Indian Bend Elementary School

I attended Indian Bend Elementary School on the very first day it was open for instruction. It was also my first day in first grade! (OKAY, decades ago!!) I recall having Mr. Sofranic as my teacher and he taught me one thing that I recall fondly: The then-world's longest word; antidisestablishmentarianism! Subsequently, I have earned three academic degrees: B.S., M.S., and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine. I can say this for certain: It was the teacher, NOT the school that I enjoyed. Does IB still have that reading pit in the center? When it opened, there were all kinds of cushins on which to sit and read. I have not visited AZ in over 25 years. I used to live on Freeze Drive; in a then-brand new "John F. Long" home. I also recall the GRAND OPENING of Paradise Valley Mall. Anyone still there? Julie C. Abril, PhD

If you read the postings, the majority of these are from before 2007. It does sound like the school had issues from 03 to 07. But we are in 2012, maybe we should focus on the positive reports the school is getting. -It seems like people complain when things are bad, but do not note when things are good. There are always going to be some unhappy people. But parents should partner with the school to provide education not just take a back seat. If you don't like something, volunteer your time in another area and help out. That will allow resources to improve for your student. You get what you put in and it is true with your child's education. -Did you know that the school offers free Breakfast for the entire school? -Did you know they have band and strings? -Did you know they have many Apple computers? -Have you seen their library? Go see the school, it feels like a good place inside and learning is occurring.

My son is in Kindergarten. He loves it. They do crafts and learn. He has shown such improvement. They work with him on his behavior as well. He loves his 'make my day slips'. We are doing an additional reward at home for this as well. I like the fact that they send home all weeks work at the beginning of the week, so if we have something going on one night we can work ahead. I really think partnering with the school is the way to go and suggest more parents to do so. I volunteer my time and it helps others kids, but I think it shows my kids that I am willing to work with their school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started at Indian Bend. Her reading scores have already improved in the short time she has been there. Her teacher is helping her a lot. She likes the fact that she is started to read every where she goes. She now likes to read on her own. Indian Bend has been good for her.
—Submitted by a parent

maybe some of you that have a complaint about IB should learn how to spell and properly put sentences together. That could be a reason why your children are having a hard time with learning how to spell words and succeed.

Indian Bend is the worse school you could send your kids to. My child is in Kindgarten and the teachers do not have the patience. My son was getting beat up at school and for letting the teacher know he got in trouble for tattle telling. He already in kindergarten is coming home and saying he doesn't want to go to school. I have never seen such a horrible school. I have grown children as well so I have dealt with schools but this one is the worse. He will not be there next year I would have taken him out sooner but due to a move and already changing schools I did not want to do that to him.
—Submitted by a parent

2-3 years ago I would have whole heartedly encourage parent to enroll their kids at IB. This year however I have noticed the SEVERE decline in teacher moral, lack of challenge to the kids (they get homework once a week?!), I have pointed several grading errors, the so called "parent/teacher meetings" are student led, it's like they're not even trying anymore! Kids are coming home saying how much it has changed and don't even want to be there. I understand the budget cuts have greatly affected ALL schools but I can see it getting worse and worse. I will be moving my child to a different school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed in Indian Bend. I love the principal and vice principal. I also love the diversity in the students. However, I have had to beg teachers to give me reinforcement activities for my child at home. I get nothing. I think this is because this is such a large ELL school, that the English speakers are just out of luck. If I had of known it was run in this manner, my children would not have enrolled at this school. They also don't seem to be getting even moderately close to hitting the AZ state standards. This school is a huge disappointment!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended K and part of 1st here. I do not feel as if she is challenged enough.
—Submitted by a parent

We were primarily disappointed with the lack of involvement of the principal and the lack of educational support from the teachers. There was not enough homework being sent home by the teachers and we had to supplement our son's homework with our own. This is all too bad as we live right next to the school. We now send our children to another school within the school district.
—Submitted by a parent

The world of education is constantly changing and a lot of the changes are mandated by the state and school disticts. Indian Bend has gone through some changes in staffing in the past few years, and has now reached a place where all of the teachers that are there, want to be there. The principal works extremely hard to keep the school running smoothly. She is dedicated to making IB the best it can be. Test scores are on the rise, and proper preparation is given to students. All curriculum and instruction is aligned with the Arizona State Academic Standards, and teachers provide meaningful activities to students. I am very surprised by some of the reviews on this page, as all of my experiences with this school and it's staff have been very positive. If you are considering enrolling your child in this school, visit the campus and see for yourself!
—Submitted by a teacher

Indian Bend is providing a top notch education for the students that enter their doors. Everything is done in a manner that is best for kids. Like it or not test scores are the name of the game.
—Submitted by a teacher

We will not be sending our 4th grader back to this school. Poor test scores tell the story. Our child's teachers don't believe in homework, administrators have been downright rude to us and other concerned parents who question why commitments for special education needs are not being kept. We are tired of feeling like the enemy as concerned parents when dealing with the principal and staff who ignored and resisted our efforts to advocate for special education needs and extended school year.
—Submitted by a parent

My 1st grade child enjoys her classes, and seems to be learning at a good pace, but the facilities concern me.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending I.B.for the past four years. As the years pass the teachers dedication is decling alot. The 'specials' are a joke.
—Submitted by a parent

1.) Safety - Poor - Accident looking for a place to happen. Teaching AIMS only! They have eliminated all other forms of education leading to a rounded education.. (ie. Art, Music. etc.) School located in an area of transition (homes).
—Submitted by a parent

Have had four children attend this school and for the most part our experience has been positive. Use to be in the upper income level of PVSD but due to new development is now on the lowere end.
—Submitted by a parent

I see lots of comments about the new principal and too many teachers leaving. The new principal came in on a year when they had to begin implementation of the plan of improvement on a plan that she didn't design! Our principal at indian bend has always put children first and will continue to do so. The staff are wonderful, hardworking, and there for the right reasons! With supportive parent involvement, any child can succeed at indian bend.
—Submitted by a staff

Yes, this school has had many changes in the past few years but I think the Principal and staff have a vision. If my child does not pass the AIMS test he does not graduate. The teachers are doing their best so my child gets a good education. If they start now he will not pay the price later. I like that in this school. If more parents got involved it would be great. Not to many parents show up at school meetings. Change is good, but different. Sometimes people do not like change. I like the vision. Change can be good.
—Submitted by a parent

Indian Bend was my school since I was in Kindergarten. The acedemic rate on a scale of 1- 10 in my opinion would be 10. There aren't many extracurricular activities and teacher involvement would be 10 also.
—Submitted by Stephanie, a student