Huegel Elementary School

The school leadership and teachers have given my two kids a great experience so far (Eldest is in 1st grade and youngest in K). There are many outreach programs to keep the parents involved and interacting with teachers and the community. My daughter shows me in the Class Dojo APP the fun teacher/ kid racing and other events that keep learning engaging. I know this specific school serves a high number of low income and children without much English prior to starting school. My kids are in the dual language immersion and love it. I am very grateful for the full experience my kids are getting at Anana Elementary (formerly known as Falk).

My children attend this school and we’re generally very happy with it. Most of the teachers have been here over three to five years, and the past few years they have been piloting a new course called “CAMP” which stands for Curiosity, Arts, Mindfulness, and Projects. It’s a great way for students to use recycled materials to be creative. This school is so awesome that some teachers decide to return from retirement to just work here! I’ve had to reach out to the leadership and support teams and they’ve always been supportive and helpful. Only two drawbacks to the school: the building needs to be updated, but MMSD is working on that with most schools. Second being that the gifted students program barely exists and the teacher leading it has an extremely high number of students to support. The core teachers are responsive if you communicate any concerns.

I went to this school when I was a kid; and my kids go here now this school is amazing I love how they take extra security they take to the building I feel so much comfort sending my kids here all the teachers are amazing

My kids have done really well learning, but my son has been lost 3 times now by the school in 3 months and one time we weren’t even told it happened. I also have witnessed 2 other children being lost as well with other teachers locating the children. They used to have an 8 rating and are now down to 6 and I get it. Some teachers are really organized and amazing with the kids…other teachers are struggling and it shows. I’m happy with my kids progress but overall not a great experience. All of the events at this school are chaotic and seem disorganized, which we expect a little bit at an elementary. A lot of communication is last minute..maybe the day before telling us to dress the kids up special. The office staff has repetitively refused to walk my kids to class when they were confused where to go. Good luck!

Our family has been at Hickory Hill Academy for a number of years. We have had the pleasure of watching the school grow through many seasons. My children each have different personalities and learning styles which is why I appreciate HHA most. I feel as though each student is seen and cared for in both their academic and social-emotional needs. If they are a quiet kid who fades into the background, my children's teachers have made a mission of ensuring they too find their voice, meet their large and small learning goals, and inspire them to engage in learning. When my children have struggled in academic or social-emotional areas, they have provided detailed communication and next steps to help them move forward. If my child has had a significant academic or social-emotional need they can't provide, they are honest and helpful in suggesting what will help my child be most successful. On the flip side, when my child is showing advancement in academic areas they have provided ways to continue to challenge my child and help them continue to grow in that area. I feel that this happens because the staff and teachers really care about each student's well-being and success. My family has also appreciated the large campus, opportunities to connect with animals and nature, athletic teams, afterschool enrichment, high level of hands-on learning, strong relationships with teachers, and community events.