Sunrise Mountain High School

I moved into the school district for this school after much research moving from out of state. I am not one of the wealthy but it is worth it to have a house in this neighborhood for the school. I had two daughters attend Sunrise Mountain with great results and are such great college students because of the advanced learning they recieved. I have a 12 year old about to enter University high advanced early highschool program at SMHS and am so excited about the challenge. If your child is easily led astray or not a hard worker the enviornment may not be for you but if they are academically advanced it is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

So as a graduate student from Sunrise Mountain High School, I am greatly appreciative for all the preparation it has put me through. The administration can be a bit strict in some aspects and more lax in others, but no one is perfect. Our safety has greatly improved since 2006 due to the on campus police officer that has really straightened out many of our students. The faculty is lively and fun and very understanding. we have some absolutely amazing teachers that really have made a difference in every students' life. Our test scores are great, our sports are phenomenal (even football is improving), our student council wins several top ranked awards every year, and clubs continue to pop up all the time. If there are any problems that i would agree with in previous statements, dress code can be sketchy at times (but isn't that mainly the parent's fault?), drug levels have dropped drastically, and the amount of partiers is equal to any other high school in the area. The honors program is great and I know without it I wouldn t be getting the amazing grades that I am currently getting in college.
—Submitted by a student

Brought my daughter here after moving to west side. She struggled, ever the "social butterfly." Lots of drug issues at this school, like everywhere else, but the students at this school have MONEY. Sorry, not into keeping up with the joneses. Staff is indifferent to rules, from the principal on down. They don't dress code (so the girls mostly look like your favorite drunk celeb) and they don't insist that students follow a proper decorum (excessive making out in hallways, etc. staff does nothing). Some teachers are keepers; most are unsympathetic to student personal issues. GLAD my daughter's graduated, but Sunrise did its share of damage...
—Submitted by a parent

Hi, I am one of the students of the largest graduating class of 2009! I can't say enough how much I will miss my teachers and even some of my classes. Although there didn't seem to be much school spirit among the majority of students most of the time, there were always a group of fellow students dressed up in our school colors cheering our school on. One thing I didn't much like during my years at sunrise was how our choice of buying soda was taken away yet they left the many unhealthy salty food choices on the menu which seemed kind of hypocritical. I would have much rather had less unhealthy food and kept the soda to help keep me awake during class even if it is not really healthy. Also I didn't like how the school prohibited leaving campus for lunch for Seniors. Overall, best memories!
—Submitted by a student

I just graduated from Sunrise and the teachers are great and I made some really great friends
—Submitted by a student

I'm really happy with the education my son is getting. Of course, it all comes back to parental expectations, support and involvement. Too many parents expect to drop their kids off and pick them up 4 years later. BTW we do have a hockey team/club for two seasons now.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a recent graduate of Sunrise Mountain High School and i think it is an awesome school! They have been so helpful and the teachers are the most caring i have every known. The only thing that I did not like was the lack of school spirit. But i can not say the the staff and student council didn't try. I liked attending Sunrise so much that I am hoping to go back as a history teacher. All in all I would send my children to Sunrise in the future.
—Submitted by a former student

Sunrise Mountain is a terrific school I have two seniors who are about to graduate. One of my son's has a small learning disability and they really worked with me to create an IEP(individual education plan)that worked for him and look he's graduating this year and he's more confidant of him self because of this.I have two older girls who went to this school also and they loved it too. The teachers are great! Keep up the good work Sunrise I have three more coming up!
—Submitted by a parent

Probobaly the worst school in the distric of peoria. Most likely the worst in the state of Arizona
—Submitted by a student

I believe this school has many issues one and most important is the teachers lack of support when a student is struggling they don't seem to make an effort to help the students succeed .. I also belive the school has a safety issue. I don't think the students feel that they are safe and they also feel unsupported by the staff. It appears that the school is focused to Highly on sports and AIMS testing and everything else falls to the side.
—Submitted by a parent

I am saddened to hear that some are disappointed with the administration because they have been extremely supportive and worked hard to insure the students' safety. From attending the school for four years I have noticed how many students are angry at the extra precautions the administration has taken as well as the extra security that has been hired. Extracurricular activities are also plentiful and though certain clubs may not be existent, if the students can find a sponsor, they can have a club. Students who want to be involved have many opportunities if they try. I've had the privilege of leading 5 and being involved in 7. The teachers are also amazing and have continually looked after the students. Though not all perfect, many have been State, District, and Nationally recognized. Sports are a high priority and the athletes work extremely hard in fundraising to support the Athletic
—Submitted by a former student

Sunrise Mountain High, is a great school, but they do lack greatly appreciative teachers, and the school makes it hard for students to create clubs, they also have a minimal amount of clubs and activities,......but they have a great range in sports. I feel they could use a hockey team, because for many years students have tried to create one, and the school just turns it all down. So that is why I give Sunrise Mountain an overall 3 on the rating scale.
—Submitted by Jayce Buttler, a student

My daughter attended this school for one year, then we moved, but then was the best school out of the 5 she attended before. We love the teacher and the invlovement with the parents, teacher, and staff. The safety of the students is amazing. The extra curricular activities is great. I wish there was a SMHS up here is Prescott Valley with all of her friends and the same teachers and everything. She really misses it a lot.
—Submitted by Vicky Stratton, a parent

This year will be my daughter's 2nd year attending SMHS. I love this school & I am very proud to say that my daughter attends this school! - I am impressed by the support of the parents and teachers. Go Mustangs! Have a great new year students!
—Submitted by a parent

I believe this school has a safety issue. I don't think the students feel that they are safe and feel unsupported by the staff. It appears that the school is focused on sports and AIMS testing and everything else falls to the side.
—Submitted by a parent

I give this school a grade of C-. I have been extremely disappointed with poor safety practices and a lack of action on the administrators part. They appear to turn a deaf ear on real issues, but focus on the issues that make them stand out i.e sports or the label of Excelling school.
—Submitted by a parent

'Both my children have gone to DTE since they were 5 years old. DTE is a school where the children come first. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled as the smart or dumb kids. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. The principal is kind and knows each child by name. She is a great example of a leader and I will miss seeing her everyday as my daughter graduates this year. Thank you DTE for bringing out the best in my children and giving them the encouragement and confidence they need to go out into the world! '
—Submitted by a parent

Sunrise Mountain HS is a big disappointment. I am not happy with the administration and their relaxed methods regarding safety for the students. Things that you would not expect in this location. The teachers are better, but the administrators are the decision makers unfortunately.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school but cost of other educations like mustang academy is not used for education but for football.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been pretty impressed with this school. All classes seem to be available to our kids, lots of clubs and activities to keep them tuned to to the school, and some pretty good teachers. Band program has been great. Principal is awesome.
—Submitted by a parent