Highland Park Elementary School

1012 Southwest Trenton Street

School District

Seattle Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

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 August 31, 2024

Can’t say enough good things about our experience with Highland Park. My kids have had amazing learning experiences here. It’s got such an incredible, supportive, community feel - the principle knows the students by name, the teachers are invested and communicative, and we feel really lucky to have our boys within walking distance of HPE. These scores aren’t reflective of the amazing work being done here - would recommend enrollment here to anyone.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2024

All my kids came through Highland Park, and we have a few more years to go. We have seen several principals, and the current administration (2023/2024) is just phenomenal, supportive of staff and families. The school feels like a community, the teachers are all amazingly engaged and care about their students. There is a strong social and emotional learning element. The PTA is engaged and hold several fun events throughout the year for student enrichment. I agree that the low test scores are due to the high percentage of second language learners at the school, my kids all did very well there academically. This school deserves a higher score on Great Schools, but since that’s not how it works I hope that any parents in the neighborhood that are curious come and see for themselves what it feels like to be in the building. No score can tell you that.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2023

Both my kids have been at HP since kinder and we love it. The teachers are incredible! The office staff are wonderful and very communicative with families. We have gotten to know so many families in our community and everyone is very supportive. The diversity in the building is a huge plus for us. Many of the teachers speak spanish so now both my kids are learning just through conversation, definitely a huge plus that you don’t get in most public elementary schools. The reasons test scores are low is because so many students are learning English as a second language. You try taking a writing test in a language you are still learning! Overall 10/10.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2019

We moved our son here for his 5th grade year and I wish we had done it earlier. 1/2 year in and HPE has changed our lives in the most positive ways!
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2016

I wish we'd moved my daughter here a year earlier. Fantastic school - excellent resources and really great teachers. As a real bonus, we're supporting our neighborhood and getting to know other families nearby. Much safer for all. This school deserves a MUCH better reputation.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2015

My niece attends this school and her mother always was met with rudeness and irritability from the new principal and vice principal. My niece was having a hard time with bullies and tried to speak with the new school counselor, who just lectured her about why she didn't tell the playground monitor. She was in tears and was not supported at all! Her teachers and some of the outside supports the school has had in past years were helpful, but these new people in the office, especially the principal is rude and doesn't seem to care about the kids!!
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2014

Looks like a newer construction with a great office staff and engaging programs, the teachers seem to have great programs for the children. 1st day but I really enjoyed meeting everyone and listening in on classes.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2013

This school is focused on all of the wrong things. The staff and the entire school revolves around the students with the "behavioral issues". Many students are completely ignored unless they act out. There are children of parent volunteers whom rules do not apply. The principle is unreasonable and has no real focus other than to flex his authority. An excellent vice principle who was new to the school last year has left due to being "unable to enact real positive change." After 3yrs I am happy my child will by starting 3rd grade at a different school. I hope things improve for the students who will still be attending.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2011

Can't say enough about this school! Loved it from 1st to 5th! I think because of the bad scores which are almost impossible to change with so much esl, that the teachers worked overtime to care for and teach the kids in very creative and fun ways! They would constantly have fun learning events for the kids . I have never seen teachers pour their hearts into their jobs as much as here. And as far as the education goes, my daughter went on to virtually skip a grade at a great math academy and I know it's because Highland Park continued to challenge her since the first grade and provide many learning experiences that most schools don't have time for. She even had a teacher take some kids to meet the mayor, in her free time! Not counting the great drama and music opportunities that they offer the kids, they also do fun WASL prep. And for the parents worried about not seeing much homework coming home, it's the budget cuts. When my daughter first started we had tons of paper coming home but I was told in later years that teachers were forced to pay for their own paper so they began conserving and condensing home assignments. And a very healthy and diverse cafeteria menu!
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2011

I have a first grader. I'm not seeing much writing coming home so it is hard to evaluate growth in this skill. I'd like to see more writing.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2008

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