Estes Hills Elementary School

Question to parents re: Estes principal. Without naming names, can someone confirm that the principal who has received these negative comments since 2010 is the same one who has been selected as the principal for the new Northside Elementary School, scheduled to open in August 2013?
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here at EH I like our teachers, but in 4th grade the 5th graders thought they were so above us. Some of the children are very mean when it comes to differences. Either in their skin, or actions, or their looks. The old principal last year did not do much. This year all I noticed was that our principal walks around the school, checking in on classes every so often. Every teacher I've met is awesome. My 5th grade teacher is very funny and has us wanting to learn! I remember the first week of school I had so much fun! But other then the teachers and custodians, that can make any one happy, there's nothing very outstanding about EH. Some of the school lunches are literally sickening. I had a school lunch, and I got sick. My stomach hurt badly. Other days their lunches are pretty good. Another thing that should change is art. There should be more classes or at least more time in the classes. When there is a substitute we do the same thing every single time! Over all this school is not what I was expecting or what I was hoping it would be. The teachers I've had were phenomenal and I myself think the teachers deserve a raise.

I currently have a third grader at Estes and a sixth grader who was there for four years of elementary school. Overall, I have been very pleased with their teachers and feel that the teaching staff is very dedicated to meeting the needs of all the children in their classrooms. Of course, as a public school, Estes needs to serve any and all students in their community and therefore cannot pick and choose only the "best and brightest." On the downside, this sometimes means that learning differences and behavioral concerns can take time and energy away from the teachers ability to push their students academically. However, the upside is that my children have been exposed to a wide array of students from different backgrounds, ability levels and experiences. They are truly enriched by this experience and I think it will prepare them to be flexible learners and uniquely suited to meeting the requirements of a more connected global environment. Of course, there a a few things I would change if I could (such as the quality of the art and language program), but all in all, I have been very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school and teachers. I haven't had any run ins with the principal but don't appreciate her talking to me like I'm a student rather than a parent. I could see how she would be annoying to other parents with issues. The teachers are amazing and my son is so happy.
—Submitted by a parent

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

I am disappointed with Estes Hills school and the administration's decision to not celebrate American holidays or including more time for art projects associated with these holiday themes. After several attempts to provide ideas and fun activities on how to include these into the children's daily schedule, I've been told by the principal that the holidays must be part of the curriculum or they aren't included. The school's focus is centered around End of Grade tests and following the curriculum. Our previous elementary school in Illinois provided many more opportunities than just 45 minutes a week for art, and during the holidays, projects included seasonal themes such as concerts, festivals, and classroom decorations. In the 3 years since my son has attended Estes, there hasn't been one picture colored of a Christmas tree, one snowflake cutout, pumpkins decorated, etc. The kids don't know what they're missing.
—Submitted by a parent

Estes Hills has made great strides under its new principal, Cheryl Carnahan. They have implemented policies that are more supportive of individual students and managed to keep classroom aides even though budgets have been tight. Our child has benefitted greatly. The one thing is some older teachers have lost that real sense of extraordinary concern for the kids and perhaps should retire soon.
—Submitted by a parent

The school would be rated much higher not only in parents opinions but in academic standards if not for the new principal. She is basically running a huge daycare and has shown no interest when concerned parents approach her about the curriculm being 'dumbed down' for many students. Her response when students are ahead of her given curriculm is for the children to stop learning for a few years. She has a habit of wanting to show people she is in control and has power over them rather than trying to actually help. It is very frustrating.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2 children in this school and I have been very unsatisfied. One of my children has special needs and the every person from the classroom teacher to the principal were unresponsive. There doesn't seem to be much teacher accountability in this school
—Submitted by a parent

We have two boys who have attended Estes Hills. Chapel Hill Schools are truly outstanding, and Estes Hills is no exception. We have been thrilled with all but one of their teachers. The teachers invest time in learning how to motivate each child individually, and they do an excellent job giving children the freedom to pursue their own academic interests. I do agree with one parent's concern that gifted kids are sometimes ignored (this is partially due to a separate program for 'extremely highly gifted children'), and our experience is unfortunately also that the new principal (2008) is somewhat dismissive of parent inquiries, though hopefully that will improve with time. Overall, though, we are very happy with the district.
—Submitted by a parent

I volunteer at this school through a program I am involved with at the local university. Having taught in Durham for approx. 3 years, I can only say wonderful things aboutt Estes. Unlike many schools in Durham, parents and staff at Estes share a mutual respect for one another and are truly looking out for the benefit of the child. Awesome school!