Woodmen Hills Elementary School

Possibly the front office staff at this school do not fully understand that parents are their true customers, based solely on a possible attitude that children need to be protected from their own parents (environment is like being in constant lockdown when you come during the school day). Other than that, the teachers are excellent, at least for the younger grades and "specials" (PE, drama, etc.) and call the children "Sir" and "Ma'am" to teach proper manners.
—Submitted by a parent

Horribly run, never met the principle, the dismissal is beyond unsafe and ridiculous. The teachers have no idea proper ways to discipline. The work is not challenging at all. We took our children out and are now home schooling. This school was the worst experience ever!
—Submitted by a parent

Verbatim from the D49 official Falcon Flyer received 8/30/2011: "Overcrowding has been a hot topic in District 49. Falcon continues to be one of the fastest growing districts in the state. We currently serve about 14,000 students. This is perhaps the first year that our overall student population has not increased, but that does not change the fact that overcrowding continues to plague our district. Eight schools in District 49 are currently over-capacity. They include Woodmen Hills Elementary, Falcon Middle School,Falcon High School, Evans International Elementary, Springs Ranch Elementary, Odyssey Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, and Skyview Middle School. Of the remaining schools, not a single one of them is less than 75% full...Teachers struggle when thirty or more students outnumber them..."

I was very dissappointed with the process and time it took the school to care for my special needs child. It took the school a year to accommodate my child, by finally moving us to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed in this school. My child had some special needs and got the impression that the school (staff and administrators)did not make any effort to accomodate this child (as well as others that were observed). The teacher and administration focused only on what was wrong with my child. Until we left, we did not know this child had any strengths. We never got the impression that the teacher even liked my child, though when asked, said, "I like the kid". My child showed a great deal of improvement once transfering out of this school. The impression we got was if children did not attain the academic excellence to boost their image, it was much easier to transfer them to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

Woodmen Hills is absolutely wonderful! I find the teachers to be exceptionally skilled and communicate well with parents. They meet the needs of advanced students while also helping those who are struggling. In addition, they focus on the whole child, helping kids learn social skills and make friends. I couldn't ask for a better neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a former student. This school helped me relize my true potential. I never regreted going to this school.
—Submitted by a student

My son entered WHES half way through the year last year for kindergarten. I had heard good things about the school, but was quickly disappointed. The biggest problem however, was that for an advanced student that functions beyond grade-level, very few accommodations were made and appropriately challenging materials were not offered.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children started 1/2 way through the last school year and excelled! Their teachers were very involved and actually made eye contact with the children when speaking to them - our children have shined under the nurturing and care given to them by their teachers. After seeing how the teachers interacted and worked with our children and seeing how our children have blossomed under these teachers care, we feel very blessed that our children get to go this school.
—Submitted by a parent

An absolutely excellent school! We moved our two children from District 11 and have since had a third enter school here at Woodmen Hills. The results have been amazing! They all have a love of school that they didn't have in their previous district. Their achievement has gone through the roof. They take advantage of all kinds of in-class and extra-curricular activities. What a great environment and supperior teaching staff. Parents are encouraged to be part of their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

WHES has been an awesome school. The Principal that opened the school surrounded herself with the best teachers and best staff. When she moved on it was a bit nerve racking but her replacement, Mike Collins, has been awesome. He generates a great spirit and feeling of community through the building. I have 2 kids that attend WHES and we have been blessed every year with teachers that are nurturing, supportive and focused on providing a great education. The Best!
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to Kindergarten here. I was pleased with the parent involvement, but dissappointed with the curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that the teachers are wonderful and have great teaching skills. Unfortunately there are too many children per teacher/classroom and the teachers are not able to give the children the individual attention they desperately need and deserve.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with our daughter's progress since being enrolled into Woodman Hills Elementary school in 2nd grade. (She is currently in 5th grade). We have found the principal to be very open and welcoms parental involvement. The teachers have all been wonderful as well. I am delighted that my daughter has the priviledge of attending Woodman Hills!
—Submitted by a parent