Kino Junior High School

This school is terrible. They use block scheduling, which sets "new" multiple class students up for failure. The school is filled with "bad element" students...illegals, gangster type punks. There are multiple fights every day in this school, and the principal seems to have no control. The teachers are confrontational with the students. STAY AWAY!!
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is truly dedicated to doing the best they can for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be in the 8th grade this year (2009-2010) last year we found his teachers to be involued with the students and truly care about their education.
—Submitted by a parent

My 7th grader attended the 07-08 school year and had I known about 'blocked' scheduling I would have placed her elsewhere. I feel this scheduling is confusing and my child had 8 classes. That is too many for children of that age. My child struggled through and I had little cooperation from team leader, counselors, and principal. Nothing I requested was done until I hounded each teacher and then did actually get any assistance. After speaking w/ several teachers..they also admitted the blocked scheduling was difficult and one actually mentioned that 'unless a student is extremely organized this is a set up for failure.' In a nut shell..the teachers may be good but administrators at the school are ineffective and by observation, lazy! Parents, please consider the blocked scheduling before enrolling your children at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

The instructors have a different way of teaching. They do, hands-on,visual and auditory lessons. block scheduling is an amazing idea, that is implemented at this school. You learn so much more then prior years. The student council is amazing, they have spirit competitions nearly everyday. The security guards are friendly and always on the ball. The attendance staff is bilingual and extremely friendly and beneficial.
—Submitted by a student

This a terrible school.... Lack of education, and teachers with a fake sense of reality. If your child is worth taking out of Kino then do so for their sake!

I love this school but to much safety problems!
—Submitted by a student

I think this school is ausome! I am glad I get to go to this school.but there are a few stories of the teachers there. I'm not happy with the new schedule though.
—Submitted by a student

We are very disappointed in the lack of response or very inappropriate teacher-student interactions that we have experienced with our child from the teachers and staff at Kino. After two years of inappropriate or lack of response to issues, we are removing our child from Kino and enrolling at a charter school. Also, in many instances our child has not been adequately challenged I've been on the PTO years back and the last two years a board member with the Music Arts Booster Group. The lack total of parent envolvement at a school of this size is amazing. Kino has had three pricipal's in three years. I finally think they have one that will make a difference, but it's too late for us. I wish Mr. Flax and the music dept. the best. They certainly have their work cut out for them!
—Submitted by a parent

i think Kino Junior High is a great school and i enjoy going to it and if i live in mesa when i am older i am going to put my kids in Kino. But some of the teachers arent so great i think they should get new ones.
—Submitted by a student

Kino students get stamps on their PRIDE Cards if they are on time, have their materials, and have completed their homework. If they do not have those three items, or have a 'free stamp,' they may serve 30 minutes detention in a 'responsibility class' after school. This program has helped students be responsible and have higher achievement scores. Kino's weakness lies with its administrators: four different principals since 2002. Still, many good instructors remain at Kino and sincerely care about their students. If we do not call back quickly, please give us a second call or email us. This academic year the school received new paint, carpeting, ceramic tile, and free breakfast for all students. The SIAC Committee promotes parental involvement.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have never been impressed by Kino. My father attended, I attended & my son attended and the only thing that has changed it the way it looks. I'm very glad we now have the option to go to a charter school. After 2 years there he found himself learning almost nothing. He started above his class and left below. For the sake of your child's future please really evaluate before sending them to Kino. Good luck finding a public middle school that really prepares your child for the future!
—Submitted by DANETTA, a parent

Kino has gone down hill slowly with the new administration. I am very disppointed in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Kino Jr. High lack compassion for their students. They are only concerned with academics.
—Submitted by a parent

Kino started the new school year with new leadership and many new teachers. With 'safety first' as its moto, the staff and administration have worked hard to assure that Kino is a safe place for all students to learn. Teachers are supportive and challenge students to reach their educational goals. Kino also offers outstanding elective classes in band, orchestra, art, and world languages. With more parent envolvement, Kino can be a great school.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school has it's priorities mixed up. They are more about bringing up the schools test scores than the academics required for children to get into college. I am very disappointed that this school has degraded to the extent it has and have plans to remove my child.
—Submitted by a parent

I am pretty happy with the academic programs at Kino. The attention that my child receives in his advanced programs is excellent. I am very happy about how strict they are with the kids regarding their agendas and name badges. I was skeptical about Kino at first having had moved from Scottsdale because Kino is so 'mixed' and I was really worried about gangs. I believe that Kino has their eye on the ball and knows how to keep control. I give their teachers a B+. I like the way that they appreciate my involvement and interest in my childs education. Very nice office staff and councilors. My son says the school is a little strict, but he likes the school and teachers overall. It shows in his studies.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very disappointed with most of my son's teachers. They don't follow through with what they say they will do, they don't call in a timely matter to discuss problems etc. There have been a few exceptions over the years but most that I have encountered are not particularly motivated. His music teacher and English teacher were the few exceptions. The academic programs were not up to the level of others. There is a new principal this last year so maybe he will turn it around but until then I would not recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are helpfull, the kids are respectfull alot of parental input.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Kino Jr. High is an excellent school. I sent all my children there and all have said they learned and had the best time at this school. The staff is great, the teachers are kind, the school is a little old and needs some new materials but I'm sure that will come later.
—Submitted by a parent