Desert Knolls Elementary School

My child has been at DK for 4 years and he LOVES it! He is a happy, well-rounded child - of course as parents that's what WE encouraged and expected. Too many parents bring in their own educational baggage when they bash a school, they look at their own kids with rose-colored glasses and everyone else is under the microscope. The new staff is caring and supportive and my pre-schooler can't wait to start next year!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended school here for 4 years, I have seen this school go downhill. I am pulling her out soon.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with this school. It is unfortunate that classes sizes can't change due to budget, but in my opinion that just means we need to do our part and help out! My son started 1st grade last year and has been given many opportunites to be eduacated at his level. I would recommend this school ! The new principal has brought a much needed excitment and structure to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a little bothered that this school has 31 students per teacher. My daughter went to prechool next door and there was 1 teacher with 2 aides for 23 students. I loved the preschool program! Now my 5 year old is in kindergarten and they have extended the hours to a full day and a larger class size! I volunteer every week b/c I am a big part of her education. Her teacher does a wonderful job yet I find it hard for any teacher to give one on one attention with that many students. I am starting to wonder if I should home school her since she comes home exhausted. Education seems to be 2nd priority where $ is the 1st.
--Submitted by a parent

I too, had high hopes for this school. I have volunteered for three years and my son has been attending for four . The staff gets continually worse and so does the communication. I will be taking my son out this week, and it is too bad because he is an excellent student.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had my 2 children at this school for the last 5 years and I have seen a dramatic change in the children and staff which is very disappointing. I don't understand why the administrative staff can not see what is happening. I have seriously thought about changing schools and plan on doing this soon. This is sad that a school with such a great reputation has gone down the tube, not to mention certain staff members that have nothing better to do that yell all day at the children rather then make school a safe haven where they can feel relaxed but yet get the great education all parents want for their children. My children tell me everyday that they do not want to go to school anymore, that they 'hate' school. Children should not feel stressed being at school. This is sad and upsetting to me.
--Submitted by a parent

This school really went down with the new staff very dissapointed
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children, all of whom are now attending DK, with my youngest just starting Kindergarten. My oldest started DK before all of the staff changes and were both pleased then and now. I feel this school does very well in educating 'high academic' children. All of my children consistently score 95% and above on district tests and I think much credit should be given to the teachers teaching them. I'm very impressed with the new discipline program the school has adopted and feel it's working well. I help out in my children's classroom so I am able to observe first hand what goes on and I have to say I am impressed.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended DK for three years and loves it! I've been impressed by the caring staff and academic values that exist at the school. I'm glad that my child attends a school with diversity and teachers that are able to meet all their needs.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has also been attending DKE for three years & loves it too! it saddens me to read the two, 'not-so-nice' prior comments . I feel the new staff & principal are doing a wonderful job academically & behaviorally. My child really enjoys their new discipline program! In addition, I enjoy the fact that my child is exposed to a culturally & academically diverse student population, as this is preparing her for the real world. I would definately recommend this school to any inquiring parents. Keep it up DKE!
--Submitted by a parent