Sandpiper Elementary School

My daughter moved from different school has started her second grade in sandpiper this year we noticed a huge difference. Honestly our experience has been 100% very happy. The teachers and principal are amazing... every, single one love the way they encourages the children. It is a great feeling to know my child is truly cared and is very safe. My daughter enjoys going to school each day. She is learning soo much and I can see that progress. Kids are friendly, kind and very respectful. We don't see any bullies or rude kids or parents. People here come across very decent and educated. We are glad we chosen the right school for our daughter . We are truly blessed. Looking forward to register my son next year. I would highly recommend sandpiper elementary school to any parents who are looking for good school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Experienced friendly staff that encourage students to do well. Daughter loves it here.
—Submitted by a parent

I completely disagree with the last review. I just came to Sandpiper from a neighboring school and am thrilled with the Special Education/Resource teachers. I have two children who need extra help and I believe by the end of the school year they will be up to grade level. I also love the small community feel and find that the kids seem HAPPY at this school. The principal is very funny and my children are really having a good experience at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Lacks resources for special Ed. Special Ed teacher- lacks experience we miss K.G.! She was awesome ! Please stay with SUSD. Not PVUSD. Unless your kid is " typical". Go here...if you suspect anything else don't count on this place to give them a proper education. They seem it as inconvenience. Lack all needed essentials as a human needs that can't be bought or taught in college .just plain lack of understanding each child is a individual

Sandpiper is a caring, supportive community. The teachers and staff are truly dedicated to the success of each child. The teachers have consistently provided appropriate learning opportunities based on the ability level of each of my 3 children. Sandpiper is committed to developing well-rounded students by focusing on academics as well as citizenship. My kids love going to school everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest is entering 2nd grade and my middle child is excited to start kindergarten at Sandpiper this fall. It is a small school with a great community feel. The staff are so welcoming to the children and parents alike. The teachers have offered my daughter more challenging learning opportunities to meet her abilities. For the younger gifted kids in math, they are allowed to move up a grade. The teachers, principal and staff have also worked well with us as parents to help address my child's emotional needs and I feel everyone at the school has her best interests at heart. Looking forward to enrolling my younger 2 in the partial language program, great opportunity to start learning a second language! Also a wonderful group of dedicated parents, PTO providing additional learning and fun activities for all.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful, small school where everybody helps children succeed. Teachers listen to concerns, push for excellence, and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all students. Both our children attend Sandpiper and love it!
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely impressed with this school! It has been referred to as a "hidden gem" and I completely agree. The educators and level of instruction are just as good, if not better, than what private school parents are paying thousands of dollars for each year. The environment is very welcoming to both students and parents, too. Walk through the school and you'll see nothing but happy students!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 3rd grade and has been at Sandpiper for 3 years. This is an awesome school, I also have a 20yr old so I have been thru many years of experience. The principal Mr. Jaras is awesome, he is loving but firm...what more can you ask for!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter entered sandpiper in 5th grade( last year) and i am very impressed. I love this school because it is a great enviorement for her.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter last year attended Tavan and switched to Sandpiper Elementary. What a huge difference. This school is a diamond in the rough. Small School, great teachers and lots of parent involvement. I have seen big changes in our daughter and couldn't feel more blessed. I highly reccomend this school to any parent.
—Submitted by K. Pickens, a parent

What a great school. So many teachers in this school are wonderful. My son and daughter have absolutely loved everything done to date. The Catalina trip for 6th graders is an absolute must!
—Submitted by a parent

Our first year of school experience with Sandpiper's kindergarten program has been amazing. My son has grown in leaps and bounds since the beginning of the year in math, reading, writing, thought process, social skills, and more. I couldn't have hoped for any more. Our goal was to have him reading by the start of first greade, and we've already made that. The teachers are very open to dialogue and there is a mutual respect between the parents and teachers. I like the balance between learning, music, art, p.e., and the teacher's ability to make learning fun. There is never a bored moment in my son's day.
—Submitted by a parent

Sandpiper has excellent school programs. The academic level isn't as high as many would like. Parent involvement is high which helps contribute to the classroom experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Sandpiper is a warm, nurturing, and enriched environment for our children. It is 'cool' to be smart and successful here. The principal is responsive and involved, and the teachers are extremely dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic. The parents welcome new families, and are very devoted to contributing to the outstanding special programs.

My son spent his entire elementary school career at Sandpiper. He is a ninth grader now and performing well in his advanced high school classes. My daughter is a fifth grader. She, too, has benefited from a rigorous academic program. The social and emotional needs of students are met, as well. The school climate is warm and welcoming. The leadership our principal provides is exemplary. Teachers and parents are encouraged to take leadership roles, too. As a result, Sandpiper students benefit from an array of enriching school day programs as well as numerous extracurricular opportunities and evening family programs. We in the Sandpiper community are proud that we have been awarded the A+ Schools-2003 designation by the Arizona Education Foundation!

Sandpiper is a public school that offers its students an exceptional education as well as many of the programs and activities usually reserved for students attending private schools.

A Great Home for my children! Sandpiper strives to always go beyond what is expected and achieves this.

This school significantly lacks, a positive enviroment. The set up of the school does not promote or award positive behavior. Sandpiper Elementary has a 'Make your Day' Policy that works backwards. Instead of offering any incentive for the children to want to 'make your day', It openly makes everyone aware of the students who don't. Teachers or Recess and Lunch Staff, outwardly indicate to any student missbehaving to take off points on a 'Make your Day' form. If so many points are taken, this form requires a parent signature, so that the parent is aware of a childs behaviour at school. While making the parent aware of the behavior seems a worthly cause. All students eyes are on the imediately turned to the student not making there day. Influencing and creating negative impressions of particular students. While I don't doubt that there are serious reasons, and children who have serious dicipline problems, there are certainly much better ways to address this than bring everyones attention to it.

When moving to Phoenix/Scottsdale we researched the area and found that Sandpiper had an excellent reputation for excellence in education enhanced with superior extracurricular activities. With both of our children there for the past 7 years we have not been disappointed. The curriculm is beyond what is required by the state and presented in ways that makes it appealing to all children no matter their learning style. They have wonderful programs to meet the needs of children requiring extra help with early intervention, plus superior programs to challange the gifted student. I have been pleased with all the teachers and impressed with the skill of their classroom management. The school utilizes a widely accepted disicpline program that makes the day run smoothly, keeps interuptions to a minimum, is positive and is what children need...consistant. Sandpiper has won many local, state and even national awards and I am pleased to have my children there.