William Holliday Elementary School

400 Joseph Drive

School District

Pontiac-W Holliday 105
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Pontiac-W Holliday School District 105

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 teacher on June 05, 2024

I have been a teacher at Wm. Holliday for over 25 years, so I have seen the district go through many changes and phases over time. Throughout the years, this has remained a caring district that employs staff that truly have the students' best interests at heart. We have recently finalized our new goals and mission for the district and I look forward to seeing how we can bridge the school-community gap that has widened over the last few years. We have amazing families, awesome students and a top notch staff that works together for the success of the students.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2018

Terrible. The staff seem happy and know all the kids and parents, but obviously they suffer at actually teaching and reining in bullies.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2016

Amazing school! I don't know what that other review was talking about with regard to having a bullying problem, but our experience couldn't be more different. This is a very safe school, and the teachers care a lot for all of the children and their safety. We love the music teacher, and the amount of time and effort she puts in the concerts. The extra activities are great...Breakfast with Santa, Harvest fest, Let me Run 5K at Grizzly stadium, etc. I could go on, but you get the point. Most important, we are very happy with the teachers and the education our children are getting!
Submitted by other on November 27, 2016

We LOVE this school! All 3 of our kids attend or have attended this school and the Jr. High next door. The teachers are amazing, the administration cares deeply, the curriculum is tough, and the standards are high. We were a little nervous based on other reviews we read (nearly 6 years ago), but all our fears quickly vanished and we haven't given it a second thought ever since. This is a great school!
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2016

Staff and administration are very involved and friendly. School is well run and offers valuable programs for the students.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2014

This school has a serious problem with bullying. Their idea is to let the students talk about it. To simply show that it hurts the other person. They see no reason to get parents from all sides involved. If your child is bullying someone you never no because they won't tell you. The bully will not be punished because "their only kids". Keeping parents in the dark about their kids is wrong. This is why parents think their kids are angels and then when the kid snap the parents can't figure out what went wrong. Wake up W.H. A bully is a bully. The age doesn't matter. And by not punishing the bully and especially not telling the parent is irresponsible . The only thing your teaching is that the victim of a bully doesn't matter and is important enough to be protected by the teachers that we as parents have no choice but to trust with our kids is only there for a paycheck and couldn't care less. Beware of this school. I have learn from previous students/parents. That this has been a problem with this school for years!
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

this school is awesome their is nothing compared to this school they show and teach about character
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2013

I love this school personally because this was my elementary school as a child! I began my journey at William Holliday in the 4th grade many many years ago. I always said W.H was never just a school but more like an extended family. The teacher's are your Aunt's and the principal, a custodial parent! My children currently attend Kindergarden and 3rd grade at W.H and I still say the same thing. The teacher's really challenge the students and the parents. I love W.H
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2012

This is our third year in this school, and we enjoy the overall involvement fromthe community. School leadership is top notch too. School could use renovation, however, it meets the students needs at this time.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2012

I am a very satisfy parent with the school personel. My son needed speech and was given even before we asked. So far, every teacher that he has have had been great. Mrs. Smith is a wonderful and extraordinary teacher. She deserves our respect. We found out that we may have to move and my son asked his dad not to do so. He loves his friends and teachers.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2012

We really like this school! The staff does an excellent job at communicating with us as parents and shows a genuine care for the welfare of our child, as a student and as an individual. An emphasis and intent is focused on character and the teaching of responsibility and civility. We are able to participate in various programs - assisting in the classroom as volunteers or through the Parent Organization. The school has a diverse population of students, which is also great. The district understands the community and the potential economic status of some residents and for the past couple of years has not charged some fees. They have also not cut programs like gym, art, and music, which are very important for development. We are also happy with the Extended School Program, which allows our student the opportunity to be at school early if needed or stay after hours due to our work schedules. The monitors have been helpful with homework assignments and other activities. Administratively there have been some changes, but our experiences have been positive. We're looking forward to meeting and working with the new additions.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2010

We are a military family moving away from this school and I am extremely sad about that. They just put in an one hundred thousand dollar + playground! Also while other schools in the area are cutting "extras" our school continues to have gym, music, art, library, and computers. They also have speech, and gifted programs. We were Tremendously happy with my sons Kindergarten teacher. It was her first year teaching Kin. and she was awesome, my son is now at the top of his first grade class. They have a great program in the school for infant- 3years (playgroup) that meets once a week to help get the children ready for pre-school. Then at three they have a FREE pre-school program that meets 5 days a week. I believe my children are doing so well because of all the great resources' this school has! I have three children and would definitely recommend this school .
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2010

So far we have been happy with this school. Regarding the playground, the school is replacing the older equipment with a brand new playground this summer. I think the comment about "the parents should pay for it" was intended towards PTO not individual parents. The school board is paying a large portion of the cost and PTO is paying too.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2010

This is the worst elementary school my child has ever gone to. The teachers are obviously just there to collect a paycheck. This school's funding is so horrible they cant afford updated playground equipment. They suggested the parents buy it. The only reason I rated one star was because there is not an option for none. This school is so bad I am moving out of the district this year. If you have a child that has special needs or just needs a little help this is not the school for you.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2010

My child has attended W. H. since mid-way of his first pre-school year (age 3.5) and is now in 1st grade. I loved his first few teachers, not thrilled with his current teacher. I don't believe that he is receiving the support he needs, nor do I believe his teacher is the best able to teach him. My request to have him moved was denied. My child now states that he doesn't like school or his teacher. I am looking into other options for him. This school does do some things right, their peace keeper program is nice. School lunches are mediocre and they don't have an alternative for lactose intolerant children. Classrooms are set up with desks in quads or circular so the students are right up next to other students so it can very distracting for young students.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2010

Changes over the last three years have been incredible and I believe that the staffs and board are on the road to taking this school, and district to the next level. While some programs have been reduced (no more than the other districts in the area), W.H. continues to offer more than enough education options than I see in the O'Fallon district. . My son transfered from out of state into the 3rd grade and the teachers were very responsive in integrating him into the classes and helping us with the transition. Three years later and we can say that we will be sorry to leave.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2008

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Submitted by parent on September 04, 2007

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