J Clyde Hopkins Elementary School

We have had 2 children in Hopkins for 2 years and the involvement and commitment from both the teachers and principal is outstanding. I have yet to run into another parent or student that feels otherwise. The facilities are great and the events put on with PTA involvement are numerous and top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent. The teachers are enthusiastic, caring, and supportive. The principal is wonderful too - he knows the kids, spends time with them, and is well liked by both parents and students. The support staff - from the school counselor to the secretary - is fabulous too. Both our children have had great learning experiences at Hopkins. We are so happy to be at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful with all students! The teachers and staff care for the students and it shows! So glad to have my daughter here!
—Submitted by a parent

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

Teachers are young and inexperienced. The school (teachers and principle) do not deal with conflict well and are enablers for bullies empowering them to continue with bad behavior.
—Submitted by A parent who cares!, a parent

This school is old and in need of some facility upgrading. Discipline in the classroom with difficult children and bullies is weak, classroom sizes are large and without the parents invlovment, donated class time and money, this school wouldn't be anything to brag about. We will not be returning next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Hopkins Elementary is a fantastic school where children can really thrive. The teachers and staff are caring people who really want students to succeed. Our school-wide counseling program focuses on respect of self and others. State test scores consistently rate Hopkins as strong to exceptional. Our parent involvement is very high and volunteer hours are off the charts! I am proud to have three children attending Hopkins and proud to serve on Hopkins PTAC board where all parents at Hopkins have a voice and a chance to be involved in their children's education. Our Hoop-de-do carnival has been a Sherwood tradition for over 30 years and is by far the best in town. Fundraisers are well organized events and all grade levels are able to experience field trips, physical education, and art and music programs even in a time of cutbacks in state and federal funding. Hooray for Hopkins Elementary School!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Hopkins school is the best in Sherwood. The teachers have been wonderful and always take time out of their day to make a phone call if they feel your child is struggling academically. They go the extra mile for students, they truly care about them. It's a very family like atmosphere, everyone is very friendly and teachers always say hello as you walk down the halls. They have the best carnivals and fundraisers every year. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has come a long way. I am proud to have my child in this school. My oldest is an alumni of this school and is doing well in the middle school thanks to the great support from teachers and staff. Hopkins ratings has topped all the other elementary schools in sherwood academically.
—Submitted by a parent

Worst experience of our lives. The teachers we encountered had very few years of teaching experience,but tried hard given the lack of text books, desks, and large class size. The school is not well funded.
—Submitted by a parent