Highlands Elementary School

We have had issues with this school from day one. Every time we visit the school someone is pointing in the face of a child and yelling at the child. My child has expressed major anxiety over going to school every day, and no longer wants to talk about the goings on at this school. Based on other reviews I agree that certain teachers are very good, but the majority of the teachers that I have had dealings with seem to be burnt out.
—Submitted by a parent

My child started attending Highlands Elementary in the middle of 2008. We relocated due to our jobs from another state. My daughter was in the third grade,the teacher and the rest of the staff made the tansition very pleasant, they were all helpful. My daughter had gone to the other school, since kindergarten, but after only a couple weeks she liked Highlands much more than the other school,and looked forward to going everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that I'm not impressed with the school. My children have had good teachers, but as a whole I get the feeling that unless a child is either exceptional/gifted or requires exta assitance or attention, then the kids who are left, are left to go through the year with very little redirection. It seems like it is one extreme or the other, and there isnt' much for the kids in the middle. I would like to see more hands-on learning and involvement and field trips to incorporate that learning into life. Not just teachers sitting at their desks while the kids wander around the classroom from center to center.
—Submitted by a parent

When I moved to Vero Beach, Highlands was the first school one of my son's attended. I was a great school then and now I think its even greater. My children attended Liberty Magnet, Sebastian Elem. and Thompson Elem. I feel Highlands Elem. is the best. The office staff are always helpful and nice. The teachers I know are very caring, positive enforcers & understanding of both parents & children's needs. the principal is just simply wonderful! Most of all my children love going there.
—Submitted by Lydia Dix, a parent

I think the school is not the best. I agree that the principal is not very organized and I also think that there needs to be more hands on activities for the students. They are strictly book work. There are not as many field trips.
—Submitted by a parent

My children Have been going to Highlands for years. To me it is the best Elemetary school in Indian River County. They take the time to make your child feel special. They care about your childs future. They always offer great actvities and there hands on learning is awesome. I am beary gald my child is a highland bear!
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been involved with Highlands Elementary for the past 7 years and we were always pleased with the staff and the instruction our children were provided. We are sending our last child through the school and the school it not what it used to be from years in the past.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a pleasure to take my daughter to school everyday! Teachers and staff great you, and show me they are glad they are there! My daughter is in competent and caring hands. I look forward to seeing her grow and progress at Highlands Elementary.
—Submitted by Sandra Watson, a parent

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL! The staff is great. They care about education, teaching and my children. The call me at home and give me progress notes. I don't feel rushed when I talk with the teachers or the principal. I feel more like a friend than a parent. THe love, care and compassion for all the children show through with every thing they do, from saying hello, even when we are in the store, to teaching and they go beyond by wanting to know about my own child so they can better teach.
—Submitted by Coral VanValkenburg, a parent