Hidden Oak Estates

My children love Granite. Although the academic standards in Utah as a whole are disappointing, Granite does a great job. With our limited time here, the teachers have been happy to go the extra mile to provide a challenge or extra assistance for my children.

I have no doubt this elementary school must be one of the best around. I have researched it a lot. As a prospective parents, we were happy that a slot was available for our child. Unfortunately, it must be said, there is still a level of racism present. It is not outspoken, of course, but one knows exactly, one can tell. You see, we are not your typical white Caucasian family. We are Hispanic. We are well educated and have professional degrees. None of that matters of course, just how you look, I guess. Basically my experience is as follows: we received a letter indicating that a spot was available for our child. We decided to visit the place one day, and, boy, what a chilling reception. Nothing wrong or insulting was said to us, but the body language and the words, or severe lack of them. are as clear as anything. The receptionist/secretary person was clearly giving me the message "I do not want you here, when are you leaving already?". As much as a fake smile and some cold answers may try to ameliorate this awkward meeting, one can tell. Very sad, and I think that if my child was there, it would be a nightmare to endure, and I don't think I want my child to go through that.

We have had children in the neighborhood classes and I have felt our teachers are very caring and competent. The sense of community at the school is great and as a parent I love to work alongside the other parents as we volunteer and I love volunteering in the classrooms. Our new principal Mr Nalwalker is really good at helping kids who struggle behaviorally to be motivated to improve. He is a great role model to the kids and they know he loves them. We have some of the best teachers and I'm grateful they choose to work in our neck of the woods with our kids.

Things have really gone downhill at this school over the past few years. I have nothing but great things to say about the teachers who have taught my child, but the principal lacks leadership skills and has not made real efforts to get to know his students. The joy my daughter used to experience by attending this school has gone away as the programs that made it fun to be there have disappeared, and I have seen school pride - from parents, students, and teachers - hit an all time low this year. I loved Canyon View. I've given a lot of time and energy to this school over the years and I adore the teachers, but I am learning that parent involvement and great teachers aren't enough without a solid leader.

I was already on the fence about this school. We went on 1 trip early in The school year and my child was sick 3 times (each time with high fever) and I got a letter complaining about my child’s absence . My child that gets perfect scores on everything and I obsess over doing everything right by. They got a new principal this year and not sure if it’s all him or the district. I am very offended by the letter. I’ll be looking into homeschooling. Changes this year have been bad.

The staff here are great! Happy and fun. I have enjoyed my experience here and have only heard amazing things from other students and parents as well.