Highlands Elementary School

1400 South Brannon Stand Road

School District

Dothan City
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Dothan City School District

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 04, 2024

My daughter attended Highland Elementary school during 1st-3rd grade. She enjoyed being there, she especially loved LINC class on Monday. The teachers were friendly and helpful. They had picnics, parades, arts, and other activities that the school urged parents to attend. My kiddo had a problem with bully once, but the school addressed it right way. All in all, we love it there.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2024

My child attended Highlands Elementary from kindergarten to second grade. COVID lockdown began in March of his kindergarten school year, and my son completed his first grade year via virtual learning. He received all A’s during virtual learning. I worked from home and was able to listen in on his lessons. The kids were taught from 8 am to 10 am each day. All graded assignments were completed online including tests and quizzes. I became concerned that my child was falling behind despite his straight A report cards. I arranged a meeting with his teacher and told her it seemed the kids were being graded on computer literacy rather than the actual skills. For example, spelling tests were administered online, and parents were instructed not to help children find letters on the keyboard. These tests were timed. To me, this put more emphasis on typing skills than spelling. It also didn’t give children an opportunity to develop handwriting skills. When my son returned to in-person classes his second grade year, he immediately began reviewing failing grades in all subjects. I had several meetings with his teachers, school counselors and even the principal. They were unable to provide any support for my child without an IEP (special education). They were unable to institute an IEP on his behalf until he had failed 3/4 of the school year. I sat in classes with him and observed his teacher giving less attention to students who seemed to be struggling and more attention to students who seemed to grasp the material. I raised my concerns to the principal who dismissed my claims and assured me that the teachers were fair in their teaching. My son was held back in the second grade and enrolled in the special ed program due to his grades. I was outraged that Highlands had failed him so severely. The principal acknowledged that an unusual number of students in his grade level were also being held back that year, and that it was a failure on the schools behalf. The principal also acknowledged that low income minority students were disproportionately affected by virtual learning. I removed him from that school and he attended Girard Elementary to repeat the second grade. My son has flourished in his new environment. Bottom line: I would not recommend Black parents to trust this school with their student’s education.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2018

I was happy at one time with the school , but not anymore. I don’t see the principal getting involved in the seriousness of the bullying. That’s just a sad thing !
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2017

We LOVE Highlands elementary! Wonderful teachers, coaches and an excellent Principal. They really engage the children not just with school work, but several non-academic options such as Chinese, Spanish, Art, Dance and more... We refuse to move until our kids are out of elementary school because it's that great! (Have I mentioned how fast car-line goes? They have it down to a science!)
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2016

We are a military family and have seen quite a few elementary schools in various states. I adore this school and teachers! From the principal to the custodians, everyone is friendly and kind towards the students and parents. The school is safe and clean. The teachers work hard, are supportive of their students both in and out of the classroom! It is not unusual to see them cheering on their students at a sporting event or supporting them in their extra curricular activities. The teachers communicate effectively and I always know what is expected of my child and how he is performing. Highly recommend!
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2014

My son had the worst experience at Highland's Elementary. Everyday is was something new. I became so aggravated with the school I decided that my son would not attend Highland's Elementary. My sons teacher called him a liar to his face and wrote in his folder he was a liar. I was so disappointed in her being so unprofessional! You don't tear a child down you build then up. I feel a teachers job is to teach the child and show that child love. Teachers must make their students to be confident in who they are. I am proud to say my son is at a new school and he loves it. We have not had any problems. I am so thankful for that !
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2014

My child goes to this school and receives special education. I was suppose to have a meeting about his special education but last minute could not do it because I just found out that my daughter was sick and that my son may have it therefore I needed to take him to the doctor immediately. They refused to let me pick up my kids until I signed a special education document saying we had the meeting when we did not. Then they started bickering over a walkie talkie about me. I proceed to the office where again they said we could not leave until I signed it. Saying don't let her go until she signs it. NOT wanting to cause a scene in front of my children I signed it. I can't believe educators would do something like this. My kids will not be going back.
Submitted by teacher on August 01, 2013

As a teacher at Highlands Elementary I know first hand the love and support each child who enters the doors gets. We treat them just like our own. We have high expectations for the students and work endlessly to help them achieve their goals. Highlands is a great school, but we really need more technology in our rooms. We are working on getting Promethean Boards for each classroom but we have a long way to go. We do not get the funding to put one in each class like most other Dothan city schools. But just the same we love our children and we use all the resources we have to make successful students here at Highlands.
Submitted by teacher on August 01, 2013

Highlands Elementary is a fantastic school! The staff works well together and addresses the needs of all students learning styles across grade levels. Despite lack of funding and up to date technology, teachers strive to ensure that ALL children are challenged, have fun, and learn.