Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes School

First, I want to say that I do love this school. It is a wonderful school that has small classroom sizes and everyone know your child's name. This is not enough for a CHOISE school. I understand the budget cuts but I expect more with a small classroom sizes. Anyone can teach out of a teacher handbook. Why are the students not getting challenged? Why are the teachers not being more creative in teaching their students to enjoy school? Where is the leadership from the principal? There are ways of finding money to have programs for a rural school. It does not all need to come from the state! It is unfortunate that the principal only cares about the API scores but not about the students or motivating her teachers to be more creative in their teaching methods. I know that I want my children to believe they can be anything and do anything. The school is not laying down the right foundation for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

Even with the horrible budget cuts our school still anticipates having the smallest class sizes around. We are looking at the mid 20's for primary for the 12-13 school year. The more students we have that enroll, the less chance of laying off teachers. We have teachers based on the number of students and the funding the state gives us for those students. The state anticipates dramatically cutting the individual student funding. It is still a great school where parents can know that everything possible is being done for their child to make them successful--caring and dedicated staff!!
--Submitted by a teacher

I love this school for my kids, but now two more teachers are being laid off and I don't know what will happen next year. I can take my kids to my local school for overcrowding - don't need to drive 20 miles each way for that!
--Submitted by a parent

I was concerned about enrolling my son in school, as I'd home schooled him and he was over a full year ahead academically. I found HELUS to be the perfect place for him to enter school, as he was tested and placed appropriately; the prinical, Mrs. Parkins, is capable, attentive and commanding; the parents are active and involved; the students are good kids over all; the community surrounding the school is receptive to new-comers while tight knit; and the class size is small enought to offer each child/parent individual attention and meaningful communication. My sons teacher is keyed into his strengths and weaknesses, offering practical and progressive solutions during parent-teacher conference, at which she took plenty of time to discuss his academic progress and was interested to learn more about him from my perspective, as I know him better than anyone...except maybe her, at this point. The down side of a very small, budget-hungry school is the lack of extras: art, music, science, field trips, choir, band, sports, etc., like I had growing up. But, I'm thrilled to find my son in a school with so much heart, dedication and sense of community as HELUS.
--Submitted by a parent

Let's just say this...I drive 35 min each way to bring my son to this school, and I do it gladly. I think that speaks volumes about what an amazing school this is. I think that some people just don't know how good they have it. Most of the schools in the Antelope Valley are sub-par, and to have a public school that is this amazing is quite exceptional! The school that we are zoned for has a 1/10 rating, they are over crowded, and there is definately no individualized attention (as is the case with several of the schools in the Antelope Valley). I couln't be happier with the small class sizes, the amazing and caring staff, and the individual attention that my son receives there (they also just got bumped up to a 9/10). Not to mention that the parent involvement is incredible. I have never seen a school with so many parents willing to donate their time, attention, and resources to make sure that their students are receiving the type of quality education that their children deserve. I would, and do recommend this school to anyone who is looking to recieve a quality education for their children, without over-crowding.
--Submitted by a parent

Due to budget cuts theres only going to be 2 teachers in 2012 school year and we have about 37 6th graders coming in. They layed off the best teacher this year. Next year will be terrible. I like the school overall. But with all the budget cuts the school probably won't survive 2012

I dont understand what you negitive people are talking about i was a student of HELUS last year and just graduated in 2010. Personally i loved it the teachers are loving caring and all about the students they have never been all pay comsumed. Every one there is soooo nice and there for you it is like a big family. Allthough i like high school I miss HELUS and go back as often as possible.

I found the teachers to not be caring or to even care about their jobs. They were more interested in their lack of pay, then in the education of my children. To the parent who had one or two caring teachers, you have the exceptional experience. However, I would not put down other parents who are willing to share their experiences. Everyone's opinions should be heard without fear of someone calling their opinion a joke.
--Submitted by a parent

The parent who had their children enrolled and now doesn't.This school is great and I feel bad for your children because the staff and teachers are very caring and the academics are top notch.But that is your choice. How you can give a 1 star is beyond me and just proves you don't get it and your rating is a joke..
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school! Great teachers and staff. The parent involvement is high and the class sizes are low. The school has a friendly and caring atmosphere. I transfered my daughter from a school with high test scores but it can't compare with the individualized attention given to students at HELUS!
--Submitted by a parent