High Peaks Elementary School

Fantastic school. We are so happy to be here.

High Peaks has been a great school for our kids - both of whom are good students. The teachers have always been thoughtful and understanding of our kids' different learning styles and personalities. Obviously, different teacher combinations with different kids have different results, and I've seen HP not be the best place for some kids - like almost every school. Great place for my kids though. Not sure what other parents expect, but in my experience, public schools have not been 1-to-1 education for either high achievers or low achievers. My son is in TAG and he's learning a lot, but obviously isn't being pushed to his limits, but is definitely being pushed. I appreciate the level of pushing, and want him to develop academically and socially, and I find that HP is doing a good, balanced job. My daughter is still too young for TAG, but seems to be getting the right amount of attention. We weren't looking or expecting private, prep-school education and we aren't disappointed, which for us, is perfect.

High Peaks caters to mediocrity. It advertises itself as high-achieving so that bright students will open enroll. High-achieving at High Peaks means helping 95% of the kids enrolled be average/proficient; a high percentage are molded into mediocrity. The more able students are marking time and are used to improve school stats while their understanding of their abilities and self-esteem suffers. The gifted program previously built by Michelle Eckstein (who is now at Peak to Peak) has changed; it is run with a repetition and consolidation mindset characteristic of low expectations. The staff lack professional development with regard to how they can serve intelligent minds. We've been through 3 teachers. They just would not go beyond their narrow curriculum. Presumably, it is not encouraged. High Peaks boasts about its Niche Ranking- this is an uncredentialled ranking service and parents who don't understand the proficiency ratings game on state tests or ranking methodologies are failing their children by sending them here. The sad thing is that this school has potential, it has capable minds, it lacks vision and leadership.

I have been a parent for 8 years at High Peaks. Our Core Knowledge focus school attracts a highly engaged community of students and parents who thrive on learning. Our family's experience been overwhelmingly positive and my two children have thrived there. My middle schooler was more than prepared for middle school after graduating High Peaks. High Peaks is a warm, supportive environment where the teachers and principal truly go above and beyond for students. We feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful community.