Sandra Day O'Connor High School

Our family relocated to Arizona this past winter from the midwest. Our biggest concern was our sophomore son adjusting to a new school academically and socially. We are surprisingly pleased with the relationships he has developed with his teachers. They have been kind and supportive. We do however suggest stronger communication with parents. I have called the school numerous times with questions and never receive a reply. The staff seems over whelmed most of the time. Thank you Sandra Day O'Connor for great effort.
—Submitted by Patricia Labedz, a parent

I am a senior in SDOHS, it is a very nice school. Everything is new, people are nice, a very good leaning environment!
—Submitted by a student

I went to this school for four years, and I loved it! The teachers are highly qualified and there is a plethora of interesting extracurricular activities to choose from. I'm now attending university persuing a degree in English Education, as I was inspired by my English teachers in high school. Make sure you take advantage of the Honors/AP program!
—Submitted by a former student

I have had one child graduate from O'Connor and he went all 4 years and now is at ASU, I have s 10th grader there and out of all the school in this district and all surrounding districts this school rate #1 in my book.
—Submitted by Teresa, a parent

New School, beautiful campus. School offers many honors and AP courses, and some college dual enrollment courses. There are many clubs available, the sports team are making a name for themselves and the performing arts programs are spectacular. I have 2 sons attending and am extremely happy with their progress. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants their child to receive a top notch education and have lots of opportunities to get involved in clubs, sports and extracurricular programs.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school. Parent/teacher communication is very poor. Many of the teachers do not seem to care about the welfare of the students. As a result of these things, I decided to withdraw my child from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Sandra Day is still developing its identity and getting its stride. The teachers do go the extra mile. I don't have any complaints about communication; in fact, I've gotten positive notes home unsolicited, and most teachers have websites where I can check my son's homework assignments.
—Submitted by a parent

The availability in sports and extra curricular activities is very high. The academic programs aren't bad but there isn't too much parent involvment. There are a lot of kids attending the school and the school just doesn't seem big enough for them.
—Submitted by a student

O'Connor is very strong in terms of clubs. There is something for everyone, and no one can feel left out here. O'Connor is known for being one of the highest performing schools in terms of academics as well. Areas needing improvement are school participation and sports. The sports aren't really up to par with the other aspects of the school. The school is only four years old so it doesn't have as many traditions but it does have a beautiful campus. The students at this school mainly come from white, middle to upperclass families. This school is beautiful and has superior academics and also has one of the best bands in the state.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has just completed her first semester here. What a fantastic school; both academically and socially she soared to great heights! She is taking two honors courses and is involved in all the school (and community) theatre programs offered. She was recently selected to join the jazz band as their pianist. Although she is not a 'jock' she still stays active and involved in most of the programs through her friends. I can't say enough great things about this school, the faculty and the overall education my daughter is receiving. Thanks Sandra Day and keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

O'Connor is an awesome school, with great teachers & coaches, who are sincerely interested in giving our kids a good education, and give them guidance in building good character.
—Submitted by a parent

So far I have been very impressed w/ O'Connor. The teachers have all been very approachable and they all get back to me in a timely manner. The office has been very helpful when needed.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall a good school. The district boundaries are such that we live 17 miles from the school, with no option for changing schools (we live in an 'island' for district boundaries) which creates many difficulties that the extracirricular activities sponsors/directors will not make many accomodations for. It would seem that the kids are really out of control as to district boundaries, and should not be held accountable for where they live. SDOCHS has a very high average family income, so 'keeping up with the Jones'' is really an issue. Attendance rules in the district also make no sense. We cannot keep our child home, even if we call, without it being counted as an unexcused absence. The only way to get an absence excused is with a doctors note. The attendance system is so automated, you only get a call that your child was marked absent, with no explanation.
—Submitted by a parent

SDOHS is a relatively new school, but shows signs of becoming a top notch school. The music program especially is incredible and has won many top awards. (It may have the best marching band program in AZ.) Other extracirricular activites are still developing; there are many service clubs but not too many interest or hobby clubs. Academically SDOHS is a good school; it has the core AP classes and hopefully more will be added. Teachers and staff are professional and caring. Most are good teachers; some less so. Volunteer opportunities abound in the office, bookstore, library, etc.--a great way to get to know staff and feel connected. Coaches are inspiring and good role models for the kids. Some have won regional honors awarded by their peers. Finally, the campus itself is new and architecturally distinguished, with an acoustically superior auditorium and excellent sports facilities. This school has a lot of potential.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a Junior and has been at O'connor for all 3 years. This school is great. The teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic. I'm surprised that there are not more comments on what a GREAT school this really is! GO EAGLES!
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, at SDOHS, teachers do not communicate well with parents. The do not respond to phone calls or emails unless you file a complaint with the Vice Principal. It is extremely frustrating for parents who are trying to be involved with their childs progress in school that teachers will not respond. While it is not the schools responsibility to raise our children, it is their responsibility to educate them and help parents understand where their children are struggling. A little extra effort by the school staff would certainly not hurt our students.
—Submitted by a parent

School does not seem to be involved with the students welfare as they should be.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has done very well at Sandra Day. I disagree with parents aren't notified how your child is doing. Child brings home report about every 6 weeks or so about their progress. Most of my daughters teachers have been receptive and very helpful. If I have ever had to call any of them they return the phone call 99% of the time the same day. I feel you need to communicate with your child about their progress. If you aren't getting responses you feel are correct then you need to contact the councelor. At the high school level (especially) your child needs to be the responsible one to prepare for college. I feel more parents need to be involved with their children at the high school level but having more than one child makes it difficult at times. It takes alot of effort. I feel their are several extracurricular activities
—Submitted by a parent

Our child did not do well at this school either. It took several months to realize that our child was having problems academically. I disagree that the counseling department was awesome, they were responsive, but failed to follow through. We had to continually follow-up---follow-up--- with little or no results. Teachers too failed to follow through even though 'Group' meetings we held. Promises to e-mail progress was also never done. Phone calls were not returned, etc... Needless to say, our child is no longer attending this school. We found something much, much better.
—Submitted by a parent

My child did not do well at this school. Teachers did not communicate well. I emailed them and never recieved a response. It took about nine weeks before I was even informed of the problems my child was having.
—Submitted by a parent