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GreatSchools Rating

Gavilan Peak Elementary School

Public | PK-8 | 880 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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40 reviews of this school


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Posted September 30, 2012

Love the school, hate the fact that non of the teachers besides the Sage teacher seem to post assignments/ testst etc for students to keep better track or parents to follow up with them, Parents are asked to hold students accountable for assignments by the teachers but can't because we have no idea of knowing the assignments. Such potential. Would probably get higher testing grades if this information was provided.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 27, 2012

Another great year at GP! The teachers are so amazing-personally & academically. They are always striving to do more. The Mandarin Immersion is such an awesome program for the students. We couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 26, 2011

We are so pleased with our experience at Gavilan Peak. My children have excelled academically, socially and with sports. I have found the teachers and administration to be proactive and responsive.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2011

We love Gavilan Peak School! My daughter attends and she is thriving here! She attends via "Open Enrollment". Her teacher is an absolute dream, what every teacher should aspire to be, an A+ example. Dr. Wong is doing things just right, she expects a lot and wants the children to be ready to compete the a global market. They earn the "Excelling" rating year after year. I have nothing negative to say.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 9, 2010

Gavilan Peak is a school that pride's itself in excellence. The staff, though often overworked, are very caring and strive to support students to be their very best in character and academics, Teachers are expected to challenge themselves beyond their comfort level, which leads them to stronger, more effective practices in the classroom. Leadership is strong where teacher training and academic excellence is concerned, somewhat weak in useful evaluative feedback to teachers, and needs work with consistency and follow through of campus/district rules where those few disruptive student/parent behaviors are concerned. Most parents are amazingly supportive, respectful and understanding of what it truly takes to run a classroom of 20+ students from diverse upbringings. However, be wary of the 'gossipy' ones (generally hanging out in the front well before/after school). They appear kind upon first meeting but can be very destructive and unkind in their objectives and to your spirit.


Posted February 18, 2010

I have sent my children to school at Gavilan Peak on open enrollment. I have been very pleased with the teachers, administration and academics. I am a teacher myself and I have seen my children blossom at Gavilan. They are both great readers and love to go to school. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2009

My son has been attending this school for 5 years. I have enjoyed watching him grow academically. Yes the school has gone through growing pains--but the principal expects excellence and it takes time to achieve that--the time is here. This is an outstanding school. Other schools in the community hold Gavilan Peak as a measuring stick for a high achieving school. The middle school teachers are a cohesive team that challenges students and my son is ready to meet their challenge.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2009

I'm proud to be a teacher at Gavilan Peak School! What a fabulous staff and outstanding administration we have at this school!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 5, 2009

Gavilan Peak is way too crowded as are most public schools in AZ. Amazed at the lack luster curriculum!! Are 3 days of PE really needed when there are no foreign languages at all?? C'mon!! Coming from the east coast, we are very disappointed. The teachers do the best they can with what they have to work with. My son has 32 students in his 6th grade classes!! Yes, 32. We have spent 2 years at GPS with my son making honor roll each quarter. He has very little if none... homework daily. The over crowding is unacceptable and therefore after years of being supportive, proponents of the public education system, we are forced to go private next year and for as long as we will be educating our children in the state of AZ. The new VP is a bit odd to boot, adding unnecessary policies.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 5, 2008

our children's teachers - great admin - unfriendly dr. wong - we've seen her 5 times in 4 years on campus new vp - doesn't have the greatest reputation the teachers are really giving it their best, if it wasn't for them, my children definitly wouldn't be going there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 4, 2008

Good communication among teachers. Office staff is helpful and principal is very involved and enthusiastic. My children are thriving at Gavilan Peak. A great school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2008

I love Gavilan Peak . I send my son here on open enrollment. He entered in the midst of 1st grade and is about to start the 5th grade. Eevry teacher he has had has ben truly enrolled in my sons success. I love the staff and Dr Wong Is awesome . She is always on campus mingling in the classrooms. When I asked for her help with my child she was sure to get involved and followed upto make sure that I was taken care of.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 13, 2008

I have to say I wqs very disapointed in this school. From day one it was apparent that my child's education was not the top priority. If you want to talk to someone nice in the office ask for Monica other wise you will be talking to apaththetic, crisp and cold office personnel. At Christmas the teacher would not allow the children to celebrate the holiday not even say the word Christmas. I was appalled. Why should some teacher who practices atheism ruin the holiday for children! My impression was very political envirnment and NOT for the Best interest of my child. I am happy to say that my child is doing 100% better in the new school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2008

I have been very pleased with the teachers and front office staff of Gavilan Peak. They are very hard working and helpful people. I am also very impressed with their knowledge and ability help kids.


Posted January 30, 2008

I am pleased with how my children are being challenged and succeeding at Gavilan Peak. The administration and staff have high integrity and welcome participation from parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 3, 2008

GP is an excellent school
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 16, 2007

I have 2nd and 5th grader attending GP and they are doing very well. They could have more homework though eventhough they would not agree. Not crazy about using class time to do homework. That time should be spent teaching. However overall program is very good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2007

My son is in kinder at GP for 2007 and so far I am very impressed. The principal is top notch, extremely enthusiastic about creating the Best School in Anthem! My son is really taking the 'Pillars of Character' to heart, and his teacher is Super Organized! They also have a very supportive PTA!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2007

i like this school my daughter attends this school, however i would like other parents to know that the front office staff is extremely rude
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 7, 2007

Our son just finished the 8th grade and we are extremely pleased with the 2.5 years he attended GP. The principal is first rate...She puts education first. All of the teachers we dealt with were caring and motivated to do the right thing for their students. Sports programs were good, too. We highly recommend GP.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
92%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

95 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
95%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
92%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
89%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

104 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
96%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
91%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
93%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
96%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
97%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

121 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

121 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
90%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

121 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
89%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

127 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

127 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
82%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

128 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
69%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

134 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
95%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Excelling".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 88% 45%
Hispanic 6% 41%
Asian 4% 3%
Black 1% 6%
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 8%N/A51%
English language learners 1%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
English 40% 12%
German 20% 0%
Russian 20% 0%
Spanish 20% 81%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 19N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2701 W. Memorial Dr.
Anthem, AZ 85086
Website: Click here
Phone: (623) 445-7400

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