Hope Elementary School

This school is beyond amazing. The teachers are excellent at what they do, they truly care about the kids they are teaching and do everything they can each and every day to ensure that they instill a love of learning in all the children they teach. Given the challenges they face every day I find myself inspired by them. Mr. Tubbs and the entire teaching staff go above and beyond to make this a top notch school. My hat is off to them - they deserve our respect and gratefulness for all they have done for the children in this community.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW is all I can say... This school has been a blessing to me and my children. I have two Kindergarten kids that attend Hope.. I choose to put them in different classes and LOVE both of the teachers. They are doing so well, and reading now.. Actually have been reading for a while now.... I am so impressed at how well the teachers work with all the kids. They really do care about our kids.. Hope is an Awesome school with a lot of parent volunteers and extra classes, Music, Art and they offer some free karate classes after school. I really love this school.. The Principle Mr. Tubbs is AWESOME.. The parents are great but the school could use a little bit of help at the front office..You could be standing there a good five minutes before they ask if they can help, & then they are not much help..The Nurse office is great she helped me when I needed my sons shot record & it was not a problem for her to copy it for me. She was awesome..
—Submitted by a parent

Ms Connelly, our 2nd grade teacher has made me change the way I felt about Hope Elementary per our experience in 1st grade. She does a great job with the children, keeps the parents involved and informed through emails. She has great energy and is very knowledgeable about teaching methods and tips on how to work with kids. She uses lots of positive reinforcement and my kids love her. Overall, I gave Hope a 4 star because not all teachers are like Ms Connelly and because of the big ratio of kids/teacher and no classroom aids. I have met several parent volunteers but many of them feel like it is a chore and don't have the best attitude (Then why do they volunteer? I just don't understand them)The PTA is also not as well organized as our former school. To the PTA I would say that their events would turn out much better if they gave more advance notice (1-2 weeks ahead and then reminders) by email, so people could plan ahead to attend restaurant fund raising events or spring festivals (The same day or 1-2 days before is not enough notice) The ladies at the front desk should try to be nicer/more helpful to the parents. A smile can go a long way on how people interact with them.
—Submitted by a parent

The parents are very involved and the teachers are engaged, friendly and available for parents and students. The office staff could use a little humor and social skills. The principal is witty and easy to talk to to. This is our first year here and hope it continues. All of the reviews about bullying do worry me and I hope the school gets it under control.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had two children attend Hope before we moved from the district last year and felt that overall it's a good school. Parents are really involved and it has a great community feel to it. Good academics. The Principal seems somewhat harsh when it comes to disciplining the kids. I mean really...kids will be kids and I noticed that the same children were always getting picked on by him. Seems fishy to me. My previous post was deleted so let's hope my honest opinion gets posted!

This is our fourth year here at Hope and I still have mixed feelings about this school. Compared to other schools academically, Hope gets an A! They challenge the kids a lot and they get plenty of homework every day believe me! They also have music, computer lab and P.E. which is great. Some teachers are excellent but there are some that just don't enjoy teaching. They seem negative, too strict and as if they have to be here instead of wanting to be here. The office staff is all over the place. You get a million different answers for the same question. Not very helpful or friendly at all. There is also no "rule" on how to come in or out of the school. Anyone can walk in at any time which concerns me. More adult supervision during free time also needs improvement. The safety of my kids is my main concern.
—Submitted by a parent

All the Teachers here at Hope are great! My Daughters teacher has been there for a very long time and is FAR from being "Burned Out"(as someone else described) He keeps the class organized, busy, very interested in learning and at the same time teaches them a lot of discipline and keeps the class fun. I love it when my daughter comes home everyday and talks about how much fun learning is at Hope . The Principal here is also very loved by all the kids and works hard to make great things happen for all the kids at Hope..I have never heard of a Principal that puts so much of His time and effort to make this such a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child's first year at Hope was a GREAT experience. Mrs. Bussey is a WONDERFUL teacher. She loves what she does. Very caring and fun teacher. I would also recommend Mr. Koopsen's tutoring if your child needs extra help. He's an amazing tutor! The parents at this school for the most part are very involved. Classroom and school activities as well. Very community oriented school. There's always guards helping to cross the street before and after school. Keeps our children safe. The principal SEEMS to enjoy what he does, but he is good at keeping school fun for the kids. They have dance, music, PE & more extra fun stuff for kids to enjoy. They also have A LOT of fundraisers every year. Curriculum is very advanced. Lots of homework. Be prepared. So far Hope has been good to our family. I'll let you know about next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Hope teachers are very supportive of students. As a parent I have always found my child's teachers here to be enthusiastic and right on target in helping my child. I love that no one is treated as a discipline problem. Walk on campus yourself and you will see the difference.
—Submitted by a parent

There's a lot to like about Hope school. We agree with many of these reviews which specifically mention the extent of parent involvement and how wonderful the Kindergarten teachers are. But other teachers at Hope have been there too long and are burned out. We share the opinion with several families there, as well as other families that have chosen to transfer to other schools, that academic difficulties are treated as disciplinary problems at Hope. A child who may need extra help and encouragement with academic work is instead sent to the principal's office or sent home with a disciplinary note or both, which hardly constitutes a helpful solution for the child.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids love this school. Teachers are top notch and care about the kids alot. This is also one of the most technologically advanced schools I have ever seen. Principal Tubbs is excellent and actually heavily involved with the kids unlike most administrators. Two minor gripes are wishing for a full-day Kindergarten and the office staff is helpful, but only when prodded.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Hope Elementary! Mr. Rai in 4th grade is a creative, passionate & highly motivated teacher. He makes learning exciting! Ms. Presley in 2nd grade is an outstanding teacher. Her class is amazing; all the kids are so well behaved! My daughter benefits so much from her motivated & creative teaching skills. Our kids LOVE the Hope TV which Mr. Tubbs take time each week to make it an exciting show for Hope kids! We couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school...hands-on principal...I love the Hope Elementary experience!
—Submitted by a parent

Hope School is truly a community of teachers, parents and administration dedicated to educating the whole child. Here, the academics, the arts and community service are highlighted. My daughter is currently in Mr. Koopsen's Kindergarten class. She is reading, writing creative stories and loves going to school. Mr. K is a gem and really cares about the student.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an extremely excellent and awesome school!The teachers are wonderful and the principal, Mr. Tubbs, is a great leader. Mrs. Bussey is an A+++ kindergarten teacher who really cares about her students. Academics here are topnotch too. The PTA is run by very organized, friendly, committed people.The activities at this school, such as Science Day, Science Week, Pioneer Days, Wax Museum, etc etc are way more than most schools offer. Hope also has art, music, and dance for all grades. We came from Calavera and although the teachers at both schools are great, the people, both students and parents, are much more down-to-earth at Hope. Hope is the place to be! I never thought I would rave about a public school like this but I have been very impressed.
—Submitted by a parent

My home was originally zoned for Kelly elementary but I have been very happy at Hope! My daughter is in Mrs. Bussey's K class and she is fantastic. My little girl is reading everything under the sun and I have been impressed by the quality of the classroom curriculum. I have volunteered several times and always felt very welcome. All of the parents are so involved, I know the school is going in the right direction. The new principal Mr. Tubbs is so very friendly and knowledgeable I know we are in good hands. Keep up the excellent work!
—Submitted by a parent

Our neighborhood was originally zoned for Calavera Hills. My son went the first 2 years there then was transferred to Hope. He didn't want to leave his friends, but had a positive attitude. He was amazed at the difference and so was I. It took both of us 1 day to realize that it was the best move we ever made. My daughter was in Kindergarten and Mr. Koopsen hands down deserved his 'Teachers are Heroes' award! Mrs. Connelly is an angel on earth. She is the most creative, considerate and loving teacher I have ever come across and my son adored her. I have been more than pleasantly surprised!
—Submitted by NT, a parent

Mr. Koopsen is a fantastic Kindergarten teacher. My son had him last year and I couldn't rave more about him. This school prides itself on academia. This school works hard for great music, art, and computer classes. There are many parents involved at Hope.
—Submitted by a parent

Hope offers a well rounded curriculum including a focus on reading and math as well as science, art, and music. Parent support has provided ongoing fine arts program for students in grades K - 5.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school that puts children first. Teachers are very qualified and the atmosphere on campus is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent