Hampton Elementary School

Enrollment in this school is DOWN drastically, almost all were pulled to be placed into private schools - which says alot in this economy...it's says the parents felt there was no choice. We feel fortunate for the teachers we have this year, but who knows about next year - last year was far from smooth. I agree about the Administrator, she was very resistant to hearing about concerns I had last year. I never felt heard & there was certainly no change. And yes, the Spring concert at least was not fun to attend, it looked like less fun to particpate!
--Submitted by a parent

For the amount the teachers make and what the head Administrator makes to turn down passing up a raise to keep the aids as well as funding for Pre-K is a disgrace. Now parents of Pre-K have to shell out of pocket $100 per month on top of money for snacks for class and supplies. The head administrator does very little for the school for what she makes and wants to dress up in all black like funeral that never ends. My daughter got hurt during the Christmas concert from other kids horse-playing and not a thing was done to stop it. Still shocked at the amount given for homework for a 1st grader, 2 hours+ a night.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so sorry we have to send our kids back there this fall, we had really hoped to move but we're stuck. At least 4 of my kids' friends are being pulled & going to private schools this year. The principal is cold & uninterested in hearing the concerns of the parents. My impression is that the teachers don't love her either, there is alot of rolling eyes where she is concerned. There are almost no after school programs anymore & the music program is now embarrasing - the last concert was painful to witness, the kids looked like they were on trial - that teacher is awful! I know plenty of parents who would like to be more involved, but feel shut down when they try. Overall, this school has been a bad experience despite the presence of some really good teachers there.
--Submitted by a parent

Small school environment should produce exceptional academic programs and opportunities for teacher's to enrich student learning, except that hampton which has some classes with 10-12 students and 2 teachers in each class has the worst reputation academically in hunterdon county. Scores don't lie. Students are not challenged and decisions regarding education are only heard if from a select group of individual cliques in town. Beware if your not part of the clique you won't be heard. Your children will also be left behind. I've been trying to sell my home but because of the school it is making it difficult. I've tried to get involved but found it difficult because everytime I've expressed interest or concerns I've been shoned. Small minded people. Small school environment not a plus in this town.
--Submitted by a parent

Beware - this is a substandard school by any measure. Moving into this school district was the biggest mistake we ever made. I had to remove my children from the school and send them to private school after finding out that the curriculum was below average, the students were unruly, even to the point of bullying the teachers, and the facilities were ill-kept. My kids transferred in from another school only to find Hampton's curriculum for their grade levels was several grade levels lower, i.e., doing in 5th grade what my kids had already done in 2nd grade elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a small school environment with excellent teachers, a strong academic program, perhaps not many extracurricular activities, but a strong sense of friendship and community this is it. This school has excelled since the new principal took over in 2006. The music program is what you get in NYC schools - simply superb.science is stronger than any other school in the county . I can't stress the importance of kids growing up together in the same classroom for 8 years. It is a unique positive experience.
--Submitted by a parent

The Hampton school went through an amazing transformation since the new principal ( Mrs. Hughes) came into office- within a year- the major problems were addressed head on and resolved - a superb music program- and top notch teachers came on board. We strongly recommend this school for anyone looking for a quality education. Most importantly, it is small and safe!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children were educated at the hampton School. My older boys is currently in his second year in the Villanova Business School. He was well prepared for High school and ultimately for college. There are some excellent teachers on staff in particular the 6-8th grade science teacher. The current superintendent is excellent and test score are improving. Hampton is an excellent place to raise a family. I have been a resident for 28 years. When the time came to move up to a larger home, I chose to stay in town.
--Submitted by a parent

Compared to the surrounding area, Hampton schools are so far behind in every way. They are--in fact--behind the US. Unheard of in most of rural NJ and certainly Hunterdon County. It is a shaem. Much of this has to do with the education and income level of parents. I hope this changes as the area changes. It is unfortunate for the kids--who when they get to Voorhees are set up for failure.
--Submitted by a parent

Amen! I second the post of March 9, 2008. This is exactly why we left last year. Our new school is infinitely better. They understand what differentiated education is and practice it very well. My child went from D's & F's in Hampton to A's & B's in our new school. The difference is like night & day. In Hampton, my child had a couple hours of homework and get detention if he couldn't do it, plus the teachers would whine at me about it. In the new school, he gets 20 minutes of work and if he has a problem, his teacher helps him. She doesn't give him detention. Imagine that.
--Submitted by a parent