Mesquite High School

My son goes to Mesquite High School and I think its an excellent school. I think that they're on top of schedule and that they're schedule is very strict. Students need to be dependent and be responsible for their schedule and duties because when they have already grown up they know what they're goal is and they have to be dependent.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school but there are some problems they seem to have. I have been in Mesquite 3 years now, and I have had a great experience, the teachers are great and the school is nicely run. The problem I have, is I have chronic Bronchitis and Pneumonia, being hit with Pneumonia caused me to miss 3 weeks of school. I had doctors notes instructing my not to go to school, yet, when I was well again, they wanted to fail me right then and there. I had to get my parents to convince them that it was not my fault, because I have chronic health problems. They were stubborn and would not budge, even though I went in every day after school to make up work. It took constant work, but they finally let me pass.. They also have a problem with their bully system. Even though I have not been bullied myself, I notice that the school doesn't support you fighting back, as if they expect you to just take it. This is what happened with one of my friends, who was suspended for 3 weeks, on fighting back against a bully... And they also don't do much about them, another one of my friends, was so tormented by a bully, she transferred out, because the school did nothing. Other than that, nice teachers, and school.
—Submitted by a student

School is great, teachers help me even though I have health problems and miss many days of school. I rarely see fights and there are many fun activities that they put on. I am glad that the teachers teach me to be responsible so I do not become lazy in work in the future. Also this school is challenging So, to sum things up, great school.
—Submitted by a student

This is our first year in Gilbert schools, moving from Mesa. For the most part, this school is great. All but one of my Freshman's teachers are great. That one teacher has been a bit of a challenge and getting the administration to help has also been a challenge. There is no way to directly contact the administrators, you have to contact them through their assistants. When you do get a hold of them, they have a "my word is the final word" attitude and is quite discouraging. BUT...overall, the teachers are wonderful there!
—Submitted by a parent

As a student, I absolutely love this school from the teachers, students, and other faculty members to the building and learning environment itself. I wouldn't want to learn any other way! The teachers are amazing and connect with each of their students and even ones that aren't theirs! They STRIVE to make learning fun, even through the hard economic times. All students at this school are very easy to approach and make friends with. The word "clique" seems like it does not exist at at this school! It's amazing. But with every school there is a set back, the administration. As a whole they are ignorant to parent and student needs. They are disrespectful to parents AND teachers in front of students. They are also IMPOSSIBLE to get in contact with. The principal herself is always in her office and rarely seen around campus, classrooms, or at school
—Submitted by a student

We just had our oldest son graduate from this school and it was a very good experience. Excellent teachers...great class choices and safe.
—Submitted by a parent

Mesquite HS is the worst of the Gilbert High Schools. I've talked to students and parents at other Gilbert High Schools who love their school. My last child will be graduating from Mesquite this year and I will be done with this place. The staff is rude and unhelpful and you can never get in contact with the administration. The atmosphere among the students is viscious. It saddens me when I talk to so many students who hate this school and their experience. I believe this must be due to complete incompetance among the administration. Every year they do stupid things to intensionally annoy students. Last year they repeatedly played an obnoxious song between every class until the students coughed up enough money to make it stop. This year, they make you wait for your yearbook unless you give them a $2 bribe to get it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a great appreciation for many of my daughters teachers--in particular, her English teacher, her AP Ecology teacher, her Art teacher, her Math teacher, her World Studies teacher, and her French teacher. My daughter is a brain cancer survivor who has undergone 2 surgeries and chemotherapy before the age of 14. She is missing half of her vision in both her eyes (although you wouldn't know it by looking at her). Her teachers work with me to understand and accommodate her limitations, and because my daughter is so driven to do her best, her efforts are paying off. She currently has all A's in her classes. Her ultimate goal is to earn scholarships to get her through her college years, and she hopes to become a children's book author and illustrator. Sometimes, I think, public schools get a bad rap. The truth of the matter is that your education--no matter where you get it from--is what you make it to be. Certainly, it is a team effort, between parents, teachers, administrators, and students. Having been through the worst with my son, I am now enjoying the best with my daughter. I think the key is this: everyone pulls together, and nobody has the right to slide or to give up.
—Submitted by a parent

Have twins that are sophmores. Excellent teachers and excellent administration!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our 3d kid, who has a form of high-functioning autism, goes to MHS & used the word 'love' for the 1st time when getting off the bus 1 day. 'I love my school!' He has been treated very well re: IEP, decisions on special vs reg ed classes. We had never had a kid in public school & had heard horror stories. MHS is huge but it doesn't faze our kid because he feels at home there. This year he did his 1st extracurricular activity, robotics. The team did well & he made friends. Down side: not as academically rigorous as I'd like, altho his test scores from other schools are ++ high he can't take honors courses because he can't pass MHS's acceptance test, which is timed & they refuse accommodations allowed in IEP (more time on tests). Few AP classes. Gilbert grad standards lower even than ASU admission reqs.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a junior, getting ready to be a senior at Mesquite. All I can say is, that this school is amazing. I wouldn't have it any other way. I seriously cannot wait until senior year!
—Submitted by a student

I have a sophmore at this school,he does not feel comfortable to ask for help,he has asked several times and non yet,as a freshmen he asked for help ,did not get it and fell behind 3 classes,so what can be done. This is what the teachers are there for isnt it,if there were less students in classes,maybe it wouldnt be so hard for teachers and students that require a little extra help.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a senior at MHS and will have a freshman next year. I am very happy with the programs at Mesquite. My son took three AP classes last year, and passed the AP exam with a 4 on two exams, and a 5 on the 3rd. He's enrolled in 3 more AP classes this year. The science programs are excellent, and the music program is first rate. I'm also very impressed with the Broadcast and New Media programs at the school, which my younger son has shown some interest. The students have set up weekly broadcasts of MHS sporting events, streamed Live on the web, complete with multiple camera angles and commentary. Their math programs compete and win every year in statewide math competitions. Bottom line, MHS is a fantastic school, one we parents are very proud of.
—Submitted by a parent

I am starting my second year at Mesquite High School. I really like the atmosphere at Mesquite. All of my teachers have been very kind, well most of them. I haven't had a problem with Mesquite.
—Submitted by a student

I am a first year parent to Mesquite High School. We are transferrring from Desert Ridge which is a newer school and has a more family feel about the student body. I feel this was due to the staff. Mesquite's faculty tend to be less encouraging in most situations. My child is taking AP classes, honors classes and some regular classes. I do feel that some of the teachers should retire because they are no longer sensitive to the needs or feelings of the students they are hired to help. They have probably burned out and if you are considering this school be advised that they have heard every 'excuse' and often turn a deaf ear. This is devestating for over achievers who have come to a place where they are struggling with a subject where school has been easy. For your average students they will do fine.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Mesquite in 2007 and enjoyed the four years I spent there. The teachers I was involved with were awesome. As with any school, there are some staff and programming issues, but for the most part, Mesquite provides a great and safe learning environment.

My son is in 10th Grade at Mesquite and we love it! He has wonderful teachers who are really dedicated and interested in the well being of their students. We had some doubts when he started last year as a Freshman because there are so many kids, but his teachers have been so awesome. Thanks Mesquite Staff!!
—Submitted by a parent

There are as many academic and extracurricular experiences as you could possibly imagine at MHS. From music to football to chess to broadcasting. Excellent Self-contained, resource, on grade level and honors programs. It is very well staffed with a very high professional level among teachers and paraprofessionals alike. Lots of school spirit from students and staff. Excellent library and computers. Beautiful campus with grassy inner courtyard. One large cafeteria and 2 mini-food courts serve both lunch hours. Administration and counseling excellent and very supportive of teachers and staff and students.
—Submitted by a staff

Great school, great classes and teachers, however school lacks in leadership in some areas. Some admin front desk staff need to smile and be polite. They must know that 'First Impressions Count'
—Submitted by a parent

Just a few concerns for parents to watch regarding Mesquite High school. 1: It is overcrowded. 2: Leadership of the school needs addressing, The Principle has not shown good ethics or leadership and has caused a lack of respect from alot of parents and students. 3: Attendance Admin staff need a class in how to be polite and respectfull of students and parents. 4: Child safety issues.
—Submitted by a parent