High Point Elementary School

Our family has never felt less welcome in an educational environment. I have the very strong impression that our children are considered sub-standard citizens because they are new to the school. They are great kids and also bright students. They have been talked down to and reprimanded including phone calls and emails home for things such as not standing with their hands at their sides in a school photo (his hands were behind his back instead) and sitting near a group of kids who were talking during a class visit to the counselor. In the phone call the counselor actually gave me a list of names our kids should and should not be friends with. These calls and emails are not only petty but unnecessary in a child’s first 5 school days. I can’t speak toward the academics at this point other than both kids were given poor grades for assignments they weren’t actually present for by 3 different teachers- these were or will be corrected after we brought this up. Again, not a welcoming environment by staff and a very sad start to what we hope will be a quality academic future in Bristol. One positive the students have all been very kind.

Excellent school! Staff,Principal,and secretary are very kind,yet professional. I would recommend this school. And have to anyone seeking a top of the line elementary school. My son is happy there. He gets excited about school daily,sharing with us all the things he's learned. Best elementary school in Virginia/Tennessee area..hands down! Thank you Van Pelt for all your hard work. And thank you for your compassion for our children!

There is no longer enough money at this school -> not enough staff -> not adequate ability to handle all situations thrown at the school both in and out of the classroom. Leaves a path for parents with a high competitive drive and/or high levels of pride to be unchecked school bullies. Impressed with the fortitude of some of the staff but obviously without enough backup their hands become easily tied or they’re backed into a corner. A private school is a business and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one didn’t make it without some wealthy alumnus intervention.