Hillman Elementary School

This school is horrible. The only reason I can assume 'parents' give this school high praise is due to bias. Most of the teachers are not suitable to teach. Some teachers will speed through lessons, and children are left behind with no help, sent to another classroom to 'get help' from another teacher, and end up missing the next lesson. This KEEPS children that fall behind falling further behind. The school/bus route also has a horrible bully problem, which they do little to nothing about. I and several other parents in the area have pulled our kids out of this school for home schooling or placed in other schools. These are not allegations, but very real happenings that other parents should be made aware of when placing your children in this or any school, and issues to watch for if your child is already enrolled.
--Submitted by a parent

my son has done an excellent job, the teachers never give up and helped out when he needed the help, the staff is very friendly, I to went to this school.from K-though the 6th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

Hillman elementary is by far the best school for my children. We have only been living in this community for 5 years, but the staff and students have made us feel like we have been here forever.. The teachers and administrators are very caring and treat each student with consideration and care. My children have learned so much and the teachers are always pushing them to be the best they can.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children in this school, My husband and I also went to this school. I think they have not been doing the best they can children are being left behind due to class sizes and not enough founding for more teachers, My son is in 4th grade and is not aloud to bring home his English book, even when he has homework. They do have caring and very good teachers, but they also have some that i feel don't have the concern for the children like they should.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not pleased with Hillman Elementary School. The teachers spent 5 weeks reviewing and prepping the kids for the MEAP test. In the mean time none of their other school subjects are covered. No spelling test because of MEAP. Math is done but if Kids don't understand there is not time to review because of MEAP testing. I have several children in grades k-6 and I know of one teacher that is outstanding. She really loves to teach and the kids are learning a lot. I am so frustrated with this school I am considering homeschooling! I feel the kids need to read well and really understand math to succeed in higher grade levels. I don't feel the teachers or schoolboard see this as important as sports. A very concerned parent.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is in need of an assertive leader. After one of our children [was] falling behind in the second grade, we decided to transfer our kids to a more appropriate school. I wish we had made the change years earlier since our child is continuing to improve.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe Hillman Schools is one of the best places for young minds to grow in northern Michigan. Not only is the staff well educated but they re also caring and give individual concern to each student. Yes, the state of Michigan has changed the guidelines since our days in school but Hillman Elementary has made a new approach to implement these so each student reaches their goals and they re not left behind. The school also has a hard working parent-teacher-support-group that aids the school in various ways.
--Submitted by a former student

When did kindergarten become so difficult? The teachers are dealing with 5 & 6 year old children, not 8 & 9 year olds. I think the expectations for our kindergartners is too much. Seven letter spelling words? Math? I also don't like receiving in the mail in January that my child may be retained because my child and other children are not above the standards that have been set for our 5 & 6 year olds. I thought kindergarten was learning our alphabet and sounds, numbers, and just adjusting being away from mom and dad. I didn't know the burden would be this heavy at such a young age. I am disappointed in the school system and their expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

I not so pleased with Hillman Coummunity School system, the second grade teaching is the worst I have ever seen. Alot of behind children and children being retained and in need of extra help to get caught up. There is too much gossiping and not enough worrying about the children's education. The staff cant get along and so staff team up against others instead of worrying about their class being taught a education. Not just the teachers but, also the principle!
--Submitted by a parent