Homestead Elementary School

Robin Perry is one of the absolute WORST principals ever. She doesn't like the kids, the teachers, or the parents. I really have no idea how she keeps her job.... I guess Central Office just doesn't want to know. Kids are not motivated to be there or to do their best and it is clear that they are miserable. It is a sad place to be. Ms. Perry HAS to be in control of everything --- can you say insecure? The teachers have just given up because nothing changes. Get her out of there and you may salvage the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the school, beautiful. The teachers and staff are great. The principal is wonderful also. My son has learned so much in just the first 6 weeks of school. So glad I decided to take him to Homestead
--Submitted by a parent

We relocated from another city and bought a home zoned for HES. After speaking to numerous sources I knew which school I wanted my children in. I haven't been disappointed yet and we have ben here for three years now. I am now volunteering with the AR program and I see the day to day interactions between the teachers and the students. 98% of the teachers are doing an excellent job! And with any job you will have a couple of personalities that aren't what they should be. This school sets a high standard for education and any contact I have had with Mrs. Perry has been nothing but professional and goal oriented. She had a mess to clean up and I think the school has been so much better the last three years!! Its my fellow parents who aren't accustomed to change that continue to be the problem.
--Submitted by a parent

The academics may be good but the environment is horrible, especially under the leadership of the principal Robin Perry. The school is not at all what it used to be. I would venture to say academics will begin to suffer in a few years under the current leadership and with good teachers and kids leaving. My advice: RUN. Do not put your child in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I think if more parents knew what went on in this school that they would not have the rating they have. There is bulling going on and some kind of fight everyday there. Open your eyes people and start investigating...
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, this is one of the better schools in the county. However, schools in this area are hampered by too much emphasis on student test scores such as the TCAP. It seems that education stops in late April when the TCAP is completed. From then on, it is mostly field trips or reward trips. If this follows through for children in all grades, then by the end of the 8th grade, our children would have missed an entire year of education! I would prefer that Cumberland County undergo a paradigm shift and adopt what most school systems have adopted: a K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 based school system. Also, get away from merely teaching a test and teach children how to read, perform mathematical operations, and develop a more rigorous scientific curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

HES is awesome. All teachers push excellence, but are also willing to go the extra mile to see that their students get there. Staff is hard working, friendly, and motivating. I am thankful that my child gets to attend HES!
--Submitted by a parent

Every school can always improve,however under the watch of Mrs.Aarona VanWinkle this school just keeps getting better and better.Some of the best educators in the state work here. Much welcomed parental involvment and volunteers, boosters and PTO. Something for everyone where extracurricular activities are concerned. Debate teams, 4-H, Beta, FCA, yearbook staff, student council and class representives,band, Art club, football,tennis,basketball,track and cross-country, Chess team, softball,volleyball,and the list goes on. The new greenhouse,science lab, computer lab, and library are just waiting for the new clubs to get going very soon.Teachers work great together and encourage everyone to get involved. After school and morning tutoring and peer mediators. Kids helping each other teaches many things you can't get in a book. If Homestead isn't one of the best it will be with Mrs.VanWinkle caring for the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school!Has a good toutoring program in the afternoon and some mornings for children that are having trouble.Also many great clubs and activities that students can get involved in.One of the best elementary band programs in the county.Also might I add,HES has an a great principal and vice principal(Great job Mr.Smith)Great test scores and a friendly environment.
--Submitted by a student