Highcroft Elementary School

Horrible School.If your child has any kind of disablity do not consider this one at all.My son had a speech issue and was shoved in the class for autism where the teachers were too occoupied with the ones that created trouble than to really pay attention to what my son was doing.We had to get private speech /OT as the school hardly did any at all.The teachers had NO idea what my son could do and continue to label him as "borderline functioning".Luckily he aged out of the class in 2 years and is now in private school in regular class with no issues all.run away in the opposite direction if this one is offered to you !
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter attended Kindergarten at HDE. We loved the area and the whole "neighborhood school" concept. We actually liked the year round school, at that time. I believe that they are on a single track program now. Unfortunately, my daughter had 3 different teachers during her Kindergarten year. Although, it was beyond anyone's control, we were very disappointed. The principal did not communicate very well and was just not available. For example, when my daughter started first grade in San Antonio, they had to transfer her teacher after the first week, due to decrease class numbers, which meant she would have a new first grade teacher. Although, I was very upset at first, it was only the first week of school. I received a phone call directly from the principal AND the counselor spoke to the students!! At HDE, my daughter had her first teacher for almost 6 mos, 2nd for about the same time. We only received a letter stating that she would be having a new teacher. We have since moved to San Antonio, Texas, and have been more than impressed with the principal and teacher involvement, which I didn't feel we had at HDE.
--Submitted by a parent

Sorry, I have had kids in the school for several years and am underwhelmed. The academics each year have been pretty far behind what the above average kid should be able to do. They do have an Academically gifted program for those supposedly at the top (but it was not a big deal), but they have nothing for the bright or above average kids. I had to supplement my children's education to overcome the schools academic weakness. I think that this is a school where the kids-of-moderately-well-to-do-professionals go. (There are many indian kids that are really at the top of their classes.) If you are a professional and don't mind having to push your bright child to study outside the school, you can do worse than this, safe, well maintained, shiny new school attended by well-off kids. Don't kid yourself though. For top academics, try Endeavor or Magellan Charter Schools.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Having come from CT, we're finding that our kids are challenged here. This must be a good indication for this school system because we came from a very highly rated school back home. It's been 2 years and the kids are well adjusted and love their school. Mrs. Hughes is efficient and level headed. We've always felt our kids are in good and loving hands.
--Submitted by a parent

Our two children have attended Highcroft since they were in Kindergarten. One is now in 4th grade, the other is in 2nd. We have been extremely happy with our school. The teachers are kind and effective. The staff, including the principal, are friendly and helpful. No complaints here!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm not sure what bad reviews are about. Highcroft is a great school. I have one child in Highcroft now and one who attend from 1st - 5th grad very well prepared for middle school. As for the principle, how many do you know that would actually attend the 5th grade trip to Camp Don Lee and participate in the activities with the kids side by side. Very pleased with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The sense of community and mutual caring between fellow parents and teachers is palpable. The children are well cared for and the school is a nurturing atmosphere. It is the ideal school for our children. Our parents are very involved in the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very caring. Everyone is very respectful to the children so the children act respectful. There's a lot of parent involvement and sense of community.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed with Higcroft. We have been here for 3 years and have one super teacher. Most staff is pleasant but the principal is hardly ever seen and very unavailable I am surprised by some of the comments posted because under the 'stepford appearance' I think lots of staff and parents are unsatisfied. There is good parent involvement but I don't think teachers or parents get the support that I have experienced in the passed. If it was not for the test scores there would be nothing to the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Surprisingly disappointing school. This principal is very disconnected from the students and at times does not seem to be able to answer basic questions about school operations. Our child attended for two years, one teacher was absolutely fantastic, the other was very weak. It was clear the great teacher did great things in spite of the administration, not because of it. The feedback we heard from other parents and several teachers was that staff was afraid to speak out because administration wasn't interested in their concerns about how to improve the school. We were reassigned to Turner Creek and could not be happier - what a huge difference! TC Elem is a breath of fresh air by comparison.
--Submitted by a parent