William Holliday Elementary School

We are a military family moving away from this school and I am extremely sad about that. They just put in an one hundred thousand dollar + playground! Also while other schools in the area are cutting "extras" our school continues to have gym, music, art, library, and computers. They also have speech, and gifted programs. We were Tremendously happy with my sons Kindergarten teacher. It was her first year teaching Kin. and she was awesome, my son is now at the top of his first grade class. They have a great program in the school for infant- 3years (playgroup) that meets once a week to help get the children ready for pre-school. Then at three they have a FREE pre-school program that meets 5 days a week. I believe my children are doing so well because of all the great resources' this school has! I have three children and would definitely recommend this school .
--Submitted by a parent

So far we have been happy with this school. Regarding the playground, the school is replacing the older equipment with a brand new playground this summer. I think the comment about "the parents should pay for it" was intended towards PTO not individual parents. The school board is paying a large portion of the cost and PTO is paying too.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the worst elementary school my child has ever gone to. The teachers are obviously just there to collect a paycheck. This school's funding is so horrible they cant afford updated playground equipment. They suggested the parents buy it. The only reason I rated one star was because there is not an option for none. This school is so bad I am moving out of the district this year. If you have a child that has special needs or just needs a little help this is not the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended W. H. since mid-way of his first pre-school year (age 3.5) and is now in 1st grade. I loved his first few teachers, not thrilled with his current teacher. I don't believe that he is receiving the support he needs, nor do I believe his teacher is the best able to teach him. My request to have him moved was denied. My child now states that he doesn't like school or his teacher. I am looking into other options for him. This school does do some things right, their peace keeper program is nice. School lunches are mediocre and they don't have an alternative for lactose intolerant children. Classrooms are set up with desks in quads or circular so the students are right up next to other students so it can very distracting for young students.
--Submitted by a parent

Changes over the last three years have been incredible and I believe that the staffs and board are on the road to taking this school, and district to the next level. While some programs have been reduced (no more than the other districts in the area), W.H. continues to offer more than enough education options than I see in the O'Fallon district. . My son transfered from out of state into the 3rd grade and the teachers were very responsive in integrating him into the classes and helping us with the transition. Three years later and we can say that we will be sorry to leave.
--Submitted by a parent

I am concerned with the education my child is getting here. The school has cut the band program as far as the amount of time that the children spend in band, the school encourages the children to sit in groups of four with their desks which promotes distraction then the teacher is upset with the distracted child, the peace keeper program is nice. The teachers teach to the test so there are many things my child does not understand. My child has not gotten a good education as far as math, there are not enough examples in the math book and he is very confused. When I brought this up to the teacher she suggested that I implement times tables on my own as they do not do that in class.
--Submitted by a parent

I am pleased with the education my child recieves. The school offers a well rounded education with a gifted program that many schools have eliminated. There is band, computers, art, music, accelerated reading, extracuricular sports, Girl Scouts, Service Club, etc. My child is doing experiments in her 4th grade science class which have helped her to understand the concepts even better. The lunches are by far healthier than many other schools in the area. The Dean of Students and Superintendent have a great program called Peace Keepers and Character Education is implemented. Nominees for good character are rewarded each month with a breakfast for the children and their parents. Monthly character assemblies are also presented and the children wear their 'Got Character?' t-shirts to show they care. The PTO has implemented many new family activites in the past 2 to 3 years and have had great success. Many positives here!!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved into this area and we were previously in the O'Fallon discrict. We are very unhappy with the school, teachers, and education our children are receiving. The teachers use teaching methods that are years old and do not encourage peer to peer learning as O'Fallon schools. We are planning to move back into O'Fallon discrict next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with the school, My children are recieving an excellent education in a safe and well rounded enviroment. I feel that the teachers and the administration have the children and the parents best intrest at heart and am glad that my children are attending this school. William Holiday does not have any more behavioral issues than any other school in the area, and with their Fight Free Program I feel that they have less issues than the other local schools. My kids Love school and that is all that is important to me.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed with responses from Administration regarding parking and playground equipment. The classes are overcrowded and Administration's response is it is only going to get worse. If you are in this district and can afford private school I would recommend it. The children do not get a lot of individual help. The school is most concerned about behavior and spends most of the time with children with behavior problems. These students take time out of the daily teaching/learning away from other students that do not have such problems. When we asked a school board member about the playground equipment being replaced their suggestion was for the parents to go purchase new equipment.
--Submitted by a parent