Hunter Elementary School

Posted: February 20, 2026

We switched schools to come here in 2nd grade and I'll just quote my almost 8 year old - "Hunter is the best school on the east coast!"
He is a nerd and he has found his nerdy people! The electives are incredible, the teachers are incredible, and everyone is just so kind and normal and excited to be there.
He goes to school happy and comes home happy. I couldn't ask for a better school for him and I'm thrilled to be a part of such a special place.

Posted: February 20, 2026

Posted: February 20, 2026

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Posted: November 24, 2022

This is a top caliber school. We came from a top private in this area so we can make a direct comparison. The teachers are kind and nurturing and are expert in their age group/topic. They are in a word amazing! My children have blossomed this year! They have gain so much self confidence and it is reflected in their academic and extracurricular works.

Strong academic with opportunities to develop their talents through the electives. Rich arts and science curriculum! Orchestra starting in 1st grade, band in 3rd, theater, botany, coding, dance, photography, AIG and so much more. They have many activities for the whole family to foster a sense of community. We had one in which we shared a meal then break into small group to get to know each other while the kids enjoy some time. We had our “Hunter around the world” that was a total success.
Very active PTA working hard to better the school. Very inclusive environment. I like that they always find a way for all kids to be able to participate in all that is happening at school whether it is a coat drive for the friends that need one, holiday basket, parents donating extra to ensure that all kids have the grade level shirt or go on a trip.

The parents through the PTA make sure that our high caliber teachers feel appreciated.

The principal and assistant principal know the kids, are approachable and seem to enjoy their job. They make themselves available promptly to meet with parents when requested.
Very pleasant office staff.
All are welcome here. We love the school.

Posted: November 24, 2022

Posted: November 24, 2022

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Posted: November 24, 2022

Posted: November 1, 2019

Amazing environment. An educational opportunity that is hard to measure with numbers. So happy that we are a part of the Hunter family!

Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: November 1, 2019

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Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

I've been seriously impressed with the involvement and compassion from the Principal and VP. They're at every event, they know every student, they are fair and clear when telling me my kid did well or messed up, and they are CONSTANTLY thanking the parent volunteers. It makes the school very welcoming for a parent. I can see why the teacher surveys here are so much more encouraging than some other schools- supportive and engaged leadership makes a difference.

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

Five stars all around. How do you become a raving fan of an elementary school? It wasn't expected, but I fell in love. It's just a magical place doing great things - not just for students, but for the community, the parents, the teachers, and staff.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Wonderful experience at Hunter- I see teachers juggling so much to provide each student with what he or she needs to move past individual struggles, even though it’s so different for each child. My child’s teacher and the other teachers in his grade for electives, specials, etc. all seem to know and appreciate strengths while knowing how to support weaknesses.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Awesome experience from the first orientation through the meetings (for positives and negatives). A truly amazing place where the kids are doing big things and the adults are fostering greatness.

Posted: September 4, 2018

Hunter Elementary has the most amazing teachers and program in the county. The teachers are truly knowledgeable, warm, and always put their students first. Our child has been granted a great opportunity to attend this school and partake in the enriching elective program. The reason behind giving it a 3 our of 5 star rating is due to administration. The lack of communication and compassion for issues that may arise when dealing with parents is embarrassing. When meeting with admin, Mrs. Pelton spoke to us as though we were beneath her and the school. Parents like to be well informed of what is happening in their child's day and this is not policy at this school. Things are pushed under the rug and not shared until decisions are made behind closed doors. This places a barrier between home and school...not a good feeling. We will continue to send our child to the school due to it having the most amazing staff but beware of administration.

Posted: June 3, 2018

Posted: June 3, 2018

Posted: June 3, 2018

Posted: June 3, 2018

Posted: June 3, 2018

Posted: June 3, 2018

Posted: June 3, 2018

Strong leadership, amazing and caring teachers trained in differentiating for all students, extremely supportive of AIG students, incredible electives twice daily in orchestra, AIG, theater, science, tech, and more. gifted and talent program nurtures all students to be successful in academics and so much more in life!

Posted: April 7, 2018

All of the teachers are fabulous. They work hard to meet their students where they are and help them improve.

Posted: April 7, 2018

Hunter is unsurpassed in its preparation of students to be 21st century learners and citizens of the world.

Posted: April 7, 2018

Ms Pelton is an amazing, dedicated principal who knows every student and their family. She is approachable and receptive to parents and caregivers.

Posted: April 7, 2018

The teachers have worked tirelessly with all 3 of my kids who have different special learning needs including a math learning disability, social anxiety, and sensory differences.

Posted: April 7, 2018

My daughter was involved in a student-led anti-bullying club while at Hunter. The counselling staff works from K-5 to help students prevent bullying and recognize and report it when it does occur.

Posted: April 7, 2018

Having been a parent of a student in every grade, I feel that the homework appropriately increases each year and helps support in class learning

Posted: April 7, 2018

Exceptionally great! Hunter is the best elementary school in the area without a doubt.

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

My children have been at Hunter for six years and I have six more years to go. We absolutely love the Hunter community. The electives are incredible and add fun and variety to learning. I am amazed that this is a public school, as I feel that my kids are getting the top quality and opportunities of a private school. The extracurricular Art, Chess, and Garden clubs enhance my children's experience.

Posted: February 7, 2017

Posted: February 7, 2017

Posted: February 7, 2017

Posted: February 7, 2017

Posted: February 7, 2017

Posted: February 7, 2017

The homework is challenging but useful in making sure the students understand what they need to know.

Posted: February 7, 2017

My son transferred to Hunter this year. He is a 4th grader and he transferred from a private school. He absolutely loves the school and all the teachers. The teachers are extremely helpful and communicate constantly. Same for the principal. I feel he is getting a much better education as well. He loves all the electives.

Posted: January 26, 2017

My son absolutely loves going to school! He has a smile on his face every day when I pick him up and he says the day just flies by. This is his first year at Hunter (fourth grade) and I am just amazed at how easy and smooth the transition to Hunter has been for him. And seriously, it really was a huge change from his old school (eating in a cafeteria, changing classes, more students...) I was nervous about how it would go (especially given his quiet personality), but I have heard nothing but positive things from my son. I am so grateful!

I will tell you a quick story about his first day of school. My son was a little nervous about finding his classroom. When I picked him up, he said that he was not expecting there to be so many kids in the hall and stairs, so he got a little confused about where to go. He said that when he got to the top of the stairs, he asked a teacher that was standing there. But then another boy (a fifth grader) immediately came up and said that he would show him the way to his class. That story just warmed my heart, and I know it made my son feel relieved as well.

Posted: January 21, 2017

My child, an AG student, has been at Huntetr for years now and I love this school. They offer fantastic academic enrichment since kindergarten. With the electives and clubs the kids try many different experiences including chess, band, orchestra, art, dance, gymnastics, and yoga. The principal is great when it comes to communicating with the parents. And the teachers are all passionate people who love the kids. We've had an incredible experience and I hope to send my younger child here as well.

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

Once you experience Hunter you never want to leave. Instruments, chorus, cup-stacking, dance, leadership, tv, safety patrol and more.

Posted: February 9, 2015

I am a long time parent at Hunter and have been extremely happy with our experience there. Hunter is unique in its ability to meet each of my children at their own level, and does a great job challenging my AG son. He has had opportunities to participate in band, sports, science olympiad and many other fantastic electives! He is getting high level work in all of his core subjects and is being challenged to think outside of the box. His independence is encouraged as is leadership in the classroom and good citizenship. The current principal is very responsive and is providing great leadership. My children who have completed their Hunter experience have extremely well prepared for the academic rigors of Ligon and beyond and had less trouble than their peers adjusting to middle school because of their Hunter experience. I would highly recommend this school!

Posted: February 8, 2015

Anything goes as far as student behavior at Hunter Elementary. During Magnet tours the students seem well behaved and polished. What the tours don't show are how some students run around the school doing what they want when they want. The teachers are amazing at Hunter, so talented and they work with all of their heart but administration doesn't do anything to curtail student behaviors. My son has been bullied by one particular student for several years. The principal says she'll handle things but nothing ever changes. Several amazing teachers left last year and I have a feeling a few more will leave at the end of this year. Hunter used to be a great school but bad administration is destroying it. I'd think twice before leaving your neighborhood school to attend Hunter.

Posted: October 30, 2014

Hunter is a wonderful school, full of caring and dedicated teachers who know how to meet the needs of all learners! For our family one of the things that sets Hunter apart from other schools is that the teachers are truly committed to the profession, many of them attaining advanced certifications and/or degrees (i.e. National Board Certification, AIG Certification, Masters and beyond degrees). This leads to a high level of differentiation within the classroom. We love that our 1st grader has the opportunity for both academic enrichment within her classroom as well as with the K-2 AIG specialist. We equally appreciate the Arts and Language opportunities available at Hunter (Dance, Drama, Music, Art, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, & Spanish). Having 1 or 2 electives each quarter gives our child ownership over part of her school day where she can develop an area of interest to her. The Administration and PTA are very welcoming and supportive of all students and families. If you're looking for a diverse and enriching school, please take the time to visit Hunter.

Posted: February 9, 2014

Interesting posts from the last couple months. Hunter is struggling, with the loss of many great teachers and the 4th principal since we've been there. Leadership are distant and not visible. There is a disproportionate population and test scores are very concerning, with teachers having to teach to the test now. AG kids may not be challenged (ex. some performing arts moving too slowly) while a child with any needs (no matter how small) will fight to receive any services (resources are strained) and subsequently fall through the cracks. School has not flourished since the loss of excellent principal 4 yrs ago, as seen by many reviews up until the last few (hmmm??). I have witnessed many disruptive behaviors in core classes and electives. PTA involved and works hard, but many hands are tied and I don't see positive change coming in the near future. I am a proponent of magnet schools if they have fair and involved leadership. There are many super teachers here, and many that are not. This school continues to fall below my expectations.

Posted: January 15, 2014

New principal, new AP, same great teachers and students,new AIG coordinator who really knows how to work with our highest students (just like the old one--Hunter has been great at that for decades!). You really need to check out this very diverse and very exiting school. Kids come away with so much that is simply priceless and hard to replicate--like critical thinking, a peer group that cares about each other and school, differentiated and targeted instruction, and real independence and self-confidence. Can't say enough about what this school means to my family!

Posted: January 15, 2014

Hunter has been great for my kids. It challenges them academically and enriches them socially. The teachers are amazing and the new leadership is wonderful. If your child loves to learn Hunter is the place for them!

Posted: September 23, 2013

Hunter Elementary is the best choice for my son and daughter for their education, social interaction and overall enjoyment of school. My son is now in the 5th grade and has attended Hunter Elementary since Kindergarten. My daughter is in the 2nd grade and she started in Kindergarten as well. Over the past six years my children have been blessed to have been taught by wonderful, caring, intelligent, thoughtful teachers who truly care about their students and their well being. The teachers, staff, children and parents truly believe in Hunter and what it stands for and we couldn't have asked to be at a better school. This year's leadership is absolutely incredible and I believe it's only going to get better year after year. One of the main reasons we originally wanted to attend Hunter Elementary was for the amazing elective program they have. My kids have had the incredible experience of taking classes that suit their specific personality and style and exploring new areas they didn't initially realize they enjoyed. Some of the classes they have taken are Geology, Weather Watchers, Coastal Ecology, Architecture, Clay Sculpture, Blooming Botany, Creepy Creatures and Chess.

Posted: September 23, 2013

As a parent I have been very pleased with our time at Hunter from 2008-present. Their have been some ups and downs, but overall our experience has been extremely positive. The teachers at Hunter are great and truly care about the children that they are teaching. There are teachers here who truly have a passion for the children and the subjects that they teach. My child has taken electives ranging from Architecture to Drama to Rocket Science and has loved them all. We have received superior service as part of the AG program at Hunter and I feel that my child is more than ready to move up to middle school next year. I would not hesitate to recommend Hunter Elementary to any parent who is looking for a great school to provide their child with a solid elementary education.

Posted: April 10, 2013

I have two children currently at Hunter and have been very pleased with their experiences there. The teaching staff is dedicated, focused on meeting each student s needs, and has been responsive to my questions/concerns. Some of the teachers are beyond fabulous. I m astounded at how great they are. My children have had phenomenal experiences in some of the electives too. Those experiences, in addition to the solid core instruction, have made the bumps we ve encountered well worth being at Hunter. Hunter also has an amazingly strong PTA that supports the teachers and organizes a number of enrichment experiences for the students. In reading the previous posts, it seems that Hunter suffers from unrealistic expectations. It s a wonderful school for a variety of students, but it isn t perfect. I can t imagine that any school is perfect.

Posted: March 25, 2013

Our family has supported Hunter for over a decade. We love the school. The teachers are committed, talented and gifted. Jenni Johnson, the amazing magnet coordinator, speaks the truth during her impressive tours. The electives are impressive and our children took advantage of trying new things. After six years of elementary education, our children were prepared and excited to start middle school with the ability to work well with others and a sense of community purpose. Hunter is a REAL world school. Thank you for a great start to life long learning.

Posted: March 18, 2013

Unfortunately, Hunter is no longr the school it once was. Leadership means everything, and it is definitely lacking in this school. The new principal hasn't made one bit of difference at Hunter. She's rarely visible, and her style isn't for a school setting, but more for Dancing With The Stars! Teachers are stressed, and cannot provide a quality education in this environment. Kids that are not AG are swept under the rug. The last 3 three years have gotten worse, worst, and worser! Fortunately, my child will be finishing up this horrible experience in two months time, and this place will be history. I would never recommend this school to anyone - AG or not. It has visibly deteriorated at an accelerated pace. If this were not my child's last year I would be taking him out!

Posted: January 8, 2013

Agree with the review posted December 3, 2012. We used to love Hunter Elementary. We are now on our third principal in four years, and there have been too many changes. With a new principal that is never visible, and the elimination of cluster grouping, if your child is not on the AG track, forget it. The regular classrooms are full of children who are do not behave well. The teachers have their hands tied with discipline. I also question the safety of the students, and how many behavior/fighting incidents are going unreported. If you are willing to put up with all of this just to get the electives (which are wonderful), then go for it.

Posted: November 10, 2012

Hunter has an amazing history as the flagship magnet school in Wake County. In recent years, the school has had to weather some challenges, through no fault of its own, but it is persevering and still thriving. The teachers are still excellent, the classroom learning is still far more dynamic and creative than average, and the arts are fantastic. Hunter deserves a lot of credit for serving a diverse student population that includes some of the brightest kids in the county alongside some kids who come to school with many challenges. The leadership has stabilized and the school seems to be heading in the right direction. Come see for yourself.

Posted: April 20, 2010

Awesome electives and AG classes. The teachers are very motivated and encouraging.

Posted: April 8, 2010

Posted: April 23, 2009

Posted: June 9, 2007