Kyrene del Cielo School

I chose this school for its rating, reputation and location. We are "out of district" and have been here 3 years. Kindergarten was rocky. I felt the teacher didn't like my child (classroom behavior was problematic). I agonized that maybe I'd made the wrong choice. First grade began and this teacher was better. She appreciated my child's uniqueness, was patient and understanding of behavioral issues. Second grade teacher is calm and experienced. I no longer consider moving my child and he is doing well (issues and all). If your child has any emotional or behavioral difficulties be prepared to advocate on their behalf. Part of the time, I felt I was fighting them to avoid labeling my child. Did he need a section 504 when, academically, he's in the top of the class? They seem more tolerant and helpful of my "not your average kid" now than they did when we first came. Lots of involvement, parent wise. Organized fun stuff (carnivals, water day, movie night). As a working parent, the Kids Club is a godsend to me. Friends back East paid big $ for private schools that I don't think are better than this.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a reason why this school is among the top rated elementary schools within the state. Academically; this school is challenging and tailored to the individual needs of the child. They do not teach down to their students which Ive seen at other schools. Enrichment's; at a time when they are scarce, this school understands the value of fine arts & enrichment's when it comes to childhood development. Community; is more than just a word around here, EVERYONE is involved in ensuring Cielo is the most desirable school in Arizona. PARENTS & VOLUNTEERS, hats off to you for your dedication, if not for you much of what is offered would not be possible. TEACHERS; (Smeltzer) Your students are your success stories and a result of your incredibly hard work coming into fruition. These children will become great, high contributing adults and active members of society. Thank you for always believing in them. KIDS CLUB STAFF; you are always professional and you never seem to lose steam or enthusiasm. PRINCIPALS NICKS & CHRIST; You have your act together and I marvel at the harmonized machine you run on a daily basis. My son is certainly better off than he was prior to attending Cielo.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our daughter from a different school district this year.It was hands down the best thing we have ever done for her education. I cannot say enough good things about this school. We absolutely adore Mrs. Nicks the principal who knows all the children by name and greets everyone in a positive way every single day. The office staff isalso always friendly. I especially love the way the teacher, Mrs. Tygret sends up to date e-mails regarding homework & test assignments & is available to answer any and every question we may have and always replies in a positive upbeat manner. We no longer have to worry about bad days, because everyday is wonderful at Cielo
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from CA a couple years ago and so far have had a great experience with both our kids attending Kyrene Del Cielo. The teachers are very involved, respond quickly to emails, and most of the assignments due and current topics being taught can easily be found on their school website. This is great because our oldest son likes to give us a different story at times regarding homework and projects due, and can sometimes "forget" needed paperwork at school. Now we login together, pull up the assignment, and print it off when needed. I love it! The school puts on fun events such as water day, carnivals, and dances that the entire family enjoys. You can also be as involved as you want to. The school is always looking for new members to sit on the board to provide needed input to help drive the direction of the school. You get out of it what you put in. We are very fortunate to be a part of Kyrene Del Cielo.
—Submitted by a parent

I have no idea how anyone would give this school 5 stars. We are new to the school. My son is in grade 1 and am nothing but disappointed. The first day release was like a black friday sale. They release the kindergarten and Grade 1 students directly out into the front of the school. Where the main road is. The teachers do not check if the parents are there. They leave kindergarden kids alone on the bus with no driver. I have seen numerous lost kids wandering around both in the morning and afterschool. My son had absolute no problems in K in his old school. Now since the 2nd day at Cielo he cries everytime school is mention. he does not want to go.
—Submitted by a parent

Really have enjoyed having both of my children at Kyrene del Cielo for the last four years. Teachers have been wonderful and the administration and staff are fantastic! The new principal, Tina Nicks has been a great addition to the community. She is responsive to concerns and dedicated to our kids learning! I love being involved as a parent at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our kindergardener from a truly unfriendly school, and am so very impressed with the warm and caring welcome we have received from Cielo. On our son's second day numberous teachers knew our son's name and offered to guide him in the morning drop off routine. After, having dealt with an extremily unfriendly group of staff and parents, this has been a great feeling. We are looking forward to a fabulous year!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is above average but sliding fast, thanks to the divisive Principal they imported from Illinois. We're looking at another school for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished 3rd grade at Cielo & Mrs. Whitaker was WONDERFUL...as is the rest of the school!! We moved to the area last year because of the great things we heard & read abput this school & it was all true!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I chose the Kyrene school district when we moved here from California nd have had 2 children go thru Cielo with this being our last year. I have been very extremey happy with the teachers and administration. The new Principal is wonderful and came in at a very difficult time and was ableto rid the school of turmoil of the past year. I have encouraged several out of district parents/families to send their children to Cielo since we have been so satified with our educational experience here.
—Submitted by a parent

While there is a choice of schools, we chose to put our children here at Cielo so we could continue to be part of our community and neighborhood. It's reputation as a 'good' school with strong teachers, good academic achievement, parent involvement is supported by its successful A+ Excelling School Accreditation.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this district because of Kyrene Del Cielo. We moved from Asia, where children compete gracefully and parents are involved. I have to say that I am so disappointed with this school--not my son's teacher--but with probably the district. There is no homework (imagine!), students are not challenged to compete and be the best they can be. The school and district seems to have no idea of the competition their children will face in this global world, and this school is in an area where many Asians , who value education. There is no second language training (Spanish or Chinese),or no advanced mathematics. I do like my son's teacher--very experienced, savvy--but in conversations with her, she is constrained to teach to a mediocrity. And this, a school within football-throwing distance from Intel. Luckily, there are outstanding charter schools in Arizona.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought I had found a school in which I would be at peace sending my children everyday. To the contrary, the 2009 school year has been more than disappointing. The new principal and vice principal seem more concerned with keeping the teachers happy than helping students. When questions and issues are brought up, they are brushed aside and/or ignored completely. There seems to be no real effort to work with parents who are concerned and involved. Bullying is a huge problem that still needs to be addressed. The teachers seem more interested in punching a time clock than anything I've ever seen. Truly not what I expected, and truly let down.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at Cielo since Kindergarten. I believe this is a great school with great teachers. Our daughter has enjoyed her time here. However, she encountered various incidents of bullying. When it was brought to the attention of the administration, nothing was done about it until the very end of the school year. Bullying can be a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children go to this school and I absolutely love it! The teachers are so wonderful and caring!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers! My daughter has been at this school since 1st grade. She had a wonderful teacher and her current teacher is a just as wonderful. Either I am lucky twice or they only have wonderful teachers on staff. :) No troubles in communicating what so ever and I am very impressed with the front office. I've only been at the front office a couple of times and she actually knows who my child is without me saying when I tried to drop of my daughter's binder. :) I am also very happy with the amount of after school activities offered at Cielo. I actually have to pick and choose. Lastly, I am going to finish my review on this this school with the word 'WONDERFUL' again. :)
—Submitted by a parent

The new administration and front office is a great change for Cielo. Change can sometimes be difficult, but this new team made the switch seamless!
—Submitted by a parent

Great Teachers and Fantastic System
—Submitted by a parent

The administration looks like all is well until there is a problem. Question even their processes and they are on the attack mode. All communications, the teachers, the administration through the PTO are poor. Out of district children are courted by the district, but definitely outsiders at this school. Three years here -- wish CUS were beter.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Cielo for a year and a half now and her teachers and aides for the most part are pretty good. The principal is standoffish ...other than that, I think the school is pretty good.
—Submitted by a parent