Highlands Elementary School

Enrolled our son when our daughter was accepted to Odyssey which is in the same school. Found many times where boys were not treated the same as girls and called out for ridiculous issues. Principal and teachers are tight and tend to cover each others backs not for the good of the child. Some of the specialist are good but can only do what they are allowed. Aids within the school have also said they are aware staff sticking together when parents stand up to them. Parents need to be definite that teachers and principal accountable to them not the other way around. Transferred our child out felt we were dealing with a dead end.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe this school is a quality school, on every level. The administration and office staff are well-qualified and caring. The principal and vice-principal are very involved and accessible to parents and students. The teachers my child has had, in the two years we have been at the school, have been very good. The autism teacher, speech pathologist and paraprofessionals have worked very well with my child, and with our family/therapy program. I am thankful for the diversity in this school, and for the acceptance among students and staff of children with special needs being incorporated into as many mainstream classroom activities as possible. The way the children respond and treat my child speaks volumes about the way the school is teaching understanding and respect...I have found families of other children at Highlands to be very supportive, as well. The P.E. teacher, music teacher and art teacher seem very dedicated to their specialties, and in instilling passion in the kids. The school is fortunate to have a great PTO president that drives a well-run Parent-Teacher Organization that really benefits the school as a whole.
—Submitted by a parent

What a poorly run school, not to say every school isn't. If it wasn't the case, we wouldn't have student load dept higher than credit card dept. I would have to agree with many others that this school looks at the difference of others as something bad, without getting to know them on a personal level. I've been accused of being a bad parent just because I'm dropping off my kid at the side of the street. Where everybody else is dropping off their kids. However for being different in age and other differences, I'm called out to be the bad parent. Waiting to be able to move my child out!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this school after 2 of my kids attended K-6 and K @ Jefferson. We attended for 2.5 miserableble years. We left when child #3 was 1/2 way through K. This school is too big, too "cold", too snotty, too mean, too rigid. Communication is horrible. Back to school night = no parent info, no currica, no schedule- just put your books away and think of a question so you don't mess up on the first day. Like what door do you go in, or how do you get breakfast, when is breakfast? It's totally up to you to ask and you will get a snotty note when you do things wrong. There are some very good teachers there & some not so good. Most classes are way overcrowded- K had 27 when we left. School was not fun. Uptight, rigid, not many field trips, very little respect for hometime by overwhelming kids with homework. Again some very good teachers, fun activities, but these can be found at other local schools with much better charisma
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands may well be a wonderfulschool for a child without special needs. As it was for my daughter is is gifted and talented. However, As the parent of a child with autism and other disabilities I have to say I have found this last two years to be extremely furstrating and agree with the previous poster that the principal could be a stronger leader. I have found that more than a few of the "specially" trained professionals to be lacking in anything more than a very basic understanding of children with disabilities. In other words if it is not in the texbook they read it cannot exist. I have found them to be under-informed,not up to date with the most current techniques and unwilling to be open to any point of view but thier own. not mine as a parents, not any of the other numerous physicians, psychologists or therapists that work with my child daily as well and have known him for 4 years. Saddest of all I have found a overall lack of common sense. Very dissapointing. Am moving out of the district to enroll my child in a school rated 9 out of 10 by Great Schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing staff and volunteers.. I have a daughter that attends Highlands and we love everythng about... The time and patience that is given and offered to each and every student is outstanding and should not go unrecognized.. The principal knows every student by name and is always apart of every thing that the school puts on.. I would not want my children to go anywhere else.. THANK YOU TO ALL THE GREAT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS! these children are our future and your doing a great job...
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school my son is in a special education class and I don't know what we would have done without Highlands. The attention he receives is top notch and the teachers are wonderful. The principal is amazing she seems to know each child personally. I can't say enough how much this school has helped my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding, talented,and dedicated staff! Teachers are some of the best in the district and the principal is second to none, very dedicated! Teachers willing to go the extra mile, and also willing to try new things.Class sizes are okay, about 25 on average which is the district average. Awesome playground with large field, educational garden, active PTA, after school programs, choir grades 3-6, school plays, great family activities, one of the best kept secrets of the district.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is the best I ever been to because of the playground and the field. I like to play games on the playground because it has a lot of swings and a lot of things for you to play on. I like the field because you can roll in or play in it. It is big that I can ride my bike down there.
—Submitted by unknown unknown, a student

Excellent teachers,nice families always someone willing to step forward when needed. Class sizes seem too large the last couple of years. 13.9 is way off. Principal is nice but could be stronger leader. Overall we have been pleased and our children have gotten a good education. Nice working class neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent