Grayhawk Elementary School

Leadership at this school was essential. What you see on the outside is not always indicative as to what's going on on the inside. Inappropriate remarks covering a variety of "genres" should never be made by "leadership."

My daughter attends Kindergarten at Grayhawk and I am so impressed with how much she has learned this year!! The teachers are amazing and the principal is amazing. I have never seen such a hands on presence by a Principal in any other school. The Core Knowledge curriculum that they teach is so rich and challenging, my daughter just loves waking up every morning to go to school and learn. I did many tours and researched many schools before I enrolled my daughter here and this school has met everyone of my expectations!!
--Submitted by a parent

Both ny niece & nephew have attended Grayhawk, my nephew is still attending. The principal is the best I've meet & I've meet a lot of principals.

My child has not been there very long but I already want to move back to the Scottsdale schools which are much warmer, friendlier and while they have rules to follow they don't feel like a prison camp like Grayhawk does. When I see my child during lunch, I'm even nervous being there!! It's so rigid and I believe it's probably time to get a younger principal who actually knows how things should run and how kids should be treated in the 2000's. They might be excelling, but there is a lot of pressure to get them there, I'm sure just for the funding. Not a community feeling type school at all compared to Scottsdale school district. that one is top notch!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at Grayhawk Elementary for five years now. Two of my children attend. I am blown away at the high expectations that are set by the staff, for the students. Don Hiemstra is involved and takes an active roll in maintaining a great environment for the kids and staff. The teachers my children have had, are kind, caring, dedicated & respectful. I have seen many parents leave to attend charter or private schools and end up coming right back because they don't realize how awesome this school is until they experience other schools. Why would any parent leave a wonderfully run school to go to a charter or private school where teachers don't even have to hold a teaching certificate!? That's crazy! All the teachers at Grayhawk are highly qualified. It's the best!
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers love what they do and want to help the children learn.
--Submitted by a parent

We have lived in the area for about 10 years. We don't have any kids in school today, because they have all moved onto other grade levels. Our experience's at Greyhawk go beyond our expectations. The principal, Don Hiemstra, is very much involved with the students and teachers. Our family has experienced 'exceptional' help from teachers and aids. They have been wonderful people. I have been told that many teachers will loose their jobs next fall. If this is true and you have children at Greyhawk, it's time for you to 'speak out'. My concern/yours should be centered around the teachers/students ratio. From talk amongst neighbors, we have heard that the numbers will approach/surpass 30 students/classroom: this should concern every parent. I don't know what you will do, but you need to respond and take action.

This is a wonderful school. It has extra activities such as spanish, choir and many others. The staff is also committed to teaching your children. Over all this is an excelling school.
--Submitted by a parent

Over-rated! I agree whole-heartedly with the Sept 7 posting. Teachers need a more modest dress code so they don't become a distraction to learning.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want to attend a school where the principal is full of it, then this is the school for you. He tells you what you want to hear and then does nothing about it. I had my 2 daughters at Grayhawk for a year and pulled them and put them into a private school. There are so many children in the classroom I don't know how they learn anything. My girls would cry every morning and not want to go to school. Now they love school and want to attend on the weekends. Would not recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent