This is our sixth year at the school - our kids are in 3rd and 6th grade - and we continue to be impressed by the positive and supportive school culture, the engaging academic program, and the wonderful diversity of the student body. Almost all of our teachers have been very good - with a number that have been truly outstanding. In particular, we have been really pleased with sixth grade. Along with math, reading, social studies, science, world language, and PE, middle school students take rotating electives of art, music, and robotics. Our son is taking Arabic, which has been a great experience; the other language option is Spanish. Lots of after school sports options. Our kids are being challenged academically and they are building friendships with kids from all different backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent

We can't believe how lucky we were to win a spot at ELH this year. Teachers are inspired, parents of all socio-economic groups are engaged, students are kind and motivated, expectations for all students (and parents) are high, leadership is smart and responsive, communication between school and home is excellent, the facility is beautiful and getting better everyday. Honestly, it feels like a private school and I can't believe it's publicly supported. My daughter loves school and is thriving at ELH.
—Submitted by a parent

Top notch school, the entire staff is like a breath of fresh air, from the janitorial crew, nurses, security guards, front office, principals, to the head of the school, and I have to mention the amazing teachers, the class sizes are small, and you can tell the teachers and the teachers fellows really love their jobs! My son loves his school, and he is learning and doing exceptionally well! It's indeed a blessing to go off to work and not have to worry about your child, I know he's in a loving, safe and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is at the Haynes early childhood education campus and we couldn't be more pleased. The student-teacher ratios are better than at most private schools (3 teachers per class, with sizes increasing from 21 at pre-k to 25 at 2nd grade) and the teachers are, as far as we can tell, truly high quality without exception. Parent involvement is very high. The school is quite diverse along all conceivable measures, and everyone really pulls together to offer the children the best education and overall school experience possible. Our son loves going to E.L. Haynes and is doing wonderfully there.
—Submitted by a parent

Great environment for children to grow, excellent academic and great leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the second time I am writing this critique, I hope that it will get posted. If your child is strong academically this school may not be the best match. For all of the extra hours offered academic rigor is not. I saw my child's skills lesson significantly over a few years-I think due to non HQT instruction and lack of effective practices around children's social communication needs. A Former Parent
—Submitted by a parent

I have no worries when I send my children to school because I know that all of their needs are being met--academically as well as emotionally. My children thrive at EL Haynes. The teachers are the best and most caring people you'll find anywhere. They meet each student where he/she is, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach that you find in most schools. I cannot say enough about this school. It's wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in pre-k at EL Haynes and he has loved every moment. The teachers are outstanding, the commitment of the leadership impressive and the facilities welcoming. I love the 'specials': dance, music, art, Spanish and PE. They ahve at least one a day if not two
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in this school for two years and is thriving there. Every time he has a suggestion or idea, it is responded to with great enthusiam by the teaching staff. This has encouraged him to take initiative in his own learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Best elementary school in Columbia Heights, DC.
—Submitted by a parent

E.L. Haynes if first class all the way. The high quality can be felt from the moment you walk in the door. All of the staff from the front office to the teachers act as if Haynes is a business and each of the students are their best customers. The techers are excellent and excited about teaching. My son has attended 3 charter schools and Haynes is by far the best in the area. My son felt son at home from the 1st day. When I dropped him off on the first day, he was angry about having to change schools and by the time I came to pick him up from afterccare, he walked down the steps like that was his house. He is so happy at Haynes. He is learning so much.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. the teachers are first rate and my child really enjoys attendign this school. I am so please with my decision to put my child in this school. My 5 year old was reading beginning readers booklets from day one all by himself. They have a strong focus on literacy. And the materials to teach the children reading. My childss previous charter school thought that the teachers could teach reading without books.
—Submitted by a parent

EL Haynes is working to have a high quality math and science focus. We came to the school 3 years ago just for that. I can say that for the most part we feel we have had more opportunity for science expeditionary learning (excursions) than in the public school. On balance more focus on science labs, school based activities would also be beneficial.
—Submitted by a parent

El haynes is a great - multi cultural school. My daughter is in her 3rd year, and we find it to be a great enviroment. The school supports the responsive classroom approach.
—Submitted by a parent