Pinnacle Peak Elementary School

In my opinion, it is true that many of the teachers at this school give preferential treatment to kids whose parents shower them daily with gifts such as Starbucks, dessert items, fast food, etc. For the enormous quantities of donations the PTO takes in, there should be more money to supplement such things as textbooks and field trips. Certain teachers, however, such as the art, band, and honors teachers, DO NOT participate in this behavior and are FANTASTIC teachers. There are very tight cliques of parents who rule the roost at this school. Parents who are not part of these cliques feel like outsiders and our children pay the price daily. The core knowledge curriculum is EXCELLENT, but many of the teachers (especially those demanding gifts) do not adhere very closely to it. The lunch period is too short, especially when time spent in line to and from the cafeteria and to buy food is taken into account. In my opinion, although the principal may not be getting everything right, he has good intentions. I do not believe that this school is terrible, but there is much room for improvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I am one of the parents who went on the Library field trip and I love this field trip. The students are getting to walk on a beautiful day with as many parents as want to join. We learned all about the construction of this wonderful library, it being Green and all, our kids were able to check out books for an up comming report that was due and then we all walked back and enjoyed a picnic lunch and fun in the local park! Its nice to get back to the basics and enjoy the simple things in life. Walking to our local library with our brown bag lunches.
--Submitted by a parent

It's no surprise the defenders of PPES are lurking to challenge any truths about the school. A neighboring elementary public school took their 2nd grade kids to the Music Instrument Museum, and they have an upcoming trip to a different cultural museum. Our kids walk to the nearby public library? As if kids have never been there? Some "trip"... The PTO is partially involved in sharing the expense of field trips with the school. The PTO has fundraiser after fundraiser and the kids are walking to a library? As for the favoritism, it exists, whether you are aware of it, or not willing to admit it. Maybe you haven't experienced the discrimination that goes on in this school. When you don't play to the school's games, you see certain kids receiving preferential treatment in class. Either you are a participant or not very involved in school. Those who attend know the modus operandi of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am reading the previous post and am floored by the lack of knowledge this person has. The textbooks are provided by the district and not by the PTO. The PTO at Pinnacle Peak has always been great about providing what the teachers request. You can see by the test scores, all of the students of Pinnalce Peak are treated fairly by the teachers. Parent involvemnet does not mean your child is treated differently.. As far as field trips, PPES is a public school and does not have the ability to do extravagant field trips just like all other public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my family's fourth year at Pinnacle Peak Elementary. We are so happy with the core knowledge program and the overall learning experience that out children are receiving The dedication of the Mr. Lee, the teachers and the PTO board are so amazing. All three are constantly working to make sure that all of the children receive the best education possible. We feel very fortunate to have out children there!
--Submitted by a parent

We have had a very good experience at this school with each of our children. The Core Knowledge (trademark;-) curriculum is fantastic. I love that my children are learning so much about our and other cultures, religions and histories. We've had very good teachers at PPES and the PTO works very hard to provide as much supplemental support as possible. One additional comment: Who are these people who are complaining that Mr. Lee doesnt care about the kids because the lunch time allotment is too short?? If a child cant accomplish lunch in 20 minutes...(in addition to the 20 minutes of recess just prior)...Im just saying...in my house, that's called lollygagging. I send my children to school for a great academic experience and social development but clearly the education takes the priority. The school day is from 9-3 which isnt very much time, so I am happy my kids get 40 minutes for lunch and recess and no more. Is that even determined by a principal? I'd *think* that scheduling is a district issue. In either case, if you want to see changes, which I thoroughly respect....get to work on them! As far as Mr. Lee, I've never seen a more involved Principal. I am done now;-)
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in Pinnacle Peak and I am very pleased with the progress my children have made. My 4th grader didn't have and IEP, but that didn't stop the school from giving him the necessary attention to motivate him academically to participate. They were successful! My 1st grader came to the school with a pre-school reading level and finished the year strong at 2nd grade level. I am pleased with where my kids are at the end of the school year. There are rumors about bullying, but nothing that scared my kids enough to ask me to move them. They said over and over that they love the school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at PPES and we couldn't be more disappointed in the chronic bullying that takes place and the low academic standards at a school in this demographic. We have had to bring to the attention of the Principal, on several occasions, about our child being choked, pushed down, etc. Again today our child is telling us it is still happening. Regarding academics, they have no system in place to handle well above average students until the 4th grade. We are even receiving graded work from the teacher that shows 100%, but after we review it, it is clear it was never truly graded. God help us all if any parent at this school is satisfied with the low academic standards that are being advertised as "better than other places in the Valley." Having come from another state's system, I assure you that this school is well behind the competition, and so will your child be when they become adults in the real world. I would strongly advise against moving in this area simply for the school; however, if you have $10K a year to spend there are many good private schools within 15-20 minutes away. The community is great, the school is not.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm reading the reviews for Pinnacle, presently looking for schools for my girls, one will be entering 3rd grade and the other 11th in sept/2011, I will be relocating to scottsdale in July.2011 and will like to have them in a good school. After reading all the reviews below, it seems that Pinnacle may be one to consider for my 3rd grader.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel blessed to have my children at PPES. The teachers are outstanding and I believe each of them feel very lucky to be at our school and have the tremendous support from the PTO. The communication that goes on from the PTO and Mr. Lee is wonderful. They want everyone to know what is happening at the school every week. Mr. Lee is a riot and he always has something up his sleeve to make the kids excited and motivated to do something positive. A special thanks to all of the teachers, administrators and staff who work so hard to give our children the absolute best. I also want to thank all of the board members, committee members, room moms and every parent volunteer who volunteers their time to give our children and teachers the best that is possible.
--Submitted by a parent