Cochise Elementary School

This is truly a great school. I love it. My only little concern is the reserved parking spaces for the APT. If your a kindergarten parent and you're running late to pick your child up and the parking is full you have to park there. Soon the people who reserved the spaces come along and scream at you for parking in their spot even if you say,"My child was crying where is mommy??"Just because I was running late. Otherwise a great school fantastic teachers and staff. There is a band class, a P.E class, and a gifted class.
—Submitted by a parent

VERY disappointing and disorganized gifted "program." We enrolled after hearing what a great school Cochise was. I agree the parents were nice, and there is a strong community. Our son's teacher doesn't allow parents in the classroom and the principal stands by that. (improperly cited privacy "laws" that I've never seen any other teacher/admin invoke) When we went to our first gifted parents' meeting, many parents were very vocal and irate at the minimal gifted support. We thought they were over-the-top until we were told our child would have to repeat curriculum he had completed two years earlier at another school, even though his Cochise test results were 92%+ in all areas. We went all the way to the district level to have a better fit / get him more challenging materlal, and they essentially said there would be almost nothing done, so we moved to Sonoran Sky and have had an AMAZING experience with their gifted programs (both cluster-with-mainstream as well as self-contained.)
—Submitted by a parent

Good Day: I am a McCormick Ranch Grandparent. My grandson will be attending 1st grade next year, as his parents, will be relocating to the area. I would like to stay in communications, regarding this schoo. Respectfully, Mrs. H.

Excellent teachers, wonderful community, active parents, and horrible principal. Our teachers go out of their way for our kids. Our principal does not tell the truth, does not know kids' names, is a bully, and has very little experience before being hired at Cochise. Come on Scottsdale...our school needs a leader!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with the best teachers anywhere. Bright and engaging children coupled with active and supportive parents make for a wonderful learning environment. The poor decisions, or lack thereof, of the administration is the only drawback to this very fine school.
—Submitted by a parent

phenomenal teachers. deep parental involvement and improving administration. most importantly, phenomenal, nurturing teachers. second only to cheyenne in sdsu test scores yet the teachers don't gear learning toward test taking. not perfect, but pretty close.
—Submitted by a parent

I actually really like the school and especially my daughter's kindergarten teacher! It is our first experience with school (no prior pre-school) and I can not be happier with the school we chose. Cochise is not our home school, so we really did our home work and found what we felt was the best fit for us - Cochise Elementary, Scottsdale has the feel of a private school. We give it an A +
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school due to the amazing teachers and involved parent group! The only drawback is administration. They insulate themselves from criticism and seem to think they are above reproach from the teachers and parents. It is unfortunate that our school can be our through this type of injustice. A parent of current & past students.
—Submitted by a parent

Revolving door in administration. Changing principals has led to stress and division amongst the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have three children at Cochise & have found the overall experience to be very positive. The teachers are engaged & are interested in each one of their students. We have had teachers that are 'warm fuzzies' & some who certainly aren't but my children have gained valuable experience in realizing that many different types of educators will come into their lives. I have also found that the more I put into the school, the more I get out of it. There is a very active parent teacher assosciation at the school which allows volunteerism at all levels. This is an informed & educated group of parents who go above & beyond to provide service to all students. Cochise test scores & ratings rank among the best of Scottsdale. Yes, we have had our hiccups but were conscientiously resolved. Most issues have been @ a district level. Signed, Satisfied Parent.
—Submitted by a parent

horrible school. unfair administration and snooty parent. would not recomend it at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Cochiese is really quite a phenomenal school. It principals are kind,and unharsh, but are great with dealing with kids.All students who excel are immediately given extra activities to keep school interesting. It has teachers somewhat similar to Socrates, picking apart answers to questions and finding flaws, giving the students only the most refined knowledge.It makes sure all parents have opportunities to organize school supporting groups, and parents are never forced to help, they are only given the option. All students take instrumental classes from flute to clarinet to saxophone and so on. Their sporting programs allow children to 'burn' energy in an exciting, safe, environment. My sons artistic quality has very much improved while he has gone to Cochiese. When discipline is required towards students, it is done in a friendly but extremely affective way. I very strongly urge you to give your child the opportunity of going to cochiese.
—Submitted by James, a parent

Both of our children went to Cochise K-5. Both had radically different experiences. While my oldest child flourished, my younger child has had more than her fair share of cranky teachers. 12 years ago I would have told you to run to enroll your child in Cochise, but during that time, with the changes in principles and teachers, I would not say the same today. It has become more about numbers and stats and less about teacher/student bonding, which is very important at this age level for learning and retention. My daughter is bright and happy, but her stress level is not acceptable and her teacher is directly responsible for her feelings of inadequacy. I could go on, but I believe my point has been made.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter how attended thie wonderful school from 2nd grad on. She loved it and the children were all smiling when they atend this great school. My daughter proceeded to Cocopah and Chaparral and graduated # 3 in her class! Cochise was the building block for her. thank You Cochise.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Cochise for a total of 4 years. Second through third has been exceptional. The administration is absolutely child centered and the best that you can get. Academics and the gifted areas as well as LRC and special ed, too rank vey highly. An incredible place to be!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great parent involvement in all grades. The teachers are top notch and caring. The principal is amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, Great Parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not the biggest fan but since my son has not gone to any other school I don't know how it compares.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with this school. In stead of having my children attend my neighborhood school (an A+ school) I have my children attend Cochise under open enrollment. As a teacher myself (not at Cochise) I find Cochise to be a school where I want to send my own kids. They learn alot, have fun, and have had a variety of experiences. My family loves all of the extra curricular activities during school and outside of school. The APT is wonderful at organizing family events, which I feel is very important.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are exceptional with many of the teachers holding masters degrees. Programs available from special needs children through advanced learners. Many options availabe for art and music. A wide variety of extracurricular activities. This particular elementary school and the district has a very high level of parent involvement. There are many family activities focused on parent involvement both during the school day and after hours. This school is very community minded.
—Submitted by a parent