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GreatSchools Rating

Palm Valley Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 821 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 5 ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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43 reviews of this school


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Posted August 3, 2012

This used to be an amazing school when our older children were involved amazing teachers, great leadership, beautiful campus- but the class sizes have gotten way out of hand. 28 students plus per kindergarten class - in almost every other state that is illegal. I am not sure if this is because of excessive variances being approved or because of the growing population in Goodyear - but these class sizes are not okay. Funding in the district needs to be shifted immediately to reduce class size in order for this school to enjoy its continued success.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 25, 2012

My Twins goto this school. We have only been here for part of this year. I know the teachers try to integrate the new students best they can but am unsure how well they are doing. I feel that my twins are getting a good education. Thier testing scores should be high. We will see how next year goes.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 21, 2012

I can't even express how wonderful I think this school is. Most importantly, I love that they are very strong academically. Based on that alone, I know that my daughter is getting a wonderful education. She is just finishing kindergarten, and her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Keen, is amazing. I don't know how she does it, but I commend her. In addition to how great the school is academically, they really encourage these kids to have good character, which is really important to me. They all recite a pledge about character along with the Pledge of Allegiance each morning, and I think that really helps to give that message to these kids. The PTO is amazing in all of their efforts at raising money not only for the school for a couple of the faculty who are battling cancer. I could just go on and on. My daughter attends with a variance right now, but we plan on buying a house within the district in the next few years so that she can finish out the remainder of her Elementary School years before moving on to Western Sky and eventually Millennium.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 7, 2012

Palm Valley Elementary has been the best school for my 1st grader. Mrs. Spiak is an awesome teacher and has gone out of her way to ensure my child succeeds. The faculty, for that matter is awesome. From the teachers to the maintenance deparrment, they have all made the Palm Valley experience to be a wonderful one.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 14, 2011

Over the last few years it seems to be getting more and more crowded. Classroom sizes are ridiculous. Not to mention the pick up and drop off is very unorganized.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2011

My daughter realy enjoys this school being in 1st and 2ed now in 3ed .She loves the teachers, its more then a job to them, they all seem to lovethere jobs. I like how there all involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2011

We love Palm Valley!! Everyone really cares about students and learnin which is evident by all the academic recognition offered to students!! It truly is an amazing school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2011

Plan Valley Elementary school is a Five Star school in my experience! My child has not only had a great time both learning and having fun. She has excelled since she started at Palm Valley and her eagerness to learn has kicked into over drive! I recommend Palm Valley Elementary school to every child! I know that my child will be successful due to Pam Vallets
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 7, 2011

The school is good but the classes have too many kids. Why keep accepting variances? I have also noticed that things change because the principal's kid has special needs. NOW allergy issues are taken seriously where before they weren't. Just make sure your kid has the same issue as the principal's kid and you will be fine.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 26, 2010

We are an excellent school, and still find ways to continue excelling, never comfortable with just succeeding, but forever striving to do more, reach more, and excel more. We will be a 5-star school by the end of the next school term. So come excel with us!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted May 20, 2010

My son has had a great time in Kindergarten at Palm Valley. The teachers are great, his abilities have been recognized and he has been met at his level which we are really grateful for!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 20, 2010

I have 4 sons enrolled in Palm Valley and have to say I have been very happy with kindergarten's Mrs. Luckow. With her dedication to the students and her wonderful personality she probably had the best turn-out this year of volunteer parents. Thank you to the kindergarten team and Mrs. Luckow.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 17, 2010

Mrs. Brown is a great teacher that cares about her students..
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2009

This School is fantastic. My daughter has enrolled in first grade this year and loves it. Mrs. Hampton is amazing with the children. I have seen huge improvement in my daughters reading ability and highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 27, 2009

After having 3 children at PVE over the past 5 years, I feel there has been a definite decline in the overall performance of the school. Not only in academics but in the extra curricular activities as well. Everything seems to have become so disorganized.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 12, 2009

As a parent of Palm Valley students for the past few years, I have found the school to be somewhat over-focused on the negative and less on the positive. We receive rude notes sent to the entire parent community about such things as cafeteria behavior or tardiness that 'will not be tolerated'. It would be nice if the parents were treated as partners and not the enemy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 18, 2009

We moved to the Litchfield Elem. School Dist. from another state and enrolled one child in Palm Valley Elementary. We are pleased with its academic excellence, friendly & positive faculty, staff & administration, character education, school spirit and diversity. No regrets.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2008

Once again, Palm Valley is an 'Excelling' school. The excellent teaching, caring staff, wonderful parents and students put their best into testing and brought an excellent result. Way to go Thunderbirds! This 'community' effort is what makes this school excel in many ways.


Posted August 27, 2008

Our girls, now in 3rd and 5th grade, love Palm Valley as much as we do! The teachers the girls have had the last 4 years are wonderful, caring, forward thinking, intelligent and firm without being intimidating. PV excels in parent/family involvement and the staff is great! The leadership provided by the principals we have had is truly remarkable! Kudos to Palm Valley Elementary for maintaining a superb learning environment! The Maxwells
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 7, 2008

As a grandparent of two students at Parlm Valley, I find that the girls (beginning 3rd and 5th graders) continue to be interested in all subjects and seem to respect their teachers and other students. I love going to 'open house' events where they can show us their project accomplishments. Keep up the good work! Bobbi McGlothlin


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.

150 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

150 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
86%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

174 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 67% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
67%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

162 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
91%
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.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
88%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
85%

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

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

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 56% 45%
Hispanic 24% 41%
Asian 11% 3%
Black 8% 6%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 19%N/A51%
English language learners 8%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 43% 81%
Korean 9% 0%
Vietnamese 9% 1%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 8% 0%
English 4% 12%
Mandarin (Putonghua) 4% 0%
Other Non-Indian 4% 1%
Polish 4% 0%
Arabic 3% 0%
French 3% 0%
German 3% 0%
Cantonese 1% 0%
Hindi 1% 0%
Navajo 1% 2%
Other Indian 1% 0%
Punjabi 1% 0%
Russian 1% 0%
Tagalog 1% 0%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 22N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2801 N. 135th Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Website: Click here
Phone: (623) 535-6400

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