South Elementary School

I have 2 children at this school. Originally, we were concerned about the restructuring but we couldn't be happier with our experience. The teachers we have experienced (both as our kid's teachers and through other avenues) are enthusiastic about kids and teaching. We have been enrolled in the mainstream classrooms, the digital classroom and the charter school with nary a complaint! I am impressed by the progress around learning styles and learning environments. My 2 children are different in their needs but both are allowed to shine at Hartland South. The excitement they have about learning is a direct result from the high quality teaching and leadership in the school. The environmental changes feel child centered and attentive to their needs. When a school thinks "outside the box" my kids feel permission to do the same. They are thriving in this creative, supportive atmosphere - their grades, testing and attitudes speak to this. We feel blessed to be in an area with so many good schools. I am a huge fan of Hartland South and my children remain excited about school and learning. How encouraging that is to a parent.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children in this district. The principal is an outstanding principal who knows the kids on a first name basis. I have two children with ADHD and the school has been great with assisting me with resources and treating them as individuals. I have one child in the digital classroom and it is fabulous and he loves it.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the weakest in the Lake Country area. We are very unhappy with the changes this year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Hartland South and they love going to school. There are various seating arrangements including table desks, high tables, low tables, and other furniture that make kids comfortable. My children feel more comfortable in their learning and are doing very well. Their old school of rows of desks was outdated and they hated it. Almost every parent I know says their kid likes going to school there. I'm very impressed with their art program, digital virtual parent classrooms, charter school and the standard program. Go see for yourself and you'll be impressed like we were when we moved here two years ago. My son is in the Gifted program and they have several extra teachers they call learning assistants so he really gets challenged. The principal and teachers told me that they have teachers from other districts from all over visit them every week and they get a lot of recognition, like from Apple computers. It's a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

Hundreds of teachers, administrators, parents, and school board members have come to tour our school (Hartland South and Hartland School of Community Learning) in the past two years. Each and every time they finish touring, talking with staff, and students, they say, "WOW" and want to know how they can enroll their child or connect with the teachers here to help them understand how to recreate what we do. Students at HS and HSCL have the highest quality educational experience. They take active roles in the design of their learning, connected to the Common Core State Standards. Students are respected and honored as the individuals they are. Teachers do not seek to create a one-size fits all approach to education. The high level professional development opportunities staff this district offers, gives us the knowledge and expertise to customize personal learning plans for students. A direct quote from an Arrowhead administrator after touring our school, "We are not ready for these children." What weren't they ready for? The high-level collaboration, the purposeful self-direction and advocacy skills, and the customized, student-driven approach to learning.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school looks neat on the inside with the new furniture and no desks but, is a distraction to daily learning. In addition, they are understaffed with aides in the classrooms creating even bigger distractions. There are opportunities for special needs children, but if your child doesn't require a couch, beanbag, or seat on the floor, I recommend a different school, where they will be able to learn to their full potential.
--Submitted by a parent

Hartland School of Community Learning: We are currently open enrolling into this school - joined this year (2011-2012) and are truly impressed. We came to this school from another Arrowhead feeder district school. The learning environment is state of the art and has given so many opportunities to my son ( a third grader), that he has grown emotionally and intellectually to levels that I have not seen before. Learning is very hands on and they move ahead at their own pace, thus working towards their own enrichment. Sky is the limit. Who would have thought that a third grader would be one day explaining to you what a recession means and what and economy does. Well, they learn all these things by simulating a real economy in a classroom environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been involved with this school for the past few years. The growth and transformation is amazing. My friends open enrolled their child from another Arrowhead district. The charter school, the virtual parent classrooms, and the structured curriculum is impressive. Hartland South is truly a premier school. I was there last week when 4 districts from around the state were visiting, including Arrowhead feeder school to learn what they are doing. Go visit and you'll be impressed as I am.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with Hartland South. We moved in 2005 and all of our 4 kids have gone through this school. The teachers and other staff truly care about the education and well being of all of the students. My kids have gained confidence and been able to become strong independent thinkers. The technology used in the classroom for math and writing have been excellent tools for teaching. My kids have become voracious readers as well.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very unhappy with this school. One of the weakest in Arrowhead school district.
--Submitted by a parent