175 James St, Burlington, IL 60109

I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience HBT both as a student teacher and as a parent of multiple children. I can confidently say this school sets a high standard for what elementary education should look like: supportive, inclusive, and genuinely student-centered.What stands out most is the deep level of care the majority of the teachers and support staff show for their students. As a student teacher, I observed educators who were not just focused on academics, but also on the emotional and social growth of their students. Now, as a parent, I see that same dedication in the way they know my children's strengths, needs, and their individual potential. The relationships teachers build with students and families here are evident in everything from classroom culture to communication home.Academically, HBT offers a well-rounded and thoughtfully differentiated program that truly supports a wide variety of learning needs. Whether your child is advanced, needs extra support, or learns differently, the instructional staff works hard to provide targeted strategies and meaningful learning experiences. I’ve seen firsthand how teachers and support staff collaborate to support students. There is a genuine commitment to meeting each child where they are and helping them make progress. Another area we have been happy with is in the way the administration handles student behavior concerns. Over the years, we’ve had a few situations come up, and each time, the response has been fast, thoughtful, and constructive. In our experience, the leadership team takes proactive steps to prevent issues from escalating, while also holding students accountable in ways that are fair, respectful, and focused on learning from mistakes. There is a clear emphasis on supporting students emotionally and socially.Seven years in, while we have seen administration and some staff turnover, I still feel confident every day that my children are in a place where they are not only learning but also being seen, heard, and cared for. I'm grateful to be part of this school community.