Jeffers Hill Elementary School

My oldest child has gone to Jeffers HIll Elementary for the past 2 years, and my 2nd will go in the fall. We love this school. The teachers and administrators are very personable and they know and love the children. The staff in the front office knows the children by name and they are always friendly. The kids have many opportunities for being involved in various activities whether academic or extracurricular. I'm impressed with how much the students learn each year.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children attend Jeffers Hill Elementary School,MD. They were at JHES during the previous principal's time. She was the best principal in any school my children' went, and the staff,and teachers have gone beyond their duties to make this a great school. I could only rate it as a perfect 10. We have never felt the same personal treatment and involvement of staff and teachers any where else. Everything is well organized, and the teachers are always prepared a head of time. The amount of personal time put in for the spelling Bee and the MESA competition made me realize JHES teachers were there to make these children go beyond, they were not there for a pay check.
—Submitted by a parent

This principal has been at Jeffers Hill Elementary for the last 2 years. She is a strong leader and has been very approachable. She attends all of the school events including the evening events. The teachers clearly care very much about the students. Many teachers also attend evening school events and extra activities. The PTA and teachers have provided a number of extracurricular events and activities outside of regular school hours for the students. There is wonderful academic support for all levels of students. The GT program is fantastic and really challenges the students to learn at an advanced level. There also appears to be a significant number of resources for children with special needs. The parents that I know are very pleased with Jeffers Hill Elementary school and could not imagine their children at any other elementary school. I do not think that the other parents' posts on Great Schools from 2008 are representative of the school for 2012 or over the last several years.
—Submitted by a parent

Current principal is very involved. Teachers are caring. Curriculum is presented to instruct students at a wide variety of levels. Diverse student population. Involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Jeffers Hill Elementary is a wonderful school. The teachers are very dedicated and concerned about the students. The administrative staff is very involved in the well being of the school. There are a number of active parent volunteers who support the school. For those parents who may complain, perhaps they should consider playing a more active role in the school and volunteering. There are evening opportunities during the many extracurricular activities for those who cannot leave work during the day. My son has attended Jeffers Hill Elementary for 3 years and is thriving.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a perfect representation of what is wrong with our schhol system. The teachers are at best indifferent to what their actual jobs are. They have a principal who is more concerned with appearences than actual substance. I have actually had a teacher tells me that 'we care about the children' and in the same breath tell me if I didn't like what she was doing I could 'pull my child out of her class'. I have also had 2 teachers tell me that there was no work that needed to be made up when my child was out of school sick for 5 days with the flu. There are no checks and balances in place at this school and all they teach is the MSA test. If you want your child to actually be able to think then I would highly suggest you enrool them someplace else.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are good and work hard. My daughter and her many friend from out neighborhood attend Jeffers Hill Elementary School. All parents are very happy with results.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a 5 star school. My son is in Kindergarten and he has been given the highest educational needs and attention. I could not have chosen a better environment for him to get the beginning of his educational journey.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at this school, I am highly offended by many of the comments on this page, especially those posted by many parents whom have only had one or two years experience at the school. We often judge before we experience for ourselves, and I think that too many of the parents who've posted comments on this page have passed judgement, simply because of the way their child has perceived a teacher. When a person relies solely on the opinion of a minor, it makes me wonder who is doing the parenting at home: the adult or the child? Maybe these 'parents' should re-evaluate their parental skills and morals before they place blame on the professionals who've earned certified degrees in education.
—Submitted by a teacher

Excellent teachers excellent school. My children are doing extremeley well. One just moved to Middle school and had an amazing time at Jeffers Hill.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending this school for a few years now. All their teachers have been top notch and have made an impact in my children's lives. They continue to be challenged year after year and their education is up to par if not better than the private schools attended by friends' children. As an example, my child's MSA scores were above the nation's average. Unfortunately, I would have to agree that the principal could be more personable; but the excellent teachers more than make up for that. Jeffers Hill could benefit from more parental involvement, especially those of us who have complaints; if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended the school for just about a year now. We have had nothing but good experiences with Jeffers Hill. I love my daughter's teacher and all the other first grade teachers for that matter. I've worked at other schools that are not even close to wonderful atmosphere at Jeffers Hill. In regards to the comments about the principal, I do have to agree. She is not very personable and seems very fake when she greets you. Overall, however, I find the staff to be very caring and I think that the amount of parent nights and activities the school offers are amazing. It's unbelievable how many teachers show up for things like Dr. Seuss Night or for the Chick Fil A nights. Their overall participation says something about their committment to the students and school.
—Submitted by a parent

I will agree that the teachers are only concerned with teaching their lesson and not at all involved with your child. No more no less. The principal is also very curt and only does what is required of her-no more no less. The school needs to incorporate Life lessons along with content lessons, then maybe they will be well rounded.
—Submitted by a parent

The only saving grace to the school is a few of the teachers are knowledgeable and caring. They do not seem to last long. The principal is not at all kind. She acts very high and mighty. When we have had to callt o change an arrangement and she answers she sounds curt and not at all pleasant. Just deals with impersonal thought connections. Maybe if we played their games of support with presence and person then good I will be your bud but otherwise...its all down to bussiness and do not disturb me. I am too busy for you. The teachers are polite, bound by protocall, and function. The new teachers are a dime a dozen but they seem to care; doing what they are suppose to. Nothing more nothing less, hush hush your kid is fine if they are not in trouble behaviorally. Means mine are fine, don't complain.
—Submitted by a parent

My child absolutely loves Jeffers Hill and its entire staff...including the after school program. The teachers are supportive and caring and skilled. There focus on respect, accountability, and fun methods of learning is a great combination. Each child has a place and value at Jeffes Hill that makes for a joyful learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Jeffers Hill for two years, and I am completely impressed with his level of learning. I think the teachers do a great job and offer fresh ideas to stimulate these young minds.
—Submitted by a parent

Far too much class time is spent on getting kids to be quiet and sit still; not enough is spent on instruction and activity. A lot of parental help is required for homework.
—Submitted by a parent

Jeffers Hill Elementary is the best in Columbia. The falculty is comitted to excellence and it rubs off on all our students.
—Submitted by a parent