Weatherly Heights Elementary School

My grandson and I both endured a deeply traumatic experience at this school. He lost his mother at the very beginning of the 2022 school year, and we had just laid her to rest when he returned to school. Understandably, he began to struggle emotionally and academically. Instead of receiving support, he was placed in a second-grade classroom with a newly graduated teacher who showed no compassion and appeared unequipped to handle a grieving child.Despite my repeated requests for help, the school responded with punitive measures—silent lunches and walking during recess for weeks at a time. My grandson cried daily and begged to attend a different school. I held multiple meetings with teachers, the principal, and the school counselor, but nothing changed.He was also bullied by other students, including cruel remarks about his deceased mother. The school failed to intervene or provide any meaningful emotional support. His academic performance plummeted from being an A student to failing, and the teacher seemed to single him out for every minor behavior—things that are typical for second graders. I received near-daily texts from the teacher about trivial incidents, making it clear that all eyes were on him while other students were not held to the same scrutiny.The situation became so concerning that I placed him in private counseling. His counselor, after working closely with him, told me plainly: his teacher was bullying him. Every day, he was subjected to emotional distress not just from peers, but from the very adult who was supposed to guide and protect him.He was physically bullied as well—slapped, hit, kicked, and punched by other students—and yet no action was taken. There was a complete lack of empathy, protection, and accountability. This school failed my grandson during one of the most vulnerable times in his life, and it failed me as a grandparent trying to advocate for him.I’ve waited a long time to write this review—not because the pain has faded, but because I needed time to calm down and find the right words. The anger and heartbreak we experienced were overwhelming, and I wanted to speak from a place of clarity, not just emotion. Families deserve to know what we went through, and children deserve better than what this school provided.Transferring my grandson to a magnet school was the best decision I’ve ever made. We finally found a place where he could be supported, respected, and begin to rebuild.

We have had nothing but positive experiences at Challenger and with Ms. Joiner leading the team, things have only gotten better. She brings so much love and joy to the school which has trickled down to the teachers, admin and students. We couldn’t ask for a better public school environment!

My sister, brother and I attended this school from elementary through high school. The school kicked my brother out SENIOR YEAR for “failure to thrive” because he was struggling with the demanding school work. Everyone loved my brother and he was never a trouble maker. The school said he was bringing down their test average so they forced him to leave. My sister who struggled socially and mentally at this school was also asked to leave because they “couldn’t have those kinds of problems at the school.” Her struggles were issues such as not fitting in, feeling like an outcast, not enjoying school, being bullied etc. The school counselor (who was the headmaster’s daughter) did not keep the information my sister shared about her struggles confidential, but instead told her father, the headmaster, about their conversations which led to her dismissal from the school. My sister felt extremely embarrassed and deceived after finally getting the courage to talk to the counselor in hopes to seek support. After attending the school for 5 years and being very involved in activities through the school, we were absolutely shocked to all of a sudden be stabbed in the back. You would think the school would advocate better for their students.

Great teachers, clean and safe learning environment. And they offer financial aid!

I’m a current Junior in high school and I believe that Mountain Gap Elementary School is positively the best school providing lower education in the area. I got to Mountain Gap in the last few months of my 2nd grade year and I was welcomed with open arms. The principal, my teacher, and my classmates were very kind and I found friends quickly. My elementary years taught me plenty of content not being learned at my prior school. The normal classroom curriculum was unmatched but I also had the opportunity to be in the gifted program- taking me out of the classroom at times which was also extremely beneficial to me. Though teachers have retired and moved, I have no doubts that Mountain Gap Elementary still provides the same quality education I received in my time there. I spent the rest of my elementary and middle school career in Mountain Gap schools. If you or your child has the opportunity to go to Mountain Gap- welcome to the best years! You’re in good hands and you’ll be on the path for great things.

We’ve had a great experience at Whitesburg and love the support we’ve had here. My son requires a 504 plan and they’ve been wonderful in helping us reach his goals. His teacher has been great!!