Desert Trails Elementary School

Our experience has been wonderful at Desert Trails. We have experienced K-3 so far and the teachers at each grade level have been dedicated, demonstrated differentiated learning applications, and have genuinely been concerned about the progress of my childrens' education. If my children require additional challenging material, the teachers have supported my requests. I have found the teachers to be experienced, the new principal to be engaged and makes decisions with relevant information, and the support staff is friendly. Next school year the school will have fewer students due to a new neighborhood school soon to be opening. I believe Desert Trails will be an Excelling School again next year given the efforts of all participants - teachers, staff, and students. I am glad that my children attend Desert Trails!
—Submitted by a parent

We absolutely love this school! The Kindergarden teachers are wonderful and you can tell they really love their students. We will be very sad to leave next year as we are moving.
—Submitted by a parent

Desert Trails is a very nice neighborhood school, but it is quite large. There were 5-6 Kindergarten classed, 6 first grade classes, etc. We found that because of the large class size your child will not receive individual learning skills, but follow the class as a whole. There are plenty of extra activities offered, gymnastics, art, reading. You will find that parents try to get involved, but since this is a publicly funded school, the involvement is less than a private one. Our daughter is in kindergarten, but reads at a 2nd grade level, she is learning the alphabet in her class room.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at DT were always very helpful and supportive. A few years back there were some concerns with the administration, but that has gotten progressively better over the years. The extracurricular activities are offered, but I believe should be more advertised to students. Overall I think Desert Trails Elementary is a fine school.
—Submitted by a parent

Very well balance school with very dedicated teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Class size continues to grow and is now close to 30 students per teacher. Also one of the two honors teachers has been moved into a 5th grade class room. Although the quality of my children's educational experience has been good so far I fear that will be changing. Also we are now on our third principal in three years and the quality of each has not been up to the level of their predecessor.
—Submitted by John Scoville, a parent

teachers are very good but are teaching way below standard. My kids transferred from another elementary school and found that this one was about 18 months behind and that even their honors classes were behind their previous school by just as much.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe the quality of academic porgrams is outstanding. All of the teacher I have experienced are terrific and caring individuals with the students best interst at heart. They have a great strings and band program along with alot of extracurricular activities throughout the year. I believe this school to be one of the best in Arizona with many parents getting involved with all aspects of their childrens education. I LOVE this school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is in a great neighborhood with families that are involved with and excited about their children's education. All of the teachers do an exceptional job.
—Submitted by a parent

Desrt Trails is a great school with a wonderful PTA and many involved parents. The principal seems efficient but certainly is not very friendly or communicative with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very enthusiastic at this school. The school is crowded and has large class sizes though, which caused my daughter to get lost. I would like to see something done by the district about this as we wait for a new school to be built in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my children are enrolled here, my oldest one had been at the school since first grade but is now in Middle School. All of my children love the school and excell, thanks to many of its excellent teachers!
—Submitted by Jessica Reagen, a parent

The school has a great staff and very involved parents. There is great pride at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my children go here, they love their teachers and the activities that they do in class!
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children that attend here, the teachers are terrific. The best.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children have gone to Desert Trails-they both have excelled-my daughter reads 3-4 grade levels higher than her actual grade year. The teachers we've had are very caring,and approachable.I know there have been some issues with the previous principal but overall the school is great.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a breath of fresh air coming into Desert Trails. We can't wait to see the new principal at work to help us all work together again. We have awesome teachers here and would like to keep them here with our kids. Our PTA will be better than ever this year.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are wonderful at this school. They are the only reason that I would keep my children at this school. I have two children attending the school, and this is our 5th year with the school. The school atmosphere went down hill when there was a new principal named two years ago. The principal has made it unbearable for the teachers to work in a happy environment. The principal is over controlling, and gives no respect to others. Many good teachers have left this school and many more are trying to find jobs elsewhere. The principal pulls the school to it's knees while the teachers lift the school back up. I am searching for another school for my children.

The teachers at Desert Trails make it a great school. However, due to the demeaning attitude of our principal, most have gone into the draft! There have been many complaints to the school district and the principal herself but nothing has been done.

I would like to take the time to thank Desert Trails staff and teachers for making a difficult transition from Mesa schools to this one a simple and welcoming experience.