Highland Oaks Elementary School

10 Virginia Drive

School District

Arcadia Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Arcadia Unified School District

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 January 03, 2025

We have been with the school for three years. Our child has made remarkable progress, and the teachers' advice and support have been instrumental every step of the way. The PTA has organized many fun events throughout the year to provide the students and families plenty of opportunities to bond with the school and the community.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2024

It's a good school. Good community here. Like all the teachers we have met. Better than a lot of public schools in terms of resources and activities. Hope there are more programs around leadership, public speaking, and science education.
Submitted by other on September 30, 2022

As a recent graduate, I feel like there weren't many opportunities for advanced children to grow.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2022

I know many families love this school. The test score is very good due to afterschool tutoring many children attend. We attended two years of this school. My child was bullied, not addressed. We requested special needs testing, denied (it is against state law). Hope things are better after the pandemic.
Submitted by student on July 09, 2018

THIS SCHOOL IS AMAZING! The teachers treat you with upmost respect and they are always there for you when you need them. The school provides programs that help with your fitness and education. The school supports students.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2015

The principal has done everything to ruin this school. She started by destroying the once revered music program. She has blamed everyone but herself for this. The principal is incompetent and arrogant. She should be replaced.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2015

I am extremely disappointed in the teachers and faculty this school, they don't care much about teaching and super lazy, except very few young teachers, my kid didn't bring home one single test in a whole year, those overpaid unqualified teachers should be fired!!!
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2014

There are some teachers who are very good. The sad thing is that the administration keeps getting in the way of everything that is good.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

Good active principal. Renewed emphasis on academia being the first and foremost in priority. Unfortunately a great deal of resources have been expended on satisfying students with special needs, because of a highly vocal and irrational minority. That has to change for the overall well being of the school
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2012

Good school, with caring teachers. Good programs and support for students. Would like to see a stronger leadership.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2012

Large majority of teachers go above and beyond thus the strong API scores.Music program,after school sports and active ,strong Principal.7 year involvement with Highland Oaks with 3 children.Better than local private schools because of superior resources and specific reading ,math and science programs
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2011

We'e been associated with HO since 2003 with our 2 sons, with fantastic results. Of the 12 teachers, 9 were phenomenal, 2 were OK. I've had email correspondence with them on different issues, again with positive results. Children who transfer in from private schools or other districts are almost always behind in their academics & skills. I have never experienced teachers too involved with politics. Parents & politics happens everywhere. Very active parent volunteers are one thing that makes this school great.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2011

WOW! I am shocked at reading some of these reviews! To say that only medical doctors are called Dr. is just not a fact! My child went through H.O. and is currently at Foothills. It is because of the many wonderful teachers at H.O. that she is an honor student. (I take very little credit) I have 2 kids in the school now and I have yet to run into a bad teacher. When my child got one one of the so called "BAD" teachers I was horrified because I had heard some of the gossip about her. Naturally, I was concerned but and she was WONDERFUL the entire year. She ended up being one of my child's favorite teachers! Some of the parents in the school gossip way too much about each other and the staff and I have seen kids get sucked into the drama of it all! When I hear a student telling a teacher "I heard (insert personal info here)" you can bet that they overheard their parents gossiping about that teacher. Shameful! Teachers are doing their job and most at H.O. are great at it! The entire staff has to follow district guidelines, NOT the parents so if you have a problem with the way they teach, go to the district and complain or consider private. Teachers need our support!
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2011

Given this school is in AUSD, I am extremely disappointed in the teachers and faculty. The teacher's at this school are more interested in having parents make copies for them than anything else. The principal will only address concerns only if you donate money to AEF and the school! It has been a truly heartbreaking experience for my child. It is too the point where I would rather pay money to a private school than torture my child any more at this school. Teacher discusses religion during class, checks email and tells the students that they shouldn't be successful because they will just get fired from their jobs anyway! The principal knows all about this and just shrugs it all away, saying teachers will be teachers. Given all the layoff notices in the district, I hope they decide to encourage these horrible teachers to retire!