Hilburn Academy

7100 Hilburn Drive

School District

Wake County
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Wake County 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 April 11, 2024

My child attends Hilburn and has had a wonderful experience. The teachers are helpful and receptive. I have received communication, updates on my son's progress, and newsletters from the administration and teacher. As a parent, I am happy with my child's experience.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2021

Hilburn was a huge disappointment. If you have a child with special needs be very aware that your child will be mildly tollerated - at best.At least 2 of the special needs teachers need to be removed from position - due to continued verbal abuse of students that cannot defend themselves and the subsequent attempts to cover up the behavior. There are some good teachers at Hilburn who care- but there are also a large number of teachers in the lower grades that need to be removed. They are burned out, ineffective, and bully the very students they are entrusted and paid to teach and protect. This school, like so many schools in Wake county, is in a hotbed of apathy. They just dont want you to know that. I do think the administration are doing what they can with what tools they have to work with. However, make no mistake, it is their job to make your child fit into a system that does not truly support special needs children. The end result will be your problem to untangle.We were repeatedly misled and misinformed on numerous occassions about available resources and options that could/would have helpd our child have a successful day. There was no reason for it - other than spiteful, burned-out resentment of the very students that walk through the front doors. Know this - the school is where the staff/teachers work - have a job. Your child is simple a component/cog of the school. It is about their jobs - not your childs education or dignity. Once you understand that - you will understand Wake county public schools. Oh and the lunch room is a joke. No adult in the building eats the lunch it is so awful- or so we were told. Some of the staff get takeout instead - because they can - unlike your child.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2019

I absolutely love this school. From my experience the teachers really care about the students’ success here. They are very proactive when it comes to bullying prevention. Teachers and staff are always happy to see the students, especially in the morning during arrival. In my opinion, this is extra important when it comes to setting the tone for the remainder of the day, especially for the little ones. Communication between parents and teachers/staff has been phenomenal. I am also very satisfied with the curriculum.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2018

I have 2 kids in Hilburn. The school is great. Strong teachers and a strong administration along with very involved parents.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2017

I have been thoroughly impressed with our experience with Hilburn.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2017

Private school atmosphere in a public school setting. Principal White and then entire Hilburn staff want the best to their's students education. Wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2017

The success of the school depends on the leadership of the Principal & assistant Principal. This school has a winning team. Both are highly visible and accessible. They are also very innovative and like trying new ideas to better the school. There is also a strong STEM program which has been recognized by the state. The library is very big and is a bustling place in the morning due to its "maker space". My children are not involved in chorus or band but they have several concerts a year. There is also a couple of plays each year. The PTA organized art "experiences" each quarter for all levels (k-8) at the school. One example was a professional storyteller that my kids really enjoyed. The only complaint I would have is the middle school PE program. Its non existent. At that age, they should be outside or active every day. They had "class time" almost all year. The PTA works hard to raise money to better the school. They are always doing activities (including kid character awards accompanied by a complimentary lunch!) We have had a great experience at this school!
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2017

We are going on our fifth year at Hilburn, and we love:1. The fantastic teachers2. The principal, assistant principal, front desk staff, and supporting staff 3. The diversity, economic, racial, religious, etc.4. The bright and cheery library and the fun classrooms5. The clubs and extracurricular activities6. The STEM program and interactions between grades7. The small-school feel8. The school hours (done by 3:00!)9. The pre-k through 8th grade model with a true middle-school experience for the big kids complete with lockers and school dances10. The PTA and parental involvement
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2016

Hilburn Academy is a truly remarkable public school within Wake County! We love the staff, teachers, K-8 students, and an active parent involvement with the school's PTA. The school reinforces life lessons by incorporating monthly character traits as well as engaging the students in the 4-Cs: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking.When your child tells you how much they love the school you know you made the right choice! I would highly recommend any interested parent to attend an open house and take a tour. Principal White and VP Menachery are engaged leaders who are approachable and dedicated to their roles!!
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2016

A renewed excitement and active learning is found throughout Hilburn's K through 8th grade experience. Thanks to Principal White, a very passionate and creative faculty, engaged staff, and caring families we continue to find new ideas to explore. Before the school day begins, new clubs are meeting to help broaden the experiences of middle school students even further than our Band, Drama, Spanish, Science Olympiad, Visual Arts, Chorus, Animal Science, and many other electives. The Radical Reading program has been a great way to provide fun and encouragement for increased reading across all grades. Last week's highest readers were recognized with an opportunity to toss whipped cream / chocolate pies into the face of Ms. White and Ms. Menachary. Check out the beaming smiles and enthusiasm on Facebook and YouTube. Hilburn Academy is not a private, magnet, or charter school yet the community and learning opportunity is comparable. This school is a hidden gem within WCPSS.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2015

Awesome new principal and many new staff to energize the classrooms. The STEM program and K-8 format make this school unique. It's a small close-knit community.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2015

Hilburn has a nice family feel, and the teachers and office staff go above and beyond for the students.
Submitted by other on November 02, 2015

I've been a Hilburn parent for three years, with two kids there. My oldest has has an excellent middle school experience. The classes are much smaller than he would've had at Daniels or Leesville (though I have very happy friends at both schools), and feel the individual attention here is terrific. My child never "slips through the cracks" and I feel like the staff and administration are both focused more on the kids than they are "administrivia" that can seem to absorb large schools. I also like that my child has had three years of actual Spanish instruction. Foreign language at area middle schools is a WCPSS bait and switch at many schools. They may OFFER a language, but at some middle schools, unless your child had elementary instruction in that language, they are not eligible to take it in middle school. (That's a question to ask if you are weighing middle school options.) My child is already taking Spanish 1for high school credit because of the good instruction at Hilburn. That is a real benefit, and there is also a Spanish 1 Class trip to Spain planned for the end of the year. Yes, Spain. I'm also a fan of the Hilburn Elementary program. We've not had a bad teacher in 3 years. The teachers have all been great, but each in his or her own way. I have to respectfully disagree with the other parent who had an issue with the administration concerning a child with a learning disability. My younger child han issue last year and I found the assistant principal and guidance counselor to both be professional and caring, and felt like they did what I needed them to do. I will explain that I never showed up without an appointment and was always clear with what I wanted from them, so that may account for my sense of satisfaction. My complaints are minor- the kids eat lunch too early, and the teachers all use three different websites with a gazillion different passwords, so it's a challenge to keep it straight. The PTA is active and gives a lot of money to the school (even providing things that I think WCPSS should), but that's a good thing.Overall, I reccomend parents look at Hilburn if they are looking for an excellent STEM program for their elementary kids, and a superior Spanish program (and small classes and attentive teachers) for middle school. Hope that's helpful.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2015

I love this school. I think the teachers and staff are very friendly and care about the students' education. I have two kids. One is in kindergarten and the other is in first grade. I've had nothing but good experiences. The progress that my first grader has made since kindergarten is phenomenal. I don't even want to move to another location because I don't want to switch schools. I would highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2015

Hilburn Academy is NOT a good school if your child is in a special needs, and If they have a learning disability they're awful.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2015

This school is really terrible I am so disappointed! My child is been there for 2years now and after the first year I should move to another school but unfurtunately I give another chance. Well, first the principal is never available for you. PTA meetings doesn't make sense. We went to a meeting and the principal show up just to say if somebody had any question had to submit on line because he will not have any time to answer that day. Well, why we left our house to have to submit questions on line?? Office people is not friendly at all. when u get at the car pool to drop your child people never said good morning it's look like they are there but they are hating to be there. So weird. Teachers are too young and with no experience. Teachers made inappropriate comments regarding another kids in front of the class. I do not recommend this school for anybody. Terrible experience!
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2015

My daughter started here in Kindergarten and the curriculum is phenomenal, this is a great school with smaller class sizes and STEM education.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2014

Hilburn is a good school if your child is perfect. If your child needs interventions or testing to see if they have a learning disability they're terrible. They double talk you so that they don't have to get involved. If your child is energetic Hilburn is not for you. If you're looking for diversity, Hilburn is not for you. If you want your special needs child to be in a mainstream class, Hilburn is not for you. There is also a propensity to point out that many minority children have focus and behavior issues, or just aren't smart. Teachers give out discipline almost always to brown bodies and they are indiscriminate with how they use it. Silent lunch is given to kindergarteners who have forgotten to bring back notes. Reflection sheets for crying in the hallway and a parental meeting for minor offenses. Individuality is discouraged. Many minority parents comment on the language that comes home in report cards no matter how well the child is doing. The principal is out of touch and only protects the teachers. When you compare this school with schools in other states, it is a complete bust. There are a few great teachers but not nearly enough to make this school work well.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2014

I am in a unique position to review this school because I have an older child who went to a different middle school. My younger child has attended 6th and 7th grades at Hilburn. Parents whose children have only attended HIlburn may not realize how phenomenal Hilburn Academy really is. Class size is small compared to other middle schools. Hilburn's teachers are enthusiastic and engaged and the communicate with one another to coordinate lessons around a theme (a rarity at other schools). A few parents withdrew their students in anger because the expectations and project-based approach were too difficult for their children. It is important to make sure your child can thrive in a STEM environment before enrolling. If they can, they will get a superior, challenging, stimulating education at Hilburn. I did not give the school a 5th star because, while the principal is very receptive and listens well, he falls down when it comes to follow-through and his responses to concerns can seem bureaucratic. Hilburn Academy is not perfect - no school is - but it is EXCEPTIONAL. My younger child's education at Hilburn surpasses by miles my older child's education at another public middle school.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2014

Hilburn has some good teachers and some not so great teachers HOWEVER the problem at this school is the administration, the three leader team is among the worst I could even imagine. If you're thinking about Hilburn be prepared that if an issue arises the response you get from the administrators will be off the charts. They do not know the law and do not care about what the law is. I have stood in the school and watched the head principal lose it because a student touched the wall ... in an elem school kids are not allowed to touch the wall ... it's a mini-prison. Look up the climate survey with NC DPI, see what the teachers think about the administration. Everyone is not wrong.