Richmond Hill Primary School

My son has done very well at RHPS. The teachers really seem to care about the students and the curriculum seems well rounded. The problem I have with the school is the office secretaries. They are very rude and condescending to parents so much so that I dread having to deal with them. I am not alone with my assessment of the office workers. I have spoken to at least six other parents who have said the same thing. The office personnel need a major attitude adjustment.
—Submitted by a parent

cont...from below...I spoke to the Assistant Principal who was very kind yet I have decided to move and change schools. I relocated to Richmond Hill and remained here for 5 years because of the seemingly wonderful school system. Yet this experience the past few months has put a very very bad influence on my son's self esteem. I am moving and he will not remain in this school next quarter. I'm not sure the school is equipped to handle African-American boys. Out of 5 of the children in his "Busy Bulldogs" group for bully prevention...only 1 is not African-American. The school has few African American students to begin with and no African American Teachers. I question the 80% correlation of students being labeled bully being African- American to the percentage of black students at the school about 20%. Very disheartening
—Submitted by a parent

One wonderful thing about the school is that parents are encouraged to volunteer and you never have to worry about anyone unauthorized taking your children from the school. The front office staff is very secure about letting even the parent of the child beyond the front counter. There is no walking your child to class or going to the classroom of your child. If your child left something at home- you can bring it - just don't expect to get past the front lines. There is no direct parental involvement in the classroom unless solicited by the teacher. Do not expect to just pop up on your child on your break or monitor the class without a petition. Most volunteer opportunities will be in classrooms other than your child's.
—Submitted by a parent

I m very disappointed in this school; it has the most unfriendly principal and front office staff we have ever encountered. They don t respond to any of our questions but quick to label a child for misbehaving. My son is in First Grade and his report cards has been outstanding. If I m not mistaken that s part of the teacher s job to reinforce what s right and wrong. I m currently deployed in Iraq and I don t think this school really understand how deployment affects our kids. The teacher even questioned us instead of working with the parents. They should provide a positive and challanging environment where a child can learn.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very please and impressed with RHPS. We moved to bryan county and my child has done a 150% difference since leaving the chatham county. Mrs Darieng is a excellent teacher. She is just great with the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very impressed with the Primary School! Mrs. Wilson who teaches 1st grade is AMAZING!!! I feel lucky and blessed to have my child in her class. Even with all the cutbacks, I see her smiling and loving students though I know it is tough without an assistant. I feel very fortunate that she is a teacher at RHPS. I hope when my child attends RHES next year, he will be in a class as equally as wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome! All the teachers I have had, Mrs. Parker/Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Nobles/Mrs.K, were absolutely wonderful. Now the school year is just starting with Mrs. M.E. Daniels and I think she will be great.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had 2 children attend with a 5 year gap between. The staff and teachers really care!!! I've volunteered both times and seen them in action. Amazing!!! They've listened to my concerns as a parent and worked with us each step of the way. The teachers are still encouraging to our older child even though see is no longer a student. Front office is strict but for the good of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, Richmond Hill has the best public school system around Savannah. That is why we moved here. The school has the most unfriendly principle and front office staff we have ever encountered. The school is not family friendly at all. I am hoping my children are learning what they need to. The teachers are great. I think it is the administration that needs to not be so stringent. So far I think my kids are doing well but I worry that they are learning only what needs to be taught to pass the CRCT.
—Submitted by a parent

We relocated to RHPS in the middle of the school year from up north. I have been disappointed in the overall attitude toward parents at this school. The emphasis seems to be more on preparing for CRCT testing than actual learning. It is drilled into you that you must have your child take practice tests . I agree with one of the parents on this site that when I went to school we had similar tests, but they were honest, in the sense that we did not practice taking them. It was a real test of what we LEARNED not practiced. They start in first grade here, where others don't start until 3rd. I am seriously considering home schooling my children next year in the hope to provided a love of school and learning that is not focused on at RHPS. The admin staff is not friendly to students or parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! The principal is on top of things and runs it well. Mrs. Harris is an amazing teacher! Great district with many after school activites. The school help set a great foundation for the grades to come.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Richmond Hill when my daughter was in 1st grade. It was a difficult transition for her but her school experience was great! Everyone was very friendly and accommodating to her fears. The only unfortunate thing, in my opinion, is that they do not stress Music, Art and Physical Education enough. Around the holidays and in the spring, we really missed attending musical concerts. The teachers and para-pros are great and the principal seems to be very interactive with the children. PTSO is incredible and involves each and every family to whatever level they are interested in participating. I only wish the kids could stay at the Primary School longer than 1st grade!
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to the state and I have 2 school aged children. In my opinion - being that we have been relocated to many states, the district as a whole is way too concerned with the dress code, 'yes ma'am', and tests scores - as opposed to getting to know - care and plainly - teach our children. Fortunate for us- we have had superb staffs that have worked with me to make my children sucessful.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that all of the schools here in Richmond Hill are excellent schools. This was the reason why we moved to this area, it was because of the schools grades. I have 3 children in the school system and I also had my daughter in the Pre-K program. She loved it and Mrs. Drescher was great and still is great with the children. I also work in a school system and I find no reason to be upset with the teachers leaving at 3:30 for the fact that they are here a full day and have the right to leave. I know that their are some teachers that don't leave till 7pm. Over all they are very professional and have nothing but our kids best interest in mind. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding the comment from the parent about limiting parent involvement: Parent support of the faculty and administration of the school is welcome, but there are always a handful of parents who have their own personal agenda to advance. Parents should concentrate on being supportive of the efforts of the professionals, and making sure their kids are prepared to do their best in school. As for teachers spending time preparing students for the CRCT; they are using sample questions, not actual questions from the test, and every school in Georgia is doing the same type of preparation for their students, although most are not nearly as successful as RHPS.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attend Pre-K at RHPS. I think that his teacher was okay. I really do think things could have been better. I think they should focus more on the positive than so much negative. I will not put my daughter in the Pre-K program at RHPS.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, the scores are high but how are they getting that way? Teachers spend weeks prior to the CRCT drilling the kids on test answers. I was told that the kids must do good on the test to get more funding. If the teachers were doing such a wonderful job then what is the reason for all this? Have the teachers not been teaching my children what they should? When I went to school some 20+ years ago we took similiar tests. We never practiced and practiced the tests prior to the test day. My scores were honest and based on what I learned throughout the school year. These scores are a false advertisment for what the kids learn here. This environment is stressful and not at all benefical for our children. If these 'good' teachers would challenge our children throughout the year we wouldn't have this problem.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children in RHPS, one with Mrs. Davis and my youngest with Mr. Barnes. The only problem I have had this year is all the whining about Mr. Barnes and 'his rules'. The rules are made by the school board not Mr. Barnes. RHPS is a great school in all areas. From the principal to the teachers, school nurse, the library staff, office staff, our lunch ladies, everyone pulls together to see that our children have their needs met. I'm sorry that some parents feel the way they do, but instead of badmouthing the staff and complaining about trivial things, come together to keep RHPS the great school it is. I will continue to be involved at RHPS through volunteering as long as they will allow me the privilege of being there. As my 7yr. old will tell you, RHPS rocks!
—Submitted by Marianne Smith, a parent

Richmond Hill Primary has the highest test scores in the area. It is a wonderful school. It has the best teachers and an excellent principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school for the past 2 years. It has disappointed me in many areas. First, I feel that the school caters to the 'slower' students in the class. My daughter already mastered material that was being taught in Kindergarten and some of First grade. I brought it to the teachers attention several times and was told to bring in busy work for her to do while the other students finished their work. I feel that the school/teacher should seek and provide approriately challenging work for a child that is bored. Second, I nor my child have seen the principal smile or speak to the students passing in the hallways. He doesn't allow parents to attend class parties, which are special at this age. He wants parental financial support without their presences in the school.
—Submitted by a parent