Hillard Collins Elementary School

Our children have attended or still continue to attend Collins Elementary, and we are extremly satisfied with the education that they have received. Regardless, of the situation, there will always be people who are unhappy about decisions being made. There are supporters and nay-sayers for everything in this world, but the bottom line is if you are an involved parent and keep a healthy line of communication with your child's teacher they will be very successful. Collins offer more programs, clubs, and events than any other elementary school in the district. I have been able to talk with my childrens teachers anytime I have asked, and they are always professional. When I have volunteered for events, I can see the time and "extras" that they all put in; which only makes me more proud that my children are apart of Collins. Every school in this district has its issues, but if you're only looking for the negatives, then that's all you will find. I am a proud supporter of Collins Elementary and its staff, and know that I shouldn't believe everything written or not written about them. My children and their success in all testing is all the proof I need to know Collins is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends collins and is in the 1st grade. I love this school and all the extra activities they have for them after school. They always send letters home to the parents regaurding what is going on in the school and when volunteers are needed. My daughter has been on 4 field trips this year. I think getting them out of the classroom to have hands on experiences are GREAT! They do a wonderful job and make her feel special. The principal attends all of the after school activities and you see her i nthe morning and afternoon when the kids are getting on and off the buses. They work together to make collins a great school! Alot of the bad score collins has recived in my opnion has alot to do with how involved parents are with their children at home!! The teachers can only do so much in the short amount of time they have with our children, the parents need to be the ones to help with homework and know what they are being taught so it can be used in the everyday life when at home!
--Submitted by a parent

if I could do it over again, I would not buy a house in this school's area. if you are house-hunting, look to Union and Hebron instead. The school has finally passed its NCLB milestones, which is good. But there is an insular, clique-y atmosphere at this school that is impossible to penetrate. The teachers will tell you they LOVE working here, because they are all buds. The principal is socially awkward & off-putting. They all complain that parents won't get involved, but they don't create an environment that welcomes any parents but the 10 or so that they like. The PTA is a joke. With all of that, and that the kids are headed for RA Jones, and the overall outlook is not good.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Collins since Kindergarten she is in the 4th grade . The teachers have always been great to work with and understand my child's strengths and weakness. The office staff, teachers and priciple have always been approachable and easy to work with. They truly care about the students and the success of the school. For the past 4 years every teacher my daughter has had sends a monthly newsletter about the class and what their doing. The students have agenda books where they keep notes and comments so you can communicate with the teacher - I personally volunteered for fieldtrips and school programs and have never come across a time where the school smelled like sewer! Yes the restrooms are old BUT, the school is currently under remolding and this includes more space for class rooms and new restrooms - Collins is a GREAT School.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been in this school for 3 years. She was very lucky and got a really good teacher for 3rd and 4th grade and got a decent core teacher and EXCELLENT teacher for math in 5th grade. The school has it issues. The principal is not approachable and some of the teachers do not act the way I think they should as teacher. Worse of all are the facilities. The school smells of sewer, there are not enough bathrooms, etc... I have called the board several times they don't respond. I think the responsibility has to fall on the Board of Education. They are more concerned about making the schools in the wealthy areas nice and not focusing on the schools that have low test scores.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two boys here, and I have found the teachers to be very concerned in the development and have kept us abreast of any problems being encountered. Parents need to take some responsibility at home for the children's progress, and not simply blame it on the school.
--Submitted by kevin, a parent

I am also not very satisfied with this schools performance. A lot of times I don't get notice of school information until last minute. There's no good communication between school and parents. A lot of parents have to work and can't be at very school board and PTA meeting to get the scoop. Also, the principal does seem to be lacking the right attitude to get the kids motivated. I also believe they are not up to standards on curriculum. My daughter was in full day kindergarten and with it being extened day you would assume she was getting more of an education. Well, other friends of mine who have children in kidergarten there children are required to read and learn spelling words. They are browsing over reading and reviewing the words. I wish I could remove my dauughter but I don't have that luxury yet. There scores are low.
--Submitted by Danielle Behler, a parent

My daughter has been at Collins for 3 years now, and next year I will be removing her from the school. I'm not happy with her acedemic progress at all, the kids seem bored, unmotivated and my daughter has no interest in returning. Seems the principal is a bit strict 'by-the-book' type of person and has cut out some activities that actually make school fun for the children that all of the other schools allow. School doesn't havent to be so serious all the time and by the look of the testing scores, it's having the opposite effect. There is very little parent involvement and I really dont see anything changing, so we are choosing to step away from it.
--Submitted by a parent