Jacksonville Heights Elementary School

AWFUL! AWFUL! AWFUL! This was the worst school I have ever had to deal with. My son was in private school (Father's Harbor) also AWFUL! and was suspended because he finally had enough of a bullying situation that had been festering and fought back. Well, because I was not going to pay for priviledge of my son being bullied, he was remove from this school. This left me with 2 options: go to another private school or enroll in the neighborhood school (Jax Heights). Needless to say, Jax Heights was no better, in fact worse. There is a SERIOUS bullying issue there. My son was there for 4 months and I had to meet with the teachers and principal every other week for the entire time because of the hoodlums that attend this school. The faculty did nothing to correct the problem. If you miss the magnet lottery and you can't afford private, get 2 or 3 jobs to afford better schooling than this. You will be better off and your child will thank you. Again, don't go to Jax Heights.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a little confused about the rating system (stars). I read the comments and the average stars are 1. Only 2 people note a 3 and 4 star rating yet the listing is that of a 3 star school. With 3 positives and 3 times as many complaints I wonder if I can rely on the rating that is supported by reviews by school staff.

My children have been going to this school for about 4 years. They have a problem with bullies. Teachers are overwhelmed with problem children. Other children suffer if they need any extra help because the teacher are so busy discilping. But its mostly the parents fault i believe. Control your children so the teachers can do their job. My children will not attend a westside school ever again.
--Submitted by a parent

I actually thought that I was alone in being close to the school by having my children in attendance but I've always been so distant from the staff. It all seems to be about how much money the school can take in. It's not enough that I pay over $300 every 20 calendar days so that both of my children can attend Ext. Day but because some the teachers are only there for a paycheck, children lack and when they lack, it reflects in their grades. My child began doing so poorly until I had to put him in tutoring which cost an additional $30 a week. This is not fair when you have parents that are involved in their child's success 100% and they still fail. My child's failure didn't start until having attended this school. Someone needs to really take a look at how things are being conducted.
--Submitted by a parent

Jacksonville Heights Elem is not gooding a good job about the no bulling rule.The teachers tell the kids that they are not taking sides and let the bulling remian in the school.When the other child as has enough that child is the one in trouble when they fight back not the one that is doing the bulling the the other kids.Somethings needs to be done.ive been to the school twice on this matter and still nothing is being done about it.and when the school does not work with the parents the parents are not likely to help with the school.if the school would work with the parents you might get more parents to do more for the school if your not willing to help then dont except your parents to to work with you.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school needs LOTS of help and I would NOT recommend this school to anyone. It is very disorganized, the school supply list is totally out of control, and I think some of the staff need to rethink their job choices. Most of the past school year the kids were taught by many different substitute teachers. I have moved my kids from this school and will NEVER send them back!
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended jhe. I was so upset with how we were handled. In the begining of the school year, i noticed my son struggling. Both of his teachers we absent excessively. I try to bring this situation to the attention of the staff, with lillte to no response. The most helpful person was the guidence counselor, the ese teacher, and finally the principle. It took 7 months for them to address my situation. The assistant principle immediately disreguarded my issue. Attempts to speak with the principle finally happened 1 month prior to the ending of this year. There are some excellent teacher at that school. Pray that you're able to get one.
--Submitted by a parent

As a grandparent, I had a great experience with the teachers and participated with the school activities that I thought were great for my 1st grade grandson. For this to be a first time experience, his teacher Mrs. R was excellent and such a good motivator.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended JHE since Pre-K, I have had an issue every year and it always seems to be dismissed. I thought maybe with the change in administration it would be different, but that was untrue. My son always turns out to be the offender instead of the victim....I am truely sick of it.....
--Submitted by a parent

My mother has taught 5th grade at JHE for 28 years. I also attended JHE as a child. My mother has always gone above the call of duty providing everything from before/after school assistance to late night parent phone calls. She is amazing at reaching students others have given up on. She is constantly learning, and attends workshops and seminars often. She is only one of the many teachers and staff at JHE that are making a difference with students everyday.
--Submitted by a former student