Highcrest Middle School

569 Hunter Road

School District

Wilmette 39
Grade

5-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Wilmette School District 39

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 13, 2024

Hms has held up for a while and is a great school! The teachers are very understanding, caring supportive, and fun while also knowing how to teach the class in an understanding way. Some of the teachers there have been there for 20 years and know what they are doing. They are very smart. Now being more general, Highcrest has a good schedule, late start at 8:50 to let kids sleep in more, and are very strict in a good way about keeping the school safe and a good environment. The rooms are cozy, to fit each class the way they need it to be. There’s a fair amount of learning and homework and it’s stuff that is vital to the future. Not only is it prepared for students well, but it is easy to have good connections to the teachers and qualities of the school that make it an almost perfect learning environment, especially house 2. I would definitely recommend this school for your kids.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2021

Had two of kids in Highcrest over the past 3-5 years. I chose to move to Wilmette because of the school district 39. However, Highcrest was the worst middle school experience. The administers don't know what kind of materials each teacher uses and how they approach to teach things in class. Many teachers are very biased and tend to select the classroom materials based on their personal philosophy (they don't care about the standard curriculum). There was a math teacher qualification issue years ago in Highcrest and now the language teachers (Spanish and ELA especially) are very very disappointing. They are so arrogant and have no passion to teach in fair and safe environment.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2015

We have been very pleased with Highcrest teachers, principals, and families. The curricular choices are outstanding and diverse. The articulation from middle school to junior high is very well thought out. Students transition well after 6th grade (middle school) to the junior high (7th grade). The teachers are thoughtful and knowledgeable. Our first child attended Highcrest from 2009-2011, our second child attended from 2011-2013, and we have another one heading to Highcrest next year. We were happy with the school in 2009, and I'm pleased to report the school is in a continued state of improvement -- with the experience more impressive each year. I'm glad the status quo is not good enough for teachers, parents and administrators at Highcrest; innovations are welcome and communicated to parents, and the educational experience for students has been continually enhanced.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2013

5 Stars across the board! Highcrest is a good school for kids of any ability. Academics include the regular fare as well as art, drama, PE and technology. Kids can choose between French, Latin, Spanish, German or Mandarin or they can take an academic strategies class. A learning behavior specialist leads this class to help kids with ADHD or other difficulties to organize their workload and to give them extra support. After school clubs include radio, TV, languages, arts etc There are also free, daily before and after school supervised study. We have been very happy with our kids education and the teachers dedication. On the whole, this district attracts high quality teachers to meet the parents high expectations. I feel that my tax money is well spent. One other perk of sending your kids through district 39 is that they will not feel lost at New Trier because it is the souce of more than 1/3 of the graduating class! I went to New Trier also but came from one of the small feeder schools and I felt overwhelmed for a good year before I adjusted.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2012

The faculty and administration at the school are very dedicated to the students and collaborate openly with parents for the best possible results.
Submitted by other on April 15, 2011

I am a student of Highcrest! It is an amazing school. They have teachers that are strict but fun, and teach us the amount of stuff in a day that some kids learn in a week! I take french and when I met with a french person after only 4 months of class I could carry on a conversation. When I have a good day, usually the best thing about was school! It is organized and I feel safe there. For people who just looked in on some classes then made bad reviews, listen to me, I go there Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Friday! I t is really an amazing school.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2010

We've been very happy with Highcrest. The principal and teachers have become more seasoned, and their experience and devotion to the kids shows. Our child has some learning issues, and everyone has gone out of their way to ensure success. I've been told that at most schools our child wouldn't have qualified for help. At Highcrest they're right on top of things, and our child has been both successful and happy. I'd like to see a little more consideration of others enforced (like not talking in the halls when classes are in session), but I believe serious issues are addressed. It's a tricky balance between discipline and freedom at this age, and I like that Highcrest is not heavy handed like some middle schools. It makes for a happier community. The kids for the most part are nice, hard-working, and computer literate enough to spill their grievances on this site.