Hawthorne Pk-8 Academy

Posted: August 15, 2026

Posted: August 15, 2026

Posted: August 15, 2026

Posted: August 15, 2026

Posted: August 15, 2026

I attended this school for around 3-4 years. LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS! This school was the most draining school I had ever entered. There, I was made fun of, had my friends bullied, got targeted by NOT ONLY THE STUDENTS, but the administration and staff. Not only were the teachers constantly disrespected and rude towards all students, but some had made rude remarks towards my friends, causing most of them to cry and experience feelings no child should experience. The counselor is a joke. They don’t give any help and look appalled when a student comes in for mental help. Apparently, from what I’ve perceived, there is a huge favor system. If you’re weirdly close with the teachers and have a relation with the staff, NOTHING you do is wrong. Many of my friends have gotten bullied then suspended for days for fighting back, but the bullies and initiators get little to no punishment. The only respectful and nice staff were the lunch ladies.
Overall, I never felt like I belonged at this school and I am so glad that I’ll never see this place ever again. When a previous student, and MULTIPLE students and teachers tell you not to send your student here, DO NOT ignore them. For the wellbeing of your student(s), find a better school.

Posted: August 15, 2026

Posted: August 15, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

I briefly worked here and am so glad I never will interact with this school again. We were told by administration to NEVER fail a student even if they submit zero assignments for the year. Further, they(both admin and other teachers) made racist remarks about my last name(I am of middle eastern descent) and finally only apologized for it after I broke down crying in the principal's office. One fellow teacher even swapped all the desks in my room out with theirs in the summer when I was not there and left me with worse, smaller desks. When I asked about this, no one did anything to help and I was left to figure it out on my own.

My class periods were extremely unorganized in that I had several classes with 30-35 students and one of my classes only had ONE student. No matter how much I complained about it nothing was changed and in those larger courses, I even had 6th graders in my 8th grade course. I obviously had to adjust and just not grade them similarly because they never even took 7th or 6th grade courses in that subject. Instead of letting me design a curriculum, they bought a pre-planned online lesson guide for every day of the year which is cool! Except for the first few weeks they weren't even able to give out computers to all the students so they could not access it.

The principal cares much more about optics and keeping their job rather than the actual growth of these students. Many of them know and abuse it to their advantage which is not their fault, its ours.

There definitely are many teachers at the school that care but have also realized there is a lot they cannot do or change if the administration is unwilling.

Once again, I look forward to never interacting with this school again and if you have the option, send your student somewhere else. It will definitely be a benefit.

Side complaint: Why did I have to pay the school money to be allowed to wear Jeans to work? That just sounds ridiculous.

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: May 7, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

I absolutely love Hawthorne Academy! The dual language program is such a huge highlight for our family—it’s amazing to see my son learning Spanish and growing in such a meaningful way.

Mrs. Olguin and Ms. De La Cerda are both fantastic. They are so kind, provide great communication with parents, and I especially love when they send pictures—it’s such a special way to stay connected and see what the kids are doing throughout the day.

I also want to recognize Ms. Mendez, the Principal—she is incredibly supportive of the kids, very approachable, and genuinely kind. It’s clear she truly cares about the students and families, and that makes a big impact on the school environment.

The YMCA after-school program is another big plus. Mr. John does a wonderful job with the kids, and I love that the program is conveniently located right at the school. It’s great that they get to spend time playing outside on the playground—it gives me peace of mind knowing my son is safe, active, and happy after school.

Lynnette, the PTO President, does an incredible job creating opportunities for families to be involved. It means so much to have chances to visit the school and be part of my child’s experience.

I also really appreciate the diversity at Hawthorne Academy—it creates such a welcoming and enriching environment for all the students.

Another thing we love is the location—it’s in a great area and within walking distance from the Pearl, which is such a nice bonus for families.

Overall, we’ve had a wonderful experience and feel so grateful to be part of this school community!

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: March 21, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Teachers are great, but kids not so much. Kids have no manners, no home training, bullying. Do not send your kids here.

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

My son has been attending since kindergarten. They have been through a few principals, but with Ms. Mendez there has made some amazing improvements. Bringing different programs and focusing on parent engagement, more programs, and an opportunity to be apart of the surrounding community. Most of the teachers have been consistent with communicating and really care about their classes with your support especially within this last year.

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Im a student here and I have been bullied for almost a year and when I went to a counselor she said "boys will be boys" and most of the teachers wont do anything! and if they do get caught they just can't sit with their friends for lunch...

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: March 5, 2025

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: October 19, 2024

The teachers and school are really working hard to improve programs, extra curricular activities, and culture. This year the learning is very high quality and the principal is highly invested in social-emotional health of students as well as academics.

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: October 19, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Hawthorne Academy has great teachers and they have really helped my child progress academically, and social emotionally. We are having a great experience with Hawthorne Academy. We love the community!

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

This school is bad do not send your children here!!

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: May 5, 2016

Posted: May 5, 2016

Posted: May 5, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Teachers are awesome. Their teaching keeps the kids engaged and interested in all subjects. My son comes home excited to talk about what he learned that day. There are so many great extra curricular activities to join. We just Love Hawthorne Academy.

Posted: November 18, 2015

This year has been a great year! Great teachers, staff, great parents and a better PTA. The communications is so much better especially now that our school has a facebook page. Also love our monlthy newsletters. We are all enjoying our new attached building. We will soon have two playgrounds. I enjoy attending family nights. We have them at least once a month. It's nice to see families get involved in their children's education.

Posted: October 13, 2014

I love the teachers (most of them) I loved the school when my child started 6 years ago, and now I'm disappointed on the family involved activities and there are no fun activities, and if they do get some free time its 20 minutes. I hope when the remolding is done there will be more fun and playtime so kids will be happier and less distracted.

Posted: April 27, 2014

Principal has little power, sad to say. She let's the little people step on her toes. I'm not happy there anyone. The sun is not shining anymore at that school. We need a new principal with power. Oh, don't join PTA. Lots of playing around. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.

Posted: April 16, 2014

School can improve by removing PTA. PTA has been a big joke to all this year. The school is being rebuilt and looks very nice. Great teachers and staff.

Posted: January 16, 2014

Our school is being rebuilt. We are all so excited with our new building. So far it's looking good, it looks more colorful. Glad this is happening. Our teachers and students deserve the best!

Posted: May 25, 2013

Love the core knowledge curriculum, teachers are great, administration is supportive and have an open door policy. I like the way teachers take the time to know their students and make sure they feel successful. I have been in other schools and I personally think this is one of the best because hard work and dedication can be observed in all.