Sycamore Elementary Preschool

We recently moved to Port Arthur.My oldest is in the fourth grade and struggling. After failed attempts at home to help her get caught up and focusing oon weak reading skills, we consulted the school for advice and guidance. After meeting wwith her teachers and then meeting in a group setting with the principal, teachers and other administrators and education professionals the only course of action offered was an "extended day" program that offered nothing in the way of improvement and only offered more work and a longer day. After consideration we decided to give it a shot. HUGE mistake. The program made the problems worse due to fatigue and lack of engagement by faculty. The program is inconsistent in the materials coverd and too many times the kids simply watched movies. The staff want to do well, but the lack of strong leadership from the principal, the extreme apathy from the parents and the "not my problem" mind set they harbor are giant obstacles to a successful education at this school. We will not be attending again next year and I strongly encourage you to seek better opportunities for your children. This is a horribly weak school in a very disenfranchised area.

I am a parent of three who wants the best for my children. Nederland school district (Helena Park / CO Wilson) has been by far the best choice I have made for my kids. For instance, my daughter who has a learning disability is more confident in herself and her ability to learn. Starting 4th grade, she instantly received extra help 4 days a week; where as in Port Arthur, she was help once a week for 30 mins. Now it's time for me to move out of state and it feels like the hardest choice I have to make thus far. I will miss this school but not as much as my kids will.

My daughter went here 4 years and the 4th year was the worst experience ever. Her teachers were allowing kids to bully her and they even participated in the mistreatment. They couldn't explain the directions of a project to her, so they threw her project in the trash. All the administration called to tell me what they did and wanted to punish her further!

I’ve been part of Hillcrest Elementary since 2017, and it’s been nothing but a great experience. Mr. Kevin Morrison is one of those teachers/staff members who somehow manages to be both professional and fun at the same time—always keeping things organized but also making sure students and parents feel welcome. The school has grown and changed over the years, but the sense of community here has stayed strong. From school events to everyday learning, Hillcrest has felt like a second home. Definitely proud to say I’ve been part of it this long!

Great school with small teacher:student ratio. My son is very advanced compared to his friends from his previous public school.