San Tan Elementary School

Great School. Have had no problems with teachers. They need some type of dress code.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was in Kindergarten last year. I was very pleased with his teacher and the curriculum. I volunteered in his classroom often and noticed how structured and organized the class was.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that there needs to be a few more teachers monitoring the campus as school starts and ends. I hear the older kids sometimes behaving poorly and I worry about the younger kids and the influence this may have on them. But when my child is in this school I am confident that the faculty is giving my child a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is not aggressive enough. I think the school grew too fast and no one was prepared. I know that two more classrooms were added, but they are so small it's hardley worth the amount of money that was spent. Also , there are no lockers. My older child has lug his 20 pound backpack every day to school. Also, no lockers for P.E I think there are some problems that need to be fixed before next year.
—Submitted by a parent

In the last 5 years, my son has been to 4 different schools in maricopa county. Out of all of these schools, san tan elementary is by far the best school he has every attended. Between the teachers and office staff, they treat everyone like family! I'm really sorry Mr walters, the principal is leaving this year, he has got to be the best principal that I have ever encountered! I can go online and review my son's grades at any time and i communicate via email with his teacher on a daily basis. The teachers there go over and beyond their normal duties when it comes to caring about their students. My son's teacher will find time either early in the morning or late at night to respond to emails to the parents. Higley school district is just so much more better/different than the rest! they care and understand..:)
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely happy with San Tan elementry. Yes, they are a new district and have a few kinks to work out, but everyone actually wants to be there (teachers). I personally love the new teachers; so enthusiastic. They make learning fun and they have bright ideas to share with teachers that have been teaching a long time. My child is in HATS (gifted program), and is learning at such a great and not stressful pace. I volunteer in my kids classrooms and help out with other school activities. I see first hand how everyone works together. We moved from a Kyrene school and truthfully, I was terrified! To my surprise.....I and my kids have never been happier. San Tan goes the extra mile. New district does NOT mean less dedicated! Every district started somewhere!! San Tan is just starting out great! So thankful we moved.
—Submitted by a parent

Very pleased with the school so far. My daughter is in Kindergarten and has learned to read. Parent involvement seems very good and the teacher's seem to be very caring of their students.I want my daughter to continue at this school but the boundaries are being changed
—Submitted by a parent

The majority of the teachers are new to teaching. The teachers don't seem to know how to get the students to comprehend what they are being taught. It's a new school, so they are still in the 'trial and error' stage. Just seems disorganized. I am currently looking for a new school for my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent I am very disapointed with San Tan elementary. When the children are out for any reason it is totally up to them to get notes from other students. I find it to be in complete disrespect to the child to have to beg to another classmate who may or maynot take the same quality (better or worse)of notes. I have seen times when a child has gone to the teacher to ask for the hand outs, or assignments and told, there are no more copies as someone must have taken too many.
—Submitted by a parent

I am really disappointed that the district would rather focus on getting test scores up in math than to continue on the intense reading program they have been doing. My son really did great last year with his teacher -so much patience and excitement about reading. Really made him love reading. I haven't seen that kind of focus this year yet. I think San Tan would be a better school if they didn't focus so much on test scores and construction but more important, [on what] each individual childs needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been rather disappointed with this school in many aspects. The number of grades (K-8) is too large of a scale and the layout of the school is very poor. Dropoff of children is difficult and the younger children are at the furthest point from the dropoff, making it impossible for parents to see if children actually make it to their class lineup safely. My child's teacher seems very inexperienced and disorganized - inconsistent with any sort of regular communications (newsletters for instance), and often runs out of supplies (paper for projects, and other classroom items). The school seems to always be asking for more money - from fundraisers, to unordered pictures, computer games, and on and on. I'm hoping the Higley School District will merge with the Gilbert School District and make some much needed improvements.
—Submitted by a parent

My son entered this school in 2003. I have not been very pleased. He is obviously bored and no one has offered accelerated material for him. I have asked for it, but not had any back up. I feel that keeping a child excited about learning is worth five minutes time to find him a more challenging activity to do. But sadly, my child has stopped loving school since attending San Tan. He loves his teacher, enjoys the other children, but he doesn't want to go because 'it's boring.' He feels that he already knows the curricula, and based on the homework sent home and my attendance in the classroom numerous times, he is right. I'm seeking another school for next year. I will say this. I have loved every person I have talked to. The staff is friendly and outgoing. I think they could turn this school around.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that the principal of this school is lacking in many areas especially where the care of the students is concerned. He is unresponisive and passive to parent concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here last year and everyone from the principal on down were amazing! It is so refreshing to go to a school where they challenge your children and truly care about them. Two thumbs up! Highly recommend!!
—Submitted by a parent

It is a new school and there are stil bugs to work out, but I like the fact that because the school is so young, the policies and practices can be influenced by the current needs of the community/students. A great school is being developed here- the staff is caring and my children are happy there. As time passes San Tan Ranch Elementary will prove to be a great starting point for our great Gilbert kids!
—Submitted by a parent

I am really looking forward to a new principal and my kid finally being academically challenged. Under the past administration too much time was spent on fluff and unimportant stuff. This district does not promote a challenging academic curriculum.

Teacher and principal interaction with students is wonderful. The school has caring and hardworking teachers. My children are able to stay after school and work on homework or get extra help in those difficult subjects. They enjoy participating in all the fun activities such as Power House, pajama days and Festivals.

I think San Tan has a lot of heart! The teachers and principal all care about each student. I walk my children and I see the principal out directing traffic each day. It will be a huge loss when he leaves.

This school is doing very well, compared to other schools in this small district. I hope the rest of district will soon catch up because the Principal of San Tan is going to be the next superintendent of the Higley School District. The school focuses alot on fun activities that promote school spirit. My daughter enjoyed it alot.

They promote positive values & messages, I see all of the faculty getting involved w/the kids each day, they offer lots of extracurricular activities, lots of 'family and student' events. So far I've been very pleased and impressed.