Hanscom Primary School

Hanscom Elementary is an AWESOME school, so don't let some of the older reviews fool you. As a military family we move every 2 to 3 years and my children have attended many schools, and this school is by far the best school of all. The teachers are wonderful and really care about the education of your children. A huge plus for this school is the small class size (14-19 kids per class)! If your child is on an IEP, the school does a wonderful job fulfilling the requirements. In our situation I believe the teacher's and principal excelled above and beyond the normal requirements and my son was a successful student while attending 1st through 3rd grade. This school gets an A+ for it's education, teachers, and principal!
--Submitted by a parent

Hanscom Primary is wonderful! We've lived at Hanscom for the past seven years and all three of our daughters have flourished there. They have great teachers and a great curriculum. Their relationship with the PTO has lead to great acitivities like a Family Night 'Sock Hop' & 'Hawaiian Luas'. They have a Field Day that is tons of fun too. This school has great communication with parents and is very organized. I am very pleased with the education my children are receiving at HPS.
--Submitted by a parent

I wish I could give the school more stars, because the teachers are really helpful and enthusiastic. But, something is missing. The academics just arent impressive...its almost like a lazy way of learning. My child is a really good student, but it seemed like the teachers were not emphasizing the need to be great at what they were learning. It is the summer of 2009 and I have to get my child 'caught up' in order for her to transition in fourth grade (in another state). My child is behind compared to our new states' academics. Before we knew that we were moving, we were looking into private schools. Students at this school NEED to supliment their education in order to be average...I regret to say that, but it is true.
--Submitted by a parent

My children went to Hanscom schools for a short time before we realized the emphasis was special needs and everyone else was left behind. We homeschooled for 3.5 years while here and moved on to a much better school district in Ohio. I feel sorry for the children at Hanscom because when their families move to a better school system, their children will be far behind. It's a shame becuase there is potential. As mentioned in the other post, if your child is special needs, it's definitely the place for you.....if your child is average or above, find somewhere else to educate your child!
--Submitted by a parent

All three of my children went through k-3. I am a teacher in another district. I was extremely disappointed in Hanscom. They do not involve parents, they are not familiar with the diverse military child, and I needed to do extra work at home due to the school class moving so slow that my children were regressing and getting bored. The system is misleading and most do not realize their child is behind until the end of the school year, when you have a another system to compare it to.
--Submitted by a parent

Two of my children attended Hanscom Primary for 3 and 2 years respectively. The teachers and staff are extremely supportive of students and parents, show a great enthusiasm for teaching and are always willing to find new ways to teach. My children could not have gotten a better start into their school years.
--Submitted by a parent

While the staff and principal might be highly educated on paper, they do not apply their learned skills in HPS. It is a system where the salaries and pensions are protected before the children and school needs. It is a school with a constant changing direction and an adminstration with no concept of the military child comming from school systems from all over the world and at different levels. I was expecting a stellar and organized program being located near Boston.
--Submitted by a parent

This school deserves the Great School 5 out of 10 rating. This school is overwhelmed with IEP and Behavior problems that the average good student is now slipping through the sytem. I have had two children go one year and I would give it 4/10. Great administrators and teachers but distracted in the day with behavior problems. Due to Federal Law for IEP students, the average child is now left behind. You will have to supplement for your child to be prepared for another military move and school district
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school is great. The teachers really take pride in their job. My daughter loves it. The school has plenty of extra-curricular activities for the children. They also encourage parent participation with school events and field trips. If you are moving to Hanscom and are undecided about living on base, The school is reason enough to live on base. It's a great elementary school.
--Submitted by Perry Jones, a parent

My child attended this school for a year and a half before we had to move. I have to say it was the most wonderful experience. The staff is dedicated and loving and gave my child the best start in education I could have ever asked for. Because of the staff at this school my child has confidence and the skills needed to to well in any school he might attend. I will always have the fondest memories of my childs attendance there. If your child had the opportunity to attend take it as a gift that very few recieve.
--Submitted by Emily Askew, a parent