Highland Park Elementary School

I just got out of here; I am a sixth grader. The new principal I dont really know well, but all six years I spent here are memorable. The teachers are great and i cried when the PE coach retired halfway through the year, it's a wonderful school most of the time...

Without a great administration it s difficult for any school to be successful. This new administration lacks in attentiveness, social skills and direction. There is a lack of community feel which I feel is primarily due a PTO that isn t quick to make anyone feel welcome and prides itself on itself. Fundraisers and the funds collected come from the entire HPES Family yet the PTO tends to take the glory for it all while the Administration seems to lack the personal skills needed to create a communal atmosphere. The lack of personality and inclusive attitude seems to plague the campus.
—Submitted by a parent

It is unfortunate that Pflugerville ISD has managed to hire the two worst principals in Texas to lead Highland Park Elem. The current principal walks down the hall telling students "don't make me get CRUNK with you!" among other inappropriate words and gestures.
—Submitted by a parent

I was surprised to see the negative comments about this school. My daughter is a first grader there and we have been very happy with the staff and the level of education she has received this far. We are relocating out of state after Christmas and are very sad to be leaving this school. I can only hope to find one as good where we are going.
—Submitted by a parent

The school personnel is friendly. Students seem to really like the teachers. Nice school environment. Have seen many improvements this year.
—Submitted by a parent

Prior leadership was greatly lacking and failed to take responsibility for mistakes made. No one is perfect, however the past administration seemed to live under a double standard, was unapproachable and "ruled" with an iron fist but was unwilling to get down in the trenches. Likes to point fingers, but cannot take ownership. Teachers are the best they can be, but was definitely toxic from the top down. Very unhealthy environment.
—Submitted by a teacher

I love this school my daughter always excited about going to school, always clean, every day I walk into the halls every morning i never seen anything messy, everyone is super friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

My two girls have been at HPES since 1st grade and are 4th graders now. My son is in 1st grade at hpes.Needless to say this will be our last year at HPES. It has gotten progressively worse. Students are not challenged academically, have way too much freedom, and the staff has way too much favortism.School is overcrowded, and teachers have no idea!!
—Submitted by a parent

Seems there is going to be a new face at HPES. Hopefully with the 'new' prinicple next year there will be a new outlook.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very dissapointed with this school. Because my child is in K, this is my first experience, and so far I am not impressed. There does not seem to be a lot of accountability on the administrator's part, there are a lot of excuses and passing of the buck, nothing is ever resolved. I have had some serious issues in regards to my child's physical safety, and it is unacceptable. While the principal tried to assure me that I had nothing to worry about, everytime I drop my child off, my anxiety goes through the roof. In addition, the children are mostly obnoxious and undisciplined. Walking through the hallway, it is unbelievable the amount of disrespect that is allowed on the students part. There is no challenge for my child, they are often bored because aren't really learning anything. There isn't much in place for identifying truly gifted students.
—Submitted by a parent

The problem with HPES is and always has been the leadership. And possibly perhaps the top leadership as they have let it go on this long..... I've had three kids at HPES, one left last year and loves middle school. Next year we are moving to RRISD as I have had it. This principal has no leadership, she fakes any concern for parents, lacks any real heart to be associated with children. Good teachers have left the school due to her discipline, her favortism, and her immaturity. PISD is still good old boy system that has no idea how to handle the population that it is facing over the next 10 years. Diversity is wonderful if you're equipped and ready to meet the changes. House for sale, as soon as the SOLD sign appears, we are gone for good.
—Submitted by a parent

I can go along with the teachers are writing the positive reviews or from what I know of the principal she is. Until she is out of there the climate of this school will not change. My son is a 3rd grader and we have had a miserable year. His teacher has no clue about discipline and should have stayed in the library. When you enter the building, there is a solemn tone, and when the principal ever physically leaves her desk, she is rude and insincere. I was a very involved parent until this year and I have given up and decided to provide him with enrichment outside of the district. He is not challenged and all he has done all year are TAKS reviews and worksheets. If that is what it takes to get recognized, then I'd rather be low performing.
—Submitted by a parent

I think a lot of the positive reviews on here are from the faculty. Maybe not all of them, but definitely some of them. All I know, is that my oldest daugher went th HPES in the 5th grade and had a horrible horrible experience. Now my youngest is in 4th at HPES. I have a neighbor who put her son (who was in my daughters class) in a Charter School this year because of the bullying problem at HPES and when I asked my daughter which kid was doing the bullying, she replied 'which one Mom, there are a lot of bullies'. I know each case is different, but I do know that my daughters teacher is also not doing her part academically or helping with the bullying problem. I am looking into a Charter school for my daughter for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My child who never had discipline problems before this is in trouble constantly for ridiculous things. He superiorly gifted and is bored. The school does not acknowledge this or give him extra work. It has been a horrible year. We are ready for private school after this subpar public school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely amazing! These are the only words that I can use to describe our experience with HPES. We moved here almost 4 months ago now from out of state. At the time we knew very little about the area and nothing about the school. One of my children has sensory and social anxiety issues, and I was concerned about switching her to a new school mid'year. Three days after starting here every concern I had was completely gone. My child's teacher actually called me after the first day to let me know how my child did. As a parent I have been extremely encouraged to get involved. I have seen my children begin to thrive. They love school days now. I have heard nothing but positive things from all of our neighbors as well. And to top things off, I have seen the most diverse mix of students and teachers ever.
—Submitted by a parent

It all depends on how you look at it. Highland Park has not grown as a family; but a staff member so quantly wanted you to think that as she wrote it. There is still an abundance of turnover, immaturity of leadership and lack of discipline. My child has finally left the school and moved on to greener pastures; whereas he has fond memories of his teachers in 3rd and 4th grade, it was a constant worry to have him in such an atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Not sure about the bitter parents. The test scores say a lot about this school. Yes, it was slammed over and over by the non-minority schools. Some even called it the, 'ghetto school,' because it wasn't white enough. Kids need to learn about the diverse world around them, and they need to master academic content. I think this is the only school in Pflugerville that does both of those things. The only one.
—Submitted by a parent

School is over crowded and loud. The school does not hold students to high standards. There is no consequence for not completing assignments and children who are ahead and do their work are not challenged.
—Submitted by a parent

The Highland Park faculty is growing into a family. After only 3 years it has quickly become one of the best schools in all of Pflugerville. There are so many wonderful things taking place at this school. The students are incredibly diverse and talented, the teachers are very dedicated and caring, the administration is supportive to the hard working teachers and tough on the ineffective teachers, and the parents are very supportive and present. The after school enrichment is terrific, the GT program is great, the Intervention team is super, the Diversity Night is one of kind! There are so many great things to say about HPES you can't fit it all in 150 words!
—Submitted by a teacher

Great school! Everyone who will be working with students at our school next year will be focused on the success of our students. We made tremendous progress this past year and will be rated Recognized. Credit for this goes to the administrators, the teachers, parents, and all of the supporting staff. I have taught for 28 years and it is the first time I have experienced such achievement with a diverse population in a Title 1 school. I am excited about the possibilities for the coming year. It will take everyone working together to help us reach Exemplary status. We can do it if we pull together! Take care, enjoy the rest of the summer and be ready for a fantastic start to a new school year!
—Submitted by a teacher