Hillcrest Elementary School

Posted: November 18, 2021

Excellent staff and communication. Teachers and administrators truly care about the kids.

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

BUTTER THEN EVER GET IT butter hahahahahahahaha!

Posted: March 27, 2018

I have 3 children throughout the grades and while all Hillcrest teachers seem to care for the students welfare and 80% are civil and professional towards parents, I have only witnessed 1 who has bettered herself over the years to an impressive level while other teachers have become more lax and complacent settling for friendship and parties.

Posted: March 27, 2018

Handing out a character trait to the next kid in rotation every month does not build character. Discussing historic or current examples, leading by example, rewarding any positive character trait on the spot and turning a negative experience into a learning experience reinforces those character traits. It’s a positive environment but it’s BYO in terms of character and good kids are challenged to stay that path with uncorrected/unaddressed bad traits all around.

Posted: March 27, 2018

I feel the kids are cared for. But they are not taught leadership. They are not taught or given chances to demonstrate communication in adversity or emotional situations kids find themselves in. If that isn’t happening and the curriculum isn’t worthwhile or challenging how can school leadership be satisfactory?

Posted: March 27, 2018

They are not in a strong position to provide this as they slowly creep towards doubling over their allowed student capacity. But combining grades such as hybrid 4th and 5th grades illustrates how students are taught to simply breath and they will pass. If they are not proficient enough to deserve 5th grade they will be taught a hybrid 4th grade lesson until they are shipped off to middle school to learn or lose.
Regular students are considered HiCap and left unchallenged while. District HiCap teacher checks in with them never more than once a week.

Posted: March 27, 2018

I have no experience with this, can not fairly praise or condemn.

Posted: March 27, 2018

Some teachers issue homework some do not. Regardless of the consistency I have seen no true follow-up on the homework from teachers and no differential between students who strive to achieve and students who refuse to even attempt homework. At times homework has been issued to compensate for lacking curriculum in the classroom.

Posted: March 27, 2018

It could be a great school truly. The compassion and intent is there. But it seems to have a small town or exhausted mentality where teachers and adults are friendly to each other and that’s enough for good ratings. Teachers enjoy their students have an abundance of parties almost never tied to academics and I challenge you to question any student about the 50 states, the state capitals, heck this states capital, any current or true social studies, any styles medium of art, any musical instruments, book reports, conflict resolution or anything that schools typically taught before testing standards. I can always tell when it’s State or District testing time because suddenly my kids learn just the test material over and over until the test and then it’s done.
If the in house resources aren’t there use the ones online like Amazons TenMarks, or Google Classrooms or the like. Online resources are abundant and if it requires a teacher to pay I’m sure many parents would rather contribute to that then buying another t-shirt for kids. The Snohomish County library has online resources as well to include free ebook and media borrowing if you simply sent permission slips home with students. Supplement the teachers lack of aides with online resources to at least meep kids competetive. Almost half of the local schools are populated with impoverished students how will a weak education break that cycle and give these kids a chance?

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

We absolutely love this school. The teachers and administration are very committed to education, and also making sure the children have opportunities to grow in many ways, not just academically. Two kids going through Hillcrest and we are very happy.

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Love Hillcrest Elementary! A great community to learn, develop and be known. An environment that is diverse and allows students to thrive in - whether they are high cap, receive special services, are in ELL, or Gen Ed. The teaching is differential and fun!

Posted: June 30, 2016

They are amazing. My daughters 3rd grade teacher includes cursive writing in there class. I think that is amazing.

Posted: June 30, 2016

Its different for every grade, and thats perfect. My 1st grader has less, then my 3rd grader. Its not to much, its perfect. We do homework about 20-30 minutes per day. I think that is ok.

Posted: June 30, 2016

I hear many times from my children how the staff responded to certain situations about them or other children. The teachers and other staff give them a chance to think about a wrong behavior and learn from them. The take the time to talk about it. They also have the "seat of honor" with a topic for every month. For example: Kindness. Teachers will choose one child that did something really kind and award them with a certificate.

Posted: June 30, 2016

The teachers are amazing. The communication is great, the education the children receive is amazing. The office staff is always helpful and friendly. I love how involved the principle Mr. Burleigh is and always greet the children and parents. My daughter learned cursive writing, she learned about technology and coding. Our son had problems at another school. Since we moved to Lake Stevens, no problems at all. The teachers are wonderful and know how to work with children and what they need to be successful. We love this school!

Posted: December 8, 2015

Posted: December 8, 2015

My oldest is in 5th grade this year and it's been a great 6yrs. From K-5 we have not had one problem with bullying. So thankful for that. All the kids are nice and kind to one another. The staff and principal are fantastic! This year and last year have seen a huge growth that has made it overcrowded but they are doing their best to handle the issues that come along with that. I know everyone has their likes and dislikes but we love Hillcrest!

Posted: April 18, 2015

This school is excellent on children's progress, happiness, success, involvement, and the staff members. Great staff members and happy children. Great supportive principal!!

Posted: March 26, 2015

This school is staffed by well educated & motivated individuals who will stop at nothing to see children succeed. The principal, teachers, & other multidisciplinary team members constantly praise the children & instill hope & inspiration about succeeding. Communication with parents is beyond expectations & there is even an email, internet, & phone system all in place that automatically connects with parents. The special education program is outstanding & plans are constantly molded to meet each student's needs. The teachers & staff members are the same year after year & the turn over rate doesn't seem to exist. My child has changed so much after attending this school in two short years. He is confident, his academics have improved, he feels successful, & he looks forward to going to school every day. Bullying is NOT tolerated at this school & it is demonstrated in the staff members skills & abilities to prevent it in the first place. We used to be a family that only preached private school, but having our child attend Hillcrest Elementary has changed our views on public school!! HIGHLY recommended.

Posted: May 25, 2011

After moving due to the loss of our house and weathering many other stresses, I am very grateful for the teachers, principal, and support staff who have helped both my 2nd grader and 4th grader through a rough period. I have seen how much the teachers and other staff care for all the kids, no matter their circumstances. They have worked to encourage excellence, and have helped both of my kids thrive in their schoolwork. The staff is fully capable of bringing out the best in their highly capable students, as well as handling those students who have behavioral issues. Further, I have seen the PTA in action--what a great, big group of involved staff and parents! Hillcrest, I am truly thankful for you!