Highland View Elementary School

What a gem! Intimate, cohesive community creates a warm, even loving atmosphere in which children from every possible background are made to feel accepted and welcome. Incredibly strong music and art programs were the icing on the cake, for us. We were so sad when our son aged out of this school! Staff really extend themselves to ensure each child's needs are met. Parent community is highly supportive of the school and work hand-in-hand with admin to create the best possible educational experience for all, from remedial through advanced levels.

I loved going to school here. The small, tight-knit community is diverse and that's a great thing for kids K-5. The teachers are the definition of outstanding. They make time for the students and they work very hard to ensure the kids get the best grade they can possibly get. I did have a little problem with the disciplinary system, however. They didn't do too much about bullying, and I got bullied, but not really much happened to that bully. Other than that, they keep kids under control during lunch and recess and during class as well. The special teachers (music, art, etc.) were also exemplary. As an alum, I want to go back. They also have amazing extra options for students who want to learn something new on their own time, like the Geo Bowl for geography buffs. Because the school was so small, the parents and students were very involved. Everyone knew everyone. If someone won the Young Author's Contest, any teacher who saw you would congratulate you. In June, they hold a lot of parties at Highland View, serving ice cream and being able to play on the playground. The last month and a half or so of each year was an incredibly fun experience. I absolutely love this school.

We moved to Maryland when my son was in the middle of second grade. We had a fantastic elementary school where he was born in PA, and I was afraid we wouldn't be able to find a place where he felt as comfortable. He was welcomed incredibly warmly by this very tight knit community. We are very lucky to have a small school population with small class sizes, as well as an amazingly dedicated and involved principal. Mrs. Dardarian treats her job as her mission in life, and she is very good at it. My son and I both love HVES, and we will be very sad when he moves on after this year. If it makes any difference to readers, my son has ADHD, and the staff at HVES are very familiar with what that means and how to help kids deal with it. Finally, the before and after care program, Kids After Hours, is absolutely incredible. It's not run by the school, but it is so well integrated that you'll feel like it is. The director Glen is another very dedicated individual who really understands his kids. He has a masters in early childhood development. We are going to miss KAH as much as HVES for sure.

We are about to enter the IEP process (hopefully, successfully, but I am prepared for a difficult journey). So far regarding the 504 process, this school has not given the kind of support I would expect of a small, well-staffed, parent-engaged, community public school. In first grade with no 504, we had a great teacher and counselor and our daughter was well-supported. She was making progress in the are of social skill building and reading. This year, with a 504 in place, a new teacher and a new counselor, we have been sorely disappointed. Lipservice to accommodations is a shame... At the 504 planning meeting, the school psych who has never observed, assessed, or met our daughter dismissed a tool that worked well last year. After a few months, i had to ask the current guidance counselor to reinstate the tool. Yet, the teacher and counselor are not using it to its full potential. I can;t seem to get the compassion and attention, let alone interest of the current teacher or counselor. Very disappointing experience. I do not have high hopes for the ease and integrity of the IEP process.