Highland Park Elementary School

1700 West Saunders Avenue

School District

St. Paul Public
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for St. Paul Public 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 March 30, 2024

We love this school. Our daughter has excelled and thrived in the pre-k/kindergarten classes. The staff is great and the whole experience has been wonderful so far.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2015

The school is small, and we have gotten to know many of the parents and teachers well. Staff know the names or at least recognize kids that they don't necessarily work with, which adds to a feeling of safety. The learner profiles that are taught as a part of IB give our family a starting point for talking at home as well.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2015

Although It took me a while to get tapped into the HPE "network". Once we had the attention of the correct specialists and teachers, our child has flourished. I don't agree with the other comments about not being an IP focused school. I see inquiry being used every day at this school, at all levels. We did not have any issues with being put into the gifted and talented math program, in fact we were invited. We were also directed to the campus speech therapist by our classroom teacher without prompting from us. The school is responsive to our child's needs and educational development .
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2012

I appreciated reading the review of February 22, 2012, as it also captures our experience. Active boys are seen as a problem and the atmosphere at times can be hostile. There is a lack of male teachers who could serve as role models for active, intelligent boys.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2012

This school touts its International Baccalaureate program, but few teachers are practicing it. Inquiry based learning is not evident in the classroom, there is chalk & talk, but little hands on learning besides residencies. Creativity is stifled and viewed as studio arts rather than applied to everyday learning and critical thinking. Math is not a focus, only reading. There seems to be a lack of collaboration between teachers. There are several older teachers who are "old school." Most teachers appear disgruntled. The principal seems to have no time for parents and their concerns. School hallways are quiet and doors closed. I rarely see students engaged in their learning or see the joy of learning. This school has feminized education, there is only 1 male teacher and 1 male specialist. Active boys are not championed at this school, but treated as a problem. Gifted boy learners are not championed. In terms of a global perspective, the student body is diverse, but there is a lack of cultural diversity and sensitivity with the staff. There are no celebrations for African, African American or Hmong holidays and these groups make up a majority of the population.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2011

The intentions are good, a few teachers are spectacular, but as a whole the school misses the mark on valuing academics. The big all school events - the carnival, the rhymic movement program -- are fine, but there are few parallels that promote classroom achievement. The reward for particpating in the read-a-thon was a "no homework pass." ???? really?
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2011

Perhaps, this school should consider limiting classes to kindergarten thru second grade. After second grade the quality declines significantly. Perhaps, because there is little support for the average learner. My experience this year is beyond disappointing.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2010

I went to highland park elemantry And it was wonderful my duaghter loves it! she just loves there park and her friends there
Submitted by other on May 13, 2010

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Submitted by parent on April 27, 2010

Its our community....I love it that the 5th grade teachers made it a priority to know my kids in kindergarten.
Submitted by other on April 19, 2010

International Baccalaureate school. Embraces and celebrates cultural diversity!