Mohave Middle School

My granddaugther is attending Mohave Middle School since August 2012. She is in 7th grade, and I am VERY IMPRESSED with all six (6) of her teachers, the principal Mr. A., the school counselor Ms. M. - and last, but not least, Ms. B. at the office. Thank you.

I am concerned about oversight and policies at Mohave when I found out that an entire class of 8th graders are playing M for Mature video games in the computer lab during school hours. Apparently, the teacher in charge of the lab is letting the students use the school computers while other students who need to use a computer for actual school work are essentially not allowed into the lab. I couldn't believe it when I heard about it, but anyone who has access should go in the lab during lunch hours and find out for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

I sure hope the new principal can have an impact. It is so sad to see this school continue to decline over the years. I know they are trying hard to turn things around, but as a parent, I am highly concerned about the serious discipline issues they have and the continued decline in academic performance there.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is trying to get its act together. They have gotten very strict, because they have had to but it has cut down on the school fights and bullying. Big difference from a year ago. Great choir and music school. Academically, needs to step it up. Lots of kids falling through the cracks. But with programs in place, if a kid doesnt do their homework, lunch detention until they do, this school will excell. Teachers that are confronted by kids in the classroom need to get a backbone and not just ignore it. Fall out from Cocopah down the road comes here because they ARE addressing bullying and will not tolerate it. Administration does do something about problems that come to their attention. Kudos to the changes.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school in the 7th grade, and it was by far the worst year of my schooling. I am now 21 years old, and I am going to college to get a degree in Secondary Education. Bullying was a huge problem for me. I was pushed in the hallways and called names. One day, as I was reading in front of my next class during lunch, I had a teacher come up to me and literally scream at me that I was being deliberately disobedient and that I was never going back to my old school so I had better get used to it. I used to sit there all the time because I was bullied in the cafeteria. Another time, I was with the orchestra and we stopped at the Pavillions for lunch. Our teacher just let us go do whatever we want. Some of the students got kicked out of Target for riding the carts down the isles. I called my mom on a pay phone and asked for her to come get me. The school police showed up, and I was nearly suspended for running away during a school field trip, seeing as they did not believe me that our teacher let us run amok all over the place. I hope it has changed, seeing as that was 8-9 years ago, but I doubt it.

Mohave Middle School is amazing. I can't say enough good things about the principal, Mr. Sawyer. He knows all of the students and cares about each and everyone of them. My child has had the best year of his life at Mohave.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is full of caring, compassionate and professional teachers whose priority is each individual student. Communication is key. Keep the lines of communication open and you will be extremely pleased with the result. Mohave Middle School has a great number of extra curricular activities that are invigorating and academically based as well as the very important sports based programs. Mohave has the flagship Self-Contained Gifted Program and it is a flourishing program. Check with the Gifted Specialists for more information.
—Submitted by a teacher

I can't say enough wonderful things about Mohave. Kids aren't afraid to go to school like they are at Ingleside. The principal is super responsive and all of my son's teachers really care. They respond instantly to calls and e-mails. There could be more clubs though, for kids who don't play sports.
—Submitted by a parent

Just completed two years at Mohave. Mr. McKenzie is a top-notch principal. He knows how to throw a good dance and powerhouse. Kids really have fun. Zero incidences with cigarette's, alcohol or drugs. Zero safety issues. My daughter loved Mohave. The wonderful staff contributed to my daughter's blossoming. Her confidence has soared and she is excited about going on to Saguaro. Thank you Mohave staff for a terrific two years.
—Submitted by a parent

The Mohave staff & teachers are doing the best they can with the limited resources and funding provided by the school district. Overall, alot more parents really need to step up and get involved with the school to help the kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Mohave has been great....the principal is a great leader, the teachers really care, and the school is just the right size for your child to find their place and get prepared for high school. Funny that some have underestimated the opportunity here, they don't knwo what they are missing!
—Submitted by a parent

My children both attended Mohave and I have experiences at many other SUSD schools. Mohave is equal to any other Middle School. Mr. McKenzie is a respected, honest,and caring leader. Safety is a major concern - shouldn't it be of all principals. Some of the academics could ne tougher, but this seems to be an SUSD Middle School philosophy. Ask any student and they'll tell you they love Mohave.
—Submitted by a parent

Mohave has two things going for it: the principal is good about keeping the school safe and drug-free, and the parents are very involved. Academically, however, there is no consistency. My son's 7th grade English teacher taught the students absolutely nothing. She assigned a series of long reports and sent them off to the library every day or spent the hour talking about herself. Parents' complaints about her went largely ignored. The 8th grade math teacher couldn't keep the class under control long enough to teach anything. There are some great teachers here, but count on putting up with a few burnouts. The principal really doesn't want to hear your concerns either. He prefers playing sheriff.
—Submitted by a parent

Mohave is a great school in the areas of safety and academics, as compared to the other Scottsdale Middle Schools. I believe all the Scottsdale Middle Schools are not challenging enough in the 7th and 8th grade years, including Mohave. Mohave has a 'small town' feel to it, which is nice. I feel the discipline at Mohave could be tougher. My only other negative comment is that Chorus and Drama are not available as a regular elective. We can't let the arts slip away.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children complete their middle school years at Mohave. Both had very positive experiences. Mr. McKenzie has always been very professional, caring, and accessible. He has made many positive contributions and improvements to the school. The staff is generally excellent and very child centered. This school has prepared my children well for the demands of high school and helped them to love the total middle school experience!
—Submitted by a parent

Mohave's principal was also the principal at my childs elementary school. I was very unhappy to find that he would again be the principal where my child would be in school. He is very unprofessional and does not seem to like kids.

I have chose not to send my child to Mohave after doing some research. I found that 40% of the eighth grade students are ill prepared in math and are not ready to take freshman Alg. I. This means that they will have to take a math support class which automatically puts them behind the 8 ball in their schedule and sets them on a path that does not encourage a high level of math skills. The statisics are growing worse for Mohave in certain areas of testing and the question 'why' begs an answer.

I think Mohave would be a much better school if they got a new principal.