High Plain Elementary School

333 High Plain Road

School District

Andover
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 21, 2022

Our son has done so well. Love the fact that the teachers go the extra mile to teach and care. Our son had a horrible experience at a Catholic School and son as we were advised to place him at HPE by a academic advisor, we couldn’t be happier. He is so happy to go to school and the teachers are amazing!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2020

This school has significant challenges with any students and families that are not a typical middle-upper class in tact families. Additionally the administrative and leadership staff have a staggering lack of gender diversity, which appears to affect their limited perspective on a family’s unique situation. The result is a challenging environment for my children to reach their potential. This is after a few years in this school after having seen how well my kids performed at another school prior.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2020

Our son loves his teacher in the kindergarten and everyday he wants to go to his school. And we are very happy with the school and the teachers and the staffs. Halloween party was amazing this year with huge turnouts :)
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2020

This is out first year, So far the experience has been great. Teachers communicate effectively. Lot of after school events are organized. Like Science night, Halloween
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2018

This school has slipped heavily over the past 12 or so years in quality. It's ranking is based on solid, reliable and objective data. To think it should be a 10; that's absurd.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2018

There is no reason that this school is not rated a 10. You have a ridiculous, politically-infused algorithm rating system. Shameful!
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2018

I give this school 5 stars. Love all the teachers and how well everyone knows my child as an individual. They help my child succeed and do whatever it takes to get him to succeed. Extremely happy with this school and excited for my next child to start there in the fall.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2018

Positive reviews associated with this school are outdated and associated with its former principal, or likely written by the many moms who were former PTO members, who live in the west Andover area , and who all currently teach at the school. If I could go back in time, I would have pulled my children out and sent them to a private school, such as Saint Augustine’s or Pike.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2017

There are many districts offering a better quality educational experience for all types of students than in Andover, so, keep looking! The reputation for good schools is outdated here. I agree with other reviews, leadership is arrogant and not supportive. Also, be sure to review the rankings by third party sources like Boston Magazine and testing data by town on DOE website to get the most solid and objective information.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2017

Great School! my son graduated from here and now in woodhill
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2015

Excellent school, teachers, staff, and community. And for what it's worth, very friendly too. While I'm sure teachers have made spelling errors in the past (thank you, previous poster for pointing that out) to dismiss the entire school's staff as average simply because they are the same folks applying for jobs in working class towns is the most uneducated comment I've ever read in my entire 41 years! To become a teacher one has to follow a rigorous course of study, partake in practicums, student teach, earn a masters, and pass an exam that is running neck in neck with the Bar exam. Why should it matter where people are applying for jobs? High plain in Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Wilmington, North Reading, Winchester, Boston, etc. Doesn't matter! And this is certainly not even connected to how the school functions. I'm embarrassed for the person who would rank HPE because of who applies for jobs there. That poster should know a great educator would be willing to teach just about anywhere! And to insinuate educators from poor schools apply for jobs in subpar districts is beyond asinine. I maintain that HPE is fantastic on all levels.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

The leadership and staff at High Plain are very arrogant to the parents and children they are supposed to serve. If you decide to move to the High Plain area in Andover you should understand going in that your input as parents will be set aside. They know what is best for your child and will retaliate in an insidious manner to any push back... Union style tactics... This is the case for general Ed students. Also have been told from parents who have children in special education that retaliation is the normal and the education mob mentality kicks in big time on the defense. Is so sad to see a wealthy community waste good money on poorly trained staff with a lack of leadership and vision. In the end the students end up losing out on growth and experience. Most parents end up spending several hundred dollars on tutors to fill the gaps. The perception of good is created by pure optics and spin by the leadership. The school board is out of touch with the community they serve and are not aware or holding the leadership accountable.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2014

I am very dissapointed by the school. I came with hopes about the school. They are expecting kindergardener to be well versed. Nurse gives a hard time for each and everything. Kids and parents are given a very hard time by the nurse. You do not feel happy sending your kid to such unfriendly school. Teacher expects the kids to be above grade level and to know everything. Not a firnedly school overall.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

Ironically, I completely disagree with the poster who says not enough attention is given to students with certain challenges at HPES. I think they bend over backwards for those in these programs at HPES. Actually, I think they cater to special needs far more than the gifted and "regular" kids, which irks me. (However, overall, I think the school is fantastic!) My kids are very bright (yes, I am biased) and because there is so much money being spent on kids who have learning disabilities, etc, the exceptional children do not get the attention they should be getting. How's that for a different opinion? I'm tired of lettting my kids suffer because of the pressure from special ed groups to integrate all and "politically correct" behavior. Enough! I pay taxes, work hard, and expect fairness for my children, as well. I know I may sound cruel. but let's spend our money on programs that benefit all. The future of our country lies in realistic expectations of our students. Spend responsibly. OK, off my soapbox... but PLEASE stop complaining about school districts like Andover who spend so much of my taxes on your children and not my own.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2014

It's one of the best school districts in the State of Massachusetts. The teachers are in top of students who needs additional help. Small classrooms, clean environment and great transportation system.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2012

Sadly, after moving to Andover with high hopes for an excellent education for our children, we have been disappointed. It seems that in certain areas this school does well, but don't expect an excellent or balanced education across the board. While there are many warm, well-educated, creative and dedicated teachers at this school, there are just as many who are cold, disengaged and just doing what is needed to get through the day. Leadership could turn this around, but unfortunately those in charge are not leading by example. It's not all bad - if you are lucky enough to be one of the students to snag a great teacher for the year you will be given the opportunity to excel.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2011

I have three children that attend High Plain Elementary. This school has the BEST community of families I've ever witnessed. We were new to the area when my eldest started at HPE and we were welcomed and felt like we belonged within days. The teachers were handpicked from Andover's best for this school and you can see their commitment to education and the children when you enter the building.