Holmes Elementary School

Charges for bus service, when tight budget, first to be cut are the teachers but admin can get huge raises, poor communication, hidden agendas (great teachers though)
--Submitted by a parent

Great Teachers, Great Programs!
--Submitted by a parent

You get out of Holmes School what you put into it. If you help your child do their homework they will do well in school and excel. If you become involved as a parent and show your support with time and money you will bring great benefit to the school. After reading some of the initial reviews I am taken aback by the lack of knowledge some angry parents have. Ask not what Holmes School can do for you, but what you can do to give your child a wonderful learning experience. The staff is there now the parents need to show up.
--Submitted by a parent

Below average for the area for sure. If you are new to the area consider District 181 over District 60. This school district can't figure out what it wants to be, very unorganized curriculum. There is absolutely no gifted program at Holmes school. If you have a child with an IEP or recognized special need this may be a good fit for you though. There seems to be a lot of time and financial energies going towards the special education department.
--Submitted by a parent

barely adequate. Far below other area schools in basics. Stuck in the mindset that being slightly above state average means huge success. We just passed a very expensive referendum in order to reduce class size and my daughters kindergarten class went from 16 to 22. Pathetic.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves her school, all her teachers and made lots of progress...
--Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at Holmes, and we were thrilled with the teachers, the (current) principal and staff. However, we are concerned about the upcoming school year (06-07) and the controversy surrounding the newly hired school Principal. As parents and taxpayers, everyone in the community will be watching her closely and asking lots of questions throughout the year.
--Submitted by a parent

Its a great school. parents and teachers are involved. Test scores are excellent. Teachers are so devoted. We are moving-I'm really upset about leaving this school.
--Submitted by a parent

it is a great school. teachers are extremely devoted.
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers really care about the progress of all students. The only negative is the lack of leadership and vision in the administration. Politics and relationships seem to affect the decisions and the correct moves are not made. The overall quality of the faculty is excellent and the parents are very involved in the learning process.
--Submitted by a parent