Hardin Valley Elementary School

ESK is hands-down one of the greatest finds in Knoxville. My child has had a great experience here and has grown so much confidence in her abilities as a student and just as a person in general over the last 3 years. She started off extremely shy and was afraid she wouldn't be able to make friends, but soon found that everyone is of value, including herself. She is constantly academically challenged and I love that she's in an environment where all backgrounds are included (religious and otherwise). Additionally, there campus security is top notch, which is extremely important to us this day in age. As a parent, I couldn't feel more comfortable having this staff nurture my child and I feel so involved as a parent. It's a big community feel where family engagement is encouraged. Overall, my husband, my child, and I couldn't be happier.

Great concept and many good people in the community, but the school has high teacher turnover due to its small, all-male board that does not have a high view of females; it’s their way or the highway. Many, many great teachers have left the school because of problems with the school leadership.

I have all four of my kids here both in elementary and high school. The staff has been great, the principal is great, you really feel like a family not just a number. My kids have had a great year here.