Dennis Chavez Elementary School

I have been pleasantly surprised at how good of school Dennis Chaves is. Every teacher we have encountered in grades k-2 have been fantastic. The class sizes are manageable and the kindergarten classes have 2 full time teachers in each class. The parents are active at this school and it is a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Field trips depend on the grade and class, so not every child goes on one. Music is only 1 semester, and the art program is parent volunteered. Kids have library, PE and computer lab weekly. The administration is helpful and friendly. There are several extra curricular clubs for kids to join, although it is sometimes difficult to get them into them, first come first serve. The PTA puts on several fun events throughout the year for the kids and family. The playground is large and fun and the kids get out 3 xper day.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School probably the best in Albuquerque and certainly much better than any other schools that I have seen in Virginia. Kinder garden is great and teachers really dedicate to their students . Most of the class could read by the end of the year. Great environment for kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very grateful for DCE. I believe the principal does what she can so that her students get the best education possible. My daughter is in 4th grade and has one of the best teachers I have ever known. Mrs. Pace, uses innovative teaching techniques that keep the children engaged and interested. She's patient, kind, and keeps each child's indivudualality in mind.
—Submitted by tamii Greth, a parent

DCE has many good teachers, but many of the excellent teachers have left in recent years due to an unreasonable principal. She lacks a collaborative style that encourages teachers to work outside of the box. Test scores are good, but in 2003 the school was listed as one of the top over-crowded schools (ABQ Journal). The reason is the prinicpal wants to keep teachers and takes in upwards of 200 transfer students each year. Some kinder. classes have as many as 23 kids. The extra-cir. activities are great; however they are limited to a very small number of children. As many as 50 kids were turned away from working on the yearbook. Excellent PTA and great opportunities for parental involvement in and out of the classroom. The library is lackluster and militant with education assistents (not librarians) working there. PE and computer once a week; art around 1-2 times a month;
—Submitted by a parent

best Elementary school in the city district. Involved parents; mostly excellent teachers (a few duds) Strong principal not always open to parent input, but fights for her school. If your child is in the upper grades expect to be in a portable. Art and music instruction not full-time. PE once a week.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved going to your school. I would have to say that my faviorte teacher there was Mrs. Foote. She is very nice to the students and she has very creative ways in teaching. She also made us work very hard. But altogether I think that the school is a very fun and safe place to be at to learn.
—Submitted by a former student

I believe the teachers are over worked and need teacher assistants or less kids per teacher ratio. That way kids can learn better and have more one on one help. Duty teachers on recess need to be more aware of whats going on with the children. When a child comes up to the teacher with a problem, they need to talk to them not just tell them to deal with the problem and send them on their way. Children need to know that they can talk and look up to teachers and parents. If they can't talk to the teachers, they feel they shouldn't tell the parents as well because they would get shut down again. That's not the way it is suppose to be. I want my child to know they can depend on me and tell me everything. As they should also be able to tell teachers about problems.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school has a very involved PTA that uses its money to provide many improvements for the school, the students and teachers. We have two children attending DCE now and have been quite happy with the teachers and the education provided our children. We feel we have one of the best schools in the city right here in our neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

A picturesque campus but thats about it. Too crowded to be taught adequately. Curriculum not challenging but that is more the fault of APS not this particular school.
—Submitted by a parent

Good for the kids, challenging for the parents.
—Submitted by a parent