| School Name | Address | Phone | Grades | County | Type | District Name |
| Heritage Elementary School | 11775 County Line Rd
Madison, AL 35758 | (256) 772-2075 | K-6 | Madison | public | Madison City Schools |
| Date | Who | Comments |
| 9/8/2012 | parent | How long will it take for the superinendent to realize that there is a true problem with the principal at this school. Summers are very stressful for the parents because they all want one or two teachers from the same grade and are worried about not getting a good teacher for their child. Some of the same parents get the teacher they want every year and the ones that don't complain or just do a wait and see usually end up with a teacher who no one wants. This is too good of a school and there are too many highly qualified teachers in this area with great backgrounds for this to be happening. |
| 7/24/2012 | parent | We moved our children out of Heritage Elementary and into another school. The leadership, quality of education, communication and cordialness are lacking at this school. We rarely saw updated web sites, class outlines or syllabus of what the kids were doing from day to day and didn t make any improvement even when we asked for the information. Feedback on how the school is performing is nonexistent. I know a great gauge of how you are performing is to ask for the feedback but this school is not concerned with feedback. It would seem the only feedback they are concerned with are SAT scores because those are often required. With SAT testing reduced due to budget constraints, I fear there could be virtually no accountability at this school. |
| 3/7/2012 | parent | As a Heritage parent for 5 years, I am concerned with the current condition of Heritage. I agree with the recent reviews of the leadership, front office and some of the staff. The current principal is not effective anymore. We have had wonderful teachers through the years, but again a lot of them have left Heritage . I think 5th grade is strong year but 6th grade has been less than great. They will NOT be prepared for Middle school. If you have a child in the younger classes there, I think there are still effective teachers. Discipline is rare-bullying is said that it is not tolerated, BUT nothing is done when it is present. I know first hand. If not for the wonderful parents, Middle & High school and nice neighborhoods--this school would NOT be on my list to go to. One bad review I can see but this many..someone needs to take notice!! |
| 2/13/2012 | parent | I agree that the leadership of this school is substandard. I am very disappointed in this school after two years. The staff in the school in extremely UNFRIENDLY when you enter. You are rarely greeted, often times ignored. The principal seems to never be around or involved in the daily affairs of our children. She definitely seems to be only concerned with her reputation than actual learning. The teachers do seem to fly by the seat of their pants. They teach to the tests and do not push the students who need a little extra challenge. The PTA might as well be non-existent as it is about as useless of a PTA I've ever seen. The meetings last 30-60 SECONDS! There is no communication, no updating of websites; basically, give us your money and let us spend it, we might tell you what we do with it. I would think twice before buying a house in this school district. |
| 6/11/2011 | parent | The leadership at this school is substandard and most teachers are flying by the seat of their pants with little direction from the top down. The school seems to be more concerned about their protecting their image versus being real and doing what is in the best interest of the children. Sat test scores are the priority while they ignor the importance of educating each childs individual needs such as social, emotional, and physical development. If you get a great teacher, you may be ok, but word has it that most of the good teachers fled to other madison schools because of favoritism being exhibited by the principal. An overhall in the leadership and administration at this school is what is needed to turn the ship around. The five star stuff as well as most of the 5 star reviews are all smoke and mirrors. This is the reason why many parents are choosing alternative means of educating their children such as private school or home schooling. It is unfortunate, because with the right leadership and administration, it could be a much better school. The school is in a good area and district that deserves much better. |
| 4/15/2011 | parent | I have noticed through the years that Heritage seems to teach the students up to the SAT testing days and then instruction falls off dramatically. Many days are filled with board game days, field days, weeklong pay camp, etc. It seems like the final SAT testing day is the finish line at Heritage and then the school coasts into the summer break. |
| 4/1/2010 | parent | My son is in first grade in this school and he is doing great.He likes his school and he is an excellent student.His teacher is wonderful and I credit her a great deal for her good work.I would not want my child to be anywhere else |
| 5/12/2009 | parent | I loved Heritage and the majority of the teachers we came in contact with. Dr. Davenport was always professional, responsive, and caring when it came to my son! My son and I both miss the school! I hate that we had to move to another school district!! Heather and Chance Wilson |
| 5/9/2009 | teacher | Heritage is a great school from the outside...once you enter you will find out it's not all it's cracked up to be. Most of the parents and subs run the school with out question. The principal shows favoritism among parents, teachers, and students. I do not think she does a good job standing behind and supporting her teachers. Her ideas and goals for the school changes as often as the wind blows. I don't think the administration does a good job of making the students responsible for their actions. I think they are too easy on the students which does not prepare them for the real world!! |
| 2/17/2009 | teacher | I love this school! I've taught for about 20 years at many different schools. This has been my best experience! Dr. Davenport LOVES children and expects teachers to do the same. The character education program is amazing. Wish my own children had gone to this school for K-6. Love it! |
| 2/6/2009 | parent | Overall, I like Heritage, but I feel like the principal doesn't do a whole lot about parental concerns. She comes across as very proud of herself and her ideas and makes others feel as though their opinions don't matter. That doesn't make for very happy parents because we all know how we feel about our kids! A little empathy goes a long way. I also have a big problem with punishing the innocent along with the guilty. My child was badly hurt by another child at school. When he defended himself just to get the other child to stop, he was punished as well. I don't agree with this, but we've continued to tell him to defend himself, even if he gets in trouble. The after-school program at this school is also in dire need of an overhaul, but that is another story for another day! |
| 12/30/2008 | parent | I love this school and so do my children. We moved here this summer from another state with horrible school and very mean teachers and children. I feel blessed that we found Madison, Alabama and Heritage Elementary. My children are safe, they are treated well, they are getting a good education and the school is very welcoming and friendly. Our house just sold and we are in search of another. I hope and pray every day that something will come on the market in the Heritage district so that my children never have to go to another school. I understand everyone can have a different experience at the same school but if you knew what we have gone through in the past 2 years at the previous school you would be counting your blessing at Heritage. |
| 11/1/2008 | parent | This is a very 'political' school, meaning the families/students with the most money are treated superior to the other families/students who simply have a mediocre income. My child suffered injuries on two seperate occasions from a larger and much older child. The principal is a great leader and person, however, if there is any type of incident, it seems that both children are punished. Consequently, we have moved out of this school district and my child has not been in any type of altercation whatsoever. Also, unlike at Heritage, I have been called upon many times to volunteer. It seems at the new school it does not matter what economic status you hold. |
| 8/14/2008 | parent | Three out of my four children have attended Heritage Elementary. It is a wonderful school. The teachers are great and principal, Dr. Davenport is awesom! I have only one problem , the morning traffic. I know there has got to be a better solution! I know Madison is growing rapidly, but its ridiculous! Madison's poor planning is evident in this regard! To make matters only worse, sitting in a car line a mile long to drop my kids off at school, six Madison city police officers, weren't helping direct traffic, they were trying to catch people speeding! I mean really! What a senseless operation! Get it together Madison City!!!! |
| 8/7/2008 | parent | The extreme growth has degraded the school. It is currently loaded with portables. The school does a good job of teaching the requirements for state testing. If your child is a high performer, do not expect this school to challenge them. The curriculum is designed to bring children up to (or down to) the average. |
| 6/1/2008 | parent | The Principal is the backbone of any school. Dr. Davenport I have been paying her some attention she is a true Professional. I notice different situation that she had to handled and I must say I was impressed. Just keep in mind it's not easy dealing with highly rich educated People who think they know it all . Beside, Your Kids Education tells it all, she doing what she need to do. Just keep this in your mind your job description is parent. Dr. Davenport is the one that's keeping your little rich kids on track in that school. Now for all of the parents that don't have a 9 to 5 please find one. Dr. Davenport is very involved with the welfare of the children. Now let her continue to make are Kids Shine. Fifth Grade Mom. |
| 4/26/2008 | parent | Teachers go beyond the call of duty and the principal as well as the assistants put children first. |
| 9/14/2007 | parent | Excellent! I have two children and all of their teachers have been phenomenal and their test scores reiterate this. The principal is a dedicated, top-notch professional who knows the kids and definitely cares about the kids. She spends countless hours doing research to better the education provided by Heritage in addition to the rigorous schedule of day to day operations. Our family transferred from a good school out of state to find that Heritage was much more challenging. Parent involvement at Heritage is another great quality. Keep it up Heritage! |
| 9/14/2007 | parent | This is our second year at Heritage and we are very pleased. We have only experienced one issue of a behavior/discipline problem, last year, and it was acted on by the staff and rectified immediately. From what I have noticed, Dr. Davenport seems to be quite involved with the welfare of the children. |
| 9/13/2007 | parent | Agree with the other posting about the principal. She appears to be polished and quite impressed with her principal status. Most parents wonder about her true academic/leadership ability, especially since she holds a Ph D.. Discipline problems at the school are usually handled by punishing the innocent along with the guilty. |
| 4/15/2007 | parent | I think this school is overrated! The principal is very busy trying to make everyone believe there are no problems here instead of addressing the problems. Some of the teachers are wonderful, but again a lot of the problems are just swept under the rug to maintain the 'Five star shcool of Excellence' reputation that they love to flash. |
| 12/18/2006 | parent | Personally, I think the school is overrated. When it comes to actually teaching the children, I don't think the school is any better than the other schools in Madison County. |
| 10/30/2006 | parent | The school is generally well run and is the best in the HSV area---compare the scores and you'll see. Recommend you manage your expectations though. We came here from a great school district so we were a little skeptical about the quality of instruction. The principal is hands on, but is a 'look good, be good' type. She understands that test scores matter and shows the appropriate interest in making sure the kids are prepared. The teachers vary greatly in quality. Some are outstanding, others should have retired years ago. We struggle with newsletters that come home with misspelled words and incorrect word usage. Now for the good news---our kids are generally happy and well adjusted at the school. On balance it's a good school, but watch the teachers closely. Most parents are well educated and set high standards. Your kids will be happy, just keep an eye on their teacher. |
| 8/20/2006 | parent | This school is fine as long as you get a good teacher. If you find yourself with a teacher you are less than satisfied with then that is when you will have trouble. The principal will not allow you to change teachers at your request regardless of the situation if it involves the teacher. What happened to the days when children came first and doing what is write for them and their well being with out all the bureaucratic garbage. |
| 2/19/2006 | parent | The school has excellent 1st grade teachers, they are very professional and they do care about the progress and behaviour of each of kids. Face to face meetings with teachers are very informative and accurate, teachers do tell parents how the kids are doing and where the teachers see concerns. E.mail exchange with teachers has been a great tool for information exchange with our kid's teachers. My kids have improved since they joined Heritage Elementary and besides this they've liked it. The school sets a high standard in different areas such as discipline and cleanliness. School's website allows parents be aware of how kids are performing. Overall I am very satisfied with the school. Parents should support more the school activities. |
| 10/24/2005 | parent | My children love Heritage. They have learned alot.The Character Education Program is wonderful. They have the best administrators and teachers. They work well together to provide a very positive environment. The teachers do curriculum compacting to give everyone a challenge at their level. They use small group instruction in math and reading. My children are in 1st and 4th grade. They have really learned a lot from the hands on experiences in math and science. My daughter talks about the principal alot and how she smiles all day and give positive RAM tickets to them for good behavior in the hall. The assistant principal is also helpful along with everyone else and the office staff. I'm glad my children go to school where they are challenged and happy.It's nice going to work each day knowing their safe and learning at school. |
| 9/13/2005 | parent | Great school, very involved and caring staff. My daughter started K and she loved it, felt very comfortable w/ her teachers and surroundings-very clean too! |
| 6/13/2005 | parent | My children loved Heritage Elementary. The curriculum was challenging and offered them a well rounded education. I was especially impressed with the leadership of the Principal. Discipline is enforced with lots of care and love. I wish my children could spend all of their 12 years at Heritage Elementary. |
| 6/3/2005 | parent | The school has an outstanding set of teachers. However one big weakness is the School Administration. The leadership have a terrible relationship with the teachers. They come across as very disinterested in the kids as a whole, which is ironic since the business of elementary education IS the kids. If you are moving to Madison, avoid Heritage and attend either Madison Elementary or Horizon Elementary. |
| 2/25/2005 | parent | We love this school! Being military we move and change schools quite often. I feel that we were lucky to get Heritage Elementary. My children have felt welcomed, the school has diversity, and I am happy with the academic programs they offer. My daughter is in 5th grade and she loves the science and the math...which was a bit challenging for her, but she has pulled an A in that class. My son is in the 2nd grade and is doing very well and actually looks forward to going to school. The school lunches are awesome and offer a healthy selection. The principal is A+ all the way. She addresses the issues and gets to the bottom of things. My husband is deployed to Afghanistan and the teachers are very supportive of my children. I am very pleased as a parent that my children attend this school. |
| 3/18/2004 | teacher | I had children in a local private school that was highly regarded. This school has exceeded my high expectations for a public school. The principal has done a terrific job bringing along and I think the children that have the benefit of 6 years will go on junior, senior high and excell. The school has a diverse population of students |
