Hillis Elementary School

2401 56th Street

School District

Des Moines Independent Community
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Des Moines Independent Community School District

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by teacher on April 24, 2021

I must disagree with other comments about, the principal Mrs. Gelfond. She is a good leader and does her very best to make sure that all students, staff, and parents feel welcomed. In the future, it doesn't hurt to be the first one to say hello.Hillis is a great school because of the people who come together there. Students and teachers make meaningful relationships and grapple with learning TOGETHER. There is no such thing as a "perfect school" but Hillis is a great place to be.Hillis welcomes a diverse population of teachers and students. If you walked the hallways, you would feel what I feel every day. Close your eyes and listen to the chatter of students. Students finding meaning in what they are learning. Students agreeing and disagreeing. Learning from their mistakes. Students asking questions that might sound funny. Open your eyes and see smiles coming from teachers' and students' faces. You will notice that we like it here. We like our students. Students and teachers learn more than ever because we have our minds and hearts open. Yes, we learn about reading, writing, and arithmetic, but we learn so much more.From Kindergarten through fifth grade, you will find teachers that legitimately care! The support staff are also in on the fun! We care about our students and our colleagues. We learn that working together is much better than working separately or alone! With that in mind, we are always seizing that magical teaching opportunity to help light a fire of curiosity in a student's mind. We know that that fire will grow into great things. Yes, we have challening days. After a night of rest, we are ready for another day with our amazing students at Hillis.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2016

I've had at least one kid at Hillis for more than a decade now. Wonderful teachers, principals, and staff! Each of my children has been very happy and has received a wonderful education there.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2015

I disagree completely with the negative comments regarding Mrs. Gelfond. My child is in first grade and has not always enjoyed school. From day one Mrs. Gelfond has been attentive to this and extremely helpful. My son now loves going to school. The changes she has made have been remarkable. She has always been easy to communicate with and easily accessible. She clearly cares for the children, is always present in the school and very approachable!
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2015

Mrs. Gelfond is the coldest principal I've ever met. We've been at school twice walking down the hall next to her, and she didn't have the decency to introduce herself. Kids aren't allowed to speak in the hallways and the teachers she brought in are horrible. No school traditions have continued. We're looking to open enroll our student out of the school next year.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2015

Well Hillis use to be a good school until the new principal/ Hitler took over this year. Now my kids hate it there. Amazing how much a principal can ruin a school in such a short time. If you want your kids feeling like they are part of the communist party then by all means send them there. I will be looking for a new school.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2014

My son has attended this school since Kindergarten. All of his teachers have been wonderful! The Principle is always in the hallways and knows what is going on in this school.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2014

My son attended Preschool at this school. I thought that the program was ok but a few things disapointed me. Good: I liked my kids teacher/TA both were friendly and seemed interested in meeting our families needs. There was a variety of daily activities that kept my son interested and I felt like he learned some things. There were some school events that seemed to have good support Not so good: Preschool entrance is a security risk and should be better secured to limit access to non-preschool visitors. Preschool students pulled hair and spit on my son with little repercussions Principal was available by phone but seemed to have limited involvement with preschool (I'm not sure how much a principal should be involved but my guess is more) Conclusion: I would have preferred other options but this was the nearest preschool that offered a program that worked with our schedule/needs. If you are forced to send your child here for preschool keep an eye on discipline and establish a relationship with the staff.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2012

I went to Hillis as a child and when I purchased a house I chose one in the same neighborhood. They had a complete remodel in the last few years and it looks wonderful. I currently volunteer there and I am in the school frequently. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the great job they do with their students. The principal is engaged and responsive and the teachers go above and beyond.