Highland Ranch Elementary School

My two children are here. My husband is a teacher in another district so we have some perspective from both sides. The fact is, Ms. Watson has been amazing to my special Ed classified daughter. And she has been so supportive, yet firm with both my kids. So I find it ironic that those who complain about "bullying" at the school have been the ones to "bully" her out of this same school. I have my own hypothesis about their motivations, but I will keep my theories to myself. Don't hesitate to send your kids here. Smart people (I'm referring teachers, not the "entitled and self important parents") and nice ethnic diversity. Oh, wait, that's maybe what some of you DIDN'T like.
—Submitted by a parent

I ADORE every single teacher my children have had. The foundation and PTA are trying to get thing going. The parking situation is horrendous, and they are trying something new this year, it is a bit better, but the school was not designed for this many parents to be driving in. The Principal is just very cold, and not very warm and inviting. She "labels" families, and we've been branded. You can just tell by the way you are treated. Not soo cool. If there were not great teachers, we'd be out in a hot second.
—Submitted by a parent

Highland Ranch is a good school with horrible principle Ms.Anita Watson. She lacks leadership skills and is rude. My daughter is in 5th grade now and is in Highland Ranch since KG. All the teachers are wonderful and communicate really well. PTA and Foundation are doing lot of good things for the kids. But this school needs good principle.
—Submitted by a parent

I can sum it up quite simple. The principal is horrible. Ms. Watson is very rude, not professional at all and a big bully! It is obvious why so many leave this school not to mention that EVERY Complaint has the principal listed in it. She has even had court issued restraining orders by parents due to her bullying!
—Submitted by a parent

Dangerous levels of bullying at this school. Principal is totally inadequate in dealing with this. The school office staff is unfriendly and rude. I would not recommend anyone sending their child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at this school for 4 years. It's a great school with a professional staff, including Ms Watson! It is unfortunate that parents with children with behavioral problems chose to blame staff members, however those of us who have children who are there to learn and not be a problem know what's really going on with these accusations. I, for one, couldn't be happier when these parents transfer their child to another school so our children can focus on getting an education. Also, kudos to Ms Harris, Ms Levchenko, & Mr Flanders all are excellent teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

The PTA and many of the teachers are fantastic. The Principal has a court ordered restraining order against her. Why is she still there? Anita Watson has a reputation of treating parents unprofessionally, is rude and inconsistent in her treatment of children and families. If a parent speaks up in anyway them and their child are targeted and harrassed.
—Submitted by a parent

Office staff has been very helpful. They were patient and I noticed they spoke with respect to the kids. I like how the principle and school fosters independence and accountability. I am a parent to my kids and not their best friend so the style appeals to me. The kindergarten teacher is awesome times two. She has a fantasic reputation in reading. My daughter has given her thumbs up on the teacher and class.
—Submitted by a parent

Both our kids are in HRES and the school is reasonably fine with some mediocre and some exceptional teachers. The Principal leaves a lot to be desired in terms of leadership through innovation and inspiration. Seems like that opinion is shared among parents (including below), but not sure what can be done, so our taxpayer dollars are better spent.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very involved in HRES. Excellent band and choir programs. PTA puts children first by providing family building activities. Teachers are caring and very kind. Unfortunately the principal lacks professionalism. If you do voice a concern you and your children are targeted and "labeled" as a troublemaker and treated poorly. Office staff is cold. PUSD is an awesome district but we are enduring our elementary school years.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had children at this school for a few years. The teachers are wonderful. The PTA does a lot for the school, students, and teachers. The principal is a horrible leader. What once was a great school has become a poor school due in large part to the principal. It is time for some change at Highland Ranch.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school but very disappointed in the ESS program. My son was hurt by older boys at ESS the first week he was there and no one knew about it. I feel that they didn't handle the situation appropriately and someone need to do a random visit/inspection. I know people who are considering moving kids of of this school b/c of it.
—Submitted by a parent

The best thing about Highland Ranch is 2nd grade Teacher Linda Harris. She is an exceptional teacher who is truly dedicated to the education of her students. She turned my son from a below average student to a student who exceeds or meets all standards. My son loves her like a best friend. I have never seen a more organized and structured classroom. I wish more teachers had her commitment and concern for the education of our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I wish I had better things to say about Highland Ranch. I recently transferred my child to a different Elementary School for one reason, the Principal. She doesn't take the safety of the kids seriously, nor does she take one of the biggest problems in public schools seriously, bullying. She says 'boys will be boys' and laughs at any indication that bullying actually takes place in 'her school'. She is irresponsible and will but a band-aid on issues rather than fixing the problems. I was embarrassed for my child to go there.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, Great principal, Excellent teachers so far (My daughter is in the 3rd grade)
—Submitted by a parent

H.R. is outstanding and has an amazing Principle. She is dedicated to the scool and the children. The PTA is well run. The school has lots of parental involvement and school spirit. We are moving but I hope to still stay at our school because we love it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our sons first year at Highland Ranch and we love it. His teacher, Ms. Erika Ferguland is the best. Ms. Erika is a special education teacher specialized in 'Autistic' children. Her compassion and dedication has far superceded our expectations. We are forever grateful to her and the school for their commitment to our children.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers here at the Ranch are the best in Poway! My son loves to go and learn everyday. He teacher is the best 5th grade teacher in the district. Thanks for getting he motivatied 5th grade team!
—Submitted by a parent

Unlike others i am not impressed. My daughter previously attended a really good school in another state and this school is just average, if not below in my opinion. They are overboard with unnecessary rules. Lunch is mostly burger or red baron sponsored pizza, the availability of a salad bar doesn't make that any better. The playground is falling apart and looks disastrous. The schools website is hard to navigate and information hard to find, you also can't e-mail the school. Office staff is friendly. My daughter's teacher is not available to the students, he's the last in and the first out, no time for talking or asking simple questions. There is no handbook or abstract anywhere available for parents regarding the curriculum. They don't have art,music or physical education classes. No, a great school is something else.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! We love our son's teacher...
—Submitted by a parent