Kyrene de los Cerritos School

My child went to neighboring school, Sierra for Kindergarten and had a great experience. I thought Cerritos would be comparable. So when we bought a house that was zoned for Cerritos, we enrolled her there by default. What a huge mistake!! My child who had been an "advanced' student since pre-k spent a lot of time learning material she already knew. What's more disappointing is when I addressed the teacher about my concerns, no action was taken. What's worst is when I met with the principal and very respectfully asked for advice, she said that the teacher was the best one in that grade. She was pleasant yet defensive. Bottom line is NOTHING was done for my child. Very frustrating and disappointing. I am researching alternative schools like Sierra or charter schools. If your student is average or below, or you don't have high expectations of your child academically, it's a fine school. It's upbeat and there's plenty of family activities. Although I can't help but notice the staff and community was much more welcoming at Sierra (i.e. friendlier front office and parent volunteers)
—Submitted by a parent

Love Cerritos & our son's 2nd grade teacher, Ms Eger. Cerritos is very open to family volunteers in the classroom & for special events. I love knowing there is an open door there. We have been at schools in the past that preferred parents to drop off at the gate, not to be seen or heard from again until after school let out (I.e. Tucson's Senita Valley). One example of Cerritos' open door policy that comes to mind is my father-in-law's recent visit from MT. I asked our son's teacher if he could come in & do the "mystery reader" program in our son's class & Ms Eger made a plan for that during the week he was to be in town. However, his stay was cut short without notice & so I took Grandpa to Cerritos to pick up our son early so they could have as much time together as possible before he had to leave the next day. I told Ms Eger about the unfortunate change in plans & she finished the class' current activity & allowed grandpa some time to share with our son & his class. Grandpa had a wonderful time & I was very happy that our son got to have such a memorable moment with him during what turned out to be a short, overnight stay.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been really dissapointed in this school. One of my children completed K-5 here 2 years ago and was completely unprepared for Junior High. My other child is currently in 5th grade here and it seems that he will end up even less prepared for Junior High than his brother.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends kindi, and my son preschool at cerritos and we couldnt be happier. We are in the open enrollment plan and travel quite a ways but it is well worth the trip everyday. We interviewed every school in the kyrene district(that had a preschool) and cerritos won hands down on simple friendliness and helpfulness; which means a great deal when you realize you will interact with these people everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My daughter loves going to school, the community support and parent involvement is outstanding. All of my daughters classmates have been a joy and there is a diverse mix of races. Other parents and staff have been very nice and open. We will go here until it is time to move up to alta dena.
—Submitted by a parent

We chose a home in this district after carefully researching many schools in Phoenix. Our third grader transitioned well from Naperville Illinois. We have found the course offerings to be similar and the teachers are top notch. Parent involvement is incredible, and the community is friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in the district and I can't say enough good things. My son is in the extended resource class. The staff goes far beyond what they have to and the General Ed. teachers are wonderful and supportive as well. Prior to enrollment, I had spoke with Dr. Thor. She was warm, friendly and seemed excited about, and proud of the extended resource program. My son has come so far this year and much of the credit is owed to Cerritos.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement and extracurricular activities are a plus. Recent changes in adminstration have had a negative impact on the school. Teacher turnover is a problem and the quality of recent hires is not up to the same standard.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Cerritos, one in 3rd grade & one in Kindergarten. So far I really have no complaints. My children have been happy & have done very well.
—Submitted by a parent

Cerritos has excellent academic programs and the quality of their music, art, and pe is superior. Parent hare heavily involved and most welcome at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

As far as Arizona public schools go, Kyrene School District is considered the best. My son has attended Cerritos Grade 1-3 and each year seems to have gotten 'worse' academically. I think it mostly depends on the teacher and whether she gets the parents involved( volunteering) or not. Last year he had three differnt teachers rotate through for various reasons, the year before his teacher seemed busy with her master's degree. The classes seem large and, and many teachers young and inexperienced. My son is very intelligent and at times, not challenged. We hope he gets into the gifted program this coming year. We had a new Principal and Vice Principal last year, but turn over of taechers seems high too.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school with very enthusiastic, qualified teachers who truly care about the students. Both my children attended K-5 and we were extremely impressed with the quality of education they received. After finishing at Cerritos, both entered Middle School in honors programs.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an absoutely fantastic school. The teachers and staff are well supported. The curriculum is top-notch and the kids really enjoy a sense of community. Your kids deserve a place like Cerritos!
—Submitted by a teacher

I think Cerritos is great school and it has a very good reputation. My child had a terrible experience with a near by charter school. The staff was very supportive with his transition and my son loves to go to school now. Kyrene Schools with all there experience and very knowledge teachers is a great way to go.