Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School

An 8-year-old girl act Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School in Vail, AZ was, and is, an advanced reader. As is customary with all advanced readers in this school there are rewards for being academically astute. However this 8 year-old girl was informed she would not be able to participate. Why? You ask, well this student transferred to this school in the middle of the year, explains the principal. There are some questions, I have, in regard to leadership, but I hope the school addresses their prejudices, which may avert potential racism and exclusivity.

I am so disappointed with this school. It is our neighborhood school and I really want my kids to go to school with their neighborhood friends, but we struggle with the ridiculous way things are taught (no concept development, just follow the algorithm) to early childhood students. We moved here in 2009 from the east coast where I was a teacher with one of the top school districts in the US (FCPS) and I was told that I would not be considered for a position within the district. I was quickly offered positions with Catalina Foothills School District and Sunnyside, so I had no problem finding a job, but it really makes me wonder why they didn't want "my kind". I have realized that the VUSD believes strongly in a few things: hiring young teachers that will do whatever they are told and can be paid less and teaching specifically to the AIMS test so that the district can claim dominance. Providing an education that meets the needs of children and helps them grow and learn is not a proirity. Creativity and new ideas are not welcomed (from teachers or children). It's a very sad state of affairs. I want my children to be challenged to learn, not learn to take a test.
--Submitted by a parent

OCE is fantastic! The teachers are very well qualified, the principal is very communicative, and there is a very active PTA. The children and parents are very nice and I am overjoyed with the progress my son has made at OCE. Mrs. Brockman's kindergarten class was recommended to me by another parent and I can certainly see why. She is a fantastic teacher. There is homework but it is manageable and also touches on every subject in a fun creative way.
--Submitted by a parent

ORE also teaches to test which makes most of the teachers, especially the newer ones (which is most of the school) only teach to their binder. They don't add anything exciting, fun, inspirational, motivating or extra.... The same parents year after year "run" the school so if you are not part of the "good 'ol boys club" you are going DOWN.
--Submitted by a parent

Awesome school-Great teachers and resources. My youngest son just finished up his last year at ORES-The school will be missed
--Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the worst schools I have ever seen. The principal does not run this school, he caves to a handful of teachers. Bullying of students is permitted, they do nothing to stop it. Overcrowded classrooms as well as teachers who teach soley for the purpose of passing the AIMS test (no creativity in the classrooms because they have to teach what is in the binder) does not equal a good education. Just because a school looks good on paper with excellent test scores does not mean it is a great school. Our child was bored beyond belief and we were told by the teacher 'I'm not allowed to give him any other work than what we are doing at the grade level' Needless to say, our child was pulled from the school and placed in private school in Tucson where he is much happier and challenged.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school! The principal has done a great job with hiring the best teachers available. Great atmosphere and high expectations for the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I moved here from Michigan and my child attended a charter school there that was regarded as one of the best in the state. It does not compare at all to the quality of education he is receiving at Ocotillo Ridge. Ocotillo Ridge should be an example of what an elementary school should be everywhere!
--Submitted by a parent

Ocotillo Ridge is an excellent school. There is alot of parent involvement in the school. The teachers are amazing and on the ball. They are great with the students and communicate well with parents. Your child will definitively thrive in this school. High quality education.
--Submitted by a parent