Sycamore Elementary School

I would not suggest to parents with children whose child can read and do math above grade level to enroll their child here. It's a one size fits all education at least as far as I've seen in grades K-2. It's a shame they don't understand want differential education is all about. My child could add in Kindergarten and they have him connecting the dots still in first grade. What a waste of a good mind. The sad thing is when we tried to bring it to the teachers attention she was extremely rude and insulting. She spoke to us as if we were inferior to her intellect. Shame on the district for letting Sycamore Elementary and some of their teachers believe their above doing what s in the best interest of the student!
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't be more pleased with this school. One of the best schools in the state!
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome! My kids go here and it has been very good for them. They're teachers are very good at making sure each childs individual needs are taken care of.
—Submitted by a parent

Sycamore is our 4th school and by far the best. I have 3 kids that go there now and 1 going soon. We will never leave Sycamore!!! The staff is excellent, very communitive. I fell like I have a huge family in Sycamore. Very community oriented, and great for my kids!! Mr. Graff is the best principal, very caring and makes an effort to know the kids by name. I love that they teach the kids more than reading, writing and arthmatic, but also responsibilty, caring and how to work!! The partents are givien oppertunities to get involved,and the PTA is going strong here!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love how Sycamore seems to bring together our families & commuity. The staff is remarkable & our children are excelling!
—Submitted by a parent

It is an A+ school, excelling school. Very family and community oriented.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, staff, and community come together for the children. It feels like family!
—Submitted by a teacher

Sycamore has earned an A+ Award for excellence. The school provides many opportunities for gifted students and support through mentors for children to help them by example. All three of my children have benefited from these programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Sycamore is by far one of the best schools, my children and I have had the privelage of being involved in. Mr. Graff is an excellent prinicipal and really cares about his students and staff. I have been completely impressed with all aspects of this school. I would totally recommend this school to anyone looking to relocate in this area!
—Submitted by a parent

Sycamore is an excelling A+ school. They always strive to make the children succeed to their best abilities. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

We transfered to sycamore after having our children in Dept of Defense schools in Japan. The school was on par with the curriculum at DoDs school (which are normally ranked in the top 10% of schools in the nation) Kudos to Ken Graf and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been in the Vail District for 5 years and we LOVE it! My kids have attended Desert Willow, Mesquite Elementary and are now at Sycamore. We have been with Sycamore for 3 years and I would have to say it is an OUTSTANDING school! I would like to give some praise to one of Sycamore's finest teachers, Mrs. Kim Balstad. She cares for each one of her students as if they were her own and in her class there is no such thing as failing. Kim Balstad is one of a kind! I would like to see Sycamore offer more extracurricular activities and spend a little less time on testing. I know that when I drop my children off to school each day they are in safe hands. I look forward to another great year with Sycamore!
—Submitted by Christina Kugelman, a parent

Our daughter transferred from TUSD to Vail School District when we moved and it was the best move we could have ever made. The testing definitely identifies where she needs to improve and those areas are addressed. Vail also offers intersession help for those students that need it. That is a big bonus. The onsite aftercare is also excellent. While we have not had any reason to interface with the principal, the entire staff certainly gives an air of 'open door' policy. The teachers do an excellent job of communicating with parents through newsletters; we always know what's going on in the classroom. The kindergarten curriculum is more challenging than in the other school my son was enrolled in. My kids have been at Sycamore collectively for 4 years. We feel we have had great teachers, even the teachers who were in their first year of teaching were excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I took our daughter out of the school due to a discipline issue in her classroom. There was no support from administration other than a meeting to pacify the situation and appease us. The other parent's comments about the only thing they rely on is testing is correct.
—Submitted by a parent

I recently moved to the Vail area from California and was so concerned about my children starting school in a new area, however I am so pleased with my childrens academic success and with all of the teachers and other staff. Everyone here is great and my children are doing very well.
—Submitted by a parent

When had chose a house to be built in the Vail School district because it is one of the top 5 districts in Arizona. I am disappointed in the way this school educates, disciplines, and disregards my suggestions. I will not list every little detail. I think it unnecessary and unrespectful for my child to be recognized as a number and not by his name. However he is known by his name when he reprimanded. There is no sport activities. Sycamore concentrates on testing scores. This is his second year at Sycamore. Maybe the last.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has done so well at Sycamore.She absolutely loves it.She has straight A's, and she loves her teachers.The principle, Mr. Graff, is excellent and genuinely cares for his staff and students.I have found that even though my daughter has only attended Sycamore for kindergarten and 1st grade, other teachers know her by name and make it a point to know each student on a first name basis, which makes me feel extra comfortable knowing that she is being watched over and cared for by everyone there.The staff also encourages parent participation whenever possible, which is also comforting to know I can drop in anytime to check on my daughter and her teachers.I definitely recommend Sycamore to anyone thinking of registering their kids there.
—Submitted by a parent

Caring environment. Lots of parent involvement. Great school spirit.
—Submitted by a parent

Sycamore is an incredible school! The admistration and faculty are great! Sycamore has a wonderful caring environment along with high expectations for their students.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff our friendly and caring from lunch workers, and parapros to office staff and teachers. The principal, Ken Graff, is a great leader and as a fellow parent and community member has a true pride of ownership in this school and this area. As most schools are in the Vail school district, Sycamore is growing fast!
—Submitted by a parent