Garden Hills Elementary School

Truly a diamond in the rough. Given the demographics at the school (nearly 1/2 are English as a 2nd language, nearly 70% of students qualify for free lunch) and the consistent underfunding of public schools by the state - GHES is doing an excellent job. The make up of the student body is like it was cast from a movie script. Almost 30% white, 30% hispanic, 30% black, 10% other. This means that there's enough of 'everyone' to have to be respectful of differences. There is no 'standard'. Of course people migrate to those most similar to them, but the similarities have more to do with interests vs. ethnicity (i.e. the kids who like video games find each other, the kids who like sports find each other, etc) and in their group of similar interests they'll also find someone who looks like them. Test scores aren't the greatest but that doesn't tell the story of the school. The improvements each class makes aren't shown in stagnant scores. The school does an excellent job helping all kids try to rise and do better. They encourage the other students to encourage and cheer each other on. The financial make up of the school is also a plus. The community has a good population of wealthy people whose children attend the school in addition to the significant population of lower income households. This is important because the way public schools operate now A SIGNIFICANT portion of funding comes from the school foundation and PTAs. You can not underestimate the value of having parents who have financial means supporting the school. The teachers and principal all do a great job in what they're dealt. There are, of course, a few teachers that you wonder why they're there - but overall they truly care. ALL the teachers know ALL the children's names. During the pandemic APS is 100% virtual and each families experience is dependent on THEIR school and THEIR principal and THEIR teachers. I've been AMAZED at how well GHES is teaching during this time. My 3rd grader is following a lesson plan, the teachers keep him moving forward in learning, he's still taking Art, PE, Spanish and Music. It's not perfect - but the teachers are doing amazing in trying to keep the kids on task and learning. My gripes with GHES have more to deal with APS and school guidelines overall - not specific to GHES. The whole 'zero tolerance' policy is crap - because zero tolerance means zero critical thinking. And means the kid defending themselves gets caught and punished while the aggressor doesn't.

Over all this school has some endearing qualities. A smallish but sound parent support group that really does try. The students are good kids. The facility has some bright spots. The facilities could be better. Then you look to the leadership and drive to move forward in a productive way....no go. The principal at this school is weak and lacks the ability to see this school to where it should be. If it wasn’t for the lack of strong leadership Garden Hills could be a 7 rated school easily in the next few years. With the IB and dual emersion program tacking shape only to be smothered by the lack of leadership and common sense by the principal.

Disappointing. The school atmosphere has changed in recent years.

I am displeased with this school and will be making sure that I take action so that other hard working parents are not harassed like how i have been.