Festival Foothills Elementary School

My school is awesome and the people that work there care about their students. Everyone is sweet and the whole Festival Foothills Team is a great way for our daughter to grow and become a smart and dynamic student. Thank you to all of you!! Mike & Reyna Mason
—Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my daughter in the Preschool program and to my surprise the teacher was very Rude on her first day. No compassion and enthusiasm regarding her starting the program. I had a discussion regarding this matter with the teacher and of course she stated it was "a misunderstanding". Well after feeling uneasy , I pulled her from the program and on the day I went to inform the Director of my decision, she stated to me that she was aware of the "misunderstanding" and was sorry that my experience was "horrible". Well, if you knew of my situation then why wouldn't I or my husband be contacted. (The situation occurred a week before the decision was made to leave the program). What adds to my frustration is this is a program that parents have to pay for their children to attend so common courtesy would've been expected and appreciated. I'm so appalled that no one ever contacted my husband or I that even though we live 2 blocks away, I will not be sending my daughter to school there ever. On another note, the (front desk administration) was very nice and helpful during enrollment.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so grateful for the positive changes we have seen in our kids this year. We have just completed our first school year in the Wickenburg District and we are proud of Festival Foothills. We are embracing the positive outcome of our decision to open enroll at Festival Foothills, which is just 10 minutes from Surprise.. There are so many wonderful things about this school and I am thankful that they not only provide an appropriate curriculum and a safe, respectful, & FUN environment for our kids... It's the icing on the cake that the kids are getting an EXCELLING education. Thank you SO much!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We are coming up on the end of my daughter's second year at Festival and she is very happy going to this school. We are well past the learning curve and have a wonderful 3rd grade teacher who truly is dedicated to her students and their education. I do like the fact that it is small and mention any student name, everyone on staff knows who they are. Which could be good or bad, depending! Being part of a small school community has its draw back as well when dealing with problems with other students and parents. However, I must say that the Assistant Principle, Christina Strauss, has done a wonderful job in maintaining the dignity and respect of all the kids who have had peer issues. I have the utmost respect for Christina Strauss and see her as a HUGE asset to Festival Foothills. She works with the students and the parents with a genuine compassion and understanding for each situation and shows respect for parent and child with no judgement. With the end of the second year at Festival fast approaching, my daughter enjoys attending and wishes to remain there. She loves ALL of her teachers and she feels apart of something great!
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred both my girls here from Tartesso elementary and it was the best choice I ever made. The staff is outstanding, the teachers are amazing, the school is small and everyone knows everyone. Both my girls are absolutely thriving. We even cancelled the possibility of moving to another house just so my kids could stay at this school. I am a public school teacher myself so I know a great quality school when I see one and trust me, this school is the best of the best. The only negative I can think of is that the PTA is monopolized by a few helicopter moms who do not allow for anyone else's input, it's very cliqueish. But I will happily put up with that for the quality education my children are getting.
—Submitted by a parent

Festival is a fantastic school! I would recommend it to anyone who wanted their child to have a great education. With all the cut backs this state is having on education, Festival is only expanding each year. We have been here since the beginning and its excitng to see the school grow as well as gain more activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves this school, and my children are very happy here. We have been a part of the school since the beginning and it has been neat to watch it grow. Every year they expand their programs and activities for the students. The school allows the parents to be involved and parents truly have a voice. The school grows every year but they maintain the small school feel and strong sense of community. We left our previous school where my students were just another face in the crowd. Here they get individualized attention and instruction. There is a strong focus on education but they make it fun. They even still have field trips. We love this school and recommend it to anyone whose students are not currently receiving the best education available.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with caring teachers who go above and beyond. The teachers are constantly working extra hours and are often at school late working on lesson plans, grading, and assisting students after school hours. This year they have added a 6th grade class and a 7th/8th grade class. While the students should probably be switching classes and have more special areas opportunities such as Band, Art, PE, Drama, National Junior Honor Society, and Sports programs, we are pleased with the new after school basketball & games club, as well as the student peer-tutoring program and 6th grade after-school tutor support for extra help in math for our students.

I love..love...love Festival Foothills!! It is a fabulous school with great teachers and a wonderful principal. My kids have never been happier and thier grades are good and their AIMS scores have improved dramatically. I recommend Festival to everyone I can.
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff, very kind and there for you when you need to talk. The curriculum could use some work doesn't seem age appropriate (specifically in the lower grades). Don't feel much 'passion' for teaching but the Teachers are nice.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools my children have gone too! They went here for about 2 months at the end of the 2008 school year when we first moved to Buckeye. Then in August, Tartesso Elementary opened and we moved our kids there. Big mistake! We have now just re-enrolled them for the new school year back at Festival Foothills. A wonderful teacher, great staff and fantastic education!!
—Submitted by a parent