Hightower Elementary School

I too felt the teachers does not want to help the kids who needs more attention including avoiding their parents. Just pointing out the shortcomings of kids who need help would not do teachers as well special ed need to get more involved. Trying to avoid involvement due to reasons liks budget cuts does not help the kid or the parent.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Hightower, and I am especially impressed with the active PTA and the many programs they provide. Since the parents are very involved, the teachers are appreciative and caring. I have found the current principal to be rather aloof, but have seen much improvement in her performance in the last year. I find most of the staff and other families to be very welcoming and involved.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to the 1st grade at Hightower. The previous parent was spot on when they wrote that Hightower is not a welcoming environment. I definately got the feeling that we were not welcome, and that parents are to stay out of the classroom. When my child had issues, I wanted to observe in the classroom to see what was going on and the teacher refused! I pulled my daughter out of the school because of that environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a KG student and a 2nd grader and I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of the work and the atmosphere of the school. I have had interaction with the principal and found her to be quite enthusiastic and pleasant and welcoming. We moved from another Plano ISD school district and I believe that the level of the curriculum at this school is superior to the previous one (and that one had an exemplary rating as well).
--Submitted by a parent

We selected our new home based on the PISD reputation and Hightower's exemplary rating. The rating has since lowered and we are disappointed in the quality of instruction. The teachers are young and have few years exp. at best. This school is so committed to its rating and stats that the students suffer. My 1st and 2nd grade children bring home work sheets requiring mutliplication to complete - math concepts the teachers do not cover in grades 1 or 2. They simply rely on the parents to teach this math. Sure we play an important role - but the teachers have to do their part as well. They are not covering material - rather they focus almost entirely on the state TAKS test.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that this school could be better. I don't feel the warmth and welcoming atmosphere I was expecting. The first day I introduced my son to the principal, she said, 'hello'. Not 'welcome to Hightower.' that would have been more appropriate in my opinion. Teachers - the ones we have had do not have the experience I would like. If you are a working mom - forget about PTA, they cater to stay at home moms.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers definitely not what they used to be. Note that the ESOL teacher Ms. Teng is superior.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Personal attention to kids.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Hightower for k-5. She loved it! So did I, the teachers are nice and have a good reputation. The best thing about this school is that everyone is welcoming and inviting! Her little brother has a learning disability, and he needs special tutoring. So, my daudher thought that Hightower would be the perfect school for him. We are now moving close to the school in a few weeks.
--Submitted by a parent