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GreatSchools Rating

Estrella Mountain Elementary School

Public | K-8 | 564 students

Our school is best known for our rigorous curriculum and great teachers.
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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Parent involvement

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24 reviews of this school


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Posted March 22, 2013

I am a student who has been going to the school since kindergarten and my teachers have always been kind and taught us well. I have never seen any kids be rascist, and any bullying that has gone on was stopped or a miniscule problem. I have ADHD and my teachers dealt with me well as a hyperactive five-year old, I am in the National Honor society now and try to excel in schoolwork. There are a few different clubs to join including Science Olympiad, a math-club, and various sports to participate in over the year. I enjoy this school and was never bullied too much, I have enough friends and like all my teachers enough that I would not want to move from my school versus any others I've heard of.


Posted October 23, 2012

Estrella is an amazing school. The teachers are wonderful, the curriculum is top notch, the principal is cares about our kids and is on top of what needs to be done. The parents are very involved! I love this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 14, 2012

My son started school at Joy Christian School and had many outstanding teachers. In March 2011 my son started school at EMES, and in August 2011 he started fifth grade and was assigned to Mr. Hegedus. I spent four years in Wichita Falls, Texas as a substitute teacher and experienced the teachings of many teachers, but I have got to say that Mr. Hegedus is by far the best teacher I have ever had the privilege of knowing. If you ever get the chance to have Mr. Hegedus as your child's teacher, it will be the best experience of your life and your child's life. Mr. Hegedus not only taught my son the skills to master higher education, but he also taught him to be a responsible, caring student. I also want to say that we, too, experienced bullying of my son when he first arrived at EMES, and the principal put a stop to it immediately. She also handled another situation with one of the school's teachers involving my son, and the next year the teacher was no longer teaching at EMES. I look forward to another school year at EMES.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2012

Unfortunately in a forum such as this untrue things are sometimes posted by people who have an agenda, which clearly the previous writer has. My children have gone to this school for several years and I have NEVER experienced any type of racism at all. The staff is caring and kind, and the principal is very good. This students who attend this school do very well on AIMS and that is in large part to attending an exceptional school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 12, 2011

There are a few good teachers. But if your child is dark or comes from a different ethnicity that child will be ignored and picked on by the other children. I had heard that the school was rasict. It wasn't until my child started going that I realized those comments were true!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2011

This school is great and getting better all the time. The staff is excellent, music program is exceptional, and the staff is increasing academic rigor through the International Baccalaureate Program. The discipline in the junior high is dramatically better this year. Parent involvement is increasing due to a great PTO. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2011

We have been attending EMES since my 6th grader was in Kindergarten and we love everything about this school. This year has been especially exciting as they have added a wonderful music program that included choir, jazz band and concert band. The teachers are extremely devoted to the children and my children are receiving a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 7, 2011

My daughter is in Kinder. Her teacher is amazing. However, I do question the schools other staff including principal. My daughter was yelled at in the lunch room by the disciplinarian because she was disagreeing with two other students. This woman yelled at my daughter and scared her so badly, she threw up. My daughter went all day upset and had no lunch. The staff never called me to tell me about it. I found out after school when I picked her up. During the meeting with the principal I was told I would receive a follow up call and never did. Not very caring, I'd say.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 10, 2010

The staff is irrational, and do not think of the childs best interest, and do not farely discipline the children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2009

My daughter is a kindergartener here and so far we are exstatic about her new learing environment. Her teacher, Mrs. E., is outstanding ... she's engaged with her students and is very imaginative and outgoing. The class sizes are small (my daughter's class has 12 students) and the classrooms are exciting and inviting. The after-care program (for students whose parents can't pick them up right at the last bell) is wonderful and is way more than we thought it would be. It's an extended learing environment where the kids get exercise, library time and time in the computer lab. Our daughter gets picked up around 5:30 every day and she doesn't want to leave. This is a great school with great leadership and staff who foster a fantastic learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 9, 2009

overall a great school, wonderful parent teacher organization. Academically speaking the teachers are some of the best around. My daughter started there in 5th grade and is now in 7th, she loves it. Food is pretty nutrional. overall 4.5 stars.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 19, 2008

Overall the school was okay. There are some great teachers here but there are too many that just do the minimum. Parental involvement is very poor. It was usually the same handful of great parents stepping up to handle events. Our prior school wasn't an 'excelling school' but we had three times as many volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 13, 2008

Overall, the teachers try to do their best to teach and deal with discipline. The teachers and administrators do, however, need to teach social skills and respect, because my daughter was bullied by both a girl and a boy at school and was afraid to go to the bus stop and to enter her class. Her teacher, too, was frustrated with discipline issues and didn't know how to deal with these types of children. I discussed my concerns and found that my daughter was being ignored and treated with indifference after my concerns were raised with the teacher and adminstration. I would expect more from a school that touts it's self as one of the best. Bullying is a terrible thing and can interfere with learning on an ongoing basis.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 2, 2007

I too am disappointed in the school when it comes to bulling. My child is bullied everyday and nothing is done to the bully other then being sent to the office. Something needs to be done about bulling. Sending them to the office time and again isn't enough. Other then that I do like a lot of the teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 12, 2007

I am disappoint in the school at this time. I thought the school had a no bully policy. It seems that some of this is going on in the school where students are making fun of other students how they speak, dress and about their ethnic background. This is a concern because no student coming to school should be hurt or harassed by their peers. Other incidents have been elevated to the principal including this one and have received no feedback on what action is being taken to put a stop to this negative behavior.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 3, 2007

Estrella Mountain Elementary has a friendly and caring environment. I have 3 children who currently attend and love their teachers, the school work and the fact that their teachers care about their education. We have had nothing but a positive experience at this school. We encountered an issue with the school district and my sons teacher, principle, therapist(s), all got involved. I plan to stay at this school and look forward to all the new things to come.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2006

High academic standards. Wonderful family environment. Lots of parent volunteers and happy students. Wide array of after-school activities and an attentive staff. A+ overall!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2006

I have been very disappointed in the continued lack of programs in the Arts. After being in this district for 13 years now the funding and attention given to the Arts has gone down hills from out beginning. I believe to gain higher and higher test score results the District has given up many programs such as Chorus, Band, Drama, quality Art classes. More than the three r's count and you will not get the life long lessons in these programs at Estrella Mountain Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2006

I think that Estrella Mountain Elementary School is a very good school. My daughter Alisha went there and she loved it. The school is always clean, the teachers are great and they listen and will meet with you whenever you need to. My daughter had some problems with anxiety when she went there and had a hard time getting to school sometimes because of it. The staff there were always very supportive and helpful to us. Dave Bogart the principal is Great! I think all the kids just loved him. He is very friendly and down to earth, and is a big kid himself. The curriculum is also wonderful! I would reccommend this school to any parent moving to Estrella Mountain Ranch - Goodyear, AZ.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2006

Great School, dedicated staff. Superior art and music programs. Lots of parent volunteering.
—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.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
84%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

75 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
86%
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.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
87%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
81%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

76 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.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
91%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
98%
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.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
90%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
99%
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 62% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
94%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

80 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
89%
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 57% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
71%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

79 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
100%
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 72% 45%
Hispanic 17% 41%
Black 7% 6%
Asian 4% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 9%N/A51%
English language learners 0%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 67% 81%
English 33% 12%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 19N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Gifted specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
Reading specialist(s)
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff German
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • A Label (2012)
  • Excelling School (2011)
  • Excelling School (2010)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Mathematics
Staff resources available to students
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Math club
  • Science club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
  • Music
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
Music
  • Band
  • Jazz band
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Foreign languages
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • German
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language and culture club

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 2:45 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 6:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Sharon Marine
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (623) 327-2829

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Gifted / high performing
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Foreign languages
  • Global
  • Mathematics
  • Music
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • German
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Computer lab
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Softball
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
Music
  • Band
  • Jazz band
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Book/reading club
  • Boy scouts
  • Cub scouts
  • Foreign language and culture club
  • Girl scouts
  • Math club
  • Science club
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

Visit

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Elementary school
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How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Estrella Foothills High School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

10301 S San Miguel
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Website: Click here
Phone: (623) 327-2820

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