Laguna Elementary School

I just felt compelled to voice an opinion after reading such a misleading and untrue evaluation of Laguna Elem. in Scottsdale, Arizona. The school is an A++ school with an Administration, teachers, Support Staff, and parents that care! My 2 children love being educated here and have shown remarkable growth in their 3 years at laguna. I believe the individual that wrote the negative remark (I believe I know who she is) is nothing more than a disgruntled ex-employee....and still is holding a grudge because of losing her position. So sorry she did as she was good at the role she preformed, but to take it out on the school and staff is wrong. and to say the school is not clean...wow, what a misrepresentation! The school is extremely clean and kept that way, inside and outside of the rooms! Just go and take a tour yourself...there is nothing to hide except the obvious love for this school!

Laguna...a huge disappointment. Our child is smart, popular, social & athletic, but suffers from a slight Dyslexia-type learning disability & struggles with reading comp & writing (getting the words from the brain to paper) The struggles & fights to get the proper education for style of learning has been a nightmare. We employ tutors to make up for what is not being taught & in the manner outlined through an IEP & 504 Plan. We employ a legal advocate to make sure plans are followed--next to impossible to make happen. 2 weeks until schools out & our child has regressed--based on benchmark and AIMS scores. But, is a straight "A" student! Teacher says it's because our child is so respectful, gives great effort, likable. Thanks, but what does that do for our child going into middle school? Admin will tell you anything you want to hear... The school is filthy and employs staff (not referring to teachers) who don't care or who do not have the job skills ( I've been employed there and quit out of embarrassment & did not want to be associated with admin). We've seen it all from the inside! So many families have left, we are switching to PV District. Do your research please!
—Submitted by a parent

After being accepted into the school on open enrollment, I can't imagine why we didn't send our kids here earlier. The style of learning is perfect for our family philosophy on education. Its tough, yet nuturing which is a very difficult balance. They teach kids responsiblity and build character. Families in this district can come from money and tend to have attitudes, but the teachers and leadership are quick to teach and support ALL kids are equal and ALL should be treated with respect. The Principal, Dr. Root, is innovative, common sense smart, experienced and really does a great job of attempting to indivdualize education in a budget crisis environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers & administrative staff provides a learning environment which enable students to reach their full potential as knowledgeable & enlightened members of our community and country.
—Submitted by a parent

I specifically moved to the area for Laguna's A+ reputation as my daughter needed extra help her speech articulation and and additional help with special services. In 1st grade, they've forgotten about my daughter's evaluation request, then denying her of speech therapy which sent me on a frantic plea to the school psychologist and anyone else who was willing to listen. By the time they've decided that my daughter qualified for the extra help I requested, it was almost the end of 1st grade. In 2nd grade, due to staff changes, my daughter was overlooked and didn't receive speech therapy for months. If your student is bright and they are very talented and advanced - this is the school for you. This is how they obtain their A+ status while they overlook the children that need their help the most.
—Submitted by a parent

My three kids have attended this School. In my experience, everything depends on the kid and the teacher. The experiences of each child have been different, and we believe that this school has high standards and the administration is supportive. For those that critize the Principal, try to run a school and then talk.....She is not perfect that she cares and tries hard. Give the woman a break!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a very proud Laguna parent. I have a daughter who has already left Laguna having come here from another state. We were shocked to see that she did not recognize the Math being taught in 5th grade and was behind after being in the advanced Math at her preivious school. She is now excelling. Laguna prepared her for the challenge and as a parent am very grateful. Our son, who will be going into third grade has attended Laguna since Kinder. We are thrilled to hear of Laguna's Intel Distinguishing School Award in Science. Their Science Program is wonderful. I have seen the children run to the Science Lab after school looking to make new discoveries with an eagerness to learn more everday. My son loves attending their Science Club. The interest of the parents and the contribution of the staff goes above and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

Laguna is the reason why my child is doing so well today. Their special needs program is second to none. Literally. This is an excellent school, excellent teachers and excellent parent involvment.
—Submitted by a parent

It is with a measure of sadness that we leave the Laguna family having sent 4 children over 14th years to Laguna. We appreciated the true family like atmosphere fostered by the leadership and teachers alike. My daughter cried when the last principle retired as he was truly a loving educator. School leadership always sets the tone and Dr. Root continues the tradition of great educators and wonderful people at this A+ school.
—Submitted by a parent

You will most likely be disappointed as others have. Look at Laguna's withdrawl statistics for some startling facts.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children attended private school until we toured Laguna. We just finished our first year and it was everything we thought it was going to be and more. The teachers are exceptional and the quality of education is high. The culture of the school is child-centered and very friendly. We felt welcomed into the PTO and immediately found a way to become involved. My son loves the science lab and my daughter performed in two plays as well as orchestra. My husband and I felt welcomed, informed and a participant from the first day. Dr. Root plays with the children and knows most by name. She is always talking with parents or helping teachers. I've never seen her without a smile. Laguna is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with previous responses regarding the principal being unapproachable. It's a puzzling stand in a school with such strong parental involvement which is by all accounts necessary to student success. I disagree that the good teachers have left recently. Many of Laguna's superb teachers have been there for many years. Many of the new teachers, like Miss Pirtle, mentioned in another review, are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Laguna for only a short period of time, we are very pleased with the standard of education given, his Grade 3 teacher Miss Pirtle is wonderful, she really cares about her students. The homework is excessive, however this I believe is a positive thing. My overall first impression of Laguna is a good one.
—Submitted by a parent

Laguna is run by Dr Katie Root who's policy is basically, her way or the highway. Most of the really good teachers have left in recent years. Information regarding students is often hidden from parents, available only to staff. If you are looking for a school and care about your children, Laguna should be your Last choice. This school is not at all representative of the fine quality of most other Scottsdale schools.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff and principal at Laguna are first rate. Most teachers challenge their students and many allow for individual and creative learning. Parents are very involved and supportive both financially and academically. Science, technology and music are very strong. The kids take pride in their school and show many outstanding character traits.
—Submitted by a parent

I found this school to be very welcoming to my daughter. We moved from another state and it was very comforting to see how much the teachers and Laguna front office cared about her adjustment. The ALC program is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

The K-3 falls short because by the time child reaches 5th, they are thrown in to middle school preparation. The younger kids are not challenged and not completely prepared for 4th and 5th. K-3 should be more difficult.
—Submitted by a parent

Great elementary school. The teachers are great with the children and the principal really cares about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Several of my children have attended Laguna and experiences vary depending on the teacher from the miserable to the divine. My biggest issue is the lack of approachability of the principal. [Her] reflexive response to any parent who approaches her is negative and generally unpleasant. One can generally expect her to be unresponsive to any perceived criticism and to treat any concern as a threat to be deflected with a lecture on policy. Her major priority seems to be to defend her personal kingdom and ensure her iron-clad policies are upheld regardless of the best interests of the students and their families. She serves as an obstruction to the best needs of the students and then repaints the parking lot to ensure that she and her office staff have reserved spots. It's a far cry from the days of our previous principal, Dr. Powell.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents are very involved in this schools PTO. The PTO funds several programs at the school.
—Submitted by a parent