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Mirage Elementary School

Public | PK-6 | 456 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 5 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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30 reviews of this school


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Posted October 10, 2012

This is one of the WORST Schools you could ever send your kids too! I worked with my child before she went to school and made sure she knew the "basics" and then some! While in this school she was taught that sounding out EVERY letter is the ONLY way to read...... before going to this school she could break words up in syllables Know she is in first grade and pulled her from this school since they were taking her backwards. She now is in another school and has a hard time because this school taught her NOTHING! I also now a few other students in this school that are in 4th grade that can t ALPHABETIZE! If you want your kids to get an education DON T SEND THEM TO THIS SCHOOL!!!! and if you have a problem DON T bother leaving a message with the principle she WON T call you back!!! I would LOVE to say they ALLOW parent involvement but I can t! Every time I asked what I could help my child with I was told wait until parent teacher conference then told she was doing GREAT! REALLY, it that was true she would not have such a hard time at this new school! Do yourself a favor and look into another school and district! I wish I could give this school NO stars!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2011

My kids truly love going to school. We have been a Mirage family for 6 years and have been so pleased by the dedication of the principal, teachers, staff members and the volunteers of this school. The teachers have been attentive, enthusiastic and have high expectations for the kids. They also really help them to understand what is being taught and they do much of it in ways that are fun for the kids. EVERYONE on staff at this school holds the best interest of the kids as their #1 priority. I would highly recommend Mirage to anyone who is considering enrolling their children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2011

I have 3 childeren enrolled at Mirage and have been very pleased with our experience. All of the teachers are compasionate and caring and go above and beyond to help my children succeed. I am also very impressed by the dedication and availablity of the principal. She is constantly visable and always interacting with the students in a positive and authoritative manner. It is obvious that the welfare of these students is her highest priority. The teachers at Mirage are also of very high caliber. They are always working on new technology and ways to improve their teaching styles. I would hightly recommend this school to anyone looking to enroll.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 17, 2011

I LOVE this school! All of my children have had excellent teachers. The principal is a great leader and truly does what is in the best interest of the children without letting politics interfere. Parents are given several opportunities to be involved, it is sad that so few choose to take the opportunities that are given to them. The new "Data Nights" have been extremely informative and helpful. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants a quality education for their child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 30, 2010

While this school does have some excellent teachers, there are a host of other problems that overshadow that. Curriculum is close to average but in no way excelling. If these students are to compete with others in middle and high school they need to step it up. There appears to be a lack of supervision in many areas, including playgrounds and even with teachers. Bullying in many formats appears to be the norm. Getting work out of teachers for a homebound student has been hit or miss. This year the teacher is cooperating but in the past that has not been the case. The administration lacks compassion and concern. This school allegedly is highly Tech oriented, which after multiply years we are still waiting to see. Do not bother going to district as they do not seem to be concerned.


Posted October 7, 2010

Have had a great experience here. The staff is very caring and my kids have done well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2010

For the most part, the teachers are great. Many have been there for years and have a great reputation and rapport with the students. However, the administration, including the principal need to be replaced. The office staff is rude and unhelpful. Calls to the principal almost always go unanswered and administrative decisions often go overboard.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2010

I love this school. My kids learn and there is very little fluff. My kids are learning basics and lots of technology. It is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 27, 2010

Lazy teachers, no homework...Principal doesn't return calls and extremely rude office staff. My son went to this school for 2 yeara and i switched school after christmas break because i couldn't deal with his teacher anymore...Plus his 3rd grade teacher to student was 1 to 26!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 7, 2008

This school has been declining in leadership and performance over the past several years. It went from great to poor quickly.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2008

I have 3 kids that attend Mirage and I absolutely love this school! The teachers and staff are great and truely care. I have noticed so many impvroments in my kids and I am very satisfied with their education!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 1, 2008

There are many great and experienced teachers at Mirage. Mirage has great teacher for special needs and resource. This year I was very concerned about the very young and inexperienced teachers. I noticed this caused some behavior problems and inability to teach properly, especially in the 6th grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2006

My two children have attended Mirage since pre-school, and I have been very happy with the high quality of teachers and their involvement. My older child is a special needs-type, with an IEP and issues that require extra meetings and phone calls; I have never felt a burden to the school or teachers, but part of a team to help my son learn and excel.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2006

We've had 4 children go through Mirage. The one consistent thing through 3 administrations has been the exceptional teachers. No doubt some are better than others, but with each of our kids we've had far more good experiences than bad. The new principal has big shoes to fill, needs to learn to interact with children and parents. Seems like its a temp job to her rather than the passionate life's work seen in previous principals. Does not appear to enjoy it or understand the role of a principal in an elementary setting.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 31, 2005

The teachers encourage parent involvement and are focused on each student succeeding.
—Submitted by an administrator


Posted December 21, 2005

This is a pretty good school. So far the communication from teachers has been great. I feel my children are learning a lot and that they enjoy going there. The only thing I think the school could work on is a better bully proofing program, and positive reinforcements to the kids. The old school that my kids went to had a great program for that, and I am just not seeing it with this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2005

I like Mirage, but then I'm involved on a daily basis. I've had 3 children at the school, my eldest has gone to DSMS and is now a Freshman at DVHS. Minor problems with teachers, pretty good response from Principal, tho we have a new one this year. We did lose our VP a few years ago, pretty big blow. some great teachers, some not so great ones. but then, you get that everywhere huh?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2005

My child will be attending 3rd grade and overall our experience has been great. Teachers & other staff are caring.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 15, 2005

Mirage has a dedicated, hardworking staff.
—Submitted by a staff


Posted April 23, 2005

I love Mirage. Both of my children are on a variance, they get a good, solid education. I love their Saxon programs. I do however, worry about the lack of manipulative based learning. There should be a balance. I am also concerned about the lack of after school activities. There are no enrichment activities or remedial tutoring available.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
74%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

79 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
79%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
80%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
59%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

95 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
92%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
67%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
70%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
77%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
57%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
67%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
82%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Performing Plus".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 64% 42%
Hispanic 28% 42%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2% 6%
Black 2% 5%
Two or more races 2% 1%
Asian 1% 3%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 138%N/A46%
English language learners 29%N/A14%
Source: 1 NCES, 2010-2011
Source: 2 AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 74% 81%
English 7% 12%
Albanian 3% 0%
Arabic 3% 0%
Greek 3% 0%
Yugoslav 3% 0%
Khmer (Cambodian) 2% 0%
Other Non-Indian 2% 1%
Vietnamese 2% 1%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 15N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Jennifer Cruz
Fax number
  • (602) 467-5380

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

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3910 W. Grovers
Glendale, AZ 85308
Website: Click here
Phone: (602) 467-5300

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