Hamilton Elementary/Middle School

I was happy when our test scores came out this year. Somehow the school maintained decent performance. However, the culture continues to worry me. Once respectful children are now disruptive and the staff student relationship seems very weak. The leadership does not seem enthused about the school and great programs like the choir are gone. Thankfully some great teachers (like Ms. Kocis, Mr. Hartman, and Ms. Jackson remain) City Schools needs to do something about this former gem. The new principal needs some help.
—Submitted by a parent

I do agree with the person that said this school has gone down hill... I am trying to give teh new principal a chance to get comfortable but she does not seem to have any control over not only the kids but the teachers as well... there are some teachers that still seem enthusiatic to be there but there are some that don't seem as eager to reach the children and I don't feel as though the new principal has the authority to change that... hopefully its just a matter of her getting more used to being at this school... we'll see!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to completely disagree with the previous review. It's as if we are talking about two different schools. We have been with Hamilton since my son was in kindergarten, and he is now in 6th while my daughter is in 2nd. I have been on the PTA board since we started, as well as numerous committees over the years. I see a new principal forging friendly and professional relationships with students, teachers, staff and parents. I see dedicated and effective teachers who care about what is best for the students and who feel respected and appreciated by their principal. I also stick around after drop off and help during after school activities as well as volunteer on a regular basis and, if anything, I am seeing a better overall climate this year than ever before. If you are a parent considering sending your kids to Hamilton, please come and visit. Meet the principal and take a tour of our wonderful school so you can see for yourself what I am talking about. Also, the PTA hosts coffee for parents in the Parent Resource Room every Tuesday morning at drop off, so please join us!
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a community of great kids, engaged parents, skilled and committed teachers, and compassionate and forward-thinking administrators.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a great learning environment. My child has been attending Hamilton since he was 5 years old. Each year the teacher's and staff amaze me. This school prepares kids to become successful students. They have above average test scores ever year. The teachers are dedicated and passionate. I feel safe and welcomed when I volunteer and visit the school. Hamilton is a school that is about learning, creativity, and family!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended P.S. 236 for 6th grade (1960-1961). Miss Glock shared her enthusiasm for learning with us and to this day I fondly remember her and the wonderful school year with my classmates in Room 303. Carol Vettel Daub

I attended Hamilton Elem. during the 50's- lived on Westfield ave. Love it as a child .

I attended Hamilton Elementary ps 236 from 1964-1973. A tall statiesque red head named Mrs Erma Grafton was the principal. Her side kick was a Mrs Beasley or Beedle. I don't remember. Mrs grafton had a love of poetry and in later years when we reconnected she sent me a book of poems by her favorite author. She was a special part of my life as a child and I think of her from time to know but am sure she is gone by now. I remember the lime green walls, the scary cafeteria in the basement. I was a hall monitor for a week. Kids never did listen to me...LOL

i truley love this school. i am starting my third child here and i will definately recommend this school to any parent looking for a good and safe environment in a school
—Submitted by a parent

I just had the opportunity to meet the new principal Dr. Drummond. Initially I was very nervous that a change in leadership would mean a negative turn for our school. However I feel very reassured that she will continue to take us in a great direction. The parents and teachers on the committee who chose her did a wonderful job. She is smart, caring, child centered, and kind. I encourage everyone in NE Baltimore to take a tour and get to know our new principal. (Oh... and the garden is blooming with some delicious greens!)
—Submitted by a parent

have to rate this school from 1965-1971 great school back in the day.........."maroon and gold will never fade, our debt to you shall ne'er be paid......"

My son is in the 5th grade and my daughter is in the 1st. We have been with Hamilton since my son began kindergarten, and I have to say that this school is a treasure that will turn all preconceived notions of a BCPS upside down. There are so many reasons to brag, but I will try to keep it as brief as possible: great kids; talented, caring teachers, staff & administrators; award-winning band; rich academic and arts curriculum & after-school clubs; gorgeous, ever-evolving campus w/expansive community garden; beautiful murals co-created by community artists and students; state championship-winning chess team; wonderful musical theater dept.; active athletic teams; and the list goes on...Add to these assets the fact that Hamilton is one of only 3 city schools chosen to offer the Hopkins-based Ingenuity Project to high-achieving middle school students from around the city. I have been active on the PTA board since we came to Hamilton, so I know that the school's administrators value parental input and involvement. Come take a tour and join our big diverse family!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Hamilton. I have been going here since Pre-K. That was 7 years ago in 2004. I am currently in the 6th grade Ingenuity Project. Things have changed, a lot, since Mr. Barnes left Ms Harahan came and left and now Mr Murphy. I was very you when Mr.Barnes was here. The school has changed so much, in a good way. I play the flute in the award winning Senior Band. I've been playing for 3 years. Mr.Gold the band director, is excellent and is a great teacher. The school has great teacher who believe in their students. They also have a garden. In 2 years, i will be leaving Hamilton, the school i grew up with all of my life, remembering all of the great memories that I enjoyed. I am hoping to go to Poly and Hamilton will and already has started preparing me for my future. Send your children to this school. You won't regret it.

I have been thoroughly impressed with Hamilton since my daughter started going there three years ago, in the sixth grade, for the Ingenuity Program. First and foremost, the teachersactually enjoy teaching and watching the kids learn and mature. All of my daughter's teachers have e-mail, which they respond to, and keep my daughter on track! They want her to succeed! The PTA is great, lots of parent involvement, and the principal, Mr. Murphy, is the most in-tune, focused principal I have ever come across, in my childhood and my daughter's!
—Submitted by a parent

We love Hamilton Elementary/Middle. My daughter looks forward to going to school everyday. The principal is fantastic and we feel highly confident about his leadership. The school offers what I remember great public schools offering when I was a kid. In addition, they are keeping up with the times and have started a large organic garden, have planted lots of trees (including fruit producing ones), and have recently turned a large part of their pavement/parking lot back into green space. This school is only getting better. I highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is one of the best. I went to a private catholic school previously, and i thought when i came here i would know everything they was going to tell me. But, was i wrong. i got a better education her then at my previous school which was St. Francis of Assisi. I never regret coming to this school. my grades have come up tremendously in social studies i went from a C to an A in just one quater. Wonderful teachers and wonderful fellow students. And we love our pricipal he is the best .
—Submitted by a student

the school and teachers are great. the band is very hardworking and delight. the principle is protective and hardworking and also serioous. the teachers are the best. the students are genorous, nice, and instructive.
—Submitted by a student

I was skeptical about public schools and as a result I enrolled my daughter in a private school because she was advanced. From Pre-K4 until Kindergarden my child became bored and and unchallenged! I then after a long consideration period enrolled her @ Hamilton Elementary School in just 2 months my daughter can not read, sound out words that are unfamiliar, add, subtract, tell me what a verb, and noun is, all of this in the first grade!! Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Palese are excellent!! I was in tears when my daughter came home and read to me for the first time...This public school is a gem. THANKS
—Submitted by a parent

My sons have been attending Hamilton Elementary/Middle School for 3 years. They are in the 4th and 5th grades. The school is very clean and fosters an environment that is welcoming to both students and parents. I am very pleased with the academic rigor, teachers, staff and most of all Mr. William Murphy, principal. The teachers care about the students and their academic success. Mr. Murphy is actively involved in every program and has demonstrated that he has great leadership skills.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had the opportunity to teach Technology at the wonderful Hamilton/Elementary Middle School for the last four years. The successful learning environment and positive experiences made my decision to bring my daughter to the school top of my educational list. Our students here at HEMS have the opportunity to expand their learning beyond the walls of the classroom by engaging in the many extracurricular activities such as: clubs, sports, the arts and field trips. Many of the student experiences cannot be duplicated in the classroom but are nonetheless an integral part of instruction.
—Submitted by a teacher