Hughes Elementary School in Utica, New York

“I think it is an extremely high quality school -- too high quality. Their content and standards are innapropriate for the grade-levels and they use a one-size-fits-all approach aimed at only the top students. If a student does not meet their expectations, the only approach the school seems to employ is hold them back rather than intervene earlier when it might be of more benefit academically and less detrimental emotionally. It is more about protecting the school's rankings than doing what's best for students. And, before you assume my comments simply stem from having children that have not been successful, I have two children -- the older one has excelled there and the younger one has struggled. In both cases, I felt the content and standards were out of line with the grade-level of the students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree with the others who emphasized the positive academic aspects of this school. We have had some fantastic teachers. However, the students can be mean to each other; it is a very wealthy school and verbal bullying is frequent for kids who don't quite 'fit in' (in spite of the principal's valiant effort to eliminate it). Also, parent involvement in the school is somewhat limited, so if you have been very hands-on in another district before coming here, you might be surprised. Great academically, but there is more to your student's quality of life than test scores.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is a learner centered school where failure is not an option. The school have a clear, defined curriculum and uses assessments and teacher observations to make sure students meet the higher standards. The Principal establishes assures that the school allocates significant amounts of classroom time to instruct the essential curriculum. Students tend to be engaged for a high percentage of time in planned learning activities. The school has an orderly, purposeful, businesslike atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning. The teachers are wonderful and supported by the administration and community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think that Hughes offers an outstanding academic program for the children that attend. We moved to the area a little over a year ago and my children love the teachers there. The principal is very envolved there and seems to really enjoy the children. All I can say is that it is a number one school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I attended Hughes and I thought it was a really good school. The principal knew what he was doing. So did the teacher. When we had to take the tests in 4th grade, all of us were ready.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“It is the best school in all the land. They are making it one of the top schools. They have added a new Media Center and are adding on to the school. They have made a new playground and have so many more things coming. The Principal of the school is a great guy and knows what he is doing to lead the school in the right direction. The PTA is a helpful group and set up fun thing for the kids to do.”
This review was posted by a former student.