Estes Hills Elementary School

We had the exact same experience as the prior commenter and also ended up pulling our child out. We also met with the Principal and district officials. We found them openly hostile to the point that we needed witnesses when we met with them to combat the ever changing version of events. There was no follow-up on any issue. Rather, there was just wagon-circling to protect themselves. We were repeatedly told untruths and several of our attempts to seek resolution were blocked. We cannot express, however, what a relief it was after we left to enroll in a good school with a kind and enthusiatic principal and school district where the primary concern was the children. It was like night and day in comparison to Estes Hills. If you're having trouble with this school, the principal and the school district, leave. There are so many better schools out there. This is just one rotten apple.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a horrible experience at this school and pulled our kids out and put them in private schools. It was very disappointing, due to the great reputation of Chapel Hill public schools. This was NOT due to the competence of the teachers. I couldn't have asked for a better, more dedicated group of people. (we had 2 kids there) Our problems were primarily related to the principal and vice-principal, and they way the school was run, how conflicts were addressed, and the latitude teachers were given for students that were capable of accepting more work. We brought our issues to the Principal and the Superintendent, and in all cases, we felt that none of the parties were interested in listening to our issues, and nothing was ever addressed, nor were we given any follow-up.
--Submitted by a parent

Estes is a wonderful school for children to learn and grow. I read earlier views and my take is that the school has improved. The afterschool and family fun night programs (which are free and inclusive to more families) are great! The music program is phenomenal! Estes has a real jewel in the music teacher! I have four children at Estes and couldn't be happier!
--Submitted by a parent

We have now had a child go from kindergarten to fifth and a second child from kindergarten and first. We absolutely love this school. The teachers have been superb, the offerings are incredible and the gifted services are integrated into the classroom. Our experience with the new principal has been absolutely amazing. We find the school to be responsive, interested in our children, dedicated to learning, feel the teachers are very hard working and feel the music teacher is spectacular. The teachers become even more impressive when you volunteer in the class. We did not have great schools where we used to live and had to move for education. We have been incredibly satisfied and would recommend the school to anyone. From our perspective this is the perfect blend of traditional, progressive, flexible and academically challenging programs out there.
--Submitted by a parent

Children are to be seen NOT heard at this school. Kids are given strict orders to keep completely silent at lunch. The children are also rigidly ordered into silent lines and may only sit with their class. I watched as the children were reprimanded and refused requests to even say hello to fellow students from other classes (who they had been close friends with the year before when they used to be in the same class). The school isolates and damages previous friendships by not allowing the same grade classes to interact and specifically do not allow them to even play on the playground at the same time. Each year children are torn from previous friendships when placed in different classrooms and then not allowed to eat lunch or play with their friends once they are placed in "different" classrooms.
--Submitted by a parent

I am thankful that my children are safe at school and they are learning what they should be learning. Compared to what I've seen in NY state, art, music, and ESL services are poorer. I would be happier if the principal was less disciplinary and there was no weekly 'don't be late for school' reminder call from her.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, our experience at this school has been good. As for more attention being paid to the slowest kids, welcome to liberal Chapel hill. There is nothing wrong with giving a legup to disadvantaged kids. I just spent 15 minutes as a reading vounteer with a 2nd grader. He was so pleased. Because, the time had been invested in this child since begining of this school year he is a better student. I agree the average kids kind of loose out. I have learned that in a government run institute parents have to be more involved.
--Submitted by a parent

Bullying is a problem at this school that isn't taken seriously. The principal seems more concerned with politics than with children. She doesn't appear to know anyone except staff and speaks down to parents as if they were small children. When one asks for a particular rule to be clarified, good luck getting a response or one that doesn't conflict with what one has previously been told. There is a prevailing sense at this school that children are problems to be quieted and sent home as soon as possible at the end of the day as if they are a bother. They want your child picked up within 15 minutes of being released or you ll get an ear full from staff and/or the principal herself. Hearing from parents seems to be an even bigger nuisance to staff. When I spoke up, it seemed like my child paid the price.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of the Estes Hills family for seven years and continue to be extremely pleased with the school. Our children have flourished, thanks to the wonderful faculty and staff. Our principal and her administration have always been very attentive to our needs, there is ample opportunity for parental involvement, and there is a wonderful community spirit among the families. We feel very fortunate to be able to send our children to this excellent neighborhood school.
--Submitted by a parent

Estes Hills is a WONDERFUL school. The faculty and administration put the children first and do a wonderful job in preparing them for Middle School. The campus is old, however it is finally being cared for thanks to our Administration. Our Principal has been instrumental in spearheading a host of capital improvements to the campus including state of the art technology to keep it in line with other newer schools in the district. Estes Hills is like a large 'family', with students, teachers, administrators and parents working together to make it a great place to learn for ALL children. The school provides a caring atmosphere where the students learn, play, create, are challenged and make life long friends. Thank you Estes Hills!
--Submitted by a parent