Continental Elementary School

Continental has very caring teachers. They work hard. However, I would like to see more TEAMING on the grade levels. The teachers need to do more sharing of ideas and resources. The PTC works very hard, but I feel there is a lot of "fluff". The PTC needs to focus less on fun and more on helping the teachers with education. I would like to see some sort of academic focus. This school could use new desks, new books, and a take home reading library, for example. This school is decent, and my children love school. I feel the administrator does not focus enough on the children. It is a small school, and she should focus more on knowing all the students and parents. The website for this school needs some serious attention. This school gets a bad rap because they lack Public Relation skills. Apparently they are doing some of the same educational approaches as in the VAIL school district, but you would never know that because it is not on their website, and the administration does not communicate it very well. There are some excellent families at this school. I feel if the PTC focused more on academics and professional development for the teachers, this school could grow leaps and bounds.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have attended this school for the last 5 years. Although the administration changes often, the teachers are still there. They have really stuck together to continue to make this school awesome. It has a real sense of community. The kids don't seem to be hung up on cliches at all., everyone is accepted as they are.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school with some AMAZING teachers! There is also a really great Parent Teacher Club PTC program with involved parents/teachers wo do A LOT for the school! I have 3 children at this school and HIGHLY reccomend it!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children go through Continental from 1993-2008. During that time my perception of the teachers is that they are excellent. If a newly hired teacher comes on-board and is lacking in some areas, they either quickly rise to the levels of the others or they don't stay. The teachers have their fingers on the pulse of the kids, families, and community, and it is the teachers that make the school. During the time of my involvement with Continental, we'ev been through 5 administrators. The best were the youngest - they stayed to longest and worked to make the school wonderful. During the last 6 years, we've been through 3 administrators (2 years each) and they all have their foot on the retirement golf course and/or don't have the enthusiasm/energy to work with the staff to continue Continental's excellence. This summer we are again looking for a new administrator.
--Submitted by a parent

Continental School has grown from a small school to a larger school. I am happy that the new administration has the skills to handle increasing growth. While the State has not funded Arizona schools, this administration has set goals to keep kids first. Expectations of academic excellence and discipline are high. This school is a gem! I am glad our children go to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We recently moved from Oregon, and were wondering if our daughter would 'ever' enjoy going to school. After attending Continental for a year she has made leaps and bounds. Both of our daughters love going to school. The staff at Continental are wonderful. My only desire is that they don't grow to much, to fast.
--Submitted by a parent

Continental School is but a shadow of it's former self. While it was once a prosperous school where the staff knew every child by name and held them accountable for their actions, the school has grown to unmanagable size, with administration lacking the skills to maintain the staff and facilities. They are currently working on their 3rd Superintendant/Principle in 6 years. I expect (hope for) the 4th any time now.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a small school keeping high standards of education, while providing affection and attention to our children. One hundred mostly retired high level educated citizens of the community volunteer to help the kids in many areas of education. The school is safe, and its management and teachers are great.
--Submitted by a parent

Continental School is one of the best schools I have seen. My children really enjoy going to school every day. Their teachers are upfront and keep me informed about my child's progress in the class. It is great to see this from a teacher even if their class sizes have increased a little from last year.
--Submitted by a parent

This school gives a good running start for high school. The transition can be made quite smoothly, and you will have learned what you need to succeed.
--Submitted by a former student