Power Ranch Elementary School

I have 4 children who are currently or in the past have been at Power Ranch over the last 6 years. Overall I think it is a good school. Over the years there has been issues with bullying and teacher/principal turnover, but I have seen some positive outcomes and improvements in the past couple of years. Any bullying we experienced was dealt with very quickly and effectively. I met the new principal at curriculum night and she seems to be very well qualified and professional. I like the emphasis of catching the kids doing good instead of always harping on what they are doing wrong. I have also seen a big improvement in communication from the teachers to me, the parent. I think the gifted program will be moving in a much better direction, too. Plenty of opportunities for parent and community involvement. And, thank goodness, many people do help out. It seems there is always a great turnout for school functions.
—Submitted by a parent

we have 2 children in PR elementary and have been thrilled with the teachers and parent involovement. I am concerned for the future because once again we are going though a change in principle and teacher staffing. Why are we having such a hard time keeping good teachers???
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very impressed with Power Ranch, and have never seen a school with more volunteers from the community. I have kids that are very advanced in school. Power Ranch has always facilitated this, and challenged my kids. Lastly, I love how this school and district allow parents to be so involved in their childrens' education.
—Submitted by a parent

There are amazing teachers at Power Ranch and it is constantly improving, Where there is a lot of community involvement in schools and support it will continue to do well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a very proud parent. The teachers at Power Ranch Elementary are awesome. The staff are always polite.This is my daughters third year there. My son only went to eighth grade and got promoted to High School but I wish he would have started earlier on. I feel both of my kids have advanced since going to Power Ranch. Thanks Power Ranch.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Power Ranch, and I have been really impressed with the teachers!! They seem to enjoy teaching, they work hard to help students learn, and the communication is phenomenal. I am a graduate student, working on a degree in Early Childhood Education, and I am looking forward to being in my childrens' classrooms and watching their current teachers in action. I have found the principal to be incredibly responsive. My only complaint is that I think the curriculum could be a little more challenging, but I also understand that some students would not be able to keep up if this were the case.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very unhappy with this school. My kids attended PR for several years and I have seen too many principals and teachers leave. In the past few years, I have noticed that the school doesn't seem to support all children fairly. Some of the staff appeared to need further training in how to successfully teach to individual learning styles. Parents in the neighborhood warned me about keeping my children there. My oldest child is now be challenged at a higher level and has been recently placed in the gifted program. I would recommend to send your 6-8th grader somewhere else, as well as be involved in academic decisions regarding "how" your child receives instruction and the type of support system that is used to adequately accommodate ALL learners.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here in July from the midwest and were nervous about the schools our children would go to compared to what they came from. We are nothing but impressed with Power Ranch. Our kids are academically challenged, the character counts program is wonderful, and the administration seems to handle issues with students quickly and appropriately. Every school has bullies and bad kids - it all depends on how teachers and administrators take care of the issues and how parents help children work through issues appropriately.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible, my three children used to go here and they were constantly bullied by mean children. The teachers seem to not care at all, they won't even send an email or phone call to tell you if your child's grade is slipping, no they wait till it has hit rock bottom and your child has to dig their way out of a hole. I am appalled by the lack of parent/teacher communication. Don't make our mistake and find a better school
—Submitted by a parent

All 4 of my children attend this school and it keeps getting better and better, in my opinion. The teachers are phenomenal. Every year becomes my child's new favorite year. The school has had some growing pains, but it is an amazing place for my children to be each day.
—Submitted by a parent

6 years is enough! 5 years ago, 3 principals, 2 vice principals, and 30 or so teachers it was great. Our middle schooler has dealt with sever bullying from girls, beat up by 2 boys, and dealt with a verbally abusive teacher for 2 years. I did observations for my degree at PR and was appalled at the disorderly, foul-mouthed studentbody at the middle school and lack of professionalism by the teachers. I switched to another school in the district and saw how it should be run, switched over mid year and now the rest of my children will be at the new school too. Mrs. Turcotte is a good principal, but the problematic staff, and 2 apt bldgs streamed into the school make for a bad situation all around. Don't make our mistake, move your kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one boy in 3rd grade. We just moved here this year. My son loves it here and his teacher comes in early for advanced math. I'm very impressed!! Not many recent comments but the current principal seems to be doing a good job. Awesome experience so far.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two boys, one in 2nd gr and the other in 4th gr. We just moved here at the beginning of the school year and so far I have been impressed. The boys teachers are both wonderful and have been very instrumental to my boys.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children in school, all elementary. The teacher turnover is high only because other districts pay more, the school can't help that. The principal really puts his all into the school, and the kids who behave are rewarded greatly for it. The class size is large, but a brand new elementary is opening in Power Ranch 08/09 year and that will help PR greatly. The key is: parent involvement. If you care about your kids, get active and be helpful!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started kindergarten at Power Ranch this year and so far we have been very expressed. His teacher is organized and enthusiastic as well as tough when needed. I am very happy at the full day program and would recommend Power Ranch to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Power Ranch is an Awesome School with Excellent teachers and incredible parents!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Average school. Average everything!
—Submitted by a student

We have had 3 children at this school since it opened it's doors. The first couple of years were shaky but we expected that with the huge growth in the area and it being a new school. It did get better... for a while. We do like Mr. Bellamere (sp), a great improvement over recent administration. I do believe Mr. Hernandez is a great asset, much needed and would be a fantastic Principal or Vice. The teacher turn-over is horrible, ridiculous even. I can count on 1 hand the number of teachers we've had who truly care about the children and their career choice. I'm so disappointed in Power Ranch's chain of command as well as the district. We do not recommend the Higley School district to anyone. It would be a great improvement to merge with Gilbert's district. I know it's large but it's so much better run.
—Submitted by a parent

i have a 7th grader and a 3rd grader and it's been very good, their grades have improved so much, i'd recemend this to any parent
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 children have been at Powerranch Elementary since day one.I must say that this is the worst school that my children have ever attended. The lack of organization and discipline is appalling. Staff turnover is to high and class size is too large. The school board or lack of school board support is ridiculious. The Higly school board should be dismissed and merge into the Gilbert school district. Higly school district is run by a motley crew, with no guidence. I would not recommend this school to anyone with school age children.
—Submitted by a parent