Dennis Chavez Elementary School

My Daughter has been going to DCES for two years now and the first year her teacher was great. She went above and beyond to help the children learn more. This year it is a different story. My daughter was struggling with her math and reading. I could not understand how she was going from great to really bad in a summer. After looking at her homework and classwork, I noticed the way I was teacher her to do math was different then the teacher. She told the teacher she did not understand the way she taught it. I tried time and time again to get ahold of the teacher and she was always out that day or too busy to call me back. I am hoping for the best this coming year, but it is a wait and see.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for a little over a year now and my son does like it here. Yes they do only get 15 mins to eat but they can stay longer and miss out on some of their recess. My only complaint is that the teachers seem so busy and as soon as the bell rings they walk the students out and then are gone. If you want to talk with one of them you pretty much need an appointment . I realize they too have a life and family however if you have a question or comment they just seem to be rushed. Also we had curriculum night a week or so ago and in my son's classroom there was a 30min powerpoint with no time for questions or comments afterwards as the principle announced they had 5 mins to get to the office.
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised and disappointed in some of these reviews. Dennis Chavez is an awesome school, and we are very thankful for the teachers, staff, and for the safe, wonderful environment. We have had nothing but kind teachers, who by the way do not make policy changes. Take that up at your next School Board Meeting, and let's give the Principal a chance. He's a nice guy, and doing a great job! Now for that May 5, 2010 Reviewer, you state you are a parent, but come on, with as much info as you came up with, that is just too hard to believe! AND for the other parents that hate Dennis Chavez, please do the rest of us a favor that have with a positive attitude, and LEAVE. We are happy here, and the test scores alone prove our children's success!
—Submitted by a parent

DCES is evolving. It is changing. Sometimes change is hard and slow, but it happens. In many ways the school is getting better. I don't think this is the forum for posting something that pertains to just you or your child unless it is widespread. If so, it is best to address your issue with the school first, and then the district. The lunch room situation is being addressed. Many of the teachers are caring and wonderful. A handful should probably be in another line of work. I would imagine this is true at all schools. I continue to believe that DCES is a fine school, and my child is entering the upper grades, where I only have great expectations for the last 2 years.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing and always has been because of the great teachers we have. Parents who come in and want to nit pick at everything obviously has never worked in a school. Lunches are not taken away, and the kids have only 15 minutes to eat so this time needs to be used to eat and not talk. This is not HAPPY HOUR or social hour, recess can be used to socialize. The upper grades have excellent teachers who work hard to give these children and excellent education. But unfortunately with ignorant parents who don't want their children disciplined for any reason, how can a teacher get their job done with these parents always butting in!!!! I would hate to have to work at this school with parents who always complain. They fail to realize that that teaching is a hard job. Overworked and underpaid, could they do it?
—Submitted by a parent

Parents- beware of the ratings and look at the dates on the comments! This was a good school up until about 2 years ago, but it has seriously gone done hill since then. Children screamed at nonstop rhoughout their 15 minute lunch, classrooms punished by having part of their lunch taken aware, student teachers crying because they cannot control the class while the real teacher leaves to go pick up food and catch a smoke break (not on off period), waiting six months for testing by a diagnostician. The school is still decent in the lower grades, but is severely lacking past second grade.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful beautiful campus. Great teachers who really care and have taught my son so much. They make it a fun happy environment for the kids and still include all the necessary learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Hate this school. My daughter hates this school as well. The teachers for the most part are incompetent and the principal does not seem to exist. There is no parent involvement in the school and if your child has any special needs like ADHD then don't expect any understanding from the school. Rather they expect you to put your child on drugs or else you get threatened with them being placed in special ed. Even though my daughter is extremely smart and even ahead of where her class is, because she has ADHD they pretty much demanded that I have her placed on drugs to control it or else she couldn't stay in the normal classes. I hate this school and can not wait to move out of this location. This school is far from deserving of a '10' rating!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 5th grade at DCES this year and has been there since Kindergarten. I have had nothing but positive experiences with the school and her teachers. As for not offering computer instruction, each classroom has computers in it and the students are provided with computer training so I don't understand that complaint. The principal is new and I don't know him well, but the previous principal was there for a very long time and helped the school one of the best, so it is understandable that Mr. Zuniga is receiving criticism for just being different. The school has always solicited and welcomed parental involvement, the school is well kept and I know my kids are safe there.
—Submitted by a parent

It is appalling that the school is not offering computer instruction any more. The PE teacher and a brilliant counselor were chased off a few months ago. My kids' enthusiasm for the school has plummeted. Luckily, there are still some wonderful teachers left - I wonder for how long.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the new principal! You are never going to make everyone happy. For our family, we have enjoyed the new principal's flexibility and willingness to listen. There are some amazing teachers at this school, we have been blessed with great teachers for our children. I do not feel like it is fair to comment on teachers that I have no experience with. It is a very diverse school and I feel like the staff goes above and beyond to reach every child. We must remember that it is not up to the school, we parents bear the responsibility of producing well rounded, hard working, and socially adept children. I have two children there and both perform very well both academically and socially. I give kuddos to the PTA and all the parents involved. I believe it is a great public school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a strong school with a lot to offer all kids. In reading some of the criticisms of the school/teachers/principal, I wonder how involved the parents were in the school. There's a yearly art fair, science fair, running club, yearbook club, chess club. There are events at least monthly from the small 'Popsicles with the Principal' to 'Balloons and Breakfast' (starting off Albuquerque's Hot Air Balloon Fiesta). If you don't participate, I imagine it could seem like there's not a lot of leadership/organization. If you attend theses events, you see how much time the parent association puts into the school, and how much the teachers and principal are receptive to and respond to that effort. As with any public school, you get out of it what you put into it, but this school goes the distance--it's provided a great education for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

New principal in 08, He lacks enthusiasm and leadership. 3 very well respected teachers left in 09. Dennis Chavez has some very strong teachers and some very unprofessional teachers. No technology program, no language program, school does not meet the needs of the very bright child. APS does not think outside a box very well and is too large to get anything done efficiently, students suffer. We transfered from Arizona school and this district is way behind the times in technology, curriculum and languages among other things.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school with great teachers and safe enviornment. Much better school than others in the area. Great neighborhood and school district. A place where I feel very comfortable sending my children. I have had a good relationship with all the teachers my children have had so far and felt good about their devotion to the education of their students. I could not feel better about sending my children to a school in Alb, N.M.
—Submitted by a parent

It is the best school! We are a transfer family and it is well worth the trip from the west side to the east side. I pray my son will be able to attend. They are not accepting any transfers for next year. Luckily he won't be going til the 2010-2011 school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Classrooms are overcrowded with 20 - 23 students per class. Parents were told they could not help in classrooms, Teacher 'barked' at students, all of them, when a few misbehaved. Counselor was very helpful & concerned. Principal took time to speak with us. Duty teachers at lunch and on the playground should be aware of what the children are doing, listen to them. Don't tell a 6 year old to 'handle it'.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a gifted student with special learning needs. He's attended other elem. schools in NM, but Dennis Chavez is the best by far! The entire staff at this school is like a family. They are 100% supportive of the kids on an individual level. The parents are wonderful and very involved. My neighbor's son is in an expensive private school that had a chess competition last week. Their school lost to Dennis Chavez, who took 1st place! The teachers are wonderful, and the curriculum challenging. This school is well-supported financially because of doting parents and a hard-working PTA. Also, a large variety of races and ethnic backgrounds in this school--asian, middle-east, african-american, caucasian. My son's best friend is from India. Prepare for homework if you attend this school. Parents are required to be involved in homework assignments. New additions added to the building and playground are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in this school - teachers are good. Do the teachers speak up for our kids? There is no sense of pride about the children's accomplishments - varsity chess club won 1st in the league it was briefly mentioned & where did all the trophies go? Kids should feel the school supports them. New math this year & they shorten school time? Check surrounding states - no Wed 12:30 or the number of inservice days.
—Submitted by a parent

It is refreshing having a grade level that works so well together, third grade. Because of their plannning that they do together every week ensures that my child is receiving the same education that the other third graders are getting. My child has enjoyed the hands science that the school is using. Thank you DCE teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with one of the best, most-organized principals in the district. A school where parents are involved in a good way -- helping their students excel in the classroom without micromanaging the school.
—Submitted by a parent