents & politics happens everywhere. Very active parent volunteers are one thing that makes this school great.
--Submitted by a parent

I was frustrated with the older teachers at HO. They just didn't care. So I finally put my kids in private school. The difference is night and day. They really need to get rid of this tenure rule and base everything on merit.
--Submitted by a parent

WOW! I am shocked at reading some of these reviews! To say that only medical doctors are called Dr. is just not a fact! My child went through H.O. and is currently at Foothills. It is because of the many wonderful teachers at H.O. that she is an honor student. (I take very little credit) I have 2 kids in the school now and I have yet to run into a bad teacher. When my child got one one of the so called "BAD" teachers I was horrified because I had heard some of the gossip about her. Naturally, I was concerned but and she was WONDERFUL the entire year. She ended up being one of my child's favorite teachers! Some of the parents in the school gossip way too much about each other and the staff and I have seen kids get sucked into the drama of it all! When I hear a student telling a teacher "I heard (insert personal info here)" you can bet that they overheard their parents gossiping about that teacher. Shameful! Teachers are doing their job and most at H.O. are great at it! The entire staff has to follow district guidelines, NOT the parents so if you have a problem with the way they teach, go to the district and complain or consider private. Teachers need our support!
--Submitted by a parent

At this juncture, I would have to be very cautious in rating this school high marks for academic achievement. Currently the school ranks below Baldwin Stocker, and if you view this objectively and combine my observations...there is a significant problem with some of the teachers here at this school. Kids do not appear to be academically challenged. Some of the teachers appear to be more interested in school politics than seeing what they do will impact on the lives of children for many years to come. I am also very concerned about the leadership at this school and whether the poverty in good leadership is setting the tone. I would hate this school to continue to drop in the academic rankings.
--Submitted by a parent

Given this school is in AUSD, I am extremely disappointed in the teachers and faculty. The teacher's at this school are more interested in having parents make copies for them than anything else. The principal will only address concerns only if you donate money to AEF and the school! It has been a truly heartbreaking experience for my child. It is too the point where I would rather pay money to a private school than torture my child any more at this school. Teacher discusses religion during class, checks email and tells the students that they shouldn't be successful because they will just get fired from their jobs anyway! The principal knows all about this and just shrugs it all away, saying teachers will be teachers. Given all the layoff notices in the district, I hope they decide to encourage these horrible teachers to retire!
--Submitted by a parent

An outstanding public school in every way. Current and abundant technology, cultural field trips, and many extra curricular activities offered: school newspaper, video club, live broadcast room, student council, student caring community committee, performing arts, musical theater, fine arts, organized PE and recess activities, as well as extra support in reading and math skills. Students are challenged at every grade level, a real sense of community throughout the school. Parents provide wonderful support. Teachers are very accessible and experienced, the Principal pulls it all together with a smile.
--Submitted by a parent