Hawarden Hills Academy

This school is a waste of money. My child has had two independent math assessment exams and has scored 50% on both. We were led to believe that the class he was in was pre-algebra. Please they also led us to believe that he was a straight A student. To address that public school teacher comment. I am a professional who has to sit in with the state and pass boards every 6 years to keep my license. A full exam. It's to protect the public to make sure I have the minimum qualifications. If credentialing is not important then go see a doctor who can't pass state boards. Not so appealing. These are random parents that teach. You (I was paying for private HOMESCHOOLING. Every parent will figure out eventually that when they hit high school kids are going to struggle in mathematics. It's hard as parents to admit that a mistake was made when choosing a school. It's called PRIDE.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a public school teacher and a parent of students at this school. I feel that many of these reviews make this school seem awful. In reality, when you have public educators, health professionals and other public service families enroll their children in this school and that remain at HHA says alot! Yes, some leave but many DO stay! I know there is room for improvement as is on all education sites but #1 reason why we chose HHA is SAFETY, not that academics is not important, but my child as yours, with parental support will learn ANYWHERE. The HHA students do not face the issues that occur in local public schools. Many feel I shelter my children but if it means my children can be kids for as long as possible then it works for us. Kids here are kids K-8th grade not "angels" but KIDS. They act and look nothing like our public school teens (kissing in the halls, violence and drugs not at HHA). The fact that many of HHA teachers enroll their children here is a huge GREEN flag for me as it should be for any parent :-) To compare HHA to public is comparing apples to banannas, you can't! Private and public are 2 different teaching styles.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved on from this school to a public school for a number of reasons. We were left with the impression that our child was far ahead of where she needed to be for her given grade level. Boy were we dissapointed when she took the assessment test at the local public school. I feel we were greatly decieved by the programs and teachers at Hawarden Hills. My child has great study habits and is no dummy. But she is no where near the level they said she was. I am actually kind of irritated that I wasted my money on this school for so many years I would not recommend this school. Take it from someone who spent THOUSANDS over the course of 8 years.
--Submitted by a parent

Hawarden Hills is a great school! My child attends Hawarden and I am extremely satisfied. Mrs.Lenny has the childrens best intrest at heart . The teachers may or may not have credentials. However, the step program works for my child. Love this school!

The teachers are amazing at Hawarden Hills they go above and beyond. If you have a problem or question, they will get back to you. The Principal is outstanding and is bring the school to a new level in many ways. She is approachable, always available, and willing to look at any idea a parent or child may have. Most parent do not take the time to get to know her.Mrs Lenny s number one focus is the children. I am so happy to have found such an amazing school.
--Submitted by a parent

Full disclosure: I am not a current parent. I am a prospective parent with a child entering kindergarten next year and another child a couple of years behind. We called Hawarden to see about coming to take a look (even though we had a couple of people tell us that the school is horrible with regard to communciation). We were told, "You can come in February for open house." Meanwhile, the woman on the phone kept shouting to someone about a stapler that had gone missing; i.e., she seemed put out that someone actually wanted info on the phone. Here's the deal...the public schools start registration as early as January and other private schools begin filling up. I have NO intention of waiting until February to see if a school is worth it. Our experience seemed to prove what we had been told: this is not a school that cares what the parents think/need. Too bad because it really seemed so promising.
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with Hawarden was a great one. My child went on to high school and college very prepared. Some people bring up the fact that the teachers may/may not have their credentials. Well all I can say to that is, our public schools are full of credentialed teachers, so why are we looking for alternative schooling if having a credential is so important. Every place you go will have their faults, but if a great education is what you're looking for, then I highly recommend this school. Not to mention the close knit family environment you get from a small school. My child formed life-long friendships there and that was just a bonus. The office staff was friendly and always very helpful. The principal is strict and what is wrong with that? Though she was strict, it always amazed me how she seemed to know every child's name and their parents. That is a rarity. And the activities they did were always top notch. From the Winter Program to Shakespeare Day. Although my child is no longer there, I had to comment because my child is a product of Hawarden and I cannot argue the results this school has produced. The proof was in the pudding.
--Submitted by a parent

We've had kids in Hawarden for 7 years, and both Academically and Socially we are very happy with their progress and their retention. For the most part, the teachers have been very supportive and helpful in addressing any concerns we had. Our children trust them and can approach them for help as can we. The school is safe, the kids from all grades treat each other like family. The special events are fun - my personal favorite is Veteran's Day, when family members who are vets are honored and spoiled by the students and staff. The middle school has been wonderful - my son, who isn't big on writing, had impressive progress under the language teacher's guidance. Regarding the Principal, she commands respect, which is important in a school environment. Parents may feel intimidated by that, but the times we've had an issue and approached her, we were usually pleased with the outcome. It is clear her motivation is the best interests of the students as a whole. This is an achievement focused school, and may not be perfect for everyone, but we give high marks for supportive teachers, a fun, safe environment and the academics.
--Submitted by a parent

The only grade that's worth the money is 5th. She's great. My child thrived with her, became an excellent writer and reader. All was lost when my child entered middle shool. A real shame! The teachers in Middle school are just not qualified. The language arts teacher is completely useless. She is incapable of motivating the students. The history teacher is good at being an administrator but not in the classroom. The science teacher is the only decent one, and she's decent only because the rest is so mediocre.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are a person who values true education, and the educational process, then this is not the school for you. True learning and education does not take place. They teach for testing, not for learning especially the math and reading curriculum which I would say is very rushed. They want to be able to market the school saying our 3rd graders test at a 5 grade level. The children are rushed thru the steps and aren't really taught anything. As a result the children retain very little of what they are supposedly taught.
--Submitted by a parent