Hero Elementary
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Helpful friends use skills and science to solve problems.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hero Elementary
Community Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Great little show
Report this review
Safe for Kids
Report this review
What's the Story?
In HERO ELEMENTARY, four young superheroes in the making learn to use their powers -- and their knowledge of science -- to solve problems within their community. Lucita Sky (voiced by Veronica Hortiguela), Sara Snap (Stephany Seki), Benny Bubbles (Stacey DePass), and AJ Gadgets (Jadiel Dowlin) are known collectively as Sparks' Crew, named after their enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Sparks (Carlos Diaz), who always finds exciting ways to help them train and hone their skills. No matter the trouble that befalls their neighbors, these young heroes respond quickly and cooperate eagerly to find a scientific solution that works.
Is It Any Good?
Applied science is the fifth hero in this all-around winner of a series that is packed with positive content for kids. Sure, superpowers are fun (especially Benny's ability to conjure bubbles at will!), but it's the team's measured use of observation, making and testing theories, and always, always asking questions that usually makes the difference in their success. Along the way, kids learn about concepts like classification and momentum as they relate to what's going on in the story and at a teaching level that's just right for them.
Hero Elementary also stands out for its outstanding inclusiveness, both with regard to the cultural diversity that's present among the heroes and within their community, and to its putting an autistic character in the mix making his differences the story itself. The fact that AJ is on the spectrum isn't a major or disruptive factor to the show; rather it's presented as just part of the characters' reality and an issue that needs some extra understanding on his friends' part now and again. For families, though, it can start a dialogue about respect and non-bias as these matters relate to kids' experiences with their own peer groups.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how curiosity inspires learning opportunities. How do the characters in Hero Elementary act on their curiosity? What kinds of topics make you want to learn more about them?
How do AJ's friends show that they respect the qualities that make him different from them? How do you feel when you are around people who accept you just as you are? Why is kindness important?
The heroes use their knowledge of science to solve problems for themselves and for others they know. Where in your daily life do you see science at work? How does it help to understand it?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 1, 2020
- Cast: Jadiel Dowlin , Stephany Seki , Carlos Diaz
- Network: PBS Kids
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Superheroes , Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: August 9, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate