Kyrene de la Sierra School

My daughter is in 1st grade coming from Tempe and this school is a breath of fresh air. From the first day I walked into this school I felt the welcoming atmosphere from the administration and they want to be there and enjoy the students they try to make a point to remember the kids names . The academics are challenging and when they see areas that need improvement they spend more time with the student(s) individual basis. My daughter's teacher is Mrs. Hill she does a great job with the students my daughter comes home so much more happier going to this school. I am from back East and can testify to the importance of parent involvement and this school has so much parent involvement I am so happy to be part of this school. Another note this school is pretty diverse great mix of kids which is good. I have been looking for schools since my daughter was 2 and glad I landed her at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in first grade and has been in this school since KG. I absolutely love this school and she loves going to school. The teachers take extra care, to the extent that her homeworks and classworks are customized. Safe and a nice locality for the school too.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Sierra take extra time and care to meet each students individual needs. The students have an excellent learning environment and a strong sense of community. My son has been here for 3 years and has made good friends as well as learned beyond his years, through challenges and achievements. The curriculum is strong. The staff has great communication and is very attentive. Our family feels very secure with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best in the valley. I have a 4th grader and 1st grader. When we moved to Sierra my older son was a total non reader (in 2nd). Now, because of all of the individualized attention and care he's fully caught up! The teachers (all of them) really care for and love my children. The secretaries, lunch ladies, and definitely the awesome principal and assistant principal. I'm so impressed not only with the teachers, but also the ladies in charge. It's really the ONLY choice!
—Submitted by a parent

Sierra is an amazing school. In fact, there is none finer in Kyrene ~ of Phoenix for that matter! The teachers are superb ~ all of them! The administration is new, but totally top notch. I have never met a more caring group of educators anywhere. I find it to be a big family, where everyone buys in and is involved. Sierra is definitely the place to be for educating children. I'm so happy I found it! In fact, I drive 15 minutes each day just to take my kids there. It's uncomparable!
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about the wonderful staff, educational opportunities and sense of community that you get at Sierra. We have had excellent teachers for the past 5 years and our children have excelled academically. The PTO and events are fabulous as well and the resources available to the students are amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific school. Our son just finished here and is now off to advanced classes in his new middle school. Sierra identified his math and language arts level and placed him in the school's gifted program and he continues to excel. Our daughter will enter 2nd grade at Sierra this year and she is a different situation. Sierra gives her additional reading instruction as they correctly identified that she was a bit behind in that subject. In both cases with two different kids, I am very happy with this school. I agree with the person who said not to spend your money on a private school to instead save it for college. This school has continued to deliver to our family for the last six years and still going!
—Submitted by a parent

Don't waste your money on a private school if your children are able to attend Sierra...save it for college! My 3rd and 5th graders just finished their second year at Sierra and it has been nothing short of amazing. When we moved to the area I researched all the available schools and this one really stood out! The administration puts a strong emphasis on reaching each child's potential while creating a positive atmosphere that makes learning fun. There's tons of parental involvement and plenty of extracurricular activities. Ideally the class sizes could be smaller but the quality of the teachers more than makes up for it. Our family couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children at Sierra and our 1st is leaving for 6th grade. Our experience has been nothing short of great. Staff really identifies with the children (their personalities and needs) and parents. I remember the first day of school 6 years back when I left my Kindergartener feeling so comfortable after the Principal and Librarian remembered not only my daughters name from 'Meet The Teacher' a week before but, ours as well. That was a good indicator for the many years of personalized attention I see the staff demonstrate daily. Because of the community feel, transitions between grades have been seamless . Even the Vice Principal hangs out in the lunch room and tells jokes/ pop trivia with pencil prizes. I wanted to share for new parents who are worried about the 1st day of school. Can't wait to do it all again with our incoming Kindergartener. Great experience!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Sierra and we couldn't be happier. The Principal is very personable and has a great rapport with the students. The teachers are equally wonderful. Last year we had a problem with an upper class student and discussed it with the teacher. The next day she directly addressed the problem and it was solved!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with recent reviews. While kids are excelling with the minimum standards - do not expect this school or this school district to keep excelling in math and science when compared nationally. Totally wrong direction for the math program. Classes are too big for individualized or differentiated instruction. Do not expect a kid in the upper half of the class to be well served. We're moving on...
—Submitted by a parent

Needs better math curriculum, and better teachers & principal who are willing to challenge our children and have their best interests at heart.
—Submitted by a parent

i have an older child that went through Sierra and I loved it - then. I have a child there now and I am displeased with the large class sizes, new math curriculmn and the mgmt of the gifted program. All these things I tie to the principal -- he is in his 2nd year there and I do not like the direction of the school now.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no better school in the Metro Phx Area! Period.
—Submitted by Bruce Piper, a parent

I'm on my second child going through Sierra, and I'm very happy with the curriculum and the education both of my children have received. I am also very happy with the new principal. He is very down to earth, and very approachable.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel very fortunate to take our children to this school. The staff is a true team and parents are heard. I have 2 children there... 2nd and 4th grade. They have really been supported by the teachers and both recent Principals moving year-to-year... seamless! The teachers truly do give individual attention and have proven by offering clearly planned additional instruction where needed. Parent involvement is very high and supported with flexible opportunities. From the moment you walk in the door you will feel welcome. It is a safe and enriching environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Thrilled with Sierra. I have two there now, both have excelled and they enjoy going to school. The other families make Sierra very special. Many other parents know my kids. I feel my children are loved and supported by the families, teachers, office staff and principal. The new principal goes out of his way to reward good behavior, he even had lunch with my 1st grader.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that Sierra Elementary School is an outstanding school. The staff and teachers are all wonderfull and really take the time to get to know your child. The only thing that I have to say is that last year when the principal resigned I was not sure how this school was going to recover from such a loss because of her excellence in what she did. Now that she is no longer here and our new principal has taken over, it just is not the same. Our former principal really took the time to get to know every one of the students and amazingly remembered almost every single students name. This new principal just feels like he does not get to know people on a personal level where as I felt the former principal did. This truly is an amazing school! I recommend it to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding Gifted Resource Program. Music, PE and Art instruction available Parent involvement is outstanding. Very community oriented. Dedicated and caring teaching staff, administration and support staff,
—Submitted by an administrator

We moved here two years ago from Weston, FL, an affluent suburb in the Ft. Lauderdale. This elementary school in Phoenix is far superior, from the principal, teaching staff, and the gifted resource program. My child was targeted for reading enrichment within the first week she attended the school. Now she's in the gifted program in language and non-verbal, but did not qualify in math, which would have excluded her from the program altogether in FL. She is thriving in this environment.
—Submitted by Karen N., a parent