Wildfire Elementary School

one of the best schools i've ever encountered. absolutely love the teachers and the principal is an amazing leader and motivator.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs.Bauer in Kindergarten along with Mrs. Zupke and Mrs. Clark in first grade and Mrs. Kennedy in 3rd grade are EXCEPTIONAL teachers! They go above and beyond to meet the needs of each and every student. We could not be happier! Thank you for being such an exceptional team of educators for our children. You are truly the very BEST!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are exceptional educators and people. Wildfire teachers teach from the heart, they excell equally at identifying the strengths and areas for growth and work to meet the needs of all the children! I'm going with it all starts with good Leadership; we have a wonderful principal who is present and in touch with the kids, teachers and families. From our janitor (BJ) to our teachers (too many to name) to our offrice staff (Carol and Terry) to our pricipal (Dr. Bales) we have the best! I feelincredibly lucky that I can send my children to school every day knowing they will be in a nurturing environment in all ways! Thank You Wildfire Staff, we love you!!
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible Core Knowledge program which sets this school apart and provides students with a well-rounded education. Strong and dedicated staff who provide leadership and guidance as well as awesome students!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this school 3 years ago out of district to get a better education for our kids. The teachers and staff at Wildfire are the BEST they have gone above and beyond to help our kids have the best school experience they can have.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading the other reviews, I was very disappointed with my son's kindergarten experience. While the building is beautiful and there is spirit and activities, he did not feel good about going to school. He did not have Mrs. Bailey, whom I've heard many good things about and his teacher was not as strong. She was given 27 students (Kindergarten!!) with no aide. She relied heavily on parent volunteers to help teach. She was often flustered and seemed overwhelmed (who would't be?) I believe she did the best she could but my son, who never really liked preschool, slipped through the cracks, and cried before school every morning. At the end the teacher advised us to hold him back. Instead I switched him to a charter school, where his experience is the opposite (nurturing, attentive, rewarding and fun). His new school assured me he does not need to be held back.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a student at Wildfire Elementary! He started Kindergarten in the middle of the school. My son Is a Type 1 diabetic and he also has Celiac Disease. Before I registered my son I went to meet the school nurse, Mrs Street! I figured if my son was going to be attending this school I needed to be comfortable with the staff esp te nurse! Not only did Mrs. Street help choose which teacher would be best suited for my son, she set up a daily communication plan with me and the teacher. She gave everyone on staff a photo of my son so if anyone thought he might need help with low blood sugar...she was called right away and he took priority! Ahh then there is Mrs. Bailey, my son's teacher! She is just the most wonderful teacher! She can read my son, like I read my son! She has such a unique relationship with each and every one of her kids! Then there is the front office and the aids who greet my son by name every time they see him coming! It is scary for any parent to drop their children off everyday at school and trust that they are getting the best care and education possible. We have truely been blessed with Dominic's first year in school!
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to wildfire and we love it . My son is in kindegarten and is excelling.The staff has made us feel like family .
—Submitted by a parent

Wildfire is an excellent school! From the teachers to the curriculum, our school sets the standard. Go Firebirds!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm both a parent and a teacher. I love Wildfire for my own kids, My children love the rich Core Knowledge curriculum. They are excited to learn and share what they are learning about in school. All of our neighbors' kids love to join in on the conversations about the continents and what they have learned in school too! I'm blessed that it is our home school. I'm double blessed to be a teacher at Wildfire. I love the staff I work with, along with the great kids and their wonderful families. My students make it fun for me to come to school every day! The best thing about Wildfire is the kids, both my own and my students...they make everything worthwhile.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is great, the teachers are great, the principal is outstanding. I have 2 kids, and one of them has special need. It has been a positive experience, and my son loves school.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful staff, lead by an excellent principal. My kids feel welcome and enjoy going to school every day. They are challenged, which holds their interest in the curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Because the children seem to be very happy there and their school work shows it.

My child can't wait to go to school every day because Wildfire makes learning fun! My daughter is only in 3rd grade, and by now she has dissected a cow's eyeball, spent an overnight at Lake Pleasant learning about the wildlife there, and will soon travel to Kartchner caverns. There is also an Art Masterpiece program whereby the students get to learn about great works of art, and the string orchestra program, where the students learn to play the violin, viola, etc. The school also encourages heavy parent involvement, with a volunteer parent in the classroom every day. I am pleased to donate my time in the classroom, and to be an Art Masterpiece presenter. The school also offers band, computers, and Spanish classes. The core knowledge curriculum is second to none, and the teachers are out of this world! They have the children doing hands-on experiments and projects to help them learn and retain their knowledge. The children also do presentations for the parents of their projects, further helping them gain confidence in public speaking. My daughter will also soon be in the 3rd grade play about life in ancient Rome. Perhaps the best part of this school is the 'Make Your Day Count' program whereby students must take responsibility for their actions / behavior. The students are encouraged to participate in 'responsible telling', and to discuss their conduct on the playground and in the classroom. They 'take points' for poor behavior, and progress on 'step' levels if the behavior is particularly bad, which in turn, progresses the level of discipline. I cannot be more thrilled with the principal, Dr. Troy Bales, or the teachers we have had the absolute joy to have, Susan Yannitelli and Kathy Getman, as well as retired teacher Mrs. Wayne.
—Submitted by a parent

Wildfire Elementary is an outstanding school. The staff is dedicated, the parents are involved, and the curriculum is excellent! It is great to be a part of the Wildfire family!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter's 2nd grade teacher was the best. Great parent involvement. Core knowledge curriculum is fabulous. Can't say enough good things about Wildfire.
—Submitted by a parent

Great team effort from principal and excellent leader Dr. Bale, encouraging and superior teachers and wonderful family support!
—Submitted by a parent

Just when I think that I can't love a school or a teacher more my child moves up to the next grade and I am surprised once again!
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers and Dr Bales...clean enviornment, parent involvement
—Submitted by a parent

I am amazed at what my daughter is learning in Kindergarten. No milk and cookies and naptime. She comes home telling us something new each day. The Core Knowledge program is awesome. Dr. Bales is a great principal. You can tell he cares about the students. I am thrilled we are a part of the Wildfire family!
—Submitted by a parent