Sandia Elementary School

I use to go there when I was little! In 96 97 98 and 99!!!! I miss Sandia! Than I moved to PA when I was in 4th grade! :( I always loved Sandia. Everyone was sooo nice there. The only down fall was combo classes. They arn't good for children in any state or school. Im no longer a student their though. :( ~Kyleigh MacGregor

my kids go to this school i really like the stuff are very nice.
—Submitted by a parent

My children all have nothing but good things to say about Sandia's staff and principal I enjoy doing volunteer work there.
—Submitted by a parent

I have read several of the reviews and cannot believe what some say. The is an emphasis on parent volunteer because they are an important part of the students education. Unfortunately, many of the parents only want to complain and not help out. I have volunteered at Sandia for years and love it. The staff is wonderful and very friendly. For the parents who say otherwise....Have you taken the time to get to know them or simply just complained?
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. From the principal to the PTO members, this school rocks.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful! The office staff and principal are fantastic people! They are very friendly and very good with the students. The teachers are also wonderful people! I am very thankful that my children are in such a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Sandia is an awesome school. Never before in my experience as a sub have I seen a staff pull together for the students like they do at Sandia. Mrs. Shelby is a wonderful principal. She often stays way after hours so that cub scouts and girl scouts can meet in the cafeteria. The office staff is warm and friendly. Their priority is the safety of the students. The school is community-oriented and has a great parent-volunteer program. They have the best assemblies, a band program, track, GATE, SAGE, after-school interventions, and family nights. My son has attended another, higher scoring school in Apple Valley, and I brought him back to Sandia where they know every child by name. This school is dynamic and has a great staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great. The office staff and Principal are a different story. The office staff has no knowledge of what is going on at the school and I think the Principal could do a better job. I agree with the other parent...there is no organization to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an average school. There is a lot of things that need to be improved on. There are no sports programs, there are very little after school activities unless you are a student that is below average standards, the G.A.T.E. program needs to be completely revamped, and the parent support is not there. The academics in the school appears to be geared to bring all the students up to grade level. The students that are at or above grade level are not challenged or encouraged to strive for more. The teachers do what they can but are limited do to resources. The office staff and principal appear to be unapproachable. When you walk in you don't get a warm greeting you feel as if you are bothering them. This school does however offer classes to ESL parents, which is great for the community.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an okay school. There are areas in which the school needs to focus some attention on. The teachers are very knownledgable and they go above and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is lacking in positive leadership, not a very welcoming office staff to say the least. The teachers are all hard-working and seem to genuinely care about the kids but could use a real leader to help them accomplish the goals set by the school. The school is also lacking in parental support, there are a few great parents, but I think there would be more if parents felt welcomed when they entered the office, as there is an apparent tension upon entering. There are not many extra-curricular activities. The school does offer English classes for Spanish speakers which is beneficial to the community. This school would excel if it had a happier, motivated, and positive leader.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great! I think the principal is a fantastic person. She is always helping out as much as she can and she is always involved in as much as she can. There are so many new things always going on at Sandia.
—Submitted by a staff

Awesome principal, teachers and staff
—Submitted by a parent

There is not sports activities or academic programs. The principal is nice, but uninvolved. I wasn't too thrilled with this school. My son needed help and they weren't there for him.
—Submitted by a parent

The more I get involved the better I feel about Sandia Elementary. The principal, Mrs. Shelby, is exceptional. She is always visible and I have never seen her office door closed. The office staff is great, also. The teachers work hard at their jobs, teaching, guiding, creating fun, and trying to understand what can be done to get the most out of each student, in class and out. They are very personable and welcome parents in the class at any time. I really appreciate them all. Here's a thumbs up for 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Vastine! Great teacher!
—Submitted by Jeannie New, a parent

I think the extracurricular activities are very poor. For the last few days there was no actual fun stuff planned. Very dissapointed. the clerks at the school are great though and so is their State Preschool teachers and program.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically I believe the school can improve itself. Staff is very caring. Availability of extracurricular activities is also very limited.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion, the principal at this school should not be a principal. this school also cut out the gate program in the classroom, and instead holds 'one' afterschool class a week, called the 'Gate academy'. many of the gate students for one reason or another cannot attend this class. I don't think this is the way the gate program was meant to be run!
—Submitted by a parent