Carl Hankey Elementary School

This school is a small gem and perhaps the best kept secret in Orange County. In an era when programs are being cut, Carl Hankey can still offer music and language to its middle school students. The K-8 format keeps the environment wholesome and the teachers know every child. I can't say enough good things about this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is okay. But there aren't many choices. At all. There are about two elective choices. A language, and if possible, a musical class. But that's about it. There are many very good teachers, but mixed in there are some pretty bad ones too. The environment is very small, some grades only have 80 children. The principal, though is very energetic and can get some kids pretty excited about events. While the assistant principal is, well, not that great. Overall, academically this school is pretty decent, but if you really want to make a bunch of new friends, this really isn't the school for you. Trust me, I went here.

Wonderful teachers that have met my GATE child's needs. My child gets to play the cello at school twice a week! An exceptional P.E teacher once a week. The Destination Imagination program is terrific (A team went to Globals last year). The only public elementary International Baccalaureate Candidate School in Orange County.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, when I moved I made sure I stayed in the area where this was still my child's home school. The principal is great, the teachers are great, the staff is great, the parents of the kids are great...you get the idea. The only thing I wish that they would add is healthier school lunches, but its the same food the whole district gets so it wouldn't change even if I changed schools. The principal really has done so good since he took over a couple years ago. The IB program seems to be really taking root and the more I research IB, the more I'm excited for my child to be apart of it from such an early age and being able to continue it through high school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent I think the new principal, Dr Wilbur, has been a great asset to Hankey since he works tirelessly to improve the school. He has iniatiated the new International Baccaulaurete program which will make Hankey stand out in the community and families will wish their children attended there since they will be getting a fantastic education. I do think that parents need to volunteer their time more and participate in the school so that it truly can be the best school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is terrible! My daughter has changed her behavior recently and she has said it is due to the kids and teachers around her! The teachers cuss out to much, the students shout out very bad things and the teachers do absouilty nothing. This is the worst school ever! The Princapal puts on a fake smile, the vice princapal is very touchy and sicking, Please from whatever means neccesary do not sent your child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Beware of this principal. You will see him around campus, with a big smile on his face. But if you ever meet with him one-on-one to discuss any concerns, his smile vanishes, and he is very dismissive of any concerns and refuses to discuss them. What you see is not what you get. His only concern in the STAR test results. Several good teachers have been forced to leave due to disagreements with the leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is small but amazing. We have a wonderful principal that is involved with the students. I always see him around campus, not shut up in his office. The teachers are fabulous and My children have made outstanding friends!
—Submitted by a parent

Our teachers always give 110%. The programs really challenge my child. We love Hankey because they are our family!
—Submitted by a parent

Carl Hankey is a wonderful community school with excellent teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school with wonderful teachers and Staff I have 5 kids and we have been a part of this school since 1993. Throughout the years the school has always been a great school with their emphasis always on the students and learning
—Submitted by a parent

Mi daughter is going to attend 2nd. grade and my son kindergarten. We are so happy with the school , the teachers are great and the principal has lots of enthusiasm and ready to work for the school . Go hawks !
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a 1st grader and I have to say that I love this school! I enjoy the staff, the teachers and parents. Dr. Wilbur, the new principal is wonderful and I think he is going to bring great things to this school! I have a problem with other people thinking our school is not great.. our school is real and the people here care!!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and the parents who are truly involved at Hankey are great and really care about the welfare of the students. My kids have received a great education from the wonderful teachers they've had. Although there is too much involvement in fundraising, I know that it is a statewide issue. We love Hankey!
—Submitted by a parent

Carl Hankey continues to impress me. This is my 7th year as a parent of students there and the sense of community at this school is wonderful. As we become a K-8 school, our pride and involvement continues to grow. The principal, teachers, staff, students and parents are just wonderful. My GATE children have both benefited from the close knit, supportive commitment to educational excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school, but as a parent you need to be involved and proactive to insure the teachers are challenging your child. The teachers at Hankey are excellent and have good experience. Some years have been better than others. I would recommend, but like anything involving your child, you need to be aware. There are sufficient activities offered and the parents at this school are very involved. That is a big plus.
—Submitted by a parent

High level of parent involvement, great pta, dedicated teachers, high test scores and API scores, great neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! I love Hankey and the teachers are awesome. Nice Parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

An awesome school. If look at the diversity, you will see that they still receive high API scores showing they can teach the high and low students simultaneously. The diversity includes autistic, low income and all different cultures-yet they all blend together as one. The school will be getting modernization summer of 2005. K-8 may happen as soon as 2006-2007 school year pending tests.
—Submitted by a parent