Hillview Middle School

Great Experience for our son... He's an 8th grader this year and unlike some of the other posters, our experience has been outstanding. * Homework level is appropriate - He's an A/A- student and has all his homework except for special projects completed by the time I get home at 6pm. * The academy system is a good thing - it gives the kids a team identity within the larger school and give the teachers more time on with the same kids. Things might vary by academy, but our son has had two good years in a row, with only one lackluster teacher (who left at the end of the year) * The electives are good - kids have the option of double-advanced math, high school spanish, plus multiple bands including a stage and jazz band. * Grades are on online via PowerSchool and teachers are easily accessible via email if there are questions.
--Submitted by a parent

This school overloads the children with way too much homework. I hear 1 1/2 hours for 6th grade, but it's more like 3 to 4 hours. All my child has time to do is dash frantically through the work in order to get everything done. The teachers are harsh, overwhelmed and unsympathetic. They don't want to hear from the parents, but are unapproachable to the students. My child's self-esteem is at an all-time low. We are thinking of private schools for the first time, although my child scores well on standardized tests and has lots of friends.
--Submitted by a parent

I used to go to Hillview and loved it! Unfortunately the new principal is awful. He completely got rid of the unique activities all of us students got to participate in. Also, he changed around the school configuration. Now there are "academies", which separate students into three different groups.

Hillview used to be a tremendous school with outstanding programs, but the new principal blew off the traditions that made the school great, and with the introduction of the academy system, mediocrity has become institutionalized. Many teachers will privately tell you that they are not happy, and my current Hillview student has been subjected to a dumbed-down curriculum. The Hillview that so many of us remember fondly is no more!.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school. Students graduate well prepared for high school. Wonderful programs with caring engaged teachers and counselors. Strong parent involvement shows. It is a larger school with a small school feel. Starting in 2012 the all new state of the art campus will be completed. There is no reason for a typical student to pay for private school.
--Submitted by a parent

i just stared going to hill view 2 weeks ago and last week i wasnt there but i think hillview is a really great school, and it has a lot of great teachers... im in the sixthe grad

Hillview Middle School now functions with several academies per grade starting this year. This brings the "small community" feel to a large school. You get the best of both worlds. There are a lot of opportunities for the students before and after school, and a great school spirit. Academics are challenging and there is a lot of homework. This is a better match for us than any of the pricey private schools around!
--Submitted by a parent

I go to Hillview, and it is the best school in the world!!!! There's a lot of homework, but the teachers are great and I'm learning a lot. But it's fun, too. My core class, at least, does a lot of stuff with technology, and I love that. Hillview is amazing!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a student

Excellent teachers for both regular and accelerated courses. Great atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent

I go here and Mrs Thompson is the best 7th grade teacher ever!!!!!
--Submitted by a student