Hawk Ridge Elementary School

We moved here from Maryland and our main concern were the schools. We ended up at Endhaven and later we were zoned for Hawk Ridge. I can not say enough about this school. We have children who range from gifted to special needs and the staff have gone out of their way to make sure that the learning envirnoment for each child is met. We have great communication with the staff, from the head on down. We were even able to start a group called HOPE for families who have different concerns for students with special needs.
--Submitted by a parent

A great school. The teaching staff is excellent and also all the administration staff are very caring and wonderful. One of the best schools that i have known of. The academic program is very challenging and keeps our kids way ahead of the curve. LOve the school and all the staff too.
--Submitted by a parent

Incredible school. Be sure to discount some of the older posts about overcrowding. CMS has fixed that. Fantastic Principal. Amazing, caring teachers. Very demanding yet supportive. Very early adopters of new teaching and learning philosophies. One of the best performing elementary schools in the entire state of NC. And - the focus on character too!
--Submitted by a parent

We chose to stay in the Hawk Ridge school zone when our son turned 5 years and was ready for kindegarten. We picked Hawk Ridge based on reviews on this website and some from conversations with other people. So far,we have not had a single chance for doubt or had to re-think our choice. The PTA is fantastic and relentless, the principal and staff strive to put into implementation innovative efforts to teach and help learn. Having volunteered at the shcool, I have seen the everyday functioning of the school and can only say - Glad we chose this one!!
--Submitted by a parent

the teachers, the quality, the resourcess, the process is very very good,the level of education in hawkridge is uncompariable,i cannot ask for anything better
--Submitted by a parent

Hawk Ridge is one of the best schools in CMS - hand's down! Next year, it will be near its original capacity - 12-14 mobile units are being removed in June. Hawk Ridge kids also enjoy the perk of being next door to the Morrison Family YMCA where HRE kids take advantage of lots of field space, track, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't tell you how awesome this school is in such a small amount of space. We recently attempted a relocation to Nashville, TN and had started private school there. My 3rd grade daughter was ahead in science, social studies and reading at the private school and on par with the rest of the class in other subjects. This private school is tough and she was on track all thanks to the great teachers at Hawk Ridge. We are headed back to Charlotte and will return to Hawk Ridge. Overcrowded? Yes, in a big way, but the kids don't even seem to notice and the staff makes it so seamless. This school is getting overcrowding relief with another new school (Flat Branch)in 2007-2008 and yet another new school (Elon Park) in 2008-2009.
--Submitted by a parent

Hawk Ridge is a wonderful school. I have kids attending here since the year it was open and each of them has received a quality education in a safe, warm, and nurturing environment. Yes, it is overcrowded. The staff works very hard to make sure that the students don't feel the effects of this overcrowding. The school has many mobile units that have taken over the green areas of the property but luckily we have a generous YMCA next door where the teachers can take the kids when necessary. Unfortunately the start time has been pushed back to 9:15 for next year with the plans to move it back to the earlier 8:30 start time the following year. This was a Charlotte Mecklenburg School administrative decision and should not reflect negatively on the administration of Hawk Ridge. Overall, Hawk Ridge is an excellent school where children can soar!
--Submitted by a parent

PROS: Good Principal and teachers. CONS: 1) Overcrowding! There are 24 mobiles at this school. Half of the enrollments is in a mobile. 2) The schools focuses heavily on reading, writing and math and ignores science, arts and PE. 3) In Fall 2006 the school starting will be pushed back to 9:15am. This new starting times make it impossible for many working parents to arrive to their work locations before 10:00am. The only alternative would be to enroll our children in before school care. The additional cost to parents for before school care is estimated to be about $2000 per child ($200 / month) for the school year. The children would also pay a cost by extending their day by approximately one hour. 4) The school has no PE fields. This is largly due to the number of mobiles at this school. Consequently, the kids either play in the gym or outside on the black top parking lot.
--Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough about Hawk Ridge (HR). My child has been a part of the school for the past three years.HR is a private education for the public school price. Parent involvement is at a very high level and is appreciated by the staff. We moved to the area just so that our children could have the high education in which Hawk Ridge has been able to give. Yes, it is a little crowded but everyone seems to handle it well. It will be hard to find another public school like Hawk Ridge.
--Submitted by a parent