James E Williams School

155 Barren Fork Boulevard Southwest

School District

Huntsville City
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Huntsville City 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 12, 2023

I have been with Williams for a while. And when my son was there the old principal was horrible she always went around things to get to the answer and never answer it she always made excuses for teachers. And now the new principle we have now is about the same as she is he makes excuses for the teachers but he's never around he's always on tiktok or somewhere where you don't post to be but you know Huntsville City Schools don't got enough people to take his place so they're going to let him do whatever. And these teachers some of them are good then we got the new ones that come in and try to teach their own way and I don't know they know how to teach colored students but Williams I guess no teachers want to work at William so they just get what they can get and it's sad Williams really need help hasn't been open long and is one of the worst schools in Huntsville so I will tell you if you are a very strong will it hurt parent and speak your mind don't go to Williams cuz that principal cannot or will not understand you. And now my daughter is in there if you are zones Williams run don't go there it's not worth it AGT is not even worth it either kids bully kids they can't handle kids they always try to make excuses and then they blame it on the parents and not all the parents and sometimes the teachers but when you can admit to something will you do it for.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2022

This school has come a long way in just a few short years.The staff are working really hard to make this a safe and fun environment for the students.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2022

If your child is in need of special resources due to a learning disability, I STRONGLY urge you to check out other school districts. My son is a third grader at WES and I have been going around and around with staff since August 24th 2021. His current teacher's communication so horrid that I frequently wonder how she has retained a job as a teacher. I have to beg for information, and even the responses I receive from her are only pieces of the answers that I request. It's absolutely ridiculous that this kind of unprofessionalism goes unchecked, and is even supported by the principal and other staff members. Bottom of the barrel education. I strongly advise others to stay away from WES, if possible.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2021

Would definitely not recommend. The kids are bullies and very disrespectful and the teachers and administrators don’t care! My child has been bullied repeatedly and have been exposed to profanity, threats and violence on a daily basis with no obvious recourse from their staff. This will be our last year in this school district because we’re moving to Madison city. It’s obvious that the parents are not actively involved with their children and they are raising themselves. The academics are horrible and my child was incorrectly taught in math where the calculations that the teacher did were wrong! There is no value place on education and it’s obvious that there’s no passion behind what they do and they don’t care about the kids. One of the teachers even told me that their kids go to a different school bc they would never think about sending them here bc these kids are the worst! I would avoid this school at all costs!
Submitted by other on August 20, 2020

I haven't had much experience at this school yet. My granddaughter was issued an iPad to start Kindergarten this year and hasn't been able to login in all week to attend online classes. Come to find out, the iPad she was issued was so old that it wouldn't support the software needed for her to do her classes. How does this happen? Weren't these things checked before they were issued? Now she is almost a week behind with her lessons. Not a good way to start off a new school year or as a Kindergartner.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2015

Staff is fantastic. Both my kids have attended this school and highly respect the education and attention they received. Opportunities as part of HSV City School system is great. Digital initiative puts this school system above others in the area. Part of HSV City Schools which has 1 of 2 of the only schools in AL to be rated in the top 500 in the nation as of 7-2015
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

This school is okay. The teacher is good, lunch is free, principal is good, etc. BUT one thing I hate is the some of the kids my child has to deal with. I would prefer this school to control some of their students.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2014

We are military and new to Redstone. Wow! First day of school and this school is off to a terrible start. The reviews about this school not caring are completely true. As you walk in, the front desk lady is EXTREMELY RUDE. She doesn't care and expects you to know everything. She has conversations with the school principal in front of customers. As we tried to take out our daughter for an appointment, they looked at each other and said, "I like how they expect you to drop everything you're doing!" God forbid you have any questions for the staff. They like to brag about using iPads and having free lunch and breakfast. I'm not sold. I know that free means they've sold themselves for done type of grant. iPads? Haha! iPads don't make kids smart. I will be looking to remove my daughter and take her to Madison very soon!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2014

This is not a school that I would recommend to any family. There is no patience, no care, from the teachers. They are not interested in working with the children that are struggling, they push them to the side for the easier children. Our experience so terrible, we finally decided to move in the middle of the school year due to the teacher not only allowing tattling to run wild but was encouraging it just to bully our child! He learned nothing and the teachers only concern was for him to learn the required tests so he could pass! I do have faith for this school now that Dr. White is the Principal. She has the drive and determination to turn this school around. I can only hope that she can weed out those teachers that care only about their class average instead of actually caring about being an educator.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2013

This is the first year that my children have attended Williams Elementary. They like going to school and are active learners. The teachers encourage them to be active in student council and other activities. I like that the teachers communicate with me about my students strengths and weaknesses on a weekly basis. I also love that the students are exposed to a variety of programs such as 3rd graders and violin lessons and participation in the Christmas program. The 1-1 digital curriculum was hard to adjust to at first, but now we are fully adjusted and capable of meeting the expectations of the school. The PTA is active and the administration is very hands on and I can appreciate that!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2012

There needs to be a distinction between the elementary school and the middle school. Both my children went to Williams Elementary and they never said the teachers cussed. The elementary does not wear uniforms or have a band. Those negative comments are from parents disgruntled with the MIDDLE school. Separate building and separate staff and administration!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2012

I have 3 children that attend Williams Elementary. The teachers are dedicated and really want to help the kids succeed. I have had an issue with one of my children failing to bring homework home and I discussed it with his teacher. She immediately offered a solution of using a planner that we both sign each night. He gets rewarded at the end of the week if he uses his planner all week. Creative yet simple solution. It has really helped and he is back on track. I feel lucky to have a school where my children get to enjoy learning.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2012

GREAT Principal! Mr McAllister is very involved with the students and parents! SOME teachers go above and beyond, while others just 'show up'....PTA is working to better the school for the teachers and students!
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2011

Overall JE Williams Elementary is an acceptable school with ratings over the 50%. However, my experience has shown that if you do not take the time to reach out to the teachers or staff, most likely they will not reach out to you. I don't see much acknowledgement of students for a job well done, which is a great morale booster for both the child and parents. The ideas, games, and overall behavior of my child has changed to something not age appropriate. Everything seems to be a big blur to me and I have opted to take my child out of this school.