Hillcrest Community School

Hillcrest is an amazing school. I cannot say enough great things about the staff and families at Hillcrest. The leadership is excellent and the Artful Learning program is both challenging and fun for students. We feel so lucky to be a part of this community.
—Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest teachers are attentive to each and every child's academic and social needs. We have two children that attended Hillcrest after leaving a private school. Both were behind in their reading skills. Yet, after one year at Hillcrest they both achieved scores at or above grade level expectations. Now, both children are thriving in Honors and AP classes in high school and college. Our third child attends Hillcrest now, years after our first two attended and the quality of education remains the same. The principal seems to know every child by name and makes them feel welcome at the school. Hillcrest Community School had a huge impact on the success of our children while in elementary school and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a hard time knowing which selection to choose from the drop down menu, since I am both a teacher at Hillcrest and parent of two students of my own who attend the school. What I don't have a hard time with is stating what an absolutely wonderful experience my family has had with Hillcrest! All the teachers my children have had have been incredibly caring and supportive. Both of my children have been challenged academically and have grown tremendously. My two students know that Hillcrest is a community that cares - they truly love going to school every day! As a teacher at Hillcrest for the past 10+ years, I have been proud of the way we have served a wide array of families. Our school is a dynamic place to be - especially as we have recently given our focus to Artful Learning. We enjoy using this way of teaching to engage a diverse group of learners.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have three children who attend this school and I have found it to be a complete family. The principal knows all about my kids, but he also knows every child in the building. My kids are challenged in their education, and the focus on art integration has broadened their horizons. When at Chicago Art museum, both of my older kids immediately identified many pieces from the collection. The have many chances to use art in their learning. Teachers work with parents to help their kids be successful! The waiting list is long, but worth the wait!
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at this school and couldn't be happier. There are so many opportunities for them to be challenged and engaged in learning. There is a vibe at this school that is hard to describe. The teachers are caring they go out of their way to connect with our kids. The principal greets me by name whenever I see him. I like the sense of community here and I'm excited about the new arts focus for my kids!
—Submitted by a parent

LOVE Hillcrest : ) Great teachers. Great families. So glad we found this place for our kids!
—Submitted by a parent

My son was accepted in this school, he attended for three months. What a horrible school, he had a very bad teacher, arrogant, no patient , zero respect. I would advice people of color not to consider this school. I am glad I took my son out that school. We are very happy at the school we are in right now. Parents don't get fooled by this school rating, Hillcrest is only good for some, not for everybody. Parent should be careful about this school because their rating is just based on the group who are attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was offered an opportunity to attend Hillcrest. We were excited about the schools ratings and thought it would be a great place for our child to attend. If I have any concerns about this school, its diversity. I m sure a lot of parents find it to be a great place and have good experiences. I m just saying personally we didn t feel comfortable. We are a Multi Cultural Family I think the school district may want to look more closely into the Hillcrest Environment. We support our school district and like to see the best in all our schools...
—Submitted by a parent

We were not happy with this school, its sad because when we got selected we were so happy, but then it was awful! Hillcrest is NOT for everyone. Good Luck!
—Submitted by a parent

There's lots of parental involvement which is great! However I think the leadership of the school is very weak. I've contacted the principal on two different occasions via email and he does not respond in anyway. If you have a concern or an issue he seems to want to just walk away while you are trying to speak to him. I plan to change my children's school next year because I feel they're not getting as good of an education in math and reading as they should.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School !! Awesome teachers. Small class sizes, and a principle who cares. As a LATINO FAMILY we are extremely satisfice. HILLCREST is another Home for my kids !!
—Submitted by a parent

Small class sizes, excellent teachers, and a principle who cares... in fact he knows every student's name! What a way to make a child feel special!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school -provides a solid educational program while intigrating community spirit and self esteem for each student
—Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest is truly a community school, there is an energy & synergy that is hard to describe but incredible to witness. The staff and teachers work together to provide a solid education to each student while building and reinforcing community and citizenship skills.
—Submitted by a parent

The community spirit thrives in all that teachers, students. and parents do.
—Submitted by a parent

Because of the community feel/involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents have chosen to come to our school and are very supportive. The kids are great and the teachers and staff are committed and caring.
—Submitted by a teacher

Kids help out, teachers work together to create exciting learning opportunities, parents are very involved. There is a fervor to the climate and it is a very welcoming place.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is truly a community school- with an enormous amount of parental involvement and lots of caring staff! Students meet in classes with grades 1-5 at the end of the day and that builds a lot of caring!
—Submitted by a parent

One of the greatest schools. Its the reason I learned so much and one of the reasons I am on track for a great college.
—Submitted by a student