J Clyde Hopkins Elementary School

My two children go to this school.. The teachers in Kindergarten and First grade are amazing. They are really involve with each child. The communication between teacher and parent is wonderful. I am very pleased with this school. I would have to say that they go out of their way to help a child reach their goals in school and outside of school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our principal gets to know each and every kid by first name. Our school's multipurpose room has the most fabulous 1950s plywood paneling I've ever seen! Ours is the oldest elementary in Sherwood, named one of the Top 10 small cities for families by Family Circle Magazine, 2009.
--Submitted by a parent

Hopins may be one of the oldest school buildings in Sherwood, but it is by and far the best elementary school Sherwood has to offer. My son is learning disabled and the faculty at Hopkins have bent over backwards to help keep him main-streamed. All the children at Hopkins are taught respect, and I see the evidence of that everytime I walk onto the campus. There has always been a lot of parent envolvement at Hopkins, and I hope the the new elemantary school can be just as good.
--Submitted by a parent

Hopkins has turned out to be a life lesson for my children. They are surrounded by not only supportive and enthusiastic staff but also they are in a real-life setting. This means that there is a variety of families that attend this school, spanish speaking, low-income etc. I am pleased that my children are being exposed to all aspects of their childhood and not only to 'the perfect world.'
--Submitted by a parent

We've been at this school one year after moving from another state with an elementary of similar size and ability to post higher test scores. Hopkins has been wonderful in comparison. The staff/teachers really care about the children, and the after-school/summer enrichment programs are great. My child really enjoys being part of the Sherwood community. I highly recommend volunteering in the classroom and PTAC to get yourself connected and be an advocate for your child at what ever school your child attends.
--Submitted by a parent

There is no expectation for excellence. Being average and doing average seems to not only be the norm but the desired outcome. And that is just not good enough for my child or any of the other 700+ students in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school teaches kids only what will be tested and they only care about maintaining what is relfected on paper for this school. Discipline is sadly lacking. Hopkins is also getting a growing population of low income and non-English speaking students.
--Submitted by a parent

It's a great school. My daughter learned a lot. And the staff were always so friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

I gave an overall average rating. I appreciate that Hopkins tests very well, usually in the 90s. There is a bigger picture missing here. Lack of funding or interest to provide extra-curricular activities. The school does do a couple of fundraisers a year but it is time to raise the bar. Kids need an additional outlet for special interests in sports, music, technology and culture. It seems like the small town of Sherwood uses all its limited funding only for academics during its growing pains. People we know in other school districts have the chance for a more well rounded education. We have also had concerns about inappropriate behavior and bullies not being dealt with. Overall, its a fine school but you can do better. I think we will be leaving this school district while the kids are still young.
--Submitted by a parent

The kindergarten in these schools are great! My child's classroom used daily conflict resolution. She uses hands-on curriculum, educational art projects, and learning by singing. She is positive, encouraging and creative. My child's self esteem is upheld and the other children are friendly and helpful.
--Submitted by a parent