Hickory Elementary School

Great teachers...worst principal. Used to be a great school but the recent principal is ruining the school. My son is in a combo class during his final year but his class is running so behind his peers and his shy personality made him a victim to a combo class his final year. He is miserable and can't wait to start a turn a new leaf and have classes with his grades students and make new friends next year. Unfortunately, I will not be sending my last child (already had 3 kids that went to Hickory) whom were all highly academic to Hickory as long as that woman is still principal!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I completely disagree with the previous review. My daughter attends kindergarten at this school and we have nothing but positive things to say about Hickory. Her teacher is spectacular, and the principal goes out of her way to listen to our concerns. Our daughter has been provided the appropriate services to aide her in her first year of school. I completely agree that the classes are large, but if you do some research on the local private schools (with the exception of First Lutheran down Carson - which is okay if you are willing to spend an enormous amount of money!), there are plenty out there that have about the same class sizes! I give Hickory 5 stars!
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible. There teachers are overwhelmed with large classes causing them to be over worked and lacking that "love for their job" attitude. If your child has problems or needs additional help, you won't get that here. The principal is even worse...unprofessional and lacking of experience. Looking to transfer my student the first chance I get. If your a loving parent, send your child to a loving school. This one is not it.
--Submitted by a parent

We absolutely love Hickory. It exceeds all my expectations from a school that I have for 2 of my kids. They are exceleent academically, socially, and have lits of extracurricular activities offered everyday afterschool. We moved from a private school to this public school. and have been so impressed by the academic standards, genuine teachers, wonderful PTA, and sweet students.
--Submitted by a parent

Due to the increased class sizes, teachers are completely overworked. Academically weaker children are being left behind. Detentions are being given out for the smallest infractions including because staff and teachers are too overworked to spend the two minutes to teach constructive conflict resolution. So sad to see a great school turn to this. Children of previous years were prepared for leadership. The kids that go through Hickory this year can be happy to qualify for fast food service positions if this keeps going.
--Submitted by a parent

For the school year of 2010/2011 the class sizes have increased to 30 from K-3 and up to 36 for 4th & 5th grades. The high test scores of Hickory Elementary school are largely due to the fact that a very high percentage of students receives after school tutoring on several afternoons a week. Most teachers are very good, but all of them are overwhelmed by the class sizes. The PTA is very active. Every month, there are at least two fundraisers that children can participate in during school hours. They can purchase photos, books, calendars, and a lot of other things. The money that is raised supports the arts program, field trips, and the purchases of equipment for the classrooms and the facility. Bullying is a very big problem at Hickory school. Recently, a survey went around asking the kids whether they got bullied and how the teachers and staff reacted to it. The school is aware and baby steps to address this are being taken.
--Submitted by a parent

The PTA at this school, which is loyally supported by a few parents, is excellent. Without it, the art and library programs, as well as several enrichment activities, would not exist. There are some very good teachers; however, some teachers are not as concerned as they should be about whether all students learn. Some children attending this school are not very respectful to their parents or to other adults. My kids learned some words and behaviors that were not appropriate. The special education program is not sufficient to service all children. Many parents are unconcerned with safety of other students when dropping off/picking up their children. The staff and local law enforcement have had a difficult time addressing this issue. Overall, the school performs well for a campus of 800+ students with large class sizes in the upper grades (20 in K-3, 32 in 4-5), but there room for improvement.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has everything a child will need to sugceed in the future.

My daughter is now in 4th Grade and I've been pleased with her education at Hickory so far. The school's PTA is awesome. My only concern is the number of students per class is increasing every year now but I guess there is nothing we can do about it except for voting to elect officials that will care about our public schools...
--Submitted by a parent

Good curriculum, good teachers, tight budget
--Submitted by a parent