San Tan Elementary School

2012-2103 school year is off to a great start! The amazing staff at San Tan are working harder than ever. As a parent I truly appreciate the endless hours of training, the supportive administration and the abundance of helpful teachers. From the amazing Mrs. Potter in the front office to the wonderful cafeteria manager, Connie, everyone is on the same path this year! Rock on San Tan!
—Submitted by a parent

We love San tan and all of the staff!!! I cant wait to see what next year brings!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with this school. The teachers us every means of communication to make sure we are prepared to help our kids. Email, phone, newsletters and school website. They also tailor their program to the kids needs, and do everything they can to enhance the kids learning ability as best suits the child. My only complaint is the amount of fundraisers that the school is involved in. We have done at least 2 fundraisers a MONTH this year, sometimes more. The pressure put on the parents at such an early agie is somewhat ridiculous. I can understand some fundraisers, but as a working Mom, I find it difficult to participate, and my kids seem to feel very pressured by this to outperform their friends. I don't think this is a good practice when my kids are in Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Overall, if I were to recommend the school, Hands down, I would tell anyone to move into the area! The surrounding neighborhood is the most child friendly area we have ever lived, and since we are military, that says alot about this area and the school! Good luck in your school searches!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school. They both are receiving a great education. It concerns me that teachers are getting let go. I received an email today that there will be a new principal effective 12/5. What is happening with the teachers and staff at this school? None of the teachers will talk about what is going on. The district is not talking either...
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to comment on the most recent post below dated 11/28/2011. San Tan does have great teachers in all grades and they have worked hard to get there. Truth IS that Dr. Alva has managed to push the staff to become one of the best schools in AZ, he is a very intelligent man and has a demanding position at San Tan but also within the district! HOWEVER going to the extreme to say that there is flirting in the office, NO !!! Never have I seen any such type of behavior as much as I am in the school. What I do SEE and HEAR is front office staff communicating with parents. Every parent is different and has different needs for them and their children. The front office staff deals with a wide variety of parent issues and these ladies work with parents to meet each of their needs. Would I call this flirting, absolutely not! They show attention, sympathy, assistence, laughter, support and comfort. As a parent you want admirable service as you walk in the door. Parent below why don't you look up the definition of what FLIRTING really means!! Parent why don't you get a job behind the desk of an office staff member and open your eyes to what office staff and administration faces
—Submitted by a parent

I have also read many of the comments. I got on here to see if there was any clue as to why several teachers are leaving San Tan. Two of the teachers that left had huge impacts on our children's lives. They were truly amazing teachers. Have the 'numbers' become more important than the children I wonder? Has the new principal caused the good teachers to leave? If it is about the "numbers", why have first grade teachers left? They don't do AIMS, correct? I worry that without the strong teachers in the lower grades, who have the patience and intelligence to teach our kids how to read, our numbers are going to decrease.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 Children @ San tan Ranch. We could not be more pleased with San Tan. What Dr. Alva & Mrs. Wolf have accomplished in their 1st year and continues to accomplish.... AMAZING!!! Our kids came home Friday so pumped up & excited as they had a short assembly on how WELL San Tan STUDENTS & Teachers are doing! San Tan is currently rated 20th out of 1300+ Schools in the State of AZ & # 1 for the District. One of our kids went from failing to being a honor student!! I have read ALL the comments, & I could sit here & go tick for tack on each complaint; but I have better things to do. Besides the numbers speak from themselves!!! As for the haters... the complainers.... STOP IT, go get your teaching degree, or be involved with the School or in the classrooms. It is not at all easy! If you think you can do it better.... step up I am sure they would love to have you on board at San Tan. I am proud to say that our Children attend San Tan Elementary & do not have any faults or issues with the Dr. Alva, Mrs. Wolf or and of the administrators or Office Staff for that matter. They are all WONDERFUL & truly do care for EVERY student & parent associated with San Tan Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred my children to this school because I had heard it was the best in this district. If that is so, I would hate to see the other schools. This school, and district, have been the most inconsistent school system we have ever experienced. The teachers always look mad at the end of the day as they walk the students out. It seems that they can't be eager enough to be rid of the children. The principal, as my child tells me, if often on his cell phone in the hallways and even in the classrooms, while a teacher is 'teaching'. I am transferring my children to another district after first quarter. Possibly a district that enjoys children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending this school since kindergarten began in fall 2009. We have been underwhelmed with the depth of the education that he has received and unimpressed with the curriculum. The teachers he has had are caring and communicate fairly well, however, the environment in which they are trying to develop our children's minds and abilities is lacking. The change in principal/leadership has only empowered the PTO that seems to have so much control over who gets what within the school. I have witnessed favoritism, bullying and a genuine hostility--and that is among the parents. I would like a more positive and encouraging environment for our child and our family. Also, the last two weeks were composed of a lot of movie watching, free periods and little new instruction. The report card came home with NO additional comments--constructive or not--about my child's year-long performance. We had a good rapport with my child's teacher and were quite involved throughout the school year. I have to wonder if the environment is wearing on the teachers as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attended in 2009, and we are taking him out at the end of 2011. We won't know how his new school will compare, but if it has half of the problems we'll be fine. At San Tan, get ready to be bombarded with constant fundraisers and straight out requests for donations. They sure communicate well about the weekly fundraisers, but pretty much fail on all of the important communications. You have to drag information out of teachers and staff. Maybe they're overwhelmed with the overstuffed classrooms. You could go to the PTO meetings and try to help - as long as you like being bullied and yelled at if you get out of line. If you speak your opinion on anything, you then get to endure the snide comments, infighting, and politics. I wouldn't be surprised if the new principal is gone within a year. We went to visit on parent lunch day - it was an absolute mad-house. That's how it is every day apparently. We did have a couple of good teachers, but honestly I don't know how long they'll last. I feel bad for them and the schools in general, it's sad they don't get the funding they need. Why can't we do anything about it? Arizona makes me really sad and embarrassed sometimes.
—Submitted by a parent

I have moved her from a different distrist and thought Gilbert public schools were going to be better but boy did they prove me wrong. I have realized that new teachers do not know how to do anything and they push the children backwards when they need to push them forward and I'm very disappointed with this school. They need more teachers who know how to teach and then they can bring scores up.
—Submitted by a parent

I, as a student, being here at San Tan Elementary School, is one of the best experiences ever. The education provided to me is very sufficient. And whenever I am with the teachers, they strictly hold on to the students to make sure that they know what they are doing. I wouldn't choose any other schools except San Tan. Whenever we take our Galileo Tests (Quarterly District Assessments) and AIMS, it proves that all of us actually get the education we need. I've seen no other schools, bases on the Galileo Scores the teachers shows us, who can do better than us. Go San Tan Scorpions, you're the best and always will be!

I, as a student, in this school, has seen a lot of things. How can you parents prove that the school is doing bad? It is not like you have recorded every class or been with your child in that school for a straight 7 hours seeing what the students are being taught. I'd say you guys are a complete imposter! You do not know that you are talking about. If you are posting these ridiculous "so called bad school" comments, I'd say they are a waste of time. You are probably writing it because of your childs' grades. WAKE UP! its not the school's fault. its your child. Unless you can actually prove to the public, with your own eyes, or with a camera that this school, is so called "bad" and should be closed, well think again. I think this school is actually the best of all the Arizona Schools I've ever been taught at.

When my three children began attending this school in 2004, we couldn't have been more thrilled. Awesome teachers. Wonderful principal. Families were involved. Now fast forward to the present, we are constantly dealing with inadequate teachers who honestly don't know how to handle their classes and a principal who is thankfully retiring this year because she made everyone's experience there MISERABLE. I can't wait to get my kids out of that school at the end of the year. Our time has been completely wasted at the expense of the children. San Tan elementary? FAIL.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of our children have attended San Tan since it opened. Improvement in all areas has been continuous. We are proud that our school has achieved 'Highly Excelling' in the past couple of years. This is proof of the continual state of improvement at San Tan. None of this could be possible without strong and dedicated leadership from Principal Migacz. She is not a namby pamby weakling. She is the visionary, energetic force and the immovable object which impels the students and faculty to ever increasing achievements. We appreciate her strength, and in particular that she does not bow down and let hoodlums and errant, trouble-making parents run the joint. San Tan Elementary is very safe. Crime is almost non-existent. Much effort goes into protecting the students from bad behavior and discrimination of all types. All to protect the learning environment. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

Very unhappy with this school. Our child has attended this school for 7 years now. She has had all but 1 teacher in those 7 years that had the actual experience and ability to effectivly teach and discipline the students so they were productive.(Thank you Ms. Dayna Smith for making a difference!) Most of the teachers at this school are very young and under experienced, most cannot even control the children in their classes which makes it difficult for the serious students to learn. If you have the option to choose another school, I would definitely do that. Where is the leadership at this school to make the necessary changes that should be made?
—Submitted by a parent

I love San Tan.My kids also love it.The teacher my son has is going above and beyond to help him with his weaknesses.Not only does he help him with his weaknesses,but hones in on his strengths.He has called me 3x and we have had a conference and School has only been in session for a month and a 1/2.he is dedicated to his work and his students. As far as the extracurricular activities are concerned there are several to choose from.They have a Art nad Science club,cheer,karate,dance,orchestra.There os something for everyone.The PTO is also very dedicated to making sure that School events run smoothly and are fun for everyone involved,not just the students.I plan to have my children stay in Sna Tan until its' time for them to go to High School.All the staff at San Tan are doing an excellent job!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is terrible if you can put your child somewhere else do. In fact, very disappointed all together with the Higley School District. We switched our children here from a Franklin School. They have been here two years now. They will not be next year. This school should receive a failing grade for quality of staff, extracurricular activities and parent inovlvement. Academics are suffering at san tan, if you can get your child into a better school do it before it is too late for them. Good Luck to all. I know the Franklin schools are great as that is where are two children will return and we are looking into Junior High in Mesa Schools where we are looking to move because of their schools after this experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been going to this school for 6 years. I am moving soon and I am very glad. The teachers are great, but the administration is horrible. Mr. LaRose was a great principal, but the one now is awful!!! Also, their HATS program (the gifted program) needs a lot of work. I don't feel as though my children get the education they deserve at San Tan. I would have given it one star, but the teachers are really good.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at this school for over 5 years and I have been with 3 principals and I've got to say that the principal there now has done a wonderful job, with alot of crybaby teachers who don't want to teach the children in the direction that the school district has dictated it needs to be done. As far as the PTO goes, I have worked with some really wonderful ladies who give of themselves unselfishly without any rewards other than the kids having a great time with the different activities they get to enjoy all year long. Which is what its all about. They have tried to included everyone who wants to participate, unfortunately not all parents can handle working with a varied group of ladies, and lack of support from 99% of the other parents.
—Submitted by a parent