Elise L. Wolff Elementary School

Have to agree with prior comments about parking and Principal Harbin. If you dont arrive at least 30 minutes early you will not find a parking space that your allowed to park in. However, the "parking attendents" which are parents do save a few reserved spaces for their friends. This is where they place cones and tell us other parents they are for the "SafeKey employees". Meanwhile around 2:05 you will see they allow their friends to park there to pick up their children at 2:11. Over the past 6 years Principal Harbin has failed to show any leadership qualities or try to solve the parking lot issues. Last year a child was hit in the parking lot and numerous staff, administration, teachers and HARBIN park in the front parking lot which takes spaces away from parents. Meanwhile the school employees have private parking on the side and rear of the school. So many teachers are in agreement that they wish they had another principal or they could be transerred to another school. We are very pleased that after 6 years our daughter will be going to middle school in the fall. We hope the next 2 months go by quickly.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Australia in January and I had no idea what school to send my daughter to. After numerous phone calls to different schools, reading reviews and people recommendations we enrolled our daughter at Elise L Wolff Elementary. I have been extremely happy with the school. My daughters teachers are wonderful they have been a great help in the transition process. The office staff are lovely and the support teachers have been extremely helpful. I would defiantly recommend this school..
—Submitted by a parent

I have never seen so much chaus in my life with the parking issue! There is NEVER anywhere to park, I was told you can't park along the firelane low and behold some people can so Im going to adress that with a video and show the principal myself. I was told you Can't park on the hill (it's reserved) And then at 211 the fun begins you have to find your kid out of the 550 other students! Theres never anywhere to park! unless you get ther 1 hour early and get ran out of your spot two or three times. They really need to fix this problem maybe with school buses I mean you cant go to this school unless you live in seven hills so why cant a but drop the kids off at the gates? I simply dread picking up my kids from this school and dealing with getting in and out of the parking lot!
—Submitted by a parent

I taught at Wolff eleven years ago. I went to another school to become the Art Specialist. Now I am retired and I substitute teach at Wolff often. I was so happy to see several of the teachers I knew were still there. They seem happy enough to stay at Wolff. I find the teachers in every grade to be enthusiastic, organized and encouraging to students. It is now required by CCSD that all teachers in every grade in every school follow what is called " Curriculum Enginge". This outlines what every teacher in the district should teach for their grade level. Teachers are no longer the "soul resource" of the curriculum planning and in many ways that is a good thing because teaching is consistent throughout the district. Any student who transfers from one school to another can just pick up where the last one left off. One thing I noticed when I taught there is that many of the parents who lived in Seven Hills seemed to think they could make demands and use their status to influence the decisions that are made. Mrs. Harbin does not bend to anyone because of "who they are" nor does she change things because of pressure from the outside. I find her to be very fair and objective.
—Submitted by a teacher

Teachers are wonderful, caring towards the students. The principal and her asst. are useless and do not care about the students or parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I was astonished when I received a reply from Ms. Harbin, Principal of Elise Wolff, to fill out a parent survey the district provides about a complaint I had with the school. She could care less about legitimate concerns of her students and parents. And, I NEVER see her at school functions or addressing the horrendous parking during drop off and pick up. She needs to make a presence (and, if you ask other parents..they will say the same thing..no one knows who she is). Luckily, my kids have had some fabulous teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

Two stars because half the teachers don't want to be there, and it's obvious. No enthusiasm from most to do anything more than the bare minimum. There is no respect or leadership from administration. The parents are made to feel like outsiders, unless you are lucky enough to have the time to get involved with PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

To clarify, I meant an entire single class of differentiated instruction, not the small groups that the schools do use. Every class has reading groups, math levels, etc.... just not an entire classroom of ONLY high children. I think that's what the angry parent was grousing about.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent and I'd like to address the turnover comment. Teachers are mostly young women, they get married, follow their husbands jobs, have kids and become sah moms, move on to middle school teaching, etc... If a teacher stays within the district or within the profession, I don't see how you can call that high teacher turnover. I'd like to see how many people in the private sector are still working 10 years in the same place/position. And regarding differentiated instruction, CCSD public elementary schools don't do that. It's against the law. They have GATE beginning in 3rd grade and magnet schools. It's just the way things are. Maybe not the best, but the way it is. I find it hard to believe that other schools are allowed to remove all their best and brightest and put them in a super brainy class, leaving the other classes with only low preforming children, trouble makers and the rest. Those bright kids are needed as peer models. Maybe your child is a genius, some kids are just not challenged by public school. But that doesn't mean the school is bad.
—Submitted by a parent

Wolff is the WORST school any of our three children has ever had to attend. It is the only Del Webb feeder school that does not differentiate instruction. There are no levels at Wolff, every child learns the same curriculum regardless of ability level. Our efforts to have our daughter challenged fell on deaf ears, the teacher recommended we pay for outside tutoring. The principal took weeks to return phone calls and refused to change anything. The PTA is strong, but does not seem to take an academic interest in the students. I don't know how Wolff received a ten.
—Submitted by a parent

Since 2001 I've had a child at Wolff. The main thing that has bothered me about Wolff is the turnover rate of teachers. There has only been two principles at Wolff since it started in 2000. I have not liked either Principle at Wolff. Ms. Harbin is not a very good leader and is not very motivated to improve the school. The teachers are not supported by her and in turn they leave to go to schools with better administration. When I looked over the yearbook of my Kindergarten child of 2001, I was amazed at how few teachers are still at the school in 2011. In ten years it's almost a new staff. The school enrollment is way over capacity so the entire 5th grade is in portables. The teachers are overwhelmed with the class size, a ratio of 34 students to 1 teacher for fifth grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Relocated to Henderson from the East Coast, so I was very concerned about the quality (or, lack thereof) of education here in Nevada. We chose to live in Seven Hills solely based on the Great Schools rating Wolff received. We are thrilled that we did! Mrs. Ellena (Kindergarten) is a kind, patient, organized, and loving teacher... despite the number of children she has in each of her AM/PM class (high number of K students!). Parent involvement is not only graciously accepted and appreciated, but encouraged. It is extremely rewarding and a privilege to assist. There's no better way to be in the know of your children's behavior at school than by volunteering. It's been wonderful getting to know all of the children in our daughter's class. Wolff is a great fit for our family!
—Submitted by a parent

For a state rated low in public education, Wolff Elementary in Henderson is a 10 all the way! Teachers, staff, parents, activities... all outstanding! If someone tells you differently, they're simply uninvolved.
—Submitted by a parent

I've met several parents who chose to move to Seven Hills specifically so their children could attend this school. Wolff is a strong public school with amazing front office staff, teachers, and involved parents -- all who genuinely care about each child who goes here. GREAT SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a parent

My sons in fifth grade and to be honest were sad that he's leaving. He has alot of issues being ADHD but they've handled it so well. Changing classes this year has been hard for him but I really feel it will help him next year. My daughter will be going to Wolff in 2012 and were happy to send her there.
—Submitted by a parent

Its my first year @ the school.been very happy son .Has improve grades alot.Everybody is friendly to you ...
—Submitted by a parent

Very nice staff & teachers. Kids seem happy and are learning. School is always clean when I have visited.

Great teachers, Great parents and Great kids! Everybody pitches in there are fun activities and events all year long!! The staff is wonderful and the education my child gets is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Wolff and love the experience. My children's teachers have been extremely dedicated and go the extra mile to make learning excellent and yet fun. The principal and staff are involved and dedicated. Parent involvement is allowed and encouraged. This is a school with a heart as they have many activities that encourage the children to give to others and show compassion. With the exception of parking/pick-up, it has exceeded our standards! I highly recommend Wolff to anyone who wants a great school with a more 'home town' feel.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been with this school since its inception, and will have children in attendence until 2014. I love Elise L Wolff Elementary. There are some wonderful teachers there. Teachers who go above and beyond, volunteering for committees to bring enrichment programs to our school, like Multi Cultural Night, Honor Choir, Fitness Night, Apple Core Reading and many more that keep my children engaged and excited to learn.
—Submitted by a parent