1160 WESTWOOD Drive
Saint Johns, FL 32259

Moved from out of state & I was nervous about sending my daughter here, based on previous reviews, but have been more than pleased with her experience! The communication from her teachers has been consistent, she has excelled in all of her classes & even though she has no interest in being "a popular" kid, she has found her crew. Like any school these days, there are the privilaged brats that seem to be everywhere, but that is not the fault of the school. If parents wouldn't give their kids cell phones at this age, it would solve MANY of the problems. I would most definitely would recommend the school to others.

I am a senior at this school, and this school definitely has two faces. For some, this school is a breeze, and has a very nice presentation and fond memories. For others, this school can be hell on earth. Those with learning disabilities are part of that second group. Teachers deny accommodations left, right, and center. There are some that are good, and are helpful, but in mine, and my friends experience, it's not easy. Those who play sports definitely have a free pass when it comes to the standards and are revered by many. I would say I have floated by, testing extremely well, ending up as a International finalist in DECA. Some teachers are still just straight rude, although there are a handful that are well loved and care for their students. A few case managers are absolute saints and help their students immensely.

I have had four of my kids attend Hickory Creek Elementary in the past four years in all grades. I am a 3rd grade teacher at a k-8 school in the county. We moved here from California and the first major difference was the security that we were completely lacking in San Diego! There is a school resource officer on campus all day, bulletproof glass in the lobby, and computer sign-in and id checks. They are so secure that they won't let anyone in the building if they are not cleared in the district's system. We loved Dr. Reichenberg, who was the former principal, but absolutely love Mrs. Gonzalez, who was the new principal this year. She brought a terrific musical theater program to the school this year and intends on continuing with theater as a signature for the school. The school is very small and calm, compared to the K-8's going up all around St. Johns County. The classrooms are large and the campus is impeccably clean. The culture of teachers seems to be enthusiastic, supportive, kind and happy and I have not once had an issue with any of the teachers or staff. The cafeteria is large, clean and not too loud. There are several playgrounds with mulch that the kids love and a large outdoor covered basketball pavilion for PE. The school set-up is very cool, as it has "houses" where classes are in pods with a huge common area equipped with a kitchen, sinks for washing hands and tables for gathering, and all the classrooms surround the common area. There are around 5 of these areas if I recall correctly. If your child walks to school, there are crossing guards on the main road to make sure the kids are safe coming from any direction, as well as a police officer guiding traffic. There are sidewalks in all directions so it is very easy for students to walk to school. Parent drop off/pickup seems to move pretty quickly and busses are always the first to get to the school in the morning and first to leave. All in all, I would highly recommend this school.