Clover Hill Elementary School

I agree with another parent's comments that the teachers are generally nice and concerned BUT the front office staff has issues. I hate the fact now that you cannot go directly into the office. They have some women sitting outside the office to filter people. What's up with that? The principal and VP are women which you would think is a great thing but that is not the case here. These women basically act as PR reps for the school. Their main goal is not run a quality school but to make sure incidents with parents do not get out of control
—Submitted by a parent

My children recently began attending Clover Hill and for the most part have had a good transition. I am very pleased with the academics and the teachers are wonderful. The front office staff has been very warm and helpful but to my dismay the only interaction I have had with the vice principle was of her actually raising her voice and being very rude to me. There is an extremely large amount of students and it is difficult when your new to navigate all the specific rules of the school, particularily student pick up is a nightmare. I was really hoping to meet some other parents here but to this point no one has been very friendly or outgoing. But my main concern is that my children receive a good education and I do believe they are getting an excellent on here.
—Submitted by a parent

I love being the principal of this wonderful school. It is a privilege to work with supportive, dedicated, and enthusiastic parents and staff. CHES prides itself on creating a Positive Energy Zone in the office. We call this area "PEZ" ... With this in mind, our staff was particularly concerned to read the previous posting and, as principal, I felt it necessary to respond specifically to the anonymous writer. To set the record straight, our assistant principal has neither met nor encountered this family, but would welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss their concerns in person. Catherine Hines, CHES Principal

My son has attended Clover Hill for a very short time. We're a military family and the transition to this school has been an adjustment. His teacher appears professional and amenable. The counselor is friendly, professional and accommodating. But the front office staff, especially the assistant principal, often leave me speechless with frustration. They're rude, caddy and snobbish. It's like walking into a hen party every unfortunate time I go to the office. I can't believe that a school with such high marks, with such a strong academic reputation, would have customer service so lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

I love CHES! My teachers have been very good. I have learned a lot and I don't want to leave next year.
—Submitted by Brooke Teefey

Clover Hill Elementary has been a great school for my kids. The teachers have challenged my kids and the change in administration is great! We are very happy with this school. The parents are wonderful as well and that makes it that much more special.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids at Clover Hill right now and this is our 4th year with them. The principal is new this year so you have to take into consideration she is doing things a little differently and instilling some new ideas into the school and is doing a great job. The teachers are wonderful and we've loved every one we've had. The staff is wonderful and if you work with them, you would know that. They all go out of their way to help the kids. We moved from another county where the schools were not this great and you didn't hear about them in the papers. Everyone is moving to Chesterfield county because of the schools so they must be doing something right and I find it hard to believe that someone would choose to leave the school instead of trying to solve the problem first.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of teaching, for the most part, is excellent. Your child will do well in this school as long as they are bright and have no learning difficuties or struggles with academics. The leadership in the school has deteriorated year by year with the change of administration. Discipline is almost non-existent. You have to fight and be a strong advocate for your child in this school. I would not recommend this school under its current administration.
—Submitted by a parent

When I moved here I was excited that my children would be in VA schools. However, my excitement ended quickly. The communication between parents and teachers is a constant struggle. I am unable it the curriculum on the website. My son complained half that the work was too easy because he done it the prior year.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attened this school for about a year and a half and I just had to pull her out. First year was a great experience, great teacher. This year her teacher was awful. Was marking her with bad behavior and when I went to talk to teacher about it I was told to wait over a month until our parent teacher conference. Once I met with the teacher we made a program where she would simply put a smiley face on a calandar if my daughter was good or write what she did wrong if she was not. She rarely wrote anything on the calandar and would give excuses like there was no time. No time to write a smiley face? but plenty of time to write x's on her report card. Teacher did not care about my daugther and I moved as a result.
—Submitted by a parent

I will say the school as a whole provides a great education for the kids. My child has attended the school for 3 years now and the education portion is great. The administration could use a big change. I don't know who the blame falls on but I guess since the Principle is in charge it should fall on her shoulders. The school has a double standard it displays towards parents that visit the school. I do agree with one other post on here that ever since the change in vice principle the school's customer service has gone way down. I too wish my son could attend Grange Hall or Woolridge. Kudos to the teachers at Clover Hill Elementary you all have done a wonderful job it is too bad the administration and parent volunteers do not have the same standard.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Clover Hill Elementary School! My kids will have all experienced K through 5 at C.H.E.S. My children seem to get positive attention and the academic quality is great. I hope Mrs. Crenshaw, the music teacher, will stay there until she's 100 - what an asset! Now that I have one in Middle School, where he seems to be just a number, I realize how special Clover Hill is. I will now better cherish my other children's experience at C.H.E.S. because it seems to go by in 'the blink of an eye'.
—Submitted by a parent

M. McAllister is a great guidance counselor. Front office staff is warm and friendly. Teacher are excellent. I have three kids there and am very happy. School has been responsive to my kids specific needs.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Clover Hill for 3 years. Our experience had been positive. The principal is an excellent leader. The teachers are more than qualified and seem truly interested in the children. The PTA is effective and welcoming. I'm satisfied with safety and security of the building. I have never had a problem with communication. A little more attention could be paid to playground teasing, but when I had to bring this issue up it was immediately dealt with. This is a happy, secure, and stimulating environment. We could not be happier and would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by Crystal Pritchard, a parent

I would not compare the school with a great private school. I don't think the school is all positive. My children came from public school outside of the state and there is no comparison between them. I feel that communication between some teachers and parents lack a whole lot. Attention to new students is not at an acceptable level especially if the child starts at Clover Hill during the year. I would not consider it a fabulous school, but, not bad either. It 's not to say Clover Hill may be one of the best. But, it just may be the level of qualifications for teachers in Virginia that need to be improved. Let's be honest they are supposed to be teaching our children so they can succeed in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

CHES is probably one of the best schools in the USA! My son was already going to an excellent private school that has MI (Multiple Intelligences)approach plus 2nd language classes (Mandarin) when he transferred to CHES. He adjusted easily at CHES. Their art and music programs are my son's favorites; he also became more interested in History and Math. He loved his teacher, Mrs. Finck. His reading, which is already very good, became excellent. The school involves parents in chid's activities through homework and art projects. As for extracurricular activities, there is enough for parents and child to chose from. The school staff is friendly and accomodating. We just regretted that we have to leave before the school year ends. CHES is highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very excited for my son to start his second grade year at Clover Hill because of the very high remarks that people gave it, however last year was a very good experience and this year was not. My son has moved from school to school due to his dad being in the military and serving our country.In there lottery system process to move a child out of a grade into another they don't look at the history of the child or how long he has been at the school. I feel before they make such decisions, they need to look at their transcript and be sure. They also know when they need a another teacher at the beginning of the school year. You shouldn't wait until school has been in motion for a month to make a transition for these children after they have already been established.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a 'free' private school. Yes the classes are to their limits but that says a lot about the teachers. They are dedicated to every child understanding and getting help. The children are happy while at school and eager to learn more. Mrs. Crenshaw, the music teacher is outstanding and strives to achieve excellence. Ms. Norman has a nurturing heart and determination. My husband and I feel blessed to have our children cared for by the staff at Clover Hill. Just bring back the talent show.
—Submitted by a parent

I haven't had the best experience at Cloverhill. My son just started about a month ago - and he isn't getting the kind of support he really needs. I don't know if it is his teacher or the school as a whole, but he is not excited for school the way he used to be. Just thought I would be honest and share our experience so far.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! I moved from Virginia in fifth grade.Clover Hill is much better than the schools around here! I miss my teachers and entire staff! They really know how to make learning fun.I hope to see them again.They instilled a love of learning in me.
—Submitted by Nichole Mani, a former student