Sunset Mesa Schools

My family has attended Sunset Mesa Schools for 28 out of the past 40 years. I attended starting in 1971, and now I get a chance to share my experience with my children. My Spanish teacher in 1971 is the mother of the current owners of the school. I have always felt like Sunset Mesa prepared me and now my children for life which only begins with academic success. My wife and I feel like the teachers, staff and administration care about our children and are dedicated to their success. In fact, many of them have spent hours before and after school to help them. A few years ago, a group of teachers knew our son so well that they helped us spot an illness that was vital to having diagnosed early. When trying to decide on a school for your child, tour the school and talk to current parents. These are the people who know the school and will give you an honest review of its attributes.
—Submitted by a parent

My family is so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school and community! I have two children that attend both the North and South Campuses, and they absolutely LOVE Sunset Mesa. The teachers work hard to meet the needs of every student, and I have appreciated the positive, nurturing, energetic attitudes of the teachers my children have had throughout their Sunset Mesa experience. The class sizes are great as well. I have watched my children grow more than I could have imagined due to the Sunset Mesa environment, the dedication of the staff and teachers, and the challenging academic programs that this school has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I have taught school for over 25 years. I have taught in 3 different states and in 7 differents schools, including Sunset Mesa. Sunset Mesa is by far the best school I have ever been a part of. Everyone on staff is highly qualified and dedicated to the students. The families that attend Sunset Mesa are committed to their children receiving the best education possible and I know they get that at Sunset Mesa. I consider it a priviledge to be part of such a fine and upstanding school.
—Submitted by a teacher

Our daughter is in 6th grade and attended Sunset Mesa for kindergarten through 5th grades. She has done exceptionally well in 6th grade and was prepared for the many changes that occur in middle school. Sunset Mesa gave her this foundation. She loves school and loves learning. Again, Sunset Mesa nurtured this love. While at Sunset Mesa, our daughter was challenged academically, given many opportunities to speak publicly, and encouraged in both school and extra-curricular activities. The teachers were interested in her and did an amazing job of teaching her. I would recommend Sunset Mesa to all parents. It was the best education for our daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent preschool and elementary school campuses with caring teachers, hands-on administrators, and strong commitment to nurturing young children academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

We have attended Sunset Mesa Preschool and Elementary school for the past few years. We have found the entire school leadership at both campuses exceptional. We have never met an unhappy teacher or key leader at the school. Our child looks forward to going to school and participating in school events and enrichment classes. The energy at the school is high and the commitment to positive communication among child piers is refreshing. Combine the above attributes with an involved parent community and I believe you will have a hard time finding a better preschool or elementary school environment in Albuquerque.
—Submitted by a parent

I looked at every school in town for the right schools for my children. When I visited the Sunset Mesa Preschool and observed kind and attentive teachers, instructing the most adorable kids, and noticed that the playground was designed with so much to offer, mixed with clean and organized classrooms, I knew it was the spot for my little one. We have been thrilled that our child has not only had an enriched academic experience but also has had GET FIT, a unique physical educational class for toddlers, a music class, and the opportunity to learn to garden. Our older child has had quite a year on the North campus . We experienced a classroom with 14 students and had a dynamic teacher who has recognized and accomodated all academic needs. In addition, my child has taken part in the school musical, and loves the after school programs. Thank you Sunset Mesa for loving my children and for setting the the perfect educational foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

We have attended Sunset Mesa for the past three years and ABSOLULTELY LOVE IT! Sunset Mesa is a nuturing enviroment for children where they can grow and learn. The school places emphasis on family values and on becoming a model citizen. The teachers and staff are warm and caring. We have only had WONDERFUL experiences at the school. We would recommend Sunset Mesa to any parent who wants their child to learn in a positive environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunset Mesa is a gem! Our children have been at the school for 7 years and have had wonderful, smart, engaged teachers every year. The administration at both the preschool and elementary school have always been receptive to our comments though we have rarely had need to contact them. More often, they contact us with information, suggestions, etc. They really know the kids and their personalities, and they know us. We are thrilled with every aspect of our experience at Sunset Mesa.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a past student of Sunset Mesa and a current student of the Albuquerque Academy. From the 2 years of age, Sunset Mesa has prepared me to be a successful student both academically and socially. In my forth year at one of the most difficult schools in the southwest, I have gotten all As and Bs. I am a repeat class officer and in the Community Service Honor Society. It is social, study and learning skills I learned from teachers at Sunset Mesa that has made this possible. I have loved this school and its teachers nearly my entire life. I still go back to say hi and catch up with these amazing people. I recommend this school to your children because it has not only helped me feel prepared academically, but it has prepared me for success in life.

As a current teacher and staff member for the past 10 years I hope I add a unique perspective. I have never worked with more caring and professional individuals. Mary Helen is an amazing director. She challenges the teachers to be the best they can be while loving the children and spending countless hours supporting parents. Turnover among the teachers is non-existent. Teachers, in general, teach because they feel called to teaching. Teachers want to make a difference in the lives of children. No where have I seen this more true than at Sunset Mesa. Many of the teachers have been teaching for decades and many have multiple college degrees. The teachers that I work with start their day several hours before school starts, leave well after the children and spend hours on the weekend making the education of each child engaging, enriching and differentiated in order to reach all of their student s unique learning needs. If you are looking for a school for your children I hope you talk to Sunset Mesa.
—Submitted by a teacher

Sunset Mesa came highly recommended to me and at my first tour I was impressed. The Director said all the things a concerned parent wants to hear about a school. I placed my child in the preschool program and the first year I was happy except for the fact that the teacher was very cold and distant. The second year of preschool my child started acting strangely and would cry when I would drop her off at school. My child would also tell me that a certain kid would constantly bully her and when I asked the teacher about it, she assured me that nothing was going on. At my parent teacher conference, I was told that my child was not developing properly and that she to be moved into a different class immediately. The teacher also made reference to my child as bothering her because my child hugged her a lot. When explaining this to me, the teacher kicked her leg like kicking an animal away. I was never made aware that there was ever any concern with my child. The teacher made false accusations about my child's development which is scary. I removed her and she is excelling in a very nurturing environment. I would never recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I would highly recommend NOT sending your child/children here. The teacher was cold and would not say hello to me EVER when I dropped my child off. She made accusations about the development of my child which were false. My child was bullied and developed a stutter while she was in attendance at this school which was diagnosed by her doctor as stressed induced. Once I pulled my child the stutter stopped. The staff is cold and unwelcoming and I strongly feel that the best interest of my child was not addressed at all. Before you make a decision about this school, ask about all the children that have been pulled for the pre-school and ask WHY!! I know several parents who have pulled their children from this pre-school because of similar problems. The attendance records are the lowest this school has ever seen. Do not believe it is because parents are opting out of private schools due to the economy, which is what the staff at Sunset Mesa will tell you if you ask. Non-private pre-schools are just as expensive. Sending my child to this school was the biggest mistake I have ever made. I would not suggest this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Staff turnover is a key concern. As a previous teacher, I agree with the reviews about the adminstration. Very welcoming at first, but not receptive to parent or teacher feedback. Teacher turnover is not a concern for the owners - having cooperative staff members who play by their rules, without concern for teacher effectiveness is their goal.
—Submitted by a teacher

Sunset Mesa is an outstanding school providing the high quality of education in Albuquerque. We have been very pleased with the academic success of our children as well as the high acceptance rates into the top private middle/high schools in the city.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I were very disappointed with the grade shcool. The preschool provided a warm loving enviroment for both of our children. After working with the admin. for many years on what they called our child's inability to perform academically we moved to a different school. Our child is doing wonderfully both academically and socially. Our only regret is not having moved our child sooner which was recommended by every one of the school recommended professionals which tested, tutored and counselled our child. Don't waste your money, there are other schools with more loving enviroments for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at the school for 6 years. My son is in third grade and and my daughter is in her last year of preschool. Our whole experience has been wonderful. My son really enjoys learning, and it shows. My daughter learns amazing things on a daily basis. One important thing to me is that the administration always has an open door to discuss any issues that arise. They work to ensure the student is taken care of.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with Sunset Mesa. We have been at this school since preschool and now we are in the upper grades. Seeing it first hand, I can attest that the curriculum is accelerated compared to APS. The teachers know the strengths and weaknesses of each child in their classroom and know how to pair students for maximum benefit for all in small work groups. There is not a 'gifted and talented' program but so what. If a subject is too easy for my son, he will be given accelerated work as an extra assignment. Students leaving Sunset Mesa are well-mannered, (will look you in the eye and shake your hand while introducing themselves), respectful, and completely prepared when they graduate. Administration is supportive and has an open door policy. My concerns, which have been few, have always been addressed.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with the teachers in pre-school and kindergarten. When I compare what my daughter is learning to what my friends kids are learning in public school my choice is reaffirmed. My only complaint is with the administration. Their unwillingness to modernize there communication efforts I find appalling for a school that charges so much. Not only is there no online bulletin board for students, parents and teachers, but there aren't even email addresses listed on the website. They technology is here and part of our lives and our childrens' lives. Note: I have spoken to different admission officers for private schools and they all recommended I keep her in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am only rating the preschool. My child (5y) has learned so much after attending here for the past year. He can read well, knows his numbers, has learned and taught me exciting facts and been able to discover his creative side. The teachers are excellent, preschool facilities are top notch. The discipline is such that you know your child is safe. However, I do sense some aloofness within the school which is why i only gave 4 stars.
—Submitted by a parent