Hazelwood Elementary School

My son has attended Hazelwood for the past 3 years and I feel confident that he is receiving a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was one of the best; its quality has slipped greatly this year with the loss of its award-winning principal. One thing that hasn't changed, the office staff is very rude. They are cold, unfriendly and always act as if you are disturbing them. If you are involved in your children s education, be prepared for a fight, they do not welcome parental involvement. The impression they give is that once your child walks through the door, everything is out of your hands and should not concern you. The teachers are a mixed bag, some are excellent, others barely willing to treat your child as human or show any interest. Discipline at the school is often harsh, kindergarteners are often yelled at and 'put against the wall' (isolated) during lunch for talking...a 35 minute time out with no one responding to their crying. I doubt the parents know.
—Submitted by a parent

Hazelwood has a very poor scheduling in how they scheduling the extra activities. They shedule over choir time over the children's recess time, so the children miss their only (one recess out of the entire day) recess time. The recess time was at the last period of the day before going home. It needs to look at it's discipline area seriously in how they reach out to the children and teaching them to have the right to throw other people's things into the trash. A principal that says they are not responsible for our children/our teachers as well makes you wonder if they are not their but for a paycheck.
—Submitted by a parent

Hazelwood is one of the best elementary schools in Clarksville! The teachers strive to teach the students as much as possible. The children learn so much, and they know that their teachers care for them. I have never had a problem with any of the staff. The special area teachers are also wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the negative reviews this school received. I've always been involved with my children and their schools. I found the staff and administration to be very closed and seemed like they didn't want involvement. My child went from straight A's to C & D's. The school was supposed to involve her in a group with the counslor for children with deployed parents but the teacher would make her stay in class instead. She was also behind the class in math from moving after the year started and after investigating the situation I feel like the teacher did nothing to help her learn the material. The teacher was also very rude and would say inappropriate things to the children. The administration did nothing when I tried to go to them I switched her to the local magnet school and she is much happier and has A's again.
—Submitted by a parent

I have watched the interactions between the faculty of this school and parents. If you are a parent who cares about your child, be prepared to get the run around here! they will go to great lengths to head off any parent who complains and to even prevent parents from comunicating with teachers. They seem to almost not want parental input. I don't know about you but i like being a part of my child's life!
—Submitted by a parent

My two children have been enrolled at Hazelwood for the past two years, and we all love it! The staff is professional and the teachers are very caring and helpful. It has been a pleasure to work on the PTO this year with other parents who are concerned about their children and teachers. My children both participate in the wonderful extracirricular activities that Hazelwood offers including Art Club, PASS, Honor Choir and the new After-school program. They love all of them. Mr. Hatley is the best music teacher my children have had, and we have 4 other teachers to compare him to. He goes above and beyond what is expected of him. We will be sad to leave Hazelwood this summer. Thanks for all the wonderful things you have done for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is womderful. The teachers give feedback and communicate well with parents. They do tons of neat activities with the students and stay on top of things in regards to how the children are doing. They try to keep class sizes low so your child can ahve one on one time with the teacher and they can be sure to help your child when needed. The school is clean and the teachers and staff are friendly and always willing to help. The school has an excellent reputation in clarksville-montgomery county among parents and teachers. The principle is great and really does her best to make sure the school does whatever is best for the children. The school is very much child centered and I recommend this school and area for anyone moving into clarksviile.
—Submitted by a parent

I have taught at Hazelwood for the past 6 years and love it. Mrs. Kennedy and Mr. Darke are professional and experienced adminstrators who not only care about the students but teachers as well. We strive to have a family atmosphere and make all feel welcome.
—Submitted by Shelley Scott, a teacher

We have just moved here due to military. I know different states have different standards. The class she was placed into is advanced for their grade. My child is having trouble keeping up. I have never met a teacher that wouldn't give a child a break until now. Since she writes some of her letters backwords the teacher takes off for this, thus giving my child a reason not wanting to try anymore. I can find articles saying this is very normal for kids this age(also with having two teachers in my family) but this teacher says otherwise. If your child needs help, please go else where they will not get it here. I have also been told there is no room for extra help they are filled in the beginning of the year. So if you move here your child is out of luck. Which is not right!
—Submitted by JENNIFER ALLEY, a parent

This is the best school. They care a great deal about the children and work well with the parents. They have communication folders the come home not at the end of the week but every day. My son's kindergarten teacher Mrs. Gavin is a wonderful teacher. Mrs. Bostick also worked very well with him.
—Submitted by Erica Moss, a parent