Desert Canyon Middle School

My child was a happy, energetic student who could not wait until school started each day. Unfortunately, attendance at DCMS has changed all of that! The Assistant Principal singles out certain children (unfortunately my child is one of them) and no matter what the children do it is not right. They are policed by the security guard, watched in the cafeteria at lunch, and receive some sort of nonsence reprimand once or twice a week. My child's spirit has been broken! It is horrid! Bathroom visits are not even permitted sometimes in times of urgent need! (What I am saying here is female students personal hygene needs are being ignored and disrespected)!! Even when my child has explained why a trip to the restroom is urgently needed it has been denied! And my child is not the only student this has happened too in just the past 2 months! The SUSD really needs to conduct some serious retraining at this school or in the alternative replace some of the personnell!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here at DCMS and boy, am I glad that I'm finally moving on to HS next year. It seems like the administration really does not care about you, and if an incident happens at the school, their views become very biased. They favor certain students and totally dislike others, including me. I'm not a bully or a bad kid by any means, but a certain incident happened in which nobody was really a victim, but they totally stretched the story and made ME out to be the bully. While sharing my side of the incident, they kept calling me a liar throughout and threatened to mark me as an argumentative and rude student. They told me to tell the truth and be more like the other student who was involved, and while he got off easy, I received a longer suspension. When I was allowed back on school grounds, I noticed that the vice principle and security officer would eyeball me whenever I ate lunch in the cafeteria. I now feel like I can't go to them if I get bullied or get involved in a situation. The teachers, however, are great for the most part. They seem to be good, hardworking people who are dedicated to their job and are excellent teachers.

I wanted to follow up on the review dated December 24, 2010 and note that the teacher in question has been replaced.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children who have attended DC. I feel the teachers are sincere and dedicated. Parental involvement is excellent. However, I have been underwhelmed by the leadership demonstrated by the administration. School morale seems poor and leadership inconsistent, information spotty. Despite volunteering for 2 years and many hours on campus, I feel no closer to understanding the rudeness of the administration. I have stopped volunteering and am in the process of moving my children out of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two students that have participated in the gifted self-contained program, which is a rigorous academic program for kids that have excelled in the the core subjects. This program has an excellent core of teachers and administrators, and we have been completely impressed with the quality of learning and growth that both our daughters have experienced in this program. Also, strong kudos to the choir program at Desert Canyon - the teacher is outstanding as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't speak for much of the school, frankly, but for the part I am in, I have some comments: The 'comprehensive gifted program' has some major flaws. The English teacher assigns many assignments but has NEVER returned any this year. It is safe to say that her class is a complete waste of time. As for math and science, the curricula is well thought out, and taught by wonderful teachers. Overall, I believe if your career goal is more involved with mathematics and science, it's a fantastic program. Otherwise, your best off at another school, or gifted program, anyhow.

I've been through a variety of schools, private, charter, and public. This seems to be the best yet. The gifted programs gives every thing you need to succeed. If you want a real challenge. Try the gifted program.
—Submitted by a student

This school is one of the best schools I have attended,I wish there were more diversity in the school but over all its an amazing school
—Submitted by a former student

They never go on any field trips. There is no hands on learning.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Desert Mountain and although the quality of their academic program is good, Scottsdale schools have had to cut much or their music and art curriculum. Parents are not that involved (myself included) but the teachers do seem dedicated to teaching our kids. Being a middle school, there is a lot of 'mean girl' type things that go on, but that's everywhere nowdays.
—Submitted by a parent

I would highly recommend Desert Canyon Middle School. The faculty is very nice and supportive and strives to put student's needs first. Parent involvement is high as teachers and parents work together to achieve the best results for the children. In addition, expectations for academic achievement are set at high standards. My kids love attending DCMS and I wouldn't send them anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful experience, great parent involvement and good variety of sports programs too. Very happy
—Submitted by a parent

My step-son was failing 8th grade back in New York. We moved him out here and enrolled him in Desert Canyon. The staff worked with us to make sure that my step-son not only passed the 8th grade, but raised his grades from D/F to B/C avg
—Submitted by a parent

Desert Canyon dumbed down my daughter in her 6th grade year. No clear direction was given, there seemed to be a lot of behavioral problems that were not addressed properly by the administration and my child spent more time protecting herself from verbal and physical abuse from the problem kids than concentrating on schoolwork. For 7th grade we placed her in an advanced placement school where she was given high expectations and clear direction. She excelled tremendously and finished the shcool year very successfully as a high B student. I would not recommend Desert Canyon as a place to go if you expect your child to be in a safe learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent