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GreatSchools Rating

Zuni Hills Elementary School

Public | PK-8 | 760 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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38 reviews of this school


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Posted March 30, 2013

zuni hills is awful I took my son out of there and he goes to parkridge is doing so better zuni hills office is rude its like drepressing when walking in there. so sad there also lacking academically my son had to catch up at parkridge cuz he was so far behind. so sad this school is in are neighborhood
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2013

both my girls 7 and 9 go to zuni. both are doing very well and love there teachers. i have been very pleased with the new principal but as of recently both my daughters have been having problems with the lunch lady Linda. linda yells at my girls and has cursed at my daughter for being to slow getting her money. i have talked to other parents and they have told me they have had problems with Linda or have heard of other kids having problems. one parent even told me not to bother reporting it because she is untouchable. may have to leave school, not happy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 28, 2013

My child had great primary teachers. His teachers used data to determine what he needed and taught that! They used small groups and could really identify where my child was! Now that he is has gone on to intermediate grades, he is assigned worksheet after worksheet. I miss the days when he was in k-1 at another district when he used smartboards and laptops continually! It seems Zuni, if not all of Peoria is behind the times.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 27, 2013

Attended community meeting about the rezoning of schools in our area. Sad to say, what parents stated about Zuni is true. There is a lack of professionalism within the main office. The district dress code is not at all enforced.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 8, 2012

Parent who attended Peoria Traditional, sorry you did not feel the school was challenging, parents are extremely happy and so are the students. Not weird about the uniforms (even though we are located inside Zuni, we are seperate different start/dismissal times, on other side of school), parents like the uniform policy so there are no inappropriate clothing worn like extremely short shorts, low cut shirts or other childrens making fun of students who may not wear certain types of name brand clothing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 23, 2012

My kids attended Peoria Traditional and it was not as challenging as they promised! I feel like its a little weird that they wear uniforms and Zuni kids do not.


Posted March 5, 2012

I would like some information about the Traditional School Program offered at Zuni Hills. I do not know a lot about Traditional Schools and I know nothing about Zuni Hills. I would like to hear from parents about this.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 24, 2012

Peoria Traditional School is inside the Zuni Hills building. It is seperate from Zuni Hill. Administation at Zuni did not inform us of the Traditional school when we were there. We saw kids at dismissal coming out in uniforms and had to inquire with other parents. It was what we were looking for - smaller classes and love the uniforms of polo shirts and docker type pants/shorts. Feel like we are in private school but with no tuition.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2010

My children have attended Zuni Hills for 3 years, and overall, I have been very satisfied. All of our teachers have been great. They have challenged my boys and are willing to accommodate my gifted child. I have had to be assertive about some things, but they are willing to work with us, especially at the classroom level.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 6, 2008

I have 2 children at Zuni Hills. My oldest child has been there for 7 years. We have had our ups and downs, but for the most part it has been satisfactory. I do wish that when a child struggled there would be better communication and more tutoring or after school programs. I do understand resources are limited for the teachers. We will just keep up the work and support and wish Zuni the best in the future.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 15, 2008

My daughter has attended Zuni Hills for the past 5 years. We have been very happy with most of the teachers. I cannot say enough positive things about Mrs. Fry, the P.I. teacher. When the new principal came in, things changed tremendously -- for the better! Ms. Storms has gone out of her way to keep the parents informed (love the phone reminders about early release days). Now the administration and staff seem organized and cohesive. A welcome change. Zuni has been a great asset to my daughter's eductation. I do think that education is a partnership, and that parents are vital in the overall education of a child. It is up to us to make sure that our children get what they need. Zuni has been a great partner.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 21, 2008

We have had 2 children at Zuni for 3 years. The Peoria school district K-8 structure is very hard on 6-8 graders. Adminstration and teachers cannot meet the needs of all the age groups represented in this format. Middle Schools are needed to specifically meet the needs of children in this transformational age group - Hormone enraged ealry teens should not be subjected to the sames rules, adminstration, facilities, and structure. Nor is it fair for 1st graders to see/hear the everyday behavior of these shouldbe middle schoolers. Zuni Hills does not prepare their students in this age group (6th-8th grade) for the next step of life - High School. The current administration only attempts to patch holes in the failing dam - Than address the problems and issues at hand. We struggle on a daily basis to fill in the educational and social gaps left unaddressed by Zuni Hills.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 20, 2007

We have been in the PUSD for many years and have been very happy with Zuni Hills. The teachers, staff and administration all work for the betterment of their students. I hope that the new principal will be as strong and honest as Mr. B was and as the school sign shows, Good Luck Mr. B, we are going to miss you!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 5, 2007

We have sent our children to ZH since the first day in 2001. We have had wonderful teachers every year except the first year. Unfortunately it seems that the quality of leadership has deteriorated in the past two years, and several teachers have left or transferred to other schools. Public education is supposed to focus on educating the children, but it has become a political battlefield since the No Child Left Behind Act was implemented. Now, all that seems important are the test scores. I have 3 different types of learners for my children, and they are either bored or over-challenged. I am not sure if I want to continue our support at ZH. I wish it could be better, but it seems like the zeal for excellence and concern for the children has depleted. I hope this current situation doesn't forecast a bleak future; a miracle is needed in education!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2007

My children have been attending Zuni Hills since 2006. We have been very happy with Zuni Hills. It's disappointing to hear other parents speak so poorly about the school, it takes more than the school to educate children, parents must be involved as well. We have been happy with the curriculum and the discipline is a no tollerance policy. I heard since the new Principal is here, the school has improved very much. The only downfall is the lack of parents that attend the PTSO meetings, parents usually complain, but never attend meetings to make improvements.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 29, 2005

I have been let down by PUSD and especially Zuni Hills. The school, its administration, and the majority of its teachers stink. The classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are overloaded, and most of the teachers are unwilling or unable to provide the communication and support that children need. My children have attended Zuni since it opened, and despite neighbors who have pulled their children out, I held hope that it would improve. Not only has it not improved, it has gotten worse. I am now at a point that I cannot stand this school, its obnoxious principal(obviously an opinion, but it belongs to many others as well), and the teachers that my children have. I am looking for another school to take my children to because I have no confidence in their ability to lead and teach.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 17, 2005

My children have been at this school since it opened, I am quite happy. Reading some of these reviews are a little disheartening. My motto is 'you get what you are willing to give.' I feel that many parents are to blame for their students lack of achievement. We have become a society of dumping our responsibilities on others (ie government, schools, churches, etc.) Schools, churchs and the government are simply supplements to what the parent should be doing. Sure a lot of the teachers are young and inexperienced but are eager to learn. Parents need to take a hand in helping these teachers and the school as a whole. Parental involvement is what is lacking in this school. Work or not every parent has a responsiblity to be involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2005

I am disappointed in Zuni Hills Elementary School. When the bells rings the teacher are out in the halls rushing the children like cattle. Waiting for the bus must be a nightmare for the kids because they must line up in crowds (again like cattle)in the way of kids trying to exit. Kids love having subs because there is no lost love for the teachers here. Just ask the kids. Doing away with student of the month presentation..What a dumb idea. Whats next?
—Submitted by GK, a parent


Posted September 6, 2005

I have had 4 children attend Zuni Hills Elementary in the last 5 years. With the exception of one teacher that 2 of the children had difficulty learning from we have been very fortunate at this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 20, 2005

I have two children that attend Zuni Hills, and I have been very happy with the school. Their academics are great, and the P.I. teacher is terrific. My kids are challenged, and the teachers have been great. We feel the school is doing a wonderful job.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

65 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
74%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

115 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
68%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
80%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
70%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

104 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
85%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
85%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
80%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
59%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
89%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
72%

2009

 
 
94%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

96 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
84%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
76%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

128 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
92%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Highly Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 80% 45%
Hispanic 14% 41%
Black 3% 6%
Asian 2% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 13%N/A51%
English language learners 2%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
English 72% 12%
Spanish 8% 81%
Arabic 4% 0%
Other Non-Indian 4% 1%
Rumanian 4% 0%
Russian 4% 0%
Vietnamese 4% 1%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 21N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

10851 W. Williams Road
Sun City, AZ 85373
Website: Click here
Phone: (623) 412-5275

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