Highland Park Elementary School

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