Herbert Akins Rd Elementary School

My son is in the 4th grade and reading and writing has always been his tough subject. This year he has improved in reading comprehension and writing. His current teacher is Mrs. Hollingworth she truly cares about her students and makes learning fun for the kids. The school also have online resources for the kids such as: study island, xtra math and these sites help with EOG testing. My rating is based on Mrs. Hollingworth's dedication to her students education.
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers. Not so hot leadership. I have two kids at this school and have been consistently impressed with the quality of the teaching staff - they are caring, motivated, and energetic, and absolutely dedicated to making sure their kids truly learn. I am considerably less impressed with the principal and school-wide communication and leadership. All we ever get are the broadcast phone calls which are annoying since they go so quickly you can't write anything down and invariably seem to ring during dinner. I also get the feeling that the school isn't particularly child-centered - last year's yearbook had the first five or six pages dedicated to various teachers and administrators, and oh, yeah, around page ten, there's some kids who hang out here too. If it weren't for the absolutely fantastic teachers we'd be looking for alternatives.
--Submitted by a parent

Great School. Warm and friendly front desk. Caring, competent, and knowledgeable staff. The administration is wonderful. This school just opened but give it a chance. I think this school is one of the best I've seen.
--Submitted by a parent

Wake Co. Schools in general, has serious issues. Just watch the national news! Herbert Akins has been a disappointment. No use of technology, nothing to challenge students to read, low test scores, no school functions (except for a "select" few), Zero school spirit. Our former school in this system has lots of educational, community, and family centered programs. So far this year at HARES - zero - only a book fair with a rude clique of volunteers - no thanks! We are pestered to death by the PTA to donate for a shade structure (hello? bad economy! get a business to sponsor), yet they do nothing for our kids or the teachers. Cancelled a fun run, no field trips, no newsletters, outdated website. Only a random automated phone call with too much information to write down quickly, and your child will listen to it, so you will still have no clue what is going on at school. Teachers are the only saving grace. Pay cuts, no assistants, overcrowded classrooms, and no apparent direction from the admin make this an uphill battle for them. Our former school Holly Grove is outstanding, so it makes us score this school well below average.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has caring individuals who work with the children and give everything they have. Staff and administation who do not work with my kids actually know their names. Some spend endless working for the children. The office staff is very helpful. I would highly recommend this school to others. The PTA has implemented some good things this year. Turnover has been low.
--Submitted by a parent