Hardin Valley Elementary School

We moved to this school from South Knoxville and are considering a change to private school. Our son's teacher seems very caring, but the administration is all about test scores. It seems the teachers' hands are tied by the government's liberal agenda. Why does a third grader need to learn about "Unions and Guest Workers?"
—Submitted by a parent

Good PTA,and involved parents but unfortunately, as with all public schools, due to govt intervention, the kids have to be taught to take a test. Really wish they were able to just teach.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved from out of state, and my first grader started at Hardin Valley Elementary. His teacher, Miss Watkins, is teaching the class sign language, Spanish, and many things I wouldn't have thought to be part of the curriculum. I don't know if this is the teacher or the school, but we have been pleased with his progress this year. He looks forward to going to school and has had no bullying or interpersonal issues that some other parents have referenced here. We haven't had a need to interface with the Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had nothing but regret after enrolling our child at Hardin Valley Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children and have had at least one child at HVES since 2002, and will be there until 2014! So I will span twelve years at the Elementary School. I have nothing but good things to say about the teachers, staff and the PTA. We are so fortunate to have such an awesome school, and I would do anything to stay in the school district if a move should arise. Everyone is very welcoming at the school, and the strong PTA involvement continues to grow by leaps and bounds. I am proud to be a member!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been going to Hardin Valley Elementary ever since Kindergarten. I am very unimpressed with the whole school for a matter of fact. The children tackle eachother on the playground , and they are bullying like crazy , this is a result of unaware teachers and staff. The staff and PTA are the snobbiest people you could meet . The teachers are a wide variety though. Some are very kind and caring , while others ca'nt get their heads out of their mirror.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Hardin Valley from out of state last summer. Hardin Valley Elementary made the transition for my daughters to a new state, school, and home smooth and positive. The teacher's are amazing and the administration encourages parent involvement. In the back of my mind, I thought we would end up sending our girls to private school since the reputation for the public schools were so low. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised and will not move out of this school zone until my girls are out of school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm surprised that the Great Schools score for Hardin Valley isn't higher. I'm a parent of a rising 2nd grader at HVES. My child has a learning disability that we've been in therapy for since he was 3 1/2 years old. While we had planned to send our child to a private school, but the economy changed those plans. We have had the most amazing two years at Hardin Valley. Our child has flourished there. As an example, he was reading at a 2nd grade level half way through the 1st grade. While a parent that is involved in my child's learning, I have to give credit to his first two teachers. Both were attentive, flexible with teaching styles, firm where it was needed, positive, and caring. They were simply amazing. Honestly, the weakest link in HVES is the administration. The principal tends to be impulsive and inconstant with decisions.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with this school. This is the first year for my two children. We moved from another state and I was concerned about finding a good school. The school environment is very positive and safe. The academics seem slightly behind the state we are coming from, but we are still happy to be here. I think this is a state thing, not a school thing. I have taught in some schools that had higher academic standards, but the pressure and environment were horrible. Teachers are able to teach at Hardin Valley because discipline is strict and fair. There is lots of parental involvement as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers. Strict, but fair principal. Very involved and supportive PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent Staff, leadership, students,
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely LOVE this school. The teachers have been more than accommodating to the needs of my children. I have 2 children there. One is more advanced than the other. The one that struggles has been taken under the wing of a wonderful caring teacher. My children both were in the Farragut school system before coming to HVES and believe me, HVES is better in every aspect of the word. As for Mr. Evans, the principal-He ROCKS!!! He knows how to interact with the kids but still is an authority figure. The new Assistant Prin.-Hats off to her too. She is kind and polite. HVES has made a complete difference in the lives of my children and our family!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been unhappy with this school. They have been unwilling to work with us on on important health issues involving our son and our concerns have been met with an arrogance that I do not understand. If you are expecting open communication between parents teachers and administrative staff, this is probably not the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers are horrible and the staff have a holier than thou mind frame
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school with caring and hard working teachers, a beautiful campus and a very effective PTA group.
—Submitted by a parent

Hardin Valley is a wonderful school! My two oldest children have had great teachers and excellent learning experiences. I look forward to my third child starting this fall.
—Submitted by a parent

The bad reviews on HVES are from the past principal. Mr. Evans is incredible and works very well with the kids. He does so many things to get the kids interested and let them have fun at the same time. For those that sold a certain number of coupon books they were able to line up in front of the school and throw water balloons at him while he rode by on a tricycle. My daughter thinks he's very funny and very nice. He's also very fair and takes the time to really listen to the kids and parents about their concerns. I've had several issues as we lucked out w/ a not so great teacher this year and he always had time for us to come in and speak with him. We are zoned Farragut now and honestly would much rather stay at HVES.
—Submitted by a parent

Aweosme Principle, and awesome Teachers. Our kids don't want to ever move
—Submitted by a parent

HVES has so much to offer for all academic levels. There are wonderful after-school enrichment programs, as well as many resources within the school for advanced students. There is also a great effort by the teachers to make sure that every student has their needs met. The level of commitment by the principals and teachers to make sure students who are below their grade level academically get the intervention they need is to be commended. Also, the parent envolvment is fabulous! The PTA rasies an incredible amount of money each year, which goes right back to the students on many different levels. I would highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

The facility is beautiful but unfortunately, the concern for the kids is not. At first glance you think it is a great school run by concerned people. Then, you spend more time there and you see the truths like how some of the teachers are just cold and bitter and the principal is condescending. I am disappointed and dismayed.
—Submitted by a parent