Fishhawk Creek Elementary School

I have had two children at this school, starting in 2006. They, together have had 9 different teachers. Three of which were great. There are great teachers but it's hit and miss, its a parent scramble at the end of the year, b/c we are all waiting for the teacher placement forms to be put out. We are not permitted to request a teacher, which is fine, its who we DON'T want that keeps us on our toes. It's a shame to be in such a great district and have our principal not respond to the issues our school has. Most parents know that the principal is what she is...unresponsive. Its sad but true. We are right around the corner from the Number one school in the state, and we are #122..that is b/c she wont hire new teachers or move them to a more appropriate teaching level due to their personalities or lack there of. This principal has had her own teachers remove their children from certain classrooms..and still keeps that teacher on staff. I don't understand that. There is huge parent involvement in this school...most are stay at home moms. That's a huge plus. I don't know what needs to happen, if I could move, I would. All u can do is start asking around, and find out who u DONT want
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been as FHCE for two years and in those two years I had to challenge teachers, admin and principle. My child hate going to school, except for music and art those teachers actually allow the children to have fun instead of TEST TEST TEST. Since year one I've been trying to get my child into another school by the way of the choice program but each year we haven't been approved. This school make my child feel like an infant they can't walk their self to class when there late they must always have an escort. They can't sign themselves into school ADULT ONLY. This school doesn't prepare the children to do things for themselves. Once they hit middle school they will be shocked that they are responsible for themselves and not hand holding. They are not allowed to socialize in lunch. The lunch and the school in forces that age old comment "Children should be seen and not heard" If you are looking at this school don't walk but run away!! A child should have an overall experience at school socializing, education not just TEST TEST which is all that FHCE cares about that is why they are 10 by the board cause they push it from day one.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school and everything it has to offer. Good in academics, arts and community service. Well rounded school. Friendly & efficient office staff.
--Submitted by a teacher

Yes, it is true that there are no recesses. Teachers have the option to schedule their own recesses. My 2nd grader has 2 a week and my 4th grader doesn't have any. The teachers are good, and the students do learn a lot. I am not happy with the principal for multiple reasons. My biggest complaint is that the school heavily ephasizes testing, so much so that I feel it stresses out the kids, or can take the fun out of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

There is a reason this school is rated a 10 out of 10...it is THAT good! There are NO silent lunches and curriculum is current with the times, meaning these kids are getting the education they deserve, it is fast paced and on the same quality of a private school. The kids do wear uniforms and the enviroment is foscused on education. If parents want to get involved there are MANY avenues to get involved, sometimes things are what you put into it!
--Submitted by a parent

I am preparing to move from illinois in the next couple of weeks and my child will attend Fishhawk is it true that there is no recess and silent lunch? This makes me very worried. Also why is everyone so unhappy with the principal?
--Submitted by a parent

We recently transferred here from Northern Illinois to the FHC community. My eldest daughter who excelled in school is now behind and little to no assistance is provided. Requests for conferences are unacknowledged. My once outgoing and enthusiastic girl is now a depressed and nervous wreck. She is constantly worried that she is in trouble for the simplest of things. I will be re-evaluating her continuing in this system next year.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Europe in January and since we bought a house in FHC Elementary school district we enrolled our kids there. This was my and their first experience with an American school and I have to say the experience has been a negative one! If I had to do it again I would have tried to research the schools in the area a little more before enrolling them. Both my kid's teachers last school year were absolutely fabulous but unfortunately the administration of the school leaves much to be desired. They expect one to know how things are done at their school and information is only shared when asked specifically and rules are changed on, what seems a whim. I was also shocked to see just how wasteful the school is with food items and with paper! My children brought/bring home a plethora of neon colored paper with a bunch of useless information. This is not a way of teaching our children to perserve our environment. They have daily planers that have to be signed. Why not teach them to be independent and have them write things down! I am glad to say that one of my children now goes to Randall Middle School and so far we have no complaints.
--Submitted by a parent

We were so disappointed at FHC. My child was completely bored in first grade. I think some of the teachers are good and the gifted, art and music teachers are excellent. Unfortunately, the principal is totally unavailable and simply doesn't appear to want anything but average students. She doesn't allow teachers to teach to the children, only the test. They spent an entire month doing nothing but practicing for SAT. We are disappointed to be moving to another school, especially with FHC's proximity and convenience to our home. However, my child hated going to school each day (except for art day) and we are our kids only advocates.
--Submitted by a parent

My family moved here from Atlanta and were very surprised how great the schools are. The Principal has had a very tough job running a new school right down the street from an already established "A" rated school. The community is so large that there are 2 elementary schools inside the planned community. Both are "A" rated schools. I have found the teachers at this school to be awesome. The support from teachers outside of class and the strong PTA working together has made it an opportunity to get involved with my child's school. I love that teachers encourage parent involvement inside the classtoom.
--Submitted by a parent