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GreatSchools Rating

Norterra Canyon K-8

Public | K-8 | 1056 students

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Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 5 ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted August 28, 2012

Not a great experience at all. Maybe we just got unlucky- but am certainly not happy with my 1st grader's teacher. I expect the teacher to be nurturing, kind and patient when dealing with elementary school kids. The teacher here gets irritated very easily, admonishes the children on a regular basis and in the words of my little on- "extremely mean". When I asked my daughter what she thought about the school she said " Though my teacher is not very nice the kids are good." I will be moving her out the first opportunity I get.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 2, 2011

I highly recommend this school 10/10. I read a review from a parent and cannot disagree more with what they had to say. This is a great school!!! It starts at the top with a Principal and Vise- Principal who have demonstrated nothing but class since the day my kids started school, 4 years ago. We have been lucky to have our kids love everyone of their teachers and the front office has always done more than expected when I asked for something. Given the choice of attending a different school, private or charter, my kids will stay at Norterra Canyon.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2011

I have two boys that attend Norterra Canyon. Last year was our first year at Norterra Canyon. My youngest went to Kindergarten and my oldest went into 3rd grade. We moved from another district and I am so glad we did!!! The office , Principal, Vice Principal and teachers are amazing!!!! The front office is always patient and kind, if you drop off or pick up your child(ren) you will see the Principal and Vice Principal out with the kids, The teachers are enthusiastic and caring. The school does a few family fun nights and it just proves how involved and caring the school is for their students. We are so happy to be part of the Norterra Canyon family. Go Priates!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2011

I am a student and I have to say my 8th grade year was absolutely amazing. I was part of the first eighth class. What more can be said about the school. It's spectacular!


Posted April 20, 2011

We have two children at Norterra and could not be happier with the faculty and administration. We are consistently impressed with the commitment to go beyond what is necessary and expected in order to help our kids achieve.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 25, 2011

I like this school a lot because the teachers are fun. The gifted teacher there challenges all of the students who are in the gifted program. The staff is amazing. The specials teachers are good. My 4th grade teacher is very funny and she is amazing. We rotated for science and I learned a lot.


Posted April 11, 2010

We love this school! We moved from the PV district and have had a fantastic experience at Norterra Canyon. The principal is present at every event and very involved! The teachers are amazing, and so good with the kids. They go above and beyond to taylor their teaching to every student on every level. As mentioned above, the technology is great. My kids love the smart boards, and having laptops available in every classroom. We are excited to have found such a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 19, 2010

We are thrilled with Norterra Canyon. The technology is amazing. Smart Boards are in many classrooms and laptop carts are shared at every grade level. Walking through the campus you can see computers out and being used in every classroom. The staff is friendly. There is a nice feeling on the campus. My son has special needs and is treated very well. The PRIDE assembly that is held every Friday morning is a lot of fun as well. This school is fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2009

We are into our second year here at Norterra and are still exremely pleased with how things are run. The staff is excellent, and keeps the parents informed and involved. Even just when you walk around campus, it feels positive, everyone smiles and says hello to you. The kids hold the doors for adults. We are very happy there!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 10, 2009

I have had my child in Private day school since he was in kindergarten. Norterra Canyon is a A+ School. Deer Valley promotes 'Red Carpet Service' I see it on there signs all the time.. Norterra Canyon is one of the only schools in Deer Valley School district that actually gives you this service! The Registrar that enrolled my child even gave us a tour of the school 'NO Public school does this' I have only seen it in Private or Charter. Everyone is very knowledgeable about the schools goals and curriculum. This is a VERY good school, hands down one of the best in AZ.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2009

This school is like no other! The principal, the staff and the teachers are amazing! Their experience, dedication and genuine love for what they do reflect in the enthusiasm of the children! I'm so proud of this school and what they have accomplished in their first year!! Pirate pride!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2009

My daughter is in Ms. Bloodworth's 1st grade class and we couldn't be happier. Ms. B is extremely calm and enjoys the company of the kids in her class.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

136 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
78%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

136 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
82%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

72 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
86%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
65%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

86 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
96%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
85%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
90%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
76%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
74%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

89 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
91%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
78%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

118 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
84%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
57%

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Highly Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 71% 42%
Hispanic 17% 42%
Asian 6% 3%
Black 2% 5%
Two or more races 2% 1%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 6%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 16%N/A46%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Gifted specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff None
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Superintendent's Program of Excellence - Pirate PRIDE (2012)
  • Superintendent's Red Carpet Service Excellence (2010)
  • Rated A by Az Department of Education (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Visual arts
  • Architecture

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
  • Music
  • Performing arts
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Drama club
  • Television/Radio News
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Girls on the run

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15 am
School end time
  • 3:00 am
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 6:30 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Sharon Matt
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (623) 445-8280

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Core knowledge
  • Direct instruction
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Individually guided instruction
  • STEM
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Performing arts
  • Science
  • Service learning
  • Technology
  • Writing
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Foreign languages taught
  • None
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • None
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Learning lab
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Softball
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing arts
  • Drama
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Chess club
  • Community Outreach Club
  • Community service
  • Drama club
  • Girl scouts
  • Girls on the run
  • National Honor Society
  • Student council/government
  • Television/Radio News
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

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School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
More from this school
  • Norterra Canyon Exit Outcomes: Content Knowledge - students will develop academic knowledge and strategies to be successful as life-long learners. 21st Century Communicators - students will express complex thoughts through collaboration, research, and technology. Citizenship - students will contribute to society by demonstrating life skills and Pirate PRIDE. Critical Thinking - students will problem solve using reason, foundational skills and innovation in a local and global context. Pirate PRIDE is: Perseverance Respect Integrity (valuing) Diversity (striving for) Excellence
School leaders can update this information here.

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Elementary school
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How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Barry Goldwater High School
Sandra Day O'Connor High School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2200 W. Maya Way
Phoenix, AZ 85085
Website: Click here
Phone: (623) 445-8200

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