Pima Elementary School

My Daughter has been going to Pima Elementary since the beginning of this year. There's some bullying going on that needs to be addressed and taken care of. The Office Staff does what they do yet the Principal is no where to be found. I've tried on numerous occasions asking the front office to speak to her. They would always tell me that she's 'NOT AVAILABLE' and she will call me which NEVER EVER happens to this day. Also, the safety during drop off and pick up times' of the Students is horrible. People drive like maniacs and have no common sense. Our Kids' safety should be our number ONE concern and RESPONSIBILITY!!!!! I don't see this at ALL.. and plan on taking my Daughter out of this School when this School year is over!!!!!! Very Concerned and Pissed Off Parent..
—Submitted by a parent

My fifth grade daughter Autumn attends Pima , and has since first grade. This has been the perfect school for her. My daughter is a gifted student, and they do have a gifted program for her, and the students really enjoy thinking outside the box. The scores are wonderful, and my daughter has work in front of her we never thought a child her age would be doing. She was recently accepted into a very challenging prep school, and will be doing a complete honors program. I am completely confident that she is more than prepared for this. Thank you to all of the wonderful teachers that have done this for her. There is truly a ratio of 16 students per teacher, it's just that some types of classes require more instructors than others, and they have several special teaching positions. Thank you to Ms Knight, Ms. Hazeltine, Ms. Marx, Ms Shultz, and Ms. Lewis.. Autumn says thank you for making it all come together for her, you got her organized. Special school, amazing staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I think it is misleading to list 16 students per certified teacher here. My children have always had between 25-32 per class.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with awesome programs and great curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Nice enrichment stuff, but academically, my child did not haave her needs met, the school seems to care too much about what is on the Aims test, and not as intense of a curriculum as i would have liked, it doesn't enen compare to are you smarter than a 5th grader?, lots of unregulated bullying
—Submitted by a parent

We transfered our daughter here from Hohokam because of a bullie problem we just could not resolve with the school. We were thrilled with the Pima and our daughter did just great. What a relief that she would be able to finish out her Elementary Education with a since of peace. A Greatful Parent
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in Pima and I cannot say enough positive things about the school, staff and administration. Reading comprehension is stressed as it is the foundation for success in all other classes. The music programs, vocal and instrumental, have been fantastic. Where else do 4th, 5th and 6th graders in an after school elective chorus have the chance to perform in musicals like 'Annie', 'The Wizard of Oz' or 'Mary Poppins'? The gifted program has brought out the best in my youngest daughter. All in all, I have to say how grateful I am for each of my girls' teachers. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great traditional-style school. Emphasis on academics. What I like best about it is that the staff and teachers have high expectations for the students and yet the students don't seem stressed out or pressured. Truly a small private style setting and a gem of a school.
—Submitted by a parent

Pima has made excellent progress and is currently the best elementary school in South Scottsdale. The most important thing: my children are enjoying their teachers, classmates and studies, and they look forward to school each day. Isn't this what really matters? It couldn't happen without their great teachers and the support of the administration. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to kindergarden here and at the time I thought it was great; however when it was time to enroll my daughter I ran into a problem. They tested her first because her birthday is in November and said she wasnt prepared so we put her in the Tempe school district. The things they taught my baby to do were leaps and bounds beyond anything that was even introduced at Pima. She is now reading at a first grade level and adding and subtracting. We deceided to put our son in the same school with his sister and he is now reading at a second grade level and doing second grade math. Pima school was OK but the Tempe school district has a higher standard of learning of its students.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid's love Pima! My kid's can even read and write better then a lot kid's older than them from other schools. This is because I feel that Pima has the best to offer in many programs and even their teachers. The education they offer and the way it is presented is outstanding. I am amazed with the enthusiasm from the parents and their involvement with Pima. I feel that Pima is the best elementary school in Scottsdale!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started kindergarden this year at Pima. We can't say enough good things. She struggled a bit in the beginning, but her teacher had great communication with us and helped us bring her up to speed. She is now excelling quite well. She does have homework everyday, but it takes no more then 15-25mins. The entire faculty is great. They do lots of 'special' activities for the kids especially around holidays. The after shool program (Kids Club) is great too. And alot cheaper then daycare.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just started kindergarten at Pima and I have no major complaints. He is doing so well and has learned to read in just weeks after his first day of school! I appreciate the schools discipline and behavior code because I see that a lot of other schools don't apply much of any at all. I do not think Pima is too strict. My son is well behaved, more than before he started school. He does however get a lot of homework, for kindergarten that seemed a bit odd to me, but he likes it because it is fun and it isn't everyday he gets it either. My son loves school, loves his teacher and has made a lot of friends! I highly recommend Pima Elementary, my daughter will be going there when she is ready to start in a year.
—Submitted by a parent

We cannot say enough good things about Pima elementary. We have three children who attend and have had the best teachers and while attending there. The overall focus on academics and extra curricular activities is outstanding. This school offered free all day Kindergarten long before other schools because they allocated their Title I monies for it. Pima is to be commended for looking for students best interests first.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend Pima for a young child. Pima's discipline and behavior code is inconsistently followed and inappropriately applied. Teachers are hard on young children adjusting to a school environment, to the point of cruelty. I withdrew my child. There is little interest in working with kids who do not follow a standardized development pattern.
—Submitted by a parent

October 2006 - we switched our children from another school in Scottsdale because we moved - we love Pima - I feel that they are getting a better education at PIMA - my son is excelling - so is my daughter - I am glad the parents are not bogged down with tons of reports and homework as we were in the other school. I think the staff at Pima is caring and very organized - we are very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough great things about Pima. We transferred from another Scottsdale school and I really never recognized what a difference there could be. My kids are challenged and thriving. The parents are very involved and I believe that makes a huge impact on the school!
—Submitted by a parent

Not alot of homework,projects or reports worked on. I feel the students are not being prepared for middle school properly.
—Submitted by a parent

I like that this school employs a patriotic duty as part of their daily routine. There appears to be great parental & community involvement, and my only concern is that traffic is so backed up. This brings two concerns of 1)safety-the students have to avoid the dreaded 'tardy table', and 2)a general concern of over-crowdedness. The school's infrastucture doesn't seem to support the growing number of enrollment. The teachers, staff, & principal get a 2-thumbs up. I feel they are very organized and have an adequate curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

great school, wonderful teachers and exceptional academics. Top notch education from this school.
—Submitted by a parent