Linden Hill Elementary School

One of the best schools in the state as evidenced by the receipt of the 2012 National Blue Ribbon awarded by the Secretary of Education. My child has attended this school for several years and I could not be happier with the education he has received so far. This school has an extremely active PTA that raises thousands of dollars every year to put towards programs that enrich the education of Linden Hill students. The communication from teachers and administration is constant and comes in various forms. A vast majority of the teachers have completed education beyond a 4 year bachelor's degree (master's degree or above). The majority of the student body is made up of a great group of "down to earth" kids that come from involved families with educated parents. I've been particularly impressed by the amount of time the school spends on bullying prevention and treating others kindly. It shows in the interactions between the children. The front office staff is very organized and keeps the school running smoothly. The cafeteria offers healthy lunch choices and does not offer "junk food" of any kind. My family has great pride in this school and recommend it without hesitation.
—Submitted by a parent

Upon reading the reviews from prior years regarding "non inclusive school attitudes regarding different religions", it would appear the school has been making great strides to rectify this issue. As a new parent of a Kindergarten student at Linden Hill in this 2012-2013 school year, I receive emails regularly and newsletters each month from my son's teacher. The most recent newsletter addressed the different celebrations taking place during this time of year, and asked that if my family celebrates something other than what was listed in the letter to please send information into the class so that the teacher could be sure to include everyone's celebrations in the classroom. I found that to be very eye-opening as to what kind of atmosphere is in place at this elementary school. Kudos to Linden Hill for listening to the concerns of their students' parents and working diligently to make their school a place where everyone feels welcome and included.
—Submitted by a parent

Linden Hill is a great School. My daughter is a special ed student and easily fits in! Her teachers focus on her learning and she is excelling. She has never had any trouble getting into programs. The school expects excellence in their students and staff because they want to create an environment of learning not because of test scores. We would not want to send our child to any other school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is slowly losing it's grip. More emphasis is being given to DCAS scores and there is no fair system when choosing kids for certain programs.There is no program for average students to take part,so they always feel left out. Competition is becoming the sole focus and that is leading to a stifled environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not a parent, but a student that used to go there. Mrs. Huckleberry is an awesome TAG teacher and thanks to Mrs. Bryant, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Ramone(:, and Mrs. Zimny I will succeed in life and I know I will. Now I'm at a bad school called new garden.

My son is a 3rd grader in this school and I see he enjoys a lot in his class. He improved in math and other topics. Teachers are caring for their student very much. Also, there are many other activities for students. I am very satisfied with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid has been this school for several years. Over all experiences are good. Linden Hill is indeed an excellent school to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Linden Hill is an absolutely wonderful shool. It is well run by caring and educationally focused teachers. The administrators are top notch. The parent interest and participation is phenomenal. I can't say enough good things about Linden Hill. There is no need to look elsewhere for the best in education (public or private).
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderfull teachers and great principal. They are very supportive and if any kid needs any special help, they do anything to help.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter had Miss Hilgar last year. I found her to be a very caring, focused and all around excellent teacher. She was not afraid to entertain weekly volunteers and, as a matter of fact, she welcomed them. I found that comforting as a 'hands on' parent. Many children drew her pictures expressing how much they loved her as a teacher. My daughter has even saved a 'special' Christmas card for her this year. On one last note, I will vouch that Dr. Bradley and Mrs. Brady are the best administrators you could possibly hope for and get.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a great community with an active, involved PTA. Children and learning come first, and my daughter feels a great sense of pride in being a student at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who attend this school and I am thrilled with the education they have received. The teachers and school administration are absolutely wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two kids at this school (K & 2nd). Since I walked through the doors for kindergarten orientation, I felt like it was home for me and my kids. My feeling is such that if this school doesn't work for us, no public school will. The entire staff cares about the children and it shows. We are just thankful we 'got in' and know our kids are happy and safe.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child in fourth grade at Linden Hill and another who just finished fifth grade (June 2007). The school is like an old neighborhood school from when I grew up in Pike Creek thirty years ago. Most of the families live nearby and like the teachers, they take pride in the rejuvenated school. School functions (plays, recitals, etc) are always packed with children and involved parents. The school has a great OM (Odyssey of the Mind) program that has enjoyed quite a bit of success in the past few years. I would not consider sending my children to any other elementary school in the area. I'll save my tiution for their high school education.
—Submitted by a parent

Linden Hill is an outstanding school. We've had 2 children there. (1 k-5 and a current 4th grader) The administration is superior. All of the teacher's we've worked with over the years have gone well above and beyond. I've always found them to be respectful of individual differences and to consistently offer meaningful instruction beyond 'drill and skill'. This is truly a child-centered environment. Save the tuition payment, get a supportive administration, relatively small class sizes and progressive teachers! We strongly recommend Linden Hill.
—Submitted by a parent

Have 2 kids there & think it's a very well-run school. It has a bit of a closed-door feeling as far as the parents' access to the building, but I think in this day an age this is necessary for security issues. Didn't see too much 'extra-curricular' activities since we came half way through the year, but would always love to see more. They are a bit strict in the lunchroom - maybe they need to be, but kids I saw weren't allowed to even talk to each other while eating. Thought that was odd, but maybe necessary for that age. My kid had a terrible time at another school with paying attention/learning (we thought he'd be held back), but was able to learn from his teacher at Linden Hill and surprised us all. Concerned about the cutbacks by the district. Quit opening charters and improve what you have already!
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has been at this school for two years after first grade in a private school. What a difference. The teachers are warm, caring, accessible and most importantly -Talented, Professional, Experienced Educators. They look at children as individuals. Not tuition payments. They took a kid with no confidence and turned him into a child who genuinely likes school. His reading ability and overall interest in learning jumped within the first few months. He got more individual attention here then he did in a school that advertised itself as 'child-centered' with small class size. Don't be afraid of the state test and don't pay for amateurs. Our neighbors kept telling us we would not be disappointed with Linden Hill and we have been just thrilled. We found a great school, no tuition payments that is right in our own neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Kindergarten in this school and is now in 1st grade. She loves it and so do I. She started Kindergarten a very shy, reserved little girl and has blossemed into a very friendly 1st grader. I attribute almost all of the credit to her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Bryant. What a wonderful wonderful teacher!
—Submitted by a parent

I love, love, love this school! Having had my older 2 children in another public school and now my youngest at Linden Hill, I cannot say enough about the school - both principal and staff. I have seen first hand Dr. Bradley interact with children and find her to be very warm, comforting and friendly to the students. Parents and staff respect her and children love her. When problems need to be addressed, results happen. You just don't get a pat on the hand and a smile. My child's and my experience her has all been positive and I would highly recommend Linden Hill to all families.
—Submitted by a parent

I do agree that the principle runs a tight ship, however I don't feel this is the right approach for young children. I did not feel she has the tender touch that's needed in an elementary school. Our child subsequently fell behind because he was bullied because he didn't feel she was approachable, nor did we as parents.
—Submitted by R. H., a parent