Sunset Elementary School

Faculty at Sunset care deeply for their students, and work hard to advance learning. Many opportunities for growth are available, including after-school tutoring, Success Maker, and differentiated instruction. The school, however, has extremely low parental support and involvement. PTO meetings are sparse. While many parents are supportive, some often only initiate communication to complain, and when they do so are sometimes disrespectful and ignorant of school and classroom policies despite numerous opportunities to be informed. Sunset is not the "typical Edmond" school; it is fighting an uphill battle against low parent involvement, apathetic students and parents, and increasingly jaded and frustrated teachers. I love this school and want to see it improve, but we need a great deal more help and support from parents, students, and faculty alike.
—Submitted by a teacher

Bullying is a serious issue at Sunset. My children witness fights on a weekly basis. I would not recommend this school unless things change. The teachers do a great job but the office staff are not always friendly and principles are never seen. The PTO is almost non existent. There is almost no parent involvement. It is very sad.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child who attends Sunset Elementary. Her teachers are excellent, but I haven't been too impressed with the new principal. It seems like my child's class for the past 2 years have had some violent and emotionally disturbed students. It has been difficult for my child to learn what she needs to learn because of the violent behavior in her classroom. I don't blame the teacher. I just think the administration could help by placing the emtionally disturbed students in an emotionally disturbed classroom. I know they used to have a class for them, but now they are being mainstreamed. I wish they would have gotten parental input before making this change. I am looking into sending my daughter to another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has been at Sunset now for nine years. I have been involved almost since the beginning. The teachers and current administration here is fantastic. There are many ways for parents to get involved and stay involved. Teachers are open to parents. You can eat with your child; visit them during PTO activities; etc. My children have been helped to overcome obstacles as well as achieve greater things. The school has a SmartBoard in almost every classroom and is up to date with technology. You can access grades and assignment info for those kids in 3 through 5 grades. I loves Sunset!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been a disappointing experience for my child and myself. The teachers and staff at Sunset have not been at all sensitive to my son's special needs. I am very aware that my child is only one of many that his teacher is responsible for, but it would be an improvement to at least see the appearance of effort on the part of Sunset staff. We are currently searching out our options for the future.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunset is a fantastic school. My kids have been going there for the past 10 years and have always loved their teachers. Academics are above standard!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in Edmond, and I believe that Sunset is an excellent school, with wonderful teachers that promote both of my children's success. I have had no problems with the school- I am a very pleased parent! :-)
—Submitted by Leann Goode, a parent

The school did not meet the needs of my child with Asperger's as well. I was very disappointed after being led to believe that there were similar children. I agree that the Administration is lacking in experience and the educational resources to ensure that these types of children don't get 'left behind'.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Sunset from Kdg. through the 4th grade. Out of the 5 years he attended he ended up being placed with 2 (what I would call) 'substandard' teachers. My son has Aspergers Syndrome and it was a shock to see how many of the teachers were not familiar with Aspergers and/or just attributed his behavior to being a 'sass mouth' and difficult. There are some really outstanding teachers at Sunset and the IEP team my son was provided did everything they could to work with him and help him adjust. I have nothing but praise for the school's counselor but the administration is by far what detracts from the appeal of this neighborhood school. There's plenty of improvement to be done at this small school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very diappointed overall with Sunset. I felt there was a lack of interest of what was going on with the students by the administration. Children sitting on the sidewalk waiting for carpool when the temperature was below 32 degrees. My daughters teacher was gone for more than 2/3 of the school year and the class did not have consistent substitute. I was very frustrated and as a result have moved my children to another school in the district.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Sunset Elementary School up until last year. He had outstanding teachers and was able to grow/mature in an environment rich in diversity and a culture of kindness and respect. Academically he was pushed hard, and as a direct result was able to test out of his 6th grade math course at the middle school. His 3rd grade teacher had even mentored him through his last two years at Sunset and gave him challenging activities to complete outside of his 4th and 5th grade classes. If you are looking for an environment where a teacher will openly and honestly tell you both the academic strengths and weaknesses of your child, then Sunset is the place for you. Our child has earned excellent grades at the middle school this entire year. We believe this is a direct result of and a tribute to Sunset's teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Sunset K-5. One child needed extra assistance via Title I reading & math, then later via an IEP/lab class; the other child needed enrichment activites. The needs of both children were met beautifully. The staff was always willing to go the extra mile to help my children succeed. We love Sunset!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended sunset for 3 years now and he really loves his school, teachers, and the friends he has made there. We transferred from our neighborhood school just to attend Sunset and have never looked back! The teachers and faculty are very caring and invested in all of the children who attend Sunset. I come from a long line of school teachers (3 generations!) and I know for a fact that Sunset teachers encompass all that we as parents want and need in an educator. For as little as our Oklahoma educators are paid, they contribute so much of their time, talents, and heart to make sure our children recieve the best public school education in the state! I would strongly reccommend Sunset Elementary School to anyone, and I look forward to my daughter attending school with her big brother at Sunset next year! Go Seahawks!
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school--escpecially if you have a special needs child. The principal and the school psychologist were arrogant and condescending when dealing with our family. We couldn't have been more disappointed and plan on moving out of the district in order to find a school that has leadership that values and respects parents, outside professionals, and the child. This school completely disregarded the work SoonerStart did with my son for six months and offered little encouragement on how they might meet his needs in the classroom. If you consider respectful, healthy relationships at school as important to your child's school experience, you may not find that at Sunset.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunset is a hidden treasure! The teachers and principal at this school are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were all willing to go above and beyond what was needed to help my daughter succeed in school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves Sunset. Her teacher was wonderful and had a lot of structure in her first grade classroom. The teacher was excellent in dealing with each and every student. Sunset is a great school.
—Submitted by an administrator

I think that this school is the worst school in the Edmond district. I was PTA and My daughter went there for 1st grade. Her teacher thought that in order to control a talkative and short attention span student, you move their desk away from the class the entire school year. I had to DEMAND the desk to stay put and for the teacher to find another way to discipline her students. It was the same as placing my daughters nose to the wall all year and by the end of the year the student were teasing her saying she is the bad kid and the teacher did nothing to stop them. I learned this by talking to other students not my daughter so I feel it to be more truth than. The School Councelor told me it's my kids fault and the teacher was a good teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves Sunset. His teachers have been willing to do whatever it takes to help him succeed. Thank you Sunset!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have struggled with this school for years. Their quality of academic programs are, by far, the worst I have ever seen. There is no structure for teaching. And there are plenty of kids 'left behind'.
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to say that my son loves going to school here. His Pre-K teacher is wonderful. Even though this is his first year of school and we are new to the school concept, I can't think of a better place for him to attend. He loves it!
—Submitted by a parent