Patterson Elementary School

My son attends first grade at patterson, and as a special needs kid, this school has been great in working as a team with me to figure out what needs to be accomodated with my son! I could not have done it without this school! From the principal all the way down to the aides....it's been a great experience!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 of my children attend Patterson, one of which went from K-6. I love this school! The staff and teachers were always respectful to me and my children. My kids have always loved the principal and would run up to give her a hug. Out of all the kids there, she always remembered their names. I think they give just the right amount of homework. Between my 3 children, they have had 10 different teachers. There has been only one whose teaching style I didn't like. As the PARENT, I found ways to teach my child differently to help her along.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have 2 kids attending Patterson and 2 more who are future Coyotes. I absolutely love this school and do not feel like they give too much homework at all. My kids are generally done in less than 30 minutes unless they dilly dally, do it wrong and have to re-do it. Then it can take hours but that is not the schools fault whatsoever. I love all the teachers who have taught my kids so far (with the exception of one but I cannot hold the school accountable for one bad seed) and have volunteered numerous times w/in the classroom or events. I highly recommend this school to anyone thinking about sending their kids here. Seems to me that the parents who whine about too much homework probably rub off on their kids. A little hard work never hurt anybody. When you are in the corporate world you cannot go to your boss and whine about too much work. That's why so many have such a poor work ethic.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Patterson from K-3, while my son went to this and two other schools; they are both currently attending another school in a different school district. My daughter is very academic; my son (3 years younger) has issues with his speech and has been in the school system for 1 year less than his sister. I have worked in the school system as a volunteer for many years, my family has made their career as the same. IMHO - I feel that Patterson is lacking in their curriculum from reading to math to extra curricular activities. Homework is heavy. The teachers complain of the burden to the number of children they contain in a class. The school has issues with how they spend their funding dollars such as printer paper drives. I have had issues with the administration and how they decide to deal with situations. Given my experience, I would highly recommend that if the resource is present, to find your child's education and love for learning elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I would agree with the other person who mentions too much homework at Patterson, although that can be a benefit in the long run, I would love to see the teachers that I have experienced be more creative in their teaching to appeal to all learning styles. My child has so much more homework then his friends from other schools. I always try to look for the positive so I hope it will only benefit my child and not lessen their excitement to learn. The principal is great! Mr C is very caring about the students so I feel I can go to him if I get no where with the teacher as long as we always have solutions to the problem. It takes a villiage to raise our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the kids have way too much homework. My daughter is in 2nd grade now and the homework is just too much. I wish they would tone it down a bit
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves Patterson! This is our 6th year having kids at Patterson. I have never had any problem with the teachers or staff. My kids have always done great in school and they love it too.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved here a little over year ago. My daughter started the first grade here and is currently in second grade. I thought that new principle was engaging and involved with both the students and parents. I felt that her first grade teacher, Mrs. Nelson was tough but fair. So far my experience here at Patterson is very good.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal is very condiscending to students and talks that to teachers over intercom. Not very welcome to suggestions and not very open to speak with parents. Very disappointed. My daughter has gone to school here since kindergarten, this is the first year there has been a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to go to this school and it was terrible. The only teacher that has ever taught me something there is Mrs. Gonzalez, who was absolutely wonderful. 2 thums up to her! I heard that Mrs. Pott retired, which is sad, she was a wonderful principal. My mom took me to a different school, now I learn a lot! I do not like this school, there are also lots of troublemakers. I give this school a thumbs down.

Great School, Great Teachers Music is offered k-6 Art 4-6. I wish the City of Mesa would increase more funding for more art programs and more instructional assistants to work with all of the students. I love walking into Patterson and seeing all of the small groups in the halls being lead by aides and parent volunteers This time is really important to my daughter. Lots of Neat Changes with new principle
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school since it opened. I think the school is wonderful as are the teachers and staff. My children have excelled both academically and socially. I would like to see music and art available for the younger students, and some smaller class sizes. Otherwise, I give Patterson an A+,
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher quality is moderate, overcrowded classes. They are so disorganized it's scary at times. I don't feel that the children are being challenged enough, or given enough time or personal attention. I will not re-enroll next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Patterson in kindergarten since the 05-06 school year began. She did not make hardly any progress throughout the whole year, and her teacher felt she needed to be retained and repeat kindergarten. I had her evaluated by a child development specialist and it turns out she has ADD. I am now in the process of trying to get her into a full-day kindergarten there which will hopelfully be the extra help she needs. Her teacher knew of her struggle with attention and did not even suggest that my child could be put into a full-day class at all. Other than that I have been very pleased with the school as a whole, and I intend to keep my child there unless they do not put her in the full-day class that she needs.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. Every month there is an awards ceremony where almost 100 kids are nominated for Math, Attendance or Student of the month awards. Probably 200 parents show up and bring flowers and balloons to congratulate their kids. The field trips are fun, the teachers are involved with their students and send happy gram post cards. They have PE night, talent shows and even an art night this year. The PTO has raised tons of money with a great carnival and purchased a rock wall, playground covers, new equipment and more. They also plan all kinds of neat stuff for the teachers. My daughter has been there two years now and my son will start next year. We wouldn't consider leaving our neighborhood because we wouldn't want to change schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 1st grade and we are thrilled with Patterson Elementary. Her Kindergarten and 1st Grade teachers have been top-notch and very focused on each individual's childs abilities and needs. We are grateful for the excellent quality of educators and administrators at Patterson and look forward to sending our younger two children to join their older sister on such a wonderful educational path!
—Submitted by a parent

Patterson is Amazing! The building itself, being new and clean at all times, to the staff and kids! My daughter is in Kindergarten with Mrs. Morales who is a great gifted teacher! I recently attended my first Student of the month assembly and was amazed. The assembly was organized and fun at the same time. I am incredibly impressed and feel proud and lucky that in today's society a school like Patterson still exists!
—Submitted by a parent

Patterson has been a wonderful learning environment for my son for three years. His teachers have all been highly qualified and motivating to him, I recommend this school for anyone who is searching for a good placement for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality acadmemic programs for K-4 students. Overcrowding is an issue in some of the upper grades (5th & 6th). Improvements have been made recently to the parking lots and crosswalk areas for the safety of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is giant! The academic programs are great but not consistant. Art isn't available until the 4th grade. Same with Music. Few schoolwide activites are planned. A core group of parents are involved but mostly with fundraising.
—Submitted by a parent