Desert Shadows Elementary School

I have been less then impressed with most things at DSES over the last three years. The front office staff is rude and typically not very helpful. The principal is very hands off and not approachable for either students or parents. He seems to have his teachers backs to the detriment of the student population. One of the few saving graces has been having great teachers for the first two years. It really made it worth staying with everything else that was undesirable, but after this year we will be going out of district. Test scores keep dropping, parent involvement is lacking and getting help for smart kids is surprisingly difficult.
—Submitted by a parent

We pulled our child out of this school after her 5th grade year had her teacher absent most of the time. Continuity of teaching is important, but they ensure the teachers are taken care of and the kids get second best.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school and great families. Children are very happy there. Only criticism...possibly needs more parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school and wonderful families! It's so nice to be part of such a caring community. My son is happy and wants to go to school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to disagree with previous comment. Yes, this teacher was absent quite a bit, but her science is awesome. My child is not in her class, but they rotate. She comes home everyday excited by what she has done in that class. Her teacher is also great. She is always excited to teach herstudents. I do, however, have two complaints. Her math teacher relies on videos to teacher her class. Math was my child's favorite subject until this year. The principal allows bullying to continue in the school. He is not a positive force at DSES. If anyone should be let go, it is him.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are considering this school, please stop and ask a student. The principal does nothing, he blatantly ignores the problem of bullying at the school. Teachers are simply waiting for retirement to come and they often compensate for lack of aides by asking teachers to select favorites to "monitor" the school yard. It creates a hierarchy on the playground. The teachers do not care about education and they humiliate students in front of their peers. The test for honors is useless as the teacher ends up deciding who moves onto the honors courses. The school is far behind others and desperately needs a better enrichment program. They make it extremely difficult for students to excel and play favorites. I highly recommend to consider an SUSD school, they understand what your child needs and they will do better than they ever would/did at DSES, or the further on schools.

I moved my children from another neighborhood school. My children loved the experience they had at Desert Shadows. They received a top notch education and their experience with the other students and teachers was way beyond what I would have expected especially after the experience we had at the other school. We loved the Principal and the teachers. The whole experience was an A++. What a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that have attended DSES, one is currently attending and the other has graduated. I can tell you flat out that you will not find a better school period! The Principal is very involved and very caring, all of the Teachers are awesome and the staff is second to none. The school is the heart of our community, all of the Little League games are played on the school fields, the Cub Scouts meet in the cafeteria and the PTA is very engaged and involved, hosting two carnivals a year as fund raisers as just one very small example. I feel so lucky to be a part of this school and surrounding community. If you are thinking of sending your child to DSES....just do it you and your child will love the education and the experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished first grade here (and she attended Kindergarten). Her teachers have been amazing, open and communicative. The principle is caring and engages with all students and parents. There is a great sense of Community and I know my daughter is making life-long friends. I'm looking at a house in Central PHX, but my heart breaks at the thought of leaving this school. It might be a deal-breaker for us. Thanks DSES!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in first grade and has attended DSES since Kindergarten. The staff at this school is so caring and involved. My daughter comes home from school just thriving to learn more she has become such an avid reader in the last couple years, I think that her teachers continue to give her inspiration and the encouragement she needs to continue growing. I understand that the teachers at this school have taken huge cuts since the fold of the economy and the classroom sizes have increased by a large amount however, these teachers are still just as dedicated as ever to continue teaching these children and helping them learn and grow.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Community! Working together to make the school fun & educational ...
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our children in this school two years and love it!
—Submitted by a parent

We have had the pleasure of attending this school through open enrollment for 9 years and have been blessed by the staff daily!
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely Love it here!! My daughter wants to go to school everyday.
—Submitted by Lynn Melotik, a parent

This principal is the worst ever. He is not positive and regularly berates his teachers in front of students. In addition, he encourages bullying by not addressing it.
—Submitted by a parent

DSES is a great school that offers a great education for my kids and a fun safe place for kids and moms. Lots of involved parents, a very approachable principal, and great teachers who love the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is so pumped up on education. The teachers make learning so fun, I forget I'm even learning.
—Submitted by a student

This is a terrific school in an excellent community! Love the staff and the students! A big plus also, is the local Little League plays all it's games in the adjoining fields. So convenient and a great asset! A really close knit and fun neighborhood!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a superior quality school. Location next to the middle school and close to the high schol is very helpful. My 4th grader is in the honors program and I must say I am very impressed. I chose this school before my 2 kids were school age and then moved closer to it. My 2nd grader had some issues with learning and they worked with him, helped and encouraged him to excel. Parent involvement is very high and we all know and help each others kids. I am a single dad w/custody and the school has been very helpful/aware of the situation and dealt with the accompanying issues beyond my expectations. Great programs and very high level of awareness as to special needs children from what I can see. I highly recommend this school and have turned down jobs that have relocated the kids elsewhere
—Submitted by Joe, a parent

Seem to have a hard time finding eachers for their younger grades. Student/teacher ratio is not great. They could use more teachers aides to apply a more one on one approach, especially to kids who are struggling.
—Submitted by a parent