Hillsboro elementary/middle school (buying a home, buying, moving)

[pollyanna22]

It looks like Westhaven has been redistricted for Hillsboro middle school for the 2011-2012 year. We are planning a move in the next year and were considering buying a home in Westhaven but Hillsboro does not seem to have near the same offerings as Grassland middle school (the current middle school). I can't even find a listing for band which seems odd for a school who's motto is "academic excellence through the arts". Does anyone have any specific information about Hillsboro middle school? Thanks in advance

[septimus]

There is a lot of effort going on right now to get the test scores up at HEMS. They replaced the principal a few months ago and a tonne of fundraising going on right now to make sure it soon the best middle school in the district.

FWIW I'm actually excited about Hillsboro. I think GMS is too big. I want my kid to be a big fish in a small pond. I don't want my kids at a school where 90% of the kids trying out for the soccer or basketball team get cut in middle school. Middle school is a chance to explore not have your dreams crushed. I'm also excited about Kids on Stage. Hopefully WCS funds this program to its fullest potential

[pollyanna22]

Thanks for the reply septimus, I really appreciate the information. I didn't realize that they cut in middle school for sports teams. In AZ, or at least in Tucson, that doesn't happen until high school. Our middle school has an A team and a B team but if you sign up you still get to play. From the few comments on GreatSchools it sounded like HEMS was in need of new leadership so that is great that there is a new principal in place. Thanks again!

[Ldoubled]

Originally Posted by pollyanna22

Thanks for the reply septimus, I really appreciate the information. I didn't realize that they cut in middle school for sports teams. In AZ, or at least in Tucson, that doesn't happen until high school. Our middle school has an A team and a B team but if you sign up you still get to play. From the few comments on GreatSchools it sounded like HEMS was in need of new leadership so that is great that there is a new principal in place. Thanks again!

The new principal is, to use an overused word, awesome. As far as band goes, they plan to have it for next year, they've put in a request for funding a band teacher. If you're moving here and have a middle school age kid, you might consider calling the school this Spring and expressing interest in band.