Concord Elementary School

Can’t say enough good things about our experience with Highland Park. My kids have had amazing learning experiences here. It’s got such an incredible, supportive, community feel - the principle knows the students by name, the teachers are invested and communicative, and we feel really lucky to have our boys within walking distance of HPE. These scores aren’t reflective of the amazing work being done here - would recommend enrollment here to anyone.

I have had three kids at Van Asselt, starting 7 years ago. We have had a great experience. Our first child was an above-average learner, and he was given special opportunities to stretch himself, including advanced math, reading challenges and after school sports. Our second child is "2E", meaning he has both giftedness and a very impacting learning disability. He has been given great adaptations through his Individual Learning Plan, but also ways to stretch like violin lessons, choir, school musical, teachers who encourage him to bring his inventions to school. He has gotten great support from the school counselor when he was discouraged and stressed. And the counselor was there for me in a crisis moment as well. Our third child has significant developmental delays, and has been protected, supported, challenged and even cherished at Van Asselt. Technology and science are also emphasized. Curriculum includes a strong emphasis of emotional intelligence and empathy. I love Van Asselt because my kids are learning to work and grow in a diverse environment, taking direction and seeing leadership from adults of many cultures. Principal turnover has been high, unfortunately. We have seen three. But there is a great stable core of staff members, and the new staff being hired are of the highest caliber. The current principal is a really focused leader, making partnerships to bring in great resources for the school, such as City Year volunteers in the classrooms. I also have to mention the teaching assistants. They have brought such a family feel to our experience, knowing the kids, providing support when the kids are down, giving them positive messages. We feel so grateful that Van Asselt just happens to be our neighborhood school.

The kids are great, and the support staff for reading and writing are great. Some of the classroom teachers do too much screaming and punishing.

They CARE hands down and spend more time then any of us could ever guess making an incredible environment for the students!

We love WCH. My daughter has been having a tough time adjusting to school and having some behavioral issues. Her teachers and the principal, Dr. Reese, have worked really well with us to help our daughter. I can tell they truly love and care for these kids and will do whatever it takes to help a student succeed. I love the staff of WCH and feel we are lucky to have them!

Three plus years ago, we were researching schools for our daughter to start Kindergarten. We went to an OPEN HOUSE, heard a great talk by Principal Temme, met some teachers and parents, and decided to have Annika start with Holy Family. 3 years later, we cannot think of any other school for her to be at until the 8th grade. Great faculty, active parents and local community, and an updated renovation of the school itself are just some of the reasons to give this a 5 star rating it deserves. The school takes ownership of every one of the students, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for all. The bilingual aspect is a piece of this as well, and Annika enjoys reading, writing and speaking in Spanish . Double thumbs up from the Obrien family, and GO FALCONS