Hillcrest Elementary School

1500 Frederick Rd

School District

Baltimore County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Baltimore County Public Schools

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 February 26, 2024

My children have both had a wonderful experience at Hillcrest with teachers, school counselors and administrators who truly care and want your children to succeed. There have been a few issues in the past with administration, but that has been resolved. The new principal is amazing and truly believes in ensuring a great educational experience for every child. I would recommend this school to everyone.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2020

I love Hillcrest and am so thankful my son had the opportunity to go there!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2019

Not a great experience at this school. I work long hours and cannot participate in the PTA which ultimately impacts my children.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2017

Excellent! The teachers are attentive and compassionate at this school
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2016

Teachers, administrators, PTA, after-school clubs ... This school is all I could hope for. My son has been so happy since Day 1 in kindergarten. We had some re-districting this year, but my husband and I did all we could to assure that he would be at Hillcrest through 5th grade.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2015

There are more bad apples than good. Out of 7 teachers so far only 2 have shown that they truly care about my children. I do plan on moving them out of this school for the next school year.
Submitted by other on May 17, 2015

My own daughter went here many years ago and we were beyond thrilled with the staff and the activities and overall environment... Now, I mentor some children who also attend this school.. It is still just as wonderful as ever... Caring staff , good teaching , lots of activities...I am happy that these children attend this school..
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2014

Hillcrest is a highly varied experience. A handful of amazing teachers but most of the teachers are awful. I agree with a previous comment that the school and the parents are overall not welcoming. This does impact my children's enjoyment of school.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2014

There is a very good reason that Hillcrest Elementary School is a solid 10, even with the challenges of overcrowding. It attracts excellent teachers and it is supported above and beyond by amazing parents. Financially the PTA is heads above other schools. In 2014 $50,000 was raised by different events to enhance the educational experience for our children. A 2nd fundraiser donated $35,000 to the technology department. The children in every grade are exposed to incredible learning opportunities, an active garden and PTA evening events. The teachers, for the most part are approachable and really interested in our children. The atmosphere in the school is great.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

Hillcrest has the best school in Catonsville. The administration is welcoming and able to deal very well with the overcrowding situation that has developed recently due to the word getting out that this is the school district to move into in Baltimore County. The teachers are caring, atune to studnet needs and go above and beyond to make learning fun and challenging at the same time. The afterschool clubs are a big plus at Hillcrest, as is the PTA, which is very active and plans unbelievable functions such as Math and Science, Literature and International Nights. All my children have either attended or are attending Hillcrest and those that have moved on to middle and high school were very prepared. I have nothing negative to say about this great school!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

The teachers Are great at Hillcrest and I agree with the previous post that there are a lot of changes going on. However that should not be an excuse for the legitimate concerns brought up but other parents about their child being left behind.... Although my child is having a wonderful experience, I have heard these concerns form a few parents. Change happens everywhere but seems to be more so in education. If a teacher can't handle change whether new or old, it's time to get a new profession!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

It is a shame for all concerned that a couple of parents have had challenging experiences with teachers. Hopefully they have addressed the situation either with the teacher or the administration - that is the most effective route, and the one that the school itself would recommend. Overall, Hillcrest is both a quality education and a bargain. The 2nd and 3rd grade teams specifically have some of the most well-respected teachers in the school.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

Hillcrest is an amazing elementary school. The administrative staff and teachers work extremely hard to be sure that all students are meeting their full potential. The parent community and PTA is very active and supportive. Volunteers are ALWAYS present in the school. I disagree with previous negative comments about teaching staff. I think we all need to keep in mind that this year is a huge transition year with the new Core, BCPS curriculum (which is still being written), evaluation process for teachers. I am thankful that our teachers at Hillcrest have the experience, administrative support, and resources to handle all of these changes. Let's appreciate that and imagine how teachers with no experience must be feeling at this point. Our kids are in good hands at Hillcrest.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Hillcrest is the best kept secret in Baltimore County. It continues to amaze even though it is clearly challenged with overcrowding. The teachers go above and beyond to enrich the educational environment and we have been very happy with our child's progress. The healthy PTA continues to amaze. The extra PTA funded events that are held during the year are incredible and the kids love them. Literature night, Math and science night and International night are always well attended. The technology department is also well funded and offers progressive education unlike many of the other schools in BCPS system
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

This great community school manages to provide a quality education despite significant overcrowding. The teachers are great, the administration is supportive, and the PTA is amazing. The facilities are starting to show some wear and tear b/c of age.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

It is so interesting that there are a few parents who seem to have had poor experiences at HES while the rest of us are thrilled with the education our children receive. I can only chalk this up to a mismatch b/w the child and teacher or isolated incidences. In regards to the parents being snobby- really? This is a measure of school quality? As the parent of a student new to the school, I couldn't disagree more- I have felt welcomed and engaged from day 1. Great experience thus far. I know there are lots of concerns about the curriculum that is being rolled out this year in response to the Common Core Standards- these are viable concerns but do not reflect limitations of the teachers. Great school!
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

2 of my girls started their schooling here, one is in 4th grade and the other in 2nd. We have been pleased with every teacher every year. The school offers a lot of after school activities through the well supported PTA. Its a great school with great kids, great teachers, and great administration.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Hillcrest continues to meet whatever challenges comes its way - changing demographics, overcrowding, or an aging school. The principal is works hard and is supportive of the teachers, parents, and most of all the kids. The parents are active and engaged. Not every teacher is perfect, but the majority have enthusiasm and a true love of teaching and we have been lucky to get some of the best. I recommend if any parent has an issue with a specific teacher, that they address it with the teacher and principal. Posting here doesn't really help solve the problem.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2013

I agree with an earlier post about the parents being snobby. While this is definitely true, my main concern is the 2nd and 3rd grade teams. The teachers in those grades seem sub-par and I am very concerned about my child being "left behind" due to this situation. I know everyone is concerned about overcrowding but I think we have more serious, deeper issues at Hillcrest.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2013

Both of my boys have gone here and I've been very happy with Hillcrest. I have found the teachers to be engaging and interested in helping my boys do the best that they can. To the parent who's concerned about teachers struggling with Common Core: you do realize that BCPS has not finished writing the curriculum for Common Core. Teachers are scrambling to make meaningful lesson plans because they literally do not know what they will be teaching in two weeks. Blame BCPS, not the teachers or Hillcrest Administration.