Highland Park Elementary School

This is a wonderful community-oriented school. My child has a ton of friends, and he is learning at a high level. The principal is fantastic and truly cares about making this a special place.

We have been at Bryker Woods for 3 years now and could not be happier with our decision to transfer in. A sweet, loving, supportive community where every child thrives. The smaller size of the student body enables teachers to focus on each child and for the children to feel that they belong to something special. Truly incredible and dedicated teachers that making learning fun, engaging, challenging and exciting. Love love love our school!

The facility is new and beautiful! People seem so happy going in and out. We have two children having two different experiences. The 1st grade teacher is enthusiastic about her work and seems well trained and prepared. She can speak to specific strengths and weaknesses of our kiddo. Our student is making great strides and is engaged with his learning in positive, goal attaining ways. The class seems bonded and they enjoy eachother.In contrast, our 3rd grader has changed from an engaged student, conversational about topics discussed in class, to a bored kid who went so far as to say they “don’t care anymore”. Classroom management is an issue & reveals a lack of training and maturity (Pointedly using girls to tattle on the boys, assigning seats next to girls as a punishment) We’ve noticed that they haven’t bonded with any adults at the school and even we, successful adults in our professional lives, have trouble meaningfully communicating with faculty. If we struggle and we’re experienced, it feels almost futile for a 3rd grader. Many parents have told us that the 3rd grade teachers have a history of being this way, and that 4th grade is much better. We look forward to next year and a fresh start! Campus leadership is charming and energetic in group/public settings and says all the right things but our individual interactions with leadership have been curt and condescending. Shockingly so. Not, “Oh he’s busy and under a lot of pressure”, more making a point to be unwelcoming and dismissive. I’ve observed an unfortunate dynamic with students. Leadership is either bubbling with positivity or barking orders. But many people adore leadership. Support for him is strong. It’s honestly very confusing. What did we do? Was our PTA donation too small? Do they dislike us?To my knowledge the school does not use corporal punishment, however they do use physical correction. They do grab students by the arm, etc. My spouse observed a teacher do this in line outside. He couldn’t figure out what the child had done. I observed the principal do it to a child in line in the cafeteria who wasn’t facing forward. It was all very public with witnesses, so clearly an accepted part of the culture of the school. Everybody told us how much we would love the school, so in many ways I’m deeply disappointed, on the other hand, it could be worse. And we are fortunate that the student body is solid with involved parents and that the facility and grounds are lovely.

Happy, positive climate. This school teaches so much more than the basics, and there are plenty of optional clubs, contests, and after school activities. The teachers are nothing short of phenomenal and most are very experienced--- and fun and kind to boot. Lots of opportunities for parents to be involved; staff are warm and welcoming of parental involvement.

I can't say enough good things about Gullett. The entire experience is one of engagement and togetherness. My kids love it. The teachers are, shockingly, happy and engaged as well. I feel lucky we found it and lucky our kids get to go there.

This school is wonderful. I'm glad we found this school for my child. She's been moving through some tough home life situations, and they have been encouraging and understanding without babying here.This school you DO have to work to complete the work. This is a type of work ethic not needed at other schools, but they are skills that will sustain the children throughout life. The kids are no longer able to dominate and skate by.I see some of the other reviews have complaints over the work, and it can be significant, but it is a growth opportunity for the kids. There is still plenty of time to play and be goofy kids.