Las Sendas Elementary School

Las Sendas Elementary is a fine school with teachers who care and are led by a very involved Principal. Problems are addressed promptly and in a manner that benefits both the student and teacher. Ms. Amy Kramb is a principal that cares deeply for her school and the children that attend. She is supportive of her teaching staff and does not undermine them but at the same time gives the support parents need in dealing with any situation at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went from a straight A student at a top Tempe school to a C/D student at Las Sendas Elementary. We have attempted to work on her academics and have not had a very good response on her teachers part. My daughter is always saying they are doing the same things she learned last year. Her teacher actually said to me that she is not just board because she did so poorly on her exams and that would show how much she really knew. In any situation this is not the response I believe appropriate when I am frustrated and need help bringing my daughters grades up. I have also left emails though the schools website that have not been returned. I am on this site looking for a school that is a better fit for my daughters academic achievement as I have had little help at Las Sendas.
--Submitted by a parent

Las Sendas Elementary has been a great school. It has a very strong leader in principal Julia Kelly, and while not every parent agrees with her approach or priorities, at the end of the day she demands what she believes is best for her students and her staff. Sadly, she will be retiring at the end of the 2009-2010 school year. There is a well established and excellent staff, PTO, and suzuki music program. I expect that the great foundation laid by Mrs. Kelly and her strong staff will continue to provide an excellent elementary school experience. My kids have been very well prepared academically for junior high... in fact junior high has been less demanding! On the down side, class sizes are high at this NE Mesa school, and while the teachers are top notch and committed to providing excellent teaching regardless, it is a strain on students and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons have started school at Las Sendas. The oldest will finish his final year in May. We have always taken an active role in supporting the school and have gotten to know teachers and administration. Although some are hard on Mrs. Kelly, the principal, I feel her leadership is the key to the success of the school. After coaching children s sports and volunteering at the school, I have gained a perspective that the parents that do the most complaining are the ones that do the least contributing. Some would rather complain about the pick-up/drop-off waiting time than simply putting their children on the bus for a half mile ride within the neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that Las Sendas is a great school academically, however, the principal, Mrs. Kelly is completely rude, controlling and overbearing. After speaking with many other parents about her mannerisms, we all agree she has lack of respect for parents as well as for students in the school. The school atmosphere is very impersonable and unfriendly- possibly due to the stress from the principal, which is quite unfortunate because the Las Sendas school could be wonderful if she and a few other staff members were not there.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Las Sendas. I love her teacher but the class sizes are a little big, but they seem to manage this quite well with very little impact to the overall student experience. Pick up and drop off are a nightmare, but I think that goes for just about any school, anywhere. I have presonally met with Principal Kelly and she has never taken a condescending tone with me, nor have I witnessed this with any of her other communications so I have no idea what one of the previous comments are about. The office staff could be a little more professional. Other than that, I love this school
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school!! My kids are enjoying their classes and their theachers are challenging and supportive. The Principal is very approchable but strict, but I feel that is the way succesful principals must run a school.
--Submitted by a parent

Las Sendas has done an outstanding job of educating - in all areas. I found the teacher to student ratio in the 6th grade to be closer to 1-24. As a result of their efforts, my son is doing very well in middle school in all subjects. I highly recommend Las Sendas.
--Submitted by a parent

The classroom size is a joke this year (2008-2009). There are 35 in 3rd grade! How is this allowed? Great school, but kids are not getting what they need with 34 other kids to compete with. The school has really grown, and we need alternatives!
--Submitted by a parent

The Principal of this school has some very real problems and it shows in the position she holds. She is overly controlling and uses a condescending tone, attitude and outlook to students and parents alike. It is so sad to see a person with such an attitude in a position of a role model for our children.
--Submitted by a parent