Desert Willow Elementary School

I bring my two children to this school out of district. They both started here in Kindergarten (we LOVE our teachers we have had so far) and they will be in 1st & 2nd grade this coming 2013/2014 school year. I toured 7 different schools before our family unanimously chose this one. The campus is welcoming starting with the wonderful ladies in the front office to the warm and outgoing principal who always interacts with the families at the school. He is very engaged, we are sad to see him go since he was one of the reasons we chose the school :-( The campus is charming and adorned with artwork that previous students have made in the past. Colorful, creative, inspirational & warm. This school models students with values. It's standards are high and I could not be more pleased with our school! I am proud to have 2 lucky little reading roadrunners!
—Submitted by a parent

I am one of the parents who moved my babes to a new school this year. I didn't move my children because I was unhappy with the school. We did it for economic reasons. Let me also say it was a huge mistake. It's been like stepping back in time. The teachers are overworked, unapproachable and defensive when you try to ask questions or ask for help. The teachers and the school do not communicate as well with the parents. The curriculum is questionable. I don't believe the teachers are being trained properly and this is apparent in the way they treat parents and students alike. We will be moving our children back to the loving arms of the DWES if possible since we are out of district. In defense of the current Principle of DWES, I am shocked by the accusations in the reviews. I strongly disagree. This person had big shoes to fill when he came to DWES. He has handled it with grace, dignity and professionalism. Whenever a situation arose where my children either made a bad choice and needed to be disciplined or were bullied, the staff has handled the situation professionally. The entire staff cares for and nurtures every child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter couldn't wait for summer to end and school to start. That says a lot right there. She is learning, she is happy, she is safe, she is having fun. What more could a parent want out of a school? We are so thankful to have found Desert Willow (actually on greatschools.org) and are here to stay (well, until it's time to go to middle school). I just asked her (a third grader) what she thought about Desert Willow and she said "I think it's cool that they have the Spanish Immersion program. And also they do a lot of fun activities!"
—Submitted by a parent

Both my kids graduated from DW and my son was in 6th grade this year. I agree with the parent below DW has been an excellent school and my kids did fantastic with the Spanish Immersion program. I think sometimes parents feel if their kid is not treated above and beyond others, it's the schools fault when they don't do well. I think it s easy for the parents to blame others/school/teachers/principal when things don t go their way. Seriously school is what you make of it and if you are looking for problems you will always find them.
—Submitted by a parent

Ouch! There are some tough critics out there. I'm not ready to jump ship just yet. This is an opportunity for parents to step in and make DWES the top elementary school in CCUSD. Strength in numbers folks!!!! Looking forward to giving Principal Hill the opportunity to address parent concerns and to tells us what his vision is for DWES now that it is "charter school" Stil not sure what that means. I'm a 2nd grade SI mom with a son (OK, this is Monica Beal folks!) ready to help save our school. If Tahlie Peterson is staying put (she is a saint) then I am too for now....
—Submitted by a parent

Although this school remains above average in my opinion, if something isn't done about the failed leadership than it will fall below average very soon. Teachers are leaving (the highly qualified, respected ones) and parents are pulling their kids out to go to schools with highly respected principals. The district needs to get involved and do something about this "sinking ship" before it becomes completely abandoned.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent for many years, I am disappointed to read the previous review. I have had nothing but positive experiences at Desert Willow. My children have thrived and the staff is loving, dedicated, and most excellent at what they do. I have not witnessed staff or students "leaving in droves" and am disappointed that another parent would post such a thing. I am certain that the teachers at DWES are more professional than to speak to a parent so negatively about a principal. I have never witnessed the principal behaving in any way that is not completely professional and above all, caring about students and parents. I highly recommend this school and would not hesitate to enroll another student here.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of children in the Spanish Immersion program for several years since kindergarten this year has been a major disappointment. Under the fledgling leadership of Mr. Hill teachers and students alike are leaving in droves, disgusted with the school and the S.I. program and actually going to other districts. Mr. Hill is a master placater but does nothing to discipline students that are misbehaving but will provide ample lip service that he is. When there is a concern about a teacher not responding back to a parent concern, he acts disappointed but nothing changes. The teachers don't respect him as well, "no backbone" is the common comment. The Spanish Immersion program in theory is good but when your child gets low grades in math and science, which are not translated and is not learning the fundamentals you wonder if you're doing them a disservice by staying. Where is Dr. Jana Miller the former principal when we need her??? Time to jump this sinking ship.
—Submitted by a parent

I have daughter in the Spanish Immersion Program and she loves it! We have had good teacher after good teacher. Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Peterson, Sra. Smith, Sra. Arneri, Mrs. Scholer, Sra. Glidden, Mr. Cieslewicz, Sra. Murguia, Mr. Langley to name a few! Great curriculum. We love Student Council! Keep up the good work
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not only a perfect '10' on greatschools.org but a double A+ school(one for the school and one for their Spanish Immersion program) in an all Excelling Cave Creek school district. It's numerous school and teacher awards are not only impressive but some of them like the FLAP grant are beneficial in ensuring qualified staffing and ensuring current and future programs are somewhat safe from budget cuts. The Spanish Immersion program is amazing and that is one thing my children and I miss most about the school along with the great parent volunteers and community. Dr. Miller was an amazing principal and was promoted to Assistant Superintendant in the school district....so I know she will take care of our school especially the Spanish Immersion program which she headed at DWES. Great job and my kids and I wish you the best:)
—Submitted by a parent

This school offers a Spanish class 2-3 times a week (30 min. classes) or a partial Spanish immersion track where instruction is 50% in each language. It's an amazing school and the leader in International Education in AZ.
—Submitted by a parent

If you get the right teacher then I would say this is an excellent school. I don't agree with there dicipline policies. I have a child who constantly loses her recess privileges because she has boys who misbehave in her class. I don't feel that having the whole class lose out for a few kids misbehaving. Doesn't teach the misbehaving kids anything. My child is miserable and hates to go to this school! The parking lot situation is a disaster waiting to happen! They need a parking lot monitor to make the flow of the traffic go. Not impressed with this school overall!
—Submitted by a parent

In addition to being an 'A+ School of Excellence' this school is the only school in AZ to be a recipient of a FLAP Grant(Foreign Language Assistance Program) for almost $500k over 3 years, provided for schools who recognize the importance of teaching Critical Foreign Languages. The school leadership is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in public school (private bofore). Desert Willow has far exceeded our expectations. My son is in 2nd and has Mrs. Scholler. She is terrific and has great, but realistic expectations of the kids. The school has a lot to offer. They have several programs to enhance your childs learning and plenty of opportunity for parent involvement as well. It is a friendly and warm atmosphere. They just received the states A+ award.
—Submitted by Nicole Schnitzer, a parent

My daughter has Ms. Scherf for kindergarten and we've been very impressed! She's firm and warm at the same time, and my da is really learning. She'll be in the Spanish Immersion program next year. So nice to see the principal Dr. Miller outside every am greeting the kids! The only issue for us is the lack of parking for parent pickup, but to keep my child in this excellent school I'll do what it takes.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. I have two kids in the Spanish Immersion program and have been very impressed. I love hearing my kids learn a new language. It seems to me that everyone takes a lot of pride in the school
—Submitted by Dave, a parent

What can I say? Great school with lots of parental involvement. Many good teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school if you have the right teachers for your student.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very attentive to the student needs. They offer music programs as well as sports. And, there are multiple areas of parental involvement which are highly encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved to the area over the summer and have been very pleased with the staff, teachers, children, and families at DWES. It is a family oriented community and the school is very community centered. We love our son's 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Hatcher! We are looking forward to the continued development of the Gifted Program that was recently put into place. It definitely needs to expand to meet the needs of these kids.
—Submitted by a parent