Highlands Elementary School

I would overall rate this school as being only worried about child attendance and money! The overall feeling at this school is that you must be there whether your child is sick or not so that the school gets the payment for your child being there. I have a teenager who has gone to many schools prior to us living her where we had much better experiences. Since we have moved to concord and our child has attended highlands its been a nightmare! I can't wait till we move, and if we don't move soon we are considering putting her in concord Christian just to get away from the politics that have a heavy sway in this school and also the Mt Diablo school district. It's all about Money and school ratings! I am a fed up parent with a weary child who is barely learning anything with the overfilled classes and impatient teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children that have attended this school so far. The oldest has left and gone into middle school and so I have a kindergartner, a 3rd grader and a 4th grader. I have to say that this school is so great because of the parent involvement and the caring teachers that trully become part of your family for the school year. Each teacher has provided an email address for themselves and has made parent communication as easy as possible. There are so many fun things for the families like the end of the year school bbq and the family movie nights. I recommend this elementary school to anyone who asks. The middle school...now thats another story.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a fourth grader at HIghlands now and my older son attended K-5th here. Highlands is special because of the amazing parent involvement; fabulous, caring teachers; friendly office staff; attentive, friendly Principal; and even the hard-working, kind custodial staff. Highlands is the only elementary school in the area that has a Science lab (thanks to the supportive parents who help PTA fund this program) The caring Highlands staff also serves the diverse population including special needs children. Few elementary schools in the area provide education for children of ALL needs. Remember this when reviewing state test scores as ALL student scores are lumped together. Overall, the Principal, teachers AND parent community make this school such a wonderful place! There are multiple family activities throughout the year! Many fundraisers but, many fun, FREE events like Family movie night too! We are proud to be a Highlands family!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into this neighborhood for the schools. Little did I know that Highlands would be such a pleasure for our son. The teachers are superior. The parental involvement is amazing. We have met so many involved parents. Not just Moms, but many dads! I have never seen so many active fathers at a school. The teachers are caring and have a realistic interest in my child. The principle even know my kid's name. We are so happy!
—Submitted by a parent

I had my daughter at a private school in Walnut Creek for Kindergarten and first grade. I put her in Highlands for second grade because I was frustrated with the education she was getting at the private school level. She is getting a far superior education at highlands because of the teachers. I am saving about $10,000 a year now sending her to public school and she is getting a much better education thanks to the teachers and parental involvment at Highlands! Thank You mdsd for your teachers!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in Highlands and I love this school. My eldest has attended from 1st-5th and she couldn't be happier she loved all her teachers and is sad to be leaving this year. My Son has been going to highlands from K-1st and will be entering 2nd grade. He loves his school and friends. My child a very strong reader so his teacher has made sure that he is challenged by giving him homework adapted to his ability. This school does plays, concerts, special days by grade, spirit days and much more. Highlands is wonderful./
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands is a better elementary if you're comparing it to other Concord schools. The faculty seems fine. The office staff are okay. The curriculum and the District's support of teachers needs improvement. It seems that instruction is geared to 'teaching to the middle' to find a balance between higher and lower-performing students. Highlands is satisfactory, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school and now have the pleasure of sending my kids there. I couldn't be more satisfied with the K-3 teachers. I really believe that these teachers are here because they enjoy seeing children learn and grow (which in my opinion is very important when doing an extremely tough job such as teaching). My ONLY problem is the dropping off of children and the lack of control or interest the school has over people parking in a drop off zone. Many times I get stuck behind a parent that gets out and walks their child to class, leaving their car parked in this zone. No way to go anywhere because the car behind has pulled up. They need to have this monitored by police or a FIRM parent. The school didn't hesitate to block off the teacher parking lot when they saw a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

In general, it's a good school in a good neighborhood. I've experienced the staff K-2 and found them to all be very good teachers. They have a very well loved Principal too. It is California so the school population is big. Not as big as some, but big enough for a parent of a shy small child to worry. The biggest problem I have found is that there is afterschool interaction with the middle school kids as they both get out about the same time. There is not enough supervision to keep the middle schoolers 'in line' around the smaller kids so you hear a lot about swearing, getting flipped off, teasing. That was enough for me to move my shy child to a smaller more structured school where behavior like that is not tolerated.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a pretty good school, my 2 kids went here. They recently added new buildings that will take care of the lack of air-conditioning problem they used to have in classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands Elementary School is one the best Elementary School in Concord, CA. They have a wonderful academic program that challenges the children. They also have a great music program that children enjoy. There is so much parent involvment that we always have more then needed. My son's teacher was able to detect my sons gifted ability, which others had not been able to do so. Their academic program is equal to the private schools. My son came in from a private school and felt challenged when switching schools. I do reccommend this school to any parents looking for an elementary school in Concord, CA
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends Highlands Elementary School and is in the first grade. The teachers are lovely, each with their own unique teaching style and personality. My child enjoys the programs here--music, computer lab, science, etc. The principal is approachable and personable. Even the custodians are so friendly and helpful! It's like family here, really. My child is a lot younger than most and the teachers show and offer my child different ways to learn and excel. (i.e. reading and how to use a number line when adding and subtracting.) I find this very helpful to continue my child's learning at home. The level of parent involvement is huge. There are so many parents that want to volunteer and help in any way they can. And when the parents get involved, you know your child is attending a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

good school. Teachers are knowledge and friendly. parents are very involved in the classroom. Always 2 to 3 parents there. parents always know what the child is doing inclass. This is my first year in this school so I still need to wait and see but the outlook is positive.
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands is a great school with teachers who care about each student. The students are friendly and fun to be around
—Submitted by a student

We have been very happy with the teachers and staff at Highlands Elementary School. The onsite daycare has been a blessing for us and the staff at the onsite have been extremely great with my child. We do notice as the kids go up in grade level the parent involvement in the classroom begins to go down and ends up one or two parents and the teacher having to put all the holiday celebration parties together for the kids. That has been very disappointing to see.
—Submitted by a parent

What a good school. Principle could be more assertive and involved, but the teachers and parents are great.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very pleased with my sons education at highlands. His teachers were wonderful. Parents had full involvement, no complaints.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has been at Highlands for his 1st and 2nd grade and absolutely loves being there. We too are fortunate to have had the same teacher twice in a row. Our son is an excellent student. We've recently moved to the Clayton/Highlands area to be in this nice neighborhood to bring up our other 2 children to reap the opportunity to go to Highlands/Pine Hollow Middle and Clayton High schools as well in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter was moved to Highlands for her education based on our job situations and day care provider. It was the right move! Her teacher has been with her for two years (first and second grades) and the continuity provided is splendid. The first years of school are tough on the young kids but by not having to change instructors has done wonders. The teacher does a great job based on what I have seen by being in the classroom and watching my daughter grow. Test scores tell a story, but the academic growth of a child can far outweigh them. Our thanks to the staff at Highlands for helping our daughter learn.
—Submitted by a parent