Hickory Hills Elementary School

500 Redwood Drive

School District

Marietta City
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Marietta 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 February 14, 2025

I am so thankful for this school. It's my child's first school and to date his best experience. Their patience and care are unlike any other. They aid my little prince, who has special needs, with all the tools he needed to strive and succeed. They made him gained valuable lessons on how to make friends and converse with others. Special love and thanks to all the special teachers and staff. You made my RJ greater.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2024

We choice into Marietta City Schools, as we live in Cherokee County. Choosing Hickory Hills was the greatest choice we could have made, and I have no regrets. My daughter has a passion for reading and has loved the emphasis put on reading groups. The 10:1 ratio for reading groups has only increased my daughter’s love of reading. She felt challenged through these teachers, as well as her 1st grade teacher, and the gifted and talented instructor. She picked up a love of writing. My daughter cried if she was sick and could not go to school. That is how I know that she was truly motivated to be there. I also know she is happy. You can love to read, write, and do math but be unhappy with a school. These teachers made her want to show up. They made it family oriented. I say that about the specials rotations as well. They understand kids’ gifts. I think highly of the drama, dance, art, PE, and music teachers because they just understand your kid. This is a gem of a school. Admin does a great job with their staff. Teachers are great about communicating with both students and parents to reinforce positive behavior and work with students and parents to transition students through the appropriate development of school related social emotional skills. 1st grade uses a chart that comes home which is so helpful so that parents can support teachers. They do not expect your kid to be perfect every single day. They are understanding because they understand no one is perfect. Thank you Mrs. Beaudin! You have a PTA that is fantastic. The events that are held are unforgettable. The Winter Ball will always be one of those events my kid remembers among others. I can also say that it’s like a family. If you are ever in need once you are a dragon, a dragon will have your back. Having the opportunity to come in and hear about the science of reading was also important so I could provide the necessary support from home. There was also an opportunity to watch a math class or reading class. I loved watching my daughter in action in math class. It gives parents the opportunity to see kids in their school environment. I can also say I feel extremely safe with my daughter being here. She hasn’t experienced bullying or violence of any kind. I can also say safety goes further because Nurse Donna has done a phenomenal job stepping up for my daughter when I couldn’t always be there. She would always call when needed. I felt so much safer having someone special like her on staff. GO DRAGONS!
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2024

My students love going to Hickory Hills. They are able to participate in a wide variety of activities to support their development academically as well as socially and emotionally. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure each student feels seen, heard, and is valued.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2024

We are so fortunate that our sons attend Hickory Hills. The teachers and leadership at the school are incredible. Watching the Science of Reading in action has also been an impressive part of their learning experience.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2021

This administration cares more about appearances and less about the actual students.
Submitted by other on November 19, 2020

We are new to Marietta, and have been delighted with our neighborhood school. It is very community-driven, and the school leadership really strive to educate the whole child--to make more well-rounded. That is greatly valued. It is a small school, and that makes a big difference (despite the pandemic!). The family is doing well with Hickory Hills.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2020

The children love this school; that does mean something. The school offers a welcoming and warm environment for all learners, and the arts program is amazing.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2020

We love this sweet school; it’s a hidden gem. My oldest thrived under the current administration team and expect the same for our younger children.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2018

First year of first grade here and we could not be happier. The administration, the teachers, every member of the staff treat the kids with respect, dignity and hope that they can and will succeed. They love these children. This is what schools in my opinion should be.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2017

We transfer my 2 two kids to this school and after the first ride in the bus , both mentioned the kids in the bus say bad words out loud and the bus driver does nothing. So a decision was made that they will be car riders, then my daughter got infected with lice, the same day we noticed that we started using lice treatment on her and called the school to notify that and they treated us like we were the problem, instead my daughter was infected with those parasites in her classroom, we had a previous experience when she got infecte in kindergarten , we called the teacher and they look every single kid in the classroom till they found who was spreading the lice and took action. And just as today she tol me that a couple of kids in her classroom stared yelling at her, say your name, say yor name , you have to say your name is 'b...', and theteacher was right there and completely oblivious, when my daughter told her teacher what just happened the teacher did nothing. This is probably the school with the worst kind of teachers I ever came across.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2017

This is hands down, the best school I've ever been in. We have the opportunity to go to a "9 ranked" local public school and wouldn't dream of having our children anywhere but Hickory Hills. So many reasons-1- Principal is genuinely loving, caring, competent, fun, engaged...2- Teachers care deeply for their students- not just academically but socially. My children regularly go "visit" their teachers from past years beause they love them so much. The teachers go above and beyond daily. 3- They do a REALLY GOOD job at meeting each child's INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. This isn't a "cookie cutter" school, where if your child doesn't fit "the mold" they struggle. The teachers, admin, and staff do an extremely good job both challenging the students who are more advanced and learning at a quicker pace AND working hard to help children who may have fallen behind catch up and exceed expectations. I have no idea how they have such an individualized approach, but they do it beautifully!4- It's an integrated arts academy, which means that each student gets Visual Art, Music, Dance, and Drama WEEKLY. On top of PE, Recess, and Science and Computer lab! They are getting exposed to so many great skills and opportunitites! You'll fall in love with the arts teachers, too- they are wonderful!5- Special Education- if you have a child with special needs, get them in this school. They will be very well loved and cared for. 6- Parents- Hickory Hills has some of the nicest parents! There may be a few snobby ones, but for the most part they are really friendly, welcoming and nice. You always feel welcome at events. They don't pressure you to volunteer but make it to where you want to be a part. There are really nice famlies. 7- Technology- they have all the technology that any other Marietta city school has and do a really great job incorporating it into the classroom. 8- Diversity- Hickory Hills is rich with diversity, and I love it. My kids get to grow up with kids from all races, different countries, backgrounds, etc. - they learn so much from each other. It's really great. I could go on and on. This is a really great school- you def need to schedule a tour and come see for yourself. We love it at Hickory Hills!
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2017

As soon as you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile. The admin staff makes a point of getting to know their students and parents by name. The principal, Mrs. Boudin, is outgoing and approachable. She is not the type to stay in her office and let the vice principal deal with things. The teachers work hard for their students. They go above and beyond what is required of them. The school communication is great regarding any upcoming events or school news. I'm so happy that my child attends this school. It really is a hidden treasure within MCS. Parents, volunteer and get to know the people your children spend 7 hours a day with! You won't be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2017

The school has more of a family feel to it which is what I wanted. The school is about as diverse as you're going to get for Marietta City. With that said, no matter how friendly you are there are some parents that prefer to stick to their own ethnic group. That is not the school's fault at all, just telling it like it is so don't be shocked if some parents don't appear to be that friendly; be grateful for the majority of parents that are friendly.Regarding the staff- Very diverse and I felt they embrace everybody making you and your child feel welcome. Out of all of the teachers I have interacted with, there is only one that seems to have an attitude. Every school no matter where you go will have that "one" I give the principal 5 stars. These kids aren't just students here. They are her babies. She is very visible around the school and at after school events. If you need to find her, you do not have to look hard. She doesn't hide in her office.Compared to other schools that I have looked at in the district, this school has a decent amount of field trips for your child. I am very pleased with that because learning also takes place outside of the classroom and children need that opportunity. Back to the teachers- they really do a great job of keeping me informed of my child's progress, responding questions I have in a timely fashion, and providing opportunities for my child to get assistance in areas he needs it and opportunities to build on the strengths he currently has.I am very pleased and I hope to have my child attend next year.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2016

We love this school and our kids are so happy and content at HH. It is a huge blessing to our family!
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2015

We love our neighborhood school Hickory Hills! This is our first year there, but we have friends who've been there for years and they're right--it's the best. I was really concerned about how my Kindergartner would adjust to full time school--he's a very active boy. But this is the PERFECT place for him. Hickory Hills is a magnet school for Arts--so every day the students spend an hour in Dance, Music, Art, Drama, or Science Lab. They also have either PE or recess daily, which I think is super important for young kids to be able to focus while in the classroom. The principal also puts a lot of emphasis on the teachers having the students up out of their desks and learning in different stations throughout the room--which really helps them not get bored. He's learning in leaps and bounds--we've been shocked at how quickly he's learned to read. They try to group the Kindergarten students by how much Pre-K education they've had--so that each class is on the same level and teachers don't have to worry about losing people in the cracks. Not sure if they continue that through the other grades--but I think it makes sense. We were a little nervous going in bc of the rankings--but there is a huge transient population in this district--and when the students aren't present for the entire school year it affects the test scores really negatively. All of our worries have been erased, and I feel like this is the perfect place for our kids. The PTA is very active and passionate as well, so there's a real community feel to the school. Love. Love. Love.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2015

Hickory Hills Elementary provides a warm and caring environment for all students. Most of the staff know my child by her first name and treat her with respect and kindness. Teachers go out of the way to reach all levels of learners as well as provide individualized support. I would encourage parents who are "school shopping" to make an appointment with Hickory Hills for a personal tour. I did this when considering schools in the area. The principal met with me and answered all of my questions as well as showed me around the school. I was very skeptical of Hickory Hills at first based on some of the reviews, however, it has surpassed all of my expectations.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2013

I work as a preschool teacher for a private school where I had my son attending. I took him out because he didn't seem to get the attention or education he needed, he was also picking up bad behaviors from other students. My husband and I moved him here and we were immediately happy. His teacher was always in communication with us and worked very hard to help us get our son back on the right track. He is doing very well there again this year and again I am pleased with the open communication between his teacher and us. The staff are friendly and welcoming, they put in a lot of time, effort and hard work. We couldn't be happier!
Submitted by other on August 30, 2013

I live in the neighborhood and recently visited the school to see for myself what level of education is provided. I was pleased to see such a wonderful and creative school in my neighborhood! Our neighbors whose children attend Hickory Hills are very pleased. I was in the school most of the day and did not observe any negative behaviors from faculty, staff or students. Overall, the school appears to be exactly what parents want in an elementary school: rigorous course work, a fun learning environment, and caring, involved faculty.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2013

Racial problems are visible in the 4th and 5th grade. Many parents pull children out because of the way those teachers talk to the students. Often calling them names. Parents have gone to administration before but it still continues. MCAA is the only saving grace if your child is smart enough to get in. Otherwise, you are stuck. Sadly, the new administration is coming from a school in cobb that just isn't up to par. The test scores from Hickory Hills are the lowest in the district. If you can, apply to another school, because this is just a sinking ship. It seems if you are not white, your voice doesn't matter here, sadly, a common theme it seems for this school. White parents get to group all their kids into one class... it's very obvious
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2013

We started our daughter here in K, and she went through 1 and 2, but now that we made it to 3rd grade, we decided to move her over to MCAA. Luckily she was grouped with "similar" children as she was in the minority here, and they had the teachers we as parents requested. It was fine when they were younger, but as they get older, we knew we had to make a change. We are not fond of any 3-5 teachers at this school, and sadly have heard horror stories about the ways the 5th grade teachers talk to kids. Several parents have made this aware to admin and although they are changing people around, it still doesn't help. MCAA just can offer more for 3-5 than sadly this school can. The demographics are not what they need to be. Too much change yearly, and with the new admin, they are young and trying too many changes that it feels like most staff are resisting. We are excited about the work our daughter will do at MCAA, and that a good amount of her friends are moving over too. Sad to see what this school has become in retrospect to what it used to be.