Boulder Creek Elementary School

We moved into the Boulder Creek district specifically for the school. I have always read and heard great things about the school and teachers. I have heard a handful of complaints but only from those that tend to complain about everything. The parent involvement is great from just being able to come into the school or volunteering when needed. The teachers know their job and always keep the kids on track. We plan on staying in the neighborhood at least until the kids are out of elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have had to switch schools and one in 4th and the other in 6th . there is no diversity but a small percentage of bullying. i have seen inprove ment in there drive to learn more. so the best school i would sent my children there if i was sending my kids to a different school.
—Submitted by a parent

The April 28, 2011 review really hits the nail on the head. I have two children who are about to attend their fourth years at Boulder Creek. There has been one teacher that we adored, one other unmistakeably dedicated teacher (who has moved on to another school), two who have no business dealing with children's learning (yet STILL teach there). The rest have been less than memorable. The principal has lied to us through trying circumstances, and at other times been completely unprofessional in other ways. The staff can be rude, but are competent. The only reason this school is continually 'excelling' is because of parental involvement. After three years, my wife and I agree, given the level of parental involvement, this school most likely does more harm than good. When we moved to this district we viewed the parent-teacher relationship with respect and significance and attempted to coax the relationship from this perspective. Now, since we will not be moving before our boys move on from Boulder Creek, our approach toward teachers will be one of reluctance, of avoiding them until they seemingly inevitably bring their petty gripes to our attention with no hope of reverse listening.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending Boulder Creek for 6 years. We have found the parent involvement excellent, most of the teachers are supportive and encourage the children to excell. I am happy that my children have had the opportunity to attend Boulder Creek
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing and caring staff, drive out of PV school district to get my daughter here and it is so worth it!
—Submitted by a parent

If you want your kid to struggle and get ignored at school this is the place for you. The administration is anti-parent. The help needed for a struggling child is below par. PV might have a good reputation..but not for here.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Boulder Creek since kindergarten. The teachers have been hit and miss. One year a wonderful, experienced, patient teacher who ignited the learning bug. The next a grumpy, rude, loud teacher who made my child want to cringe every morning while getting ready for school. The principal seems to be more concerned with the teachers than the students. He never attends any of the wonderful choral/band programs even when principals from other schools have come over for their children. He is rarely seen at other events that are not during school hours. I realize he is hired retired but if he has no interest maybe it is time to move on. Collecting two paychecks (salary and retirement) would seem to be enough motivation to participate. The office staff is extremely rude. One woman who lives in the neighborhood works in the office has been there for many years, she seems to hate her job. She is rude to everyone parents and children alike, they are treated like an inconvenience. It is commented on constantly but nothing ever changes. How sad that this is the first impression of the school. I guess this speaks volumes. No recommendation here, I am removing my child.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved into this school district from Peoria and I was worried that my honor student son would miss out. He continued to excel and made honor roll every semester with a great supportive teacher(Mrs. Hamsher). My daugher also started in kindergarten and came in knowing nothing as she was in a in home daycare.Her Teacher(Mrs. Tritscherler)was great! And my daughter is so confident.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished her first year. I was impressed with the attention of the school. Her teacher kept me updated continually on her progress. The assignments were challenging and she always had quality hw assigned. The school is well organized from the front office to the classrooms. My daughter flourished. I feel so lucky that my kids will be attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Im a Facilitator at the Chapel Rock course an I have to say that this was one of the best groups that came through. We worked with the sixth graders and had lots of fun.

I have a 4th grader -- 3 years attending this school and Love this school, and the admin office staff. As a parent I believe the teachers have great support from the admin and their principal
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I have two kids that attend Boulder Creek. One is just finishing up Kindergarten and the other a wonderful year in Second Grade. Mrs. Plaza is the most wonderful teacher I have ever met. I feel so lucky that my son was able to get her. I can't imagine another teacher being able to match up to her. There are a couple teachers that Boulder Creek could do without, but I have not had to experience them on a personal basis, so I stay out of it. ;) Great school, Great principal, great front office staff, wonderful school nurse, and great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent of a Child who is currently in Kindergarten. She loves her teacher and classmates. I'm happy where she is academically. She can can write her name and her friends (she could do her own in preK). She sounds out words and has started to spell. The parent teacher meeting was okay.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has no parent involvement, as well as a principal who coul care less. The curriculim is very outdated as well as the teachers who are very un-invested.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a good mix for all students. They have several activities to keep parents involved and encourage parents to come and go as much as possible. The make your day citizenship program also makes the school vastly different from others. The children learn a lot because they are in a very structured environment, but also have a lot of fun. There are also many extra curricular activities that allows your child to be very well rounded. We love Boulder Creek. -Parent of 3 - 4th grade, 2nd grade, and Kindergarten
—Submitted by Mickey Matteson, a parent

my child likes the school and the teachers I think the programs are ok
—Submitted by courtney marriott, a parent

2nd grade program is good for mainstreaming students. However, there is not much flexibility for allowing high achieving students to excel with additional challenging work. Wish they treated students more as individuals. Recess not very well supervised.
—Submitted by a parent

Boulder Creek is a wonderful,enriching school. It was elvated to an'excelling' rating this year and it shows. The Core Knowledge Curiculum is challenging and fun. It inspires the kids to want to learn. The teachers care about the children and the quality of learning. We chose to move to this neighborhood because of the school. The principal is new this year, but he is visable and accessible.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is a fantastic school. The principal is dedicated, strong and a joy to encounter. The core knowledge is so benificial to each student. The sense of harmony and collaboration is astounding.
—Submitted by a teacher

We realize Paradise Valley Schools are among the best, but within the PVUSD we were amazed to experience the difference between our son's K-3 years at Campo Bello and 4-6 years at Boulder Creek. Certainly a cumulative effort is present, but the difference in the effectiveness of the principal's leadership stands out strong!
—Submitted by a parent