Hazelwood Elementary School

Nothing amazing about this school. Teachers are there waiting for retirement. The vision posted on their web site is typical lip service, nothing else. Teaching is a typical case of following the lowest common denominator, i.e. the slowest and most disruptive kids get the most attention while all the other students are not making any progress.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have two daughters at Hazelwood, and we think that its a pretty great school. Both have great teachers this year- organized and energized! The PTSA is really fantastic, and adds a LOT to the school. They use their dues to great effect. The counselor gently helps kids who need extra support. My only concern is that I wish there was a few more adults on the playground to watch for bullying. I also wish that there was a Discovery program on site, instead of busing the "smart" kids down to Kennydale, which is not as nice of a school. Many parents seem to be driving their kids to Hazelwood, which causes traffic problems.
--Submitted by a parent

This a great school! all four kids have gone thru Hazelwood Elementary School and the staff and teachers have been great help to my kids grades! One is a UW graduate! second is a RN! Thanks, Hazelwood teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school, comprised of caring teachers and staff. PTSA is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is just finishing up her first year as a Kindergartner - she has loved it! She has made a ton of new friends, as have I. Her teacher is great - professional, but nice. She's very firm with the kids when needed, but they listen to her, and respond accordingly - the structure is great. I do agree that it's a little tough for my girl on the playground - she won't play when the big kids are out there. I suppose this does prepare her well for her future in life. She has learned a great deal - she's reading, writing and asking me great questions. She is loving math, and is teaching her 4 year old sister a great deal too. I think Hazelwood is great!
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers. Kids love going to school!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in full day Kindergarden and he hated it at first. Staff is very rude if you're not in the popular parent circle. They do label kids and don't work on the root of the problem. Again the staff need to be educated by the principal a little bit more and don't treat parents as enemies.
--Submitted by a parent

Hazelwood is our first public school. My child is attending kindergarten there. So far, we love the school. The teacher is professional but warm. The various programs they have are interesting and involving for my child (music, pe, reading). We've found all the staff to be very pleasant. My only complaint is that the class sizes are big (24 to 1) for kindergarten, but they seem to be handling it well. The 'posive action' program is wonderful!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is all about programs and that it is the answer to all issues. The school's staff seems to lack knowledge in 'their' area's of expertise. Instead of dealing with a child and the issues they seem to have an attitude in that a 'program' should solve the problem regardless of looking deeper in to the root of the issues. Half day Kindergarten is less than glorified day care. The school is a bit click-ious though that is common in many schools. There's bullying on the play ground. Nothing is done. There isn't enough teachers for the size of the classes. Instead they over flow the kids into 'programs'. Again, a program for every thing. They will flip a coin and send your child to one. If not, to all of them. They like to 'label' and cant get off labels.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor communication between teachers and parents. Lack of supervision during morning playtime and recesses. Bullying goes on during these times and little is done about it. To many children out at one time with to few supervisiors. More focus on the social aspect than the academic aspect. 1/2 day kindergarten poor. Full day better. Very little learned in 1/2 day. Lunch program poor with not enough heathy choices.
--Submitted by a parent