Hermitage Elementary School

Posted: April 9, 2024

Some amazing teachers but one star based mainly on the current Principal. Our School Bd rep pulled her family member out of this school. Our class dealt with a severe behavioral issue. Principal coddled a student to the determent of others. Gifted Services is a joke, no accountability and extremely poor communication. Many families did not know about ODS Visual Arts and Dance program (they buried it at the bottom of an e-newsletter). Unacceptable! Our kid missed the chance to apply which was a dagger thru my heart as was recognized elsewhere for art ability & everyone deserves a chance to compete for a spot. Our school is 70% military affiliated which I love (we are not military but have a proud military tradition), some NATO which is great. Extremely transient vs. a private or small town public school. Many need tutoring so not ideal for gifted learners. Kids definitely over use Chromebooks. Old Donation (gifted magnet school) gets better resources and curriculum. Dr. Robertson seems like a good Supt. We have good local school bd reps who get it. Hopefully some changes ASAP to improve our #38 out of #55 ranking VB Elementary Schools.

Posted: April 9, 2024

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Posted: March 8, 2024

It pains me to write a negative review of Hermitage as I know there are still a few good teachers and administrators here. However, turnover- transfers (to other schools in the city)- burnout- individual teacher political differences- heavy reliance on tech/screen time, etc have all taken their toll on the classroom learning experience. Hermitage does what it needs to do to check the boxes for the city's interests and for the state's SOLs (Standards of Learning), but not much else from what it would appear. Also, communication with parents as to their child's progress or about any classroom incidents (both of a positive or negative nature) also seems to be discouraged practice. Some of these issues are probably universal across the city, but with Hermitage's higher than average transient student population (due to the nexus between military base proximity & affordable housing), this provides the sense that maintaining consistency and fostering parent engagement is a lower than average priority.

Posted: March 8, 2024

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Posted: August 21, 2023

I dont recommend this school to anybody looking to send their child there. Not a well run school....period

Posted: August 21, 2023

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Posted: July 30, 2023

Kindergarten has been wonderful. My daughter is thriving and is challenged. Her teachers always responded to and questions or concerns in an open and quick fashion. My only complaint would be that I would have liked a little more communication from the office about information regarding early dismissal or events. But I didn’t feel this was a lack of caring, more a lack of maybe not realizing the info isn’t being shared effectively.

Posted: July 30, 2023

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Posted: May 12, 2022

Horrible school. School does not do well with bullying! The principal and staff are not educated in kids with autism or special needs!

Posted: May 12, 2022

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Posted: May 2, 2022

We've had a very positive experience with Hermitage in the past year, despite the many challenges navigating a pandemic can bring. One of the school's strengths has been over communication whether it's through apps, emails, texts or phone calls. Our son's teacher is easily accessible and helps answers all our questions and concerns at any given time. We have witnessed our son's transformation both academically and socially since the first day of school; he continues to excel. He has made many friends and looks forward to going to school. We also love the fact that the school rewards good behavior and teaches kindness and respect towards one another. The school also hosts and participates numerous events throughout the year that help bring the school and community together. Overall, we've been very happy with the school and amazing staff and would highly recommend the school.

Posted: May 2, 2022

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Posted: February 18, 2022

My son has been in the school for 4 years and every single teacher, has been caring and sweet. We still have a relationship with them and the third grade teacher still check on my son who is in 5th grade.
He has special need, and I can not be more grateful with his Special Ed teacher, who even send me a pictures or concerns during the day.
The secret, just to be involve with the school, volunteer, call your teachers, work with them, we are a team.

Posted: February 18, 2022

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Posted: March 8, 2021

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Posted: March 8, 2021

Posted: March 8, 2021

Students with disabilities are left behind. They will claim to give help and resources for these students and make you sign documents stating they are doing this yet do not follow through. We have dealt with this school for 4 years now with zero change.

**I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY LEARNING DIFFICULTIES.

Posted: March 8, 2021

Posted: February 3, 2020

Teachers who roll their eyes at their students. Kids are reprimanded while waiting to use the bathroom. Teachers show preferential treatment only to the students with the best grades. No support for struggling students. Teachers with poor attitudes towards students but smile and laugh with the parents like everything is fine when it's not. Unsanitary environment with health code violations everywhere. Unenthusiastic non-teacher staff who are short spoken, short tempered and clearly hate dealing with the student body. Yes! I'd say there are way better schools with emotionally stable staff all around, and just an all around healthier environment for students.

Posted: February 3, 2020

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Posted: January 21, 2020

I'm very disappointed in my experience with school leadership and the teachers I have encountered. My advice to anyone attending this school is to ask lots of questions, observe your child's classroom and teacher(s). Keep records of everything. Make sure you know what your child is working on daily and weekly. Inquire about the type of class your child is in. As I read through the comments, I have had many of the same negative experiences.
As parents, we are in a vulnerable position when we send our kids to school. Hermitage was not a safe place emotionally or academically for my child nor for having a peace of mind as a parent.
If you do decide to attend this school, be very involved.

Posted: January 21, 2020

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Posted: August 15, 2018

Good, but very concerned about the educational environment for 2018-2021 as Thouroughgood Elementary shares the property while Thouroughgood is rebuilt. The learning environment at Hermitage will be negatively affected. Crowded building, shared library, traffic concerns, teacher morale, less space available for small group work, much less room for outdoor PE, increased security concerns and more will make a difference in Hermitage’s academic success.

Posted: August 15, 2018

Posted: August 15, 2018

Posted: August 15, 2018

Leadership of this school changed during the school year 2017-2018. Many changes implemented that year and more expected for 2018-2019. Only the most current reviews would reflect Hermitage as it is currently. 2017-2018 was the principal’s first year ever as a principal.

Posted: March 8, 2018

The school does not deal with bullying properly. I am currently waiting to see results. I wish I had seen the reviews on here instead of the ones on renting sites.

Posted: March 8, 2018

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Posted: February 11, 2018

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Posted: February 11, 2018

All 3 of our daughters attended HES and had a amazing experience. From 1 daughter with a severe learning disability incl dyslexia to 1 with a uncommon medical condition for her age they were both given the support and guidance needed for them to move forward and accomplish things others told them they would not be able to.

Posted: January 29, 2018

The majority of these teachers are NEW. Please be sure to ask around and put in the request for the correct teacher to your students needs. Sadly everyone here is just unhappy. even a substitute said to me "The staff seems to have a chip on their shoulders at Hermitage"

Posted: January 29, 2018

Theres not any time to develop Character, "recess" is PE where they run "scenic" and lunch time is silent time. Maybe the new principal will change that.

Posted: January 29, 2018

sadly the only good thing about this school left. Mr. Deck.

We did not even know the new leaderships name the majority of the year.

Posted: January 29, 2018

absolutely do not! Went for an IEP meeting and the special eduction teacher said "We don't want to label him so were not granting one" He already had one in place from a previous school. He could NOT read! They would not honor it. We have removed my children from this school due to this.

Posted: January 29, 2018

Both of my children were bullied at this school. My son was told he was slow by the PE coach,

Another child stabbed him with a pencil and teacher said "boys will be boys, he shouldn't be upset"

Administration said they would look into, we never heard back.

Posted: January 29, 2018

Some teachers supply ZERO homework which is understandable but some give 2 hours worth EVERY night. The teachers do not check this homework they just ask the kids did you finish Homework? If they yes, they get credit.
How is that effective at seeing how a child is doing?

Posted: January 29, 2018

I am very sad my children spent the time they did here. I wish I seen the signs earlier and removed them. They are now both at another VB school and excelling loving school like they should. Listen to your kids. Don't be fooled by the "military friendly" and SOL scores!!

Posted: April 12, 2016

Posted: April 12, 2016

I would give it a lower score if allowed. This school allows bullying and does nothing about it but passes it off as kids being kids even though hitting is involved. When you the parent addresses the situation they try to intimidate you by bringing everyone in the room while you just requested to speak with just the principal. The principal is the worst. She tries to patronize you by attempting to insult your intelligence. Save yourself the trouble and stay away from this school. It doesnt even support social activities and teaches only towards SOLs. Just bad all around.

Posted: July 8, 2015

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Posted: July 8, 2015

We are so happy here at hermitage! My children love it and everyone in the building are always so welcoming anytime I need to pop by!

Posted: March 2, 2015

I had high hopes for this school district as we moved from neighboring Thoroughgood Elementary (which we LOVED!). My very gifted child (she is 7 and reads/comprehends at a 5th grade level, if not beyond) is basically having to dumb herself down for her classroom. She has attention problems in class- and yet no one has recognized that this is because she is BORED. Thoroughgood was amazing at pulling her out and working with her one-on-one to keep her challenged and motivated. She is receiving just mediocre marks in music and art- which are two of her best subjects. I'm so disappointed in having moved into Navy housing - and losing Thoroughgood in comparison to this school. We completely believe that education starts in the home and all that she has learned has come from us- not her teacher, who is a lovely person and whom I hold no ill-will towards, but she isn't recognizing what my child needs at all in the sea of other students she teaches.

Posted: November 11, 2014

We have been at this school for a 2 years now. My children are now in 2nd and 5th. My 2nd grader has 3 hours of homework nightly when spoke to the teacher I'm told they just don't have time in class and its needed for SOL's next year. As for my 5th grader, she is an honor roll strudent but will not be noticed as one this quarter due to an absence and tardy. Highly disappointed and FINALLY moving out of this school zone!! As for the principal I can say in two years I have seen her a total of 3 times in the halls. The assistant principal here does not get the credit he deserves. Blue ribbon or not we are moving!

Posted: June 23, 2014

The principal doesn't support after school enrichment activities such as clubs and programs designed to support growth and development for students outside of the classroom. She doesn't respond to parent emails, questions or concerns. Her only concern is supporting SOL tests. While maintaining these scores is important, she fails to realize how experiences out of the classroom can support core standards. Parent involvement suffers because she is so difficult to work with. There are many amazing teachers at this school, but a few that might want to review the importance of not screaming at students or calling them names.

Posted: March 13, 2014

My kids currently attend this school and I am not impressed. They went to Kempsville Elementay before here, and this school has nothing on them. Kempsville was warm and inviting. Kempsville felt like a family and I feel like that is important. The PTA here has nothing on Kempsville. The PTA doesn't do much. Dad's were a lot more involved at Kempsville. They even had a special PTA for them. I can go on and on. I don't even want to get started on the teachers. All I'm saying is that the rating doesn't always mean much and now I know this.

Posted: March 9, 2014

Worst school ever! if your child has an IEP. Assistant Principal has poor ethical skills, so some of the staff too. Lack of support, always complaining about the child. The teachers assistances are poorly prepare to work with children. A five star school is strong in every area, this school has deficiencies that need to be address in order to be a five star school.

Posted: September 26, 2013

I have 2 children attending Hermitage a 1st and 4th grade and so far I couldn't be more happier. The kids love the school and teachers. Overall this school is involved with their students receiving a great education. The teachers and stuff keep the parents informed . Being a military family and moving around so much I was a bit nervous but the kids have settled in fine.

Posted: May 18, 2013

My daughter went to a very highly rated preschool for 2 years prior to going into kindergarten at Hermitage. On her first quarter report card, she met grade level expectations and had no concerns. Well, she received her first progress report and it wasn't good. Second quarter report card remarks went down, 2nd progress report down. I asked the teacher is there anything I can do/need to know. She said, she needs to work on counting down from 10. Well, stuck with the school and in the last two weeks of school, she formed/wrote a complete 3 word sentence. Should have pulled her out after the 1st quarter. She has no learning disabilities and has excelled in music and is doing much better in private school (1st, 2nd grade). Of course, the private school's academic work is well above Hermitage. I think she would have been fine at Thoroughgood, but we were not zoned for there. Would work 2 jobs to afford private just so she wouldn't have to attend H. I would be weary of sending my child to this school.

Reviewed: April 17, 2013

Hermitage is a "fair" school. It is not a well oiled machine and the principal is very difficult for parents to deal with; however, the teachers are lovely, the school is a green school and beautiful, the kids seem very happy there. Yes I would send my kids there again.