Dr Howard K Conley Elementary School

I have lived in Arizona 2 years and was happy with the way my daughter was welcomed. She has had great teachers who are always willing to help her and us. The principal Mrs Alexander and staff have always been great to me and helpful. I would recommend this school to everyone. My daughter has done very well.
—Submitted by a parent

I would have given this school 5 stars until recently. (My children have been attending Conley for 4-5 years.) Ms. Alexander definitely showed me a side of her that justified the negative comments posted previously. I was VERY surprised and, unfortunately, I am no longer loyal to this school as a result. I was apprehensive about moving before and I now have no reservations. I am saddened more than anything. I can only hope that she reads these comments, is humbled, and strives for improvement. Contrary to her belief, she isn't always right.
—Submitted by a parent

My children and I absolutely love Conley Elementary. Contrary to some parents being disappointed with the current principal, I do not agree. I was honored to be a member of the Principal Site Council. this council is open to all parents and allows us to have a voice in the safety and concerns of the students. The principal is caring and personable. She and front office staff know my daughter and son names. Teachers are awesome and kind. My son always says due to his kindergarten teacher looping to first grade, is the reason why he is smart. I will continually ask for an open boundry exemption until 6th grade is completed.
—Submitted by a parent

I see that many parents of children at Conley are pleased with the CATS program. But what about those children that are academically advanced but don't have that "special thing" that the CATS tests look for. I have one of those kids and she is constantly in trouble because she is bored in her classroom. She learns more at home and from the library than she does at school. The teachers are nice but the rooms are overcrowded even though the principal says they have capacity to take on the students from Erie that is closing. It's too bad there isn't a program for kids that really excel but don't make it into CATS.
—Submitted by a parent

We are thoroughly content with this meritorious school. The academics are spot on, the teachers nurture and challenge, the culture is warm and inclusive, it is a safe environment and the work on diversity and collective excellence is inspiring. As parents and Education professionals, we highly recommend this school . What's moving about our experience is that we came to Conley partway into the second quarter. The welcome and transition we received from the teachers, staff and Ms. Alexander (principal) was stellar and appropriate.Teachers, staff and principal are always willing and available. I know this is helpful to newcomers researching their new schools. This is a great place for children to learn. Feel free to email with questions.
—Submitted by a parent

I'd totally recommend this school to any friend! We sought it out and i couldn't be happier! My son's been going there for two years and we've just loved their friendly staff, character-strengthening themes, and a care for each child! Principal Alexander is a part of every operation, helping the kids load cars safely, helping on the playground, and treating parents with respect. Her smile, example & professionalism spreads across the whole school. The teachers are exceptional and Mrs. Blair's 1st grade is perfect!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm surprised at those who believe the current principal at Conley is not as good as the previous principal. I'm a parent of a 4th grader and have been at Conley since 1st grade and have found tremendous improvements since the new principal took over. For example, the previous principal was never seen at student pickup, but the new principal is there keeping your kids safe. She has addressed the open gates (left open by parents and not her) by the kindergarten (previous principal failed). She's been working on getting a new front gate that can be closed (safety doesn't allow the current gate to be closed) which the previous principal failed to do. The new principal came to Conley when the financial condition of Chandler schools began to feel the economic meltdown and still gets things done. I can only comment on the teachers my child has/had 10!
—Submitted by a parent

I rate this school 3 Principal 1 Parent involvement 5 Safety and Discipline 2. School is not what it use to be. its very sad
—Submitted by a parent

We had several wonderful teachers at this school and enjoyed the open campus as well as the fun activities and school spirit the former principal fostered. However, we took our children out of this school one year after the new principal came along. Parent concerns are not taken seriously and she is not an effective leader of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are both schoolteachers and EXTREMELY picky about where to send our kids. Conley has really impressed us this first year and we would definitely send them back again! Kinder teachers are just the sweetest bunch of people who really address personal needs well with caring hearts, and the 6th grade team is amazing the way they collaborate and work hard to get the students ready for reality of middle school. Everyone from the nurse to the janitors know my kids by first name...VERY happy to be with Chandler schools! Mrs. Alexander is sweet, but does need to work on her repoire with families overall.
—Submitted by a parent

I am reading all of the reviews. I am surprised with some of them. I am not very close to Mrs. Alexander but whenever I have needed her, she emailed me or called us right away. Took care of the situation in no time. Also, I believe she does take the time to know the students. My son is peer mentor of his class and he tells me how Mrs. Alexander asks questions about the students and their families. She had lunch with all of the peer mentors of the school, I think she is very involved with all of the activities and puts her heart in that school. Besides that, Mrs. West, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Teti, Mrs. Kienitz amazing job! my son goes to school everyday happy. He feels comfortable and I know he feels he is going to his 2nd home. Way to go Conley!
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, a lot of great teachers have moved on, but please know that there are still great teachers at Conley! I have had one child start and complete Conley, and I have one more finishing up next year. I have had no complaints even with the new principal. Yes, things are different, but my child is still receiving an equitable education. Thank you to Paul Gaillard, Halle S., Linda Ryan, Michelle Anderson, Jill Herig, and many others for still making Conley a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

After reading some of these comments about Mrs. Alexander I have to differ. I had an issue with the teacher, and when Mrs. Alexander got involved she solved the problem very profesionally and in a timely manner. The CATS program could use a lot of work at this school, although most of the problem will be going to Jacobson next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The school would benefit by having a new Prinicpal who was more interactive with the children and the parents. She is not personable and easy to talk too.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has changed so much. Many teachers left because of the new principal. There seems too much 'I'm not sure' answers when asking questions of the administration. It concerns me when that many of the excellent teachers who worked at Conley for so many years leave. The 6th grade team was solid and strong. They connected with the kids and made the transition into Jr High easy, but kept their expectations high for all of them. Three of those teachers are no longer at Conley. The campus feels different. I don't get a sense of excitement and fun when I am there, it so subdued. Change is not always good and the change of Mrs. ALexander becoming principal has not been good for Conley.
—Submitted by a parent

the best school because i learn and its fun and i have lots of friends and i have agreat teacher !
—Submitted by a student

Conley is a great school with many opportunities for enrichment. My daughter has been going there for 5 years and loves it! The teachers are very good!! The principal is a breath of fresh air. The change is good for Conley.
—Submitted by a parent

I am also the parent of a CATS student (mine is in the 1st grade) I researched long and hard where to put my daughter. I have been very happy with the experience. The children and doing interesting and varied activities and the staff are very friendly. My daughter is a sensitive child and yet has no complaints about the classroom or the school. I agree that the pickup process is chaotic so I would recommend picking up your child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the 3rd grade CATS program at Conley. She has grown leaps and bounds academically from the previous year at another school. I find that she is challenged in a caring environment with wonderful teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a picky parent when it comes to my daughter s education and I have to say that the CATS program at Conley is top rate. Its FREE public education and EXCELLENT - which is a combination that is not easy to find! My advice to any Chandler parent is to get your child tested and if they pass (they need a 97% in one of three areas) this is the BEST option around. As far as Conley goes as a school my only complaint is that drop off and especially pick up is chaos and security seems a bit lacking.
—Submitted by a parent