LHS Elementary School

My oldest daughter started at LH West in 2006 (the year it opened) and is now completing 3rd grade at LH South. I'm very pleased with the accelerated programs at West and the gifted programs at South and North. She has had wonderful teachers, and I am very pleased with the staff as well. She is still excited about school. As a former educator, I know how easily students can become discouraged and bored--I believe the district is working hard to keep students engaged as well as on-task. Considering how small this district was at one time and how much it has grown in the last ten years, I applaud the combined efforts of administration, staff, teachers and parents in keeping their goals student-centered. Keep up the great work!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent parent teacher involvement. They really take the time to ensure our child is cared for regardless of wether or not they are behind, neutral or advanced.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's 2nd year at Licking Heights South, and I've found it to be a wonderful school. The principal, Mr. Kennedy, is very involved and often out of his office, interacting with the students. The teachers we've had have been excellent. The gifted program is also excellent. The PTO has many fun activities for the students and their families. The school has given the students access to an on-line learning program called Study Island that they can use anywhere and help them with the curriculum. We have been very pleased with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

While I applaud the rigorous academic challenge my child received at LHSouth, we struggled all year long for accommodations regarding his disability. There was no flexibility. There seemed to be little compassion when solving problems or considering individual needs.My child's self esteem was at a low and I am discouraged to the point of considering homeschooling!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is also in the gifted program. The gifted teacher is wonderful! Just the kind of teacher you wish for your child's success. My daughter has had some great teachers but there have also been some I felt were way below average. Teachers who seem burned out and annnoyed all the time. I don't think you can be effective with your students if your attitude is negative. The teachers I've liked have been exceptional at their jobs. Have kept control in their classrooms while allowing the children to have fun with learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in the gifted program at Summit elementary, and it has greatly improved her total overall learning experience at the school. She is involved in other extra programs and really enjoys the total environment. We are in the process of moving, but it is not due to the schools. Keep up the good work!
--Submitted by a parent

I think that this school district is on it's way to success, however right now it has experienced a Housing Developement boom....explosion rather & it is trying it's best to accomodate that. They are in process of building 2 new schools & think things will be better once it is done.
--Submitted by a parent

I definitely agree with the previous review. The school district is not keeping up with all the growth it has seen in the past year. Overcrowded classes are one concern along with teachers not addressing behavioral issues with some students, I was told when my son was pushed and hit that 'no teacher saw what happened, so nothing can be done'. We are currently looking to move very soon!
--Submitted by a parent

We have found it difficult to communicate with the school and administrator especially. The school seems short funded all the time, despite new levy being passed. When we tried to inquire about where the money was being spent, no clear explanation was given from the district office or superintendant. It seems to be a gross mismanagement of money, and no set plan on how to adequately accomodate the huge growth influx. Our concerns with the school, the principal and other areas have never been addressed either. We have even been told by Principal Lauffer 'We have a lot to learn as parents' when voicing our concerns about a poor classroom situation, and teacher. He revoked any say we had in our son's class change, and the superintendent didn't want to hear what we had to say. The small town mentality needs to change. Frustrated Parent & Former Teacher
--Submitted by a parent