Grayhawk Elementary School

My daughter has been in this school for 4 years and we about to switch. The change in leadership is striking, with many experienced teachers now looking to retire or move on. I don't know about the specifics of why, but it seems more than random retirements and certainly makes you wonder. Over the 4 y, there is progressively less communication coming from teachers and administration, with some significant decisions being made with little or no parental input, or at least none that they have solicited from me. Perhaps if I were one of the parents who was at the school frequently it would be different, but we are both career professionals. Nonetheless it shouldn't alter our opportunity to weigh in. My child also endured some hurtful bullying at the end of last year that was completely invisible to her teacher and staff, which is amazing to me, so nothing was done. I agree with excessive $ solicitation- even teacher appreciation week is now a week of catered lunch, flower bouquets, etc. Can't help but think it's about creating a favorite. We thought the school was amazing early on but believe it's just run it's course.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Grayhawk is a fantastic school. I feel like the teachers and administrators are constantly looking for ways to improve things for the students. I have always felt heard, and when I reach out to a teacher or staff member I always receive a timely response. I disagree with the Oct 25th comments about requests for money. With state funding as it is, much of the extras that make our school great are actually paid for with funds raised by the PTO. I never feel pressured to participate in the fundraising efforts, and in fact this past year there has been very little fundraising going on. The PTO also sponsors several free family events that have been a huge hit with my kids. We love Grayhawk, and I feel fortunate that I have such a great school for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Grayhawk is a good school....not great! We moved last year from another state which my child went to a great school-so I know what makes a great school. The positive is the academics. The negative they always want money from you. They hold an auction and ask that you donate iPads and other expencive gifts as there example. There PTO holds events and always run out of what they are selling. There fall festival is $25 per child and is lame! Anyone can walk into the school at anytime and are not questioned as to who they are and where they are going. Right now there is a huge LICE breakout. The nurse has not keep up on checking classes. The communication is horrible!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed in the change of leadership at this school. It's sad to see it go downhill in such a short period of time.Some of the best teachers and aides did not come back this year. It's unorganized and the new principal doesn't seem to want to handle important issues. He makes promises to parents and students then doesn't fulfill them.
—Submitted by a parent

We open enrolled thinking that this was the best public school around. I agree on everything the Sept 7th posting said about the principal. He is a good talker but supports teachers that let my son be bullied and harassed. I was not aware that public schools could choose their students but my son with special needs has been unwelcome and ignored by his teacher since day 1. My feelings were that his teacher did not want to have to deal with him and I have pulled him out. The teachers at this school are unprofessional from the way they dress to the way the act and treat our kids. Especially unprofessional in how they deal with parents! My sons teacher has sent emails asking for parent volunteers that want to get some "brown nose points". What happened to teachers being expected to teach, especially the kids that may need some extra help? At Grayhawk they rather let your kid be bullied so they will leave. Very disappointed in this school. Thought that this school may have been something special from all of the hype. Definitely not!
—Submitted by a parent

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

Wonderful teachers, but with little interaction with the parents. The principal has lost sight of what the school once was. Great curriculum for gifted students. This school forgets it is a public school and tries to be private. Definite favoritism towards the 'in' parents and the PTO does NOT have the interests of its entire student body at heart, only their own.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends this school with wonderful teachers, an awsome Principle and rich Core Knowledge method of teaching. The Principle is a dynamic indivdual with a true passion for educating children. I have never encouter a leader who is more in the forefront of his orgazination than MR. Heimstra. He is always present making the children and parents feel welcome. Additionally, he seems to provide wonderful support to the teachers, which all trickles down to a quailty education for our children. I am yet to encounter a teacher who is not enthusastic about his/her role in the school. We love the award winning Core Knowledge. It provides exceptionally rich knowledge to the children. We are always blown away with how excited our daughter is to learn new things in her school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend this school for 4 years now. I am getting more disappointed in the school as the years go on. My children are having a difficult time socializing at this school and have made no solid friends in 4 years. They are told to work harder and are paid by the teacher with treats, candy, gum and pretend money. As if they are employees of a business not a school. My children are very bright and gifted. They get high marks on all there work, tests and report cards. They are looking for praise for there efforts. I expect the school would treat them with more respect. This school will one day have students saying I won't read the book or do the homework unless you pay us. Is this what it is all about at Grayhawk.
—Submitted by a parent

Greyhawk is a wonderful School. Both kids think curriculm is way too easy. We don't live in Grayhawk thus not much interactions with people living in Grayhawk. School will not let kids skip grades either. For a public school, they do a great job. Awsome principal!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Grayhawk for four years now. We have been very impressed with the core knowledge curriculum. The teachers are top notch. The PTO leadership is cold, and even abrasive. On a more positive note, though, there are plenty of parents there who are friendly and don't fall into the previous category.
—Submitted by a parent