Huntersville Elementary School

I could not in recommend this school in good faith to anyone because of the disappointing leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

I am raising my children to have strong moral character, be compassionate, and be eager to learn. The leadership at HES does NOT model any of these! It is the most derisive and negative school I have ever had the misfortune to have my children attend. Due to the Principal's method of yelling at students, not meeting with parents and stifling teacher creativity, has resulted in less parent involvement, great teachers eager to leave, and good students to be anxious and demoralized. Once your child is in grades 3-5, the demands to drill facts and formulate lesson plans to test high on EOG's takes away teacher creativity and a chance to form critical relationships with their students. It would be VERY interesting to see the numbers of families who voluntary RUN from this school and transfer to a different public, charter or private school to find a learning environment where curiosity of the mind and pursuit of knowledge is important. But don't take my word for it, ask to meet with the Principal (it's doubtful she will agree to see you), try to have a dialog and make the decision for yourself. It may be the most important meeting you ever have on your child's behalf.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed to read some of the negative reviews of Huntersville Elementary School. My family has been a part of this school community for the past seven years and we absolutely love it here. I am in the school as a volunteer on a regular basis and find it to be a wonderful atmosphere for the students, parents and the staff. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; however, in my experience, I have found that the people who are unhappy with this school are those who are seeking special treatment and have children who are not well-adjusted. At a time when our society has forgotten about the importance of respect and accountability, schools have become the "easy" target. Parents who are genuinely concerned about their children and their education have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference at ANY school.
—Submitted by a parent

I wish there had been more reviews of this school when we chose our home based on it's school district. On paper it looks great. It has an awful atmosphere. Most of the teachers are quite good, but the principal runs around screaming at teachers and kids alike. They obsess over test scores and even went so far this year as to cut recess to 15 minutes. It would appear they care only for their awards and aren't concerned about what is best for children. I wish I knew then what I know now.
—Submitted by a parent

really? How can one defend a Principle that would bring in the police Dept (without a parent present!) to intimidate a 6 year-old who allegedly took a rock home from a classroom. Wake up parents of HES, your school has a bullying problem.

My children have been attending HES for many years. I am completely satisfied. I feel the teachers are dedicated to the students. We have a wonderful and nurturing K and 1 team that transitions the pre-schoolers to a full-time day of school in such a kind and nurturing way. The 2-5 teams are dedicated to teaching and helping ensure each child is ready for promotion. They work very hard and are all about finding the right approach to help our children succeed. As a parent, I feel that my child is appropriately challenged and I feel very fortunate to live in this school district. I feel like we are getting a private education in a public school. We have seen many transfer from private schools to HES and find it a challenge. There are many complaints from parents on this sight regarding the principal. She works very hard for our school. She has high standards for our teachers and for parents to be supportive of their children. She runs the school like a successful business. Unless, your child is in the principals office for misbehaving, your child will not have any problems. The PTA is outstanding at HES. One size does not fit all and that is not a schools problem.
—Submitted by a parent

All parents should be forewarned about Huntersville Elementary. The Principal absolutely does not care about the children. She only cares about test scores and not about your child. She has been around for so many years with high test scores that she is essentially untouchable although so many parents complain and most of my neighbors have transferred their children to other schools. Read the reviews!!! Other schools in the area which may have lower test scores actually show a genuine interest in their students. As a parent, it should not be about test scores. You should meet the teachers and you should meet the Principal. HES' Principal is not afraid to be cruel to your child in order to scare you away. She will not listen to your concerns, she will not act on your requests and she does not care about your individual child. I am not a disgruntled parent speaking on a personal level. I am simply warning you that you will not be happy if your child is less than perfect during their 6 years of elementary school. You will be sorry, you will regret having your child in her school and you will end up transferring out before your child's self esteem is at an all time low.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is completing kindergarten this year and she LOVES her school. I am very happy with her teacher and the assistant teacher. The room mom was excellent and there is lots of parent participation as well as school spirit. The front office is consistently friendly and helpful. At 24 children I felt the class size was rather big, however it didn't seem to effect my daughter's learning or her love of kindergarten. I regularly volunteer - tutoring, reading, stuffing folders, etc and I am always impressed with the energy and interaction of the teachers and students. My youngest will be attending kindergarten next year, too and I look forward to having more time to participate in this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is by far the most unwelcoming school that we have ever come in contact with and it all starts with the schools leadership. This is my child's first year at the school and we immediately noticed that the principal lacks the personality necessary to be in the role that she is in. The staff appears to be afraid of her as she runs the school like a dictatorship. It is sad that a school with such great potential is not interested in improving the low rating and feedback that it receives from the parents that help keep the school running. In speaking with other parents about our experience, I have since learned that the school is also known as "the military school" of Huntersville. Some of the teachers that we have been in contact with are excellent, some are not. It is truly all about the scores and the Blue Ribbon status. Academically, the school is challenging, however, I don't see that as a negative, since I think a challenge is necessary to reach greater heights. However, nuturing our children is equally as important and this is NOT a nurturing environment for a child. We are struggling to make it to year end so that we can move our child to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child started Kindergarten last year and struggled the entire year. In my opinion the curricullum is a bit advanced and moves way too fast to be able to learn and retain at 5 years old. In addition, if they are expected to learn such a rigorous curriculum they need smaller classes and more help. Also, it seems that it is all about the test scores and the Blue Ribbon status. If your child does not test well they are labeled at a deficit regardless of other factors. I did; however, find the teachers to be great and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in school, 1 that is excelling and 1 that is struggling. If you have a child who has any issues, I would not recommend this school. The principal does not understand that children have different learning styles and different needs. I feel that her only concern is that this is a 'Blue Ribbon School.' Children frequently have recess time taken away for coming in late, not completing an assignment, or talking in class - the absolute worst thing to happen when a child needs that 15 minutes to get their wiggles out. Parents have complained about children being stressed because they have been told by teachers and the principal that if they fail their EOGs, they will fail school. The school spends more time emphasizing Buddy's Best, which is strictly a popularity contest, than they do with the A-B Honor Roll.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started kindergarten at HES this past fall and so far she has excelled both academically and socially. We could never have asked for a better teacher (thank you Mrs. Jones!). Parent involvement is fantastic in both the classrooms and the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Currently have two children attending HES. Both are thriving at school. I have heard from many parents who end up moving away and attending other schools in the area that they wish they could send their kids back to HES. I also feel that my children are very safe there. Rules are in place for their safety and well-being - this applies to drop-off and dismissal. It's also nice to hear so many parents ask how they can 'choice' into HES - which is not an option.
—Submitted by a parent

My children are first year students here. 2 of 3 of my children I am pleased with. 5th grade has me less than impressed. I think they should look at certain teachers who have mulitple children doing not so well and this teachers attitude towards parents. I also am disgusted that on the prinicipal would be dressed up as a 'QUEEN' , cape, crown the works in the office for the children to pulled class at a time to go see her. I only saw the children who gave her something receive any of the hershey kisses in her lap. Its a total joke there and I wish I could get them back in their previous school. 'Blue Ribbon' signs on a school do not mean anything. I do not recommend this school. Parents are treated like toddlers. uncaring school!!
—Submitted by a parent

Huntersville Elementary is the Best! We have wonderful teachers and a fabulous PTA!
—Submitted by a parent

From the administration to the teachers to the volunteers and even kids- it is an outstanding community all the way around. We all work hard and come together to have a successful school year, year AFTER year!
—Submitted by a parent

The Staff, PTA, community and students all work together to make Huntersville a great neighborhood school with consistently high scores in all areas - a Blue Ribbon school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started kindergarten and she loves everything about school. She has a fantastic teacher and is learning more and more every day.
—Submitted by a parent

the staff there are very nice and helpful
—Submitted by a parent

My fourth son just started kindergarten and I have loved the school since my oldest went there in first grade. The curriculum is excellent as are the teachers. My children have enjoyed their years there and so have I.
—Submitted by a parent