Hickory Hills Elementary School

I have 2 children at Hickory Hills. We have been at the school for 3 years now. I could not have prayed for a better neighborhood school. The administration has an open door policy and makes EVERY effort to listen to what I have to say. The teachers we have had make my children and me feel important and welcome. Love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I pulled my child out of hickory hills. I do not find the staff kind, the parents who are running the PTA seem to bully parents who don't have time to be there or they just look down on them. The teachers seem cold to the kids, and the 4th and 5th grade team members are just plain mean to the kids. My daughter LOVED her teacher last year until they kicked him out, and this year her teacher called her stupid and was ugly to her, so we pulled her out to home school. The administration doesn't care, and the MCS system doesn't care about parents, just titles and awards... no matter how they have to get there... pull your child and put them in MCAA, its a better program. This school hosts kids who could care less sadly
—Submitted by a parent

Georgia PTA has selected the Hickory Hills Elementary School PTA as a Model PTA (one of two in the Marietta City Schools system). Additionally, the Principal was selected as the Outstanding Elementary School Principal for the state of Georgia for 2012.
—Submitted by a parent

Hickory Hills has been a great fit for our Kindergartener! The dedication of the faculty is evident upon walking through the doors!
—Submitted by a parent

If you have not visited this school in person, you are really missing out. When you walk in the school, you get the feeling that this is what an elementary school should be. The integrated arts program is not a performing arts program. Children are engaged and they love to learn. Most of all, the teachers really care about their students and their ability to succeed. I wish I went to an elementary school like this!

So far i love this school they have the tools needed to help my child further his career...i like the fact that they have different classed they go to throughout the day...thier class, dance, music, art, drama, etc...I love it!
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest son started at Hickory Hills in the Fall of 2005 and my second son started in the Fall of 2006. We have had a wonderful experience! My children NEVER say they don't want to go to school! They absolutely LOVE Hickory Hills! The staff is fabulous! Teachers not only care about the teaching end of the spectrum but also develop great, close connections with the parents. I have never had a problem getting in contact with anyone from the principal on down! Even the janitors and lunchroom staff are absolutely wonderful! You can tell they all enjoy what they do and where their job is. It's a wonderful feeling to actually feel like your child's school is an extension of your family! We are thrilled to be involved in Marietta's gem of a neighborhood school where academics AND self esteem excel!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible. As a parent who has been in the school I have seen kids reprimanded in front of audiences for things they have done wrong. I feel the teachers, in general, have a lack of enthusiasm. The principals do not try to get any spirit into the school.

I absolutely love Hickory Hills. This is my daughters first year there and she loves the school. Mr. Schellhase is awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

Discipline is a real problem. There is a lot of yelling at kids in the cafeteria and in some primary classrooms. If you have to yell you are out of control. The school does have a friendly atmosphere but it only takes one bad teacher to destroy the experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended this school for a year and a half and it is no wonder that this school is doing so bad in Math. They will keep refering to their math Program as having a 'Spiral effect' And all it seemed to do was spiral down. My daughter had straight As but was 6 months behind in math when we moved. My son and his teacher did not do well and I requested a teacher change because he got As with every subject not taught by his home room teacher and Cs or Ds with her. In the new school he is back on track and getting good grades. Low expectations produce low results. If you cross Powder springs to Dunleith you will get much better education. The staff is nice it is just Very Very low expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

The excellent magnet/charter programs mean that this is still an excellent place for parents who want their children to attend ivy league institutions to buy a home. It is one of the last hidden affordable bastions for a top-notch public school education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found the teachers at Hickory Hills to be very engaged with both the students and their parents, willing to take time via email, phone calls, or in person. Regular parent-teacher meetings have kept me informed of progress or any issues I need to focus on with my children. Our kids also participate in the before and after school programs which have planned agendas that include homework, a set activity for the day, and fun. My kids love Hickory Hills.
—Submitted by a parent

My children came to this school last year. I didn't really care for my son's teacher. The teachers do not respond to notes until weeks later and then it doesn't matter. You can't get in touch with anyone after school because everyone seems to be gone because no one answers the phone. They seem to cram everything and expect the children to remember what they learned. The teachers don't seem very concerned and there is a lack of communication between teacher and parent. The principal and assistant princapal are not the best.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful quaint school in a very nice neighborhood. Many of the teachers possess a master's degree or more which is evident in thier teaching skills. Everyone who I have come into contact with at Hickory Hills has been very helpful and personable. This school has much diversity and students all seem to work and learn well together. There is a Science lab that is new this year and students get a chance to do hands on activities on a regular basis. The lab also has an abundance of animals that the students help to care for and enjoy visiting while they are there. Hickory Hills has a wonderful, hard-working staff and I have been quite impressed.
—Submitted by a teacher

Hickory Hills is a great school rich with history. The school is located in a great community and our children are fortunate to be part of such a great school. The teachers and adminstrators truly put their heart in all they do for our children. I am proud to be a part of Hickory Hills Elementary.
—Submitted by a staff

My daughter attended Hickory Hills and had a wonderful learning experience. She regularly scores well on standardized tests and has been well prepared for future learning. The diversity at Hickory Hills is another wonderful attribute. All children learn to respect and appreciate others. As for the fund raising, in our 6 years I never felt pressured to buy or sell anything. In fact, I've often marveled at my 'county friends' and the amount of money they are expected to contribute. I can promise you that Hickory Hills is much more about individual children's learning than individual fund raising. It is a wonderful place to learn!
—Submitted by a parent