Hoover Elementary School

148 North Oliphant Street

School District

West Branch Community
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for West Branch Community 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 other on September 18, 2016

Small classes at a school that is well run and well supported by the community
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2016

I am not sure what is up with the other reviews on this site. I am an independent school educator at a high school that sends students to incredibly rigorous colleges and I have been very impressed with the school. The culture of the neighborhood is not highly intellectual. However, I think that is more a function of geography than the school. If you foster intellectual curiosity in your home, this school will provide the rest of the foundation.I noticed that many of these reviews are quite old, perhaps before the current principal? However, we have found the staff an administration to be very responsive to our child's needs.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2011

Poor district for college-bound kids. The school has low academic and professional standards. We encountered repeated instances of dishonesty and unprofessionalism. In some cases, what we were told as parents differed from what staff/teachers told administration, and our child reported that what actually happened was something else entirely. Once we received a parent letter stating that students were doing poorly in math because they were "lazy." No consideration was given to changing curriculum or teaching strategies to help struggling students. The administration knew of these incidents and others, but was unwilling/unable to take effective action to address the problems. The community is insular and not welcoming to outsiders, and there is a district-wide culture of tolerance for bullying, including teacher/staff-on-student. There is much small town gossip, and children of newcomers are treated differently from children whose families have been in the community for decades. This is a particularly unpleasant place to be "the new kid." But the good news is, Iowa has open enrollment laws and many nearby districts are friendly and have strong academics and high standards.
Submitted by other on October 21, 2011

Hoover Elementary is a GREAT school in a wonderful community. The teachers and administrators are dedicated to helping all students reach their potential.