Research Desert Heights Charter School charter Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

“My child is overwhelmed with the homework she is given daily. The work is busy work. At the fourth grade level, OVER 2 hours of work a night is far too much, especially when the school policy says it should be 40 minutes at the 4th grade level. I want my child to enjoy learning at this age. I have heard from several other parents about the same thing and from the same classes. I encourage them to speak up but fear of teacher and principal backlash is keeping them quiet. They must know something I dont.”

“My daughter completed 4th grade last year and we would sit no more than an hour of homework a day. The teachers are very willing to work with parents. If it is too much for your child speak up . They will work with you. Their is no backlashing from the teachers nor the principal”

“As a parent we must always remember that our childrens education is in our hands. If you or child are having a problem with respect or teachers then you as the parent should go to the school talk to the educators and find out where the problem could be. A new child may feel diconnected and alone therefore blowing things out of proportion. This schools teachers and administrators are great and they are willing to talk and find solutions. Give them a chance.”

“I am a parent and my son is in 5th grade. We are new in the school and I would like to pull out my son. We are just waiting for the Fall Break to come. My son's classmates are so rude and disrespectful in class and in the lunch room. Are the teachers aware of that? I don't think that HOWL program works with these kids. The principal should give these students a talk. He is too confident that the school looks good and fine. But the inner behavior is absolutely nothing. I thought kids are being taught how to respect here?”

“As we spend leisurly time around the pool this summer, the same subject and concern continues to arise about our school; DH leadership. We agree that parental participation in our child s education is usually considered a key element for making high student achievement possible. However, we are very concerned with what we see as a few parents becaming too aggressive in the schools policy and decision making. The Principal cannot bend to every parents whim; staff members, or otherwise. Parents who can't accept the school's style is ideally resolved, not when the school accomodates itself to their demands, but rather when the school has communicated its philosophy so unequivocally that parents withdraw their children once they become convinced that the school will not meet their objectives. Additionally, a well-run school is when a principal sort of steps back and the teachers can get the job done. We love our teachers!”

“Desert Heights has been our home since my eldest of four children started Kindergarten four years ago. This school has such an amazing sense of family, trust, safety, and academic growth. I love that everyone knows each other, and everyone looks out for each other. The teachers are outstanding, they really go out of their way to help the children achieve academic success. As all families do, I have the choice to go to a neighborhood school, but I choose not too. This is our home and I could not imagine going anywhere else.”

“Try to remember, Desert Heights has 470 they are trying to accomodate with afterschool clubs. Lets see what clubs are proposed and give Mr. Jiles the opportunity to make the necessary changes. I have not heard that we will not have a Drama Club next year and you are absolutely right it would not make sense to make it for 1 grade only. Chess Club will still be offered school wide as will Jr Sports and Middle School Sports. Give the school the opportunity to try to make a better plan to accomodate ALL students before you make a judgement. As far as accepting students that have paid the tax credit donation first, that is absolutely not true. All clubs are on a 1st come 1st served basis. Also remember that clubs can only be so large when just 1 or 2 teachers are running it. Parents could volunteer to help.”

“The clubs have been fun. However, now that they are only going to be offered at grade level, my daughter will no longer be able to get into cooking club since she is not in 2nd grade. Also, I hear that no one wants to lead drama club anymore (but, that too wouldn't be fun at 'grade' level only). They need to get rid of the notion and practice that those who have paid a tax credit dontation get their kids into clubs first. What difference does it make when a family gets that money back at tax time? Public schools don't use this practice.”

“My kids' growth has exceeded my expectations this year. My kindergartener is multiplying and my 2nd grade student reads at a mid 4th grade level, now. The school uses multiple assessments, so I know how my kids are doing and it is not just based on grades a teacher puts on a report card. I am excited about the continued opportunities for my children next year, as I have my third child starting kindergarten. Obviously, the teachers are fabulous!”

“This school has managed to become one of the worst schools I have come to know. The teachers are terrible and the principal has his favorites. My kids and myself are counting the days so we can get out. If you care for your children STAY AWAY!”

“We have attended this school for 7 years now and will continue to until my youngest graduates from here. We absoutely love this school and couldn't imagine a better place for my children's education. The teachers and staff are truly concerned about our children and their growth and development. What DHCS has to offer is more than you will find at any other charter school. My kids are able to be in volleyball, basketball, cooking club and many more after school activities that aren't always offered to all grade levels. Our school has a great PTSA that puts on great events for our families that really encourage our families to be together. All of these pieces are important in our children's up bringing. DHCS has the passion for our kids, we are truly blessed to have them in our children's lives.”

“I first have to start off saying how much my child loves going to school. She gets up every morning asking me if it's a school day when I tell her yes she smiles and gets ready quickly. I know its because of her caring and wonderful teacher Ciara Loadholt. She is very supportive to my daughter and to all her students. But she is one of many staff members that have a wonderful loving nature towards children. I can not compliment them enough so I must say Thanks to all for being so wonderfull to the children.”

“As a parent, I am responsible for what goes on with my child. So, if I have issues I would take the appropriate steps to get the issue resolved. Further more, we teach our kids our habits. As a parent get involved in as much as you can, ask questions, CHECK YOUR CHILDS FOLDERS/AGENDAS, sit for a few minutes and acually help with homework. If you can't do these things, well then... Nice knowing you. DHCS is not the place for families who don't want to be better people! My family has been there for 4 years. I have never had an issue that was not handled or met me in the middle on. AS far as lunch program, you do have the option to pack your own lunch, the classroom sizes are small, the intervention programs are amazing, and the principal pretty much knows every kid by name. DHCS rocks!”

“I agree with the comment that this school is not become one of the worst. The attitude of the principal is one of the worst - he has favorites and then the rest of the kids are not noted at all. We are removing our child this year. The principal needs to move on or do a check of his attitude at home!”

“It has been well over a year now since I have pulled my child OUT of Desert Heights, though I was very frightened at first, but I must say the public school system my child is in is absolutely wonderful. The teachers are extremely caring, and have a true obvious love for teaching. This is something that is lacking at DHCS, the teachers are more preoccupied with their own personal business than being attentive to the kids. I agree no system is perfect, but my child has been excelling and being challenged which is something that did NOT occur at dhcs.”

“I have two children at Desert Heights. I am extremely impressed by this school. My child was not very successful at the other school she attended and this year she has not only grown academically, but socially as well. Every adult at the school cares for every child. I beleive that is what makes this school exceptional!”

“This school is great, especially if your kid marches to the beat of a different drummer than the average child. My child is gifted with learning disabilities. The staff and her teacher have gone above and beyond to understand her needs. They have gone out of their way to work with us and have not given us the run around like her previous school. She has come along way since the beginning of the year and we owe it all to the school. Yes, there are some things that have bothered me but then where would that not happen? I'm definitely keeping her there and will be enrolling her brother when he starts school.”

“I am a student here at Desert Heights and I love our school. We jsut had the best field day ever and the following day had our Spring Carnival. We are practicing for our Shakespeare play that we get to present to parents this week. Miss DeYoung is a great music teacher and is preparing us for our Spring Music program. I know all schools are not perfect, but Desert Heights thinks about the kids first and that is why I love it here.”

“Unfortunately, this school has a very bad lunch program and the security at the school is lax at best. They have grown the classroom sizes to an unmanageable size, and do not have enough supervision to control the class conditions.”

“We love DHCS . My grandkids beg us not to remove them ever from there. Mr. Jiles is a prime example of what a principal should be. I have never met anyone quite like him.I believe if more principals were like him kids would be more willing to stay in school. I have set and watched Mr. Jiles with the kids and he is absolutely amazing. The teachers are fantastic and we recommend this school to our friends. There is always good and bad at every school ,but I haven't found the bad yet. Mrs. Goings”

“This school is trying and failing. My children at the upper grade level are not being well served. I fear that I will need to pull them out before the end of the year or they will be so far behind they will never catch up once they reach high school. Nice Principal, F as in Failing school”

“This school holds it children up to the highest standars. I would recommond anyone to send their kids here. The staff makes the kids fell special and that they matter as an individual and not just a number as in public school,. The problems in the parking lot are due to parents who do not think the rules apply to them. If the parents would follow the very simple rules of the lot it would be safe for the kids and adults who walk across it.”

“I have five children who have either attended or are currently attending Desert Heights and can without reservation recommend this school to anyone. My kids have attended schools in three different states and this school has been the best at recognizing the individual strengths and weaknesses of each child. Mr. Jiles (the principal) is one of the most caring men I have ever met. He knows each of his students by name and they all know that he cares about them as individuals. The only drawback for me is the distance we live from the school but, I would gladly drive twice as far as I am now to have my kids attend this outstanding school because it is worth it.”

“I have two children at Desert Heights, and I am very happy with this school. The principal is out around the school every morning interacting with the students and he always greets parents by name. I love the fact that the school expects the students to take responsibility for the decisions that they make. Parking lot issues come down to the simple fact that some parents believe the rules don't apply to them.”

“Please-Please think twice about putting your children in this school system. You will regret it and your children's education will suffer. Ive has nothing but problems with this school, and regret enrolling my child in this school.”

“I have several kids that attend Desert Heights Charter School. I am more than happy with their education, as well as how safe they feel, and most importantly they know they matter. All of the staff does a wonderful job making my children feel they are important. I find the dress policy is enforced, and I find extreme measures being made to help with the safety of the parking lot. I personally applaud the fact that my children are taught to have more responsibility - like clean up your own messes and take charge of your homework, and studies. I find much more to rave about then to complain about!!!”

“My Children have been attending Desert Hieght's for the past three years . I am very impressed by the caliber of education they are receiving, they are excelling academically,are happy and well adjusted, the teacher's are attentive, The princpal and Vice principal address any issues or concerns the students and the parent's have if not immediately then very expediantly and The support staff is wonderful . They have been soime changes I do know, the parking issue is atrocious, but it is a Charter school and if you do your research will understand that Desert Hieghts goes above and beyond when utilizing the resources they have available to them.Instead of critizing the flaws of this wonderful learning community join the PTA and help with solutions to the issues that the staff , parents , and adminstration face. It is well worth it.I only wish they had High school grades!!”

“The school started out this year with new teachers and some significant changes but alas as usual they only lasted a few weeks. Dress code is not being followed by all and nothing is said or done. The parking lot is unsafe for the children, they worked hard for safety for a few weeks and all went well, no one seems to want to take care of it so no more safety measures for the kids. The school looks great because the kids are cleaning their rooms before they leave school, they empty the trash, clean the halls, wipe down the desk do pretty much everything but vacuum the floors. Heaven forbid they spill something in the lunchroom they are made to clean it up with no help from an adult. What are the custodians doing they are watching the kids clean. I have no more space sorry.”

“As a new staff and parent in DHCS, I find the school very nic and effective for student's academis and growth. The students are all so cheerful to see there teachers and Mr. Jiles the 1st day. I am so happy to be a part of the team. The HOWL program that they introduced during the flag raising was also a brilliant idea. This somehow will enforce the changes in the behaviors with the students. I volunteered in the cafeteria once and I see that it's only one assistant doing everything and the talking as well. Maybe they should work on to be more organized and they should have planned something weeks before the school started. It wont be easy to work on kid's behaviors in the cafetieria when school already started. This is very serious and important. Kids are really loud and uncontrollble in the cafeteria. Thanks!”

“I would not reccommend this school. All of the comments I have read below are pretty much deadon-and I agree with the majority. Overall, there seems to be a general breakdown of consistancy, policy implementation, and a lack of concern of what best suits the education needs of the kids. Im not sure what is going on with this school, but it is very disappointing.”

“My children have been going to DHCS for years. DHCS has servered my family well through the lower grades 1-5, but the middle school is a disaster. We have had to employ a tutor for our middle schooler who until just last year was a near straight A student. The principal Mr Jiles is good principal and so is the assistant principal Mrs Pitez. I believe that the break down comes from disipline at the 6-8 grade level. Accountability is not consistant and the dress code that was a major attraction is not inforced at the 6-8 grade level. This is a good K-5 school, but find something different after that.”

“As a former Desert Height parent, I pulled my child out and very quickly discovered that education was not at all excelling, not even close. In the areas of english, math, and science my child was behind. Which I honestly find very frustrating because at Desert Heights the homework was an exordinory amount for his grade level. At the time, I thought this awesome Desert Heights was really challenging my son. When I looked closer and reviewed the content, it about a grade level below what he should be doing. When I brought this to his teacher at the time, it was shrugged off and advised it would it more challenging, but this never happened. The transition to the new school system has been a difficult one, but it has a wonderful expierence. I am very thankful that I pulled my child when I did. Bless you and your families.”

“I am writing this review in concern of the expressions of what appears to me as people that are too concerned about their personal opinions and not the education of our children. As a parent of a child that has attended this school for three years, I have been very impressed with progression of his education and that fact of how advanced his level of comprehension compared to children his age in the public school system. I am not blind to the fact that no school or it's administration will be perfect, but I do believe the staff and its administration are on the right course in helping me develop my child. I would say to the people who hide under this Forum, if you are not happy with school, Take Them Out”

“Obviously the school is doing something right. My children are happy and growing academically. The school's rating with the state has increased each year along with the enrollment. They are bursting at the seems with waiting lists in multiple grades. If things were as bad as some on this site like to portray, why would so many parent make the effort to bring their children every day when the public schools are closer and provide transportation. If people are not happy, they should leave and make room for those waiting to get in.”

“This school has major problems. The principal puts on a great face for this school when it comes to parents, but don t believe everything you see. The assistant principal is making all the decisions that matter, which is probably best for the school. You will like this school if you navigate the minefield of poor teachers. Make sure you pay attention and choose your teachers carefully, there are some true gems in the lower grades. However, once you get past third grade, run for it, you do not want your child subjected to the attitudes of the upper grade students or teachers. This school has great community events, and this makes parents happy. However, volunteerism at this school is ridiculous, teachers complain about everything, and a few individuals are doing everything so all can enjoy these events. This school appears fantastic on the surface, but I suppose ignorance is bliss!”

“Some of the reviews on this site are insulting. Not only is this the best school I have ever been to, but the staff is nice and considerate. They think of the children in their classrooms as theirs and care about everyone equally. The office staff is organized and sends out info about whats going on. If your kids don't want to give you the info don't blame it on them. I personally write for the Coyote Chronicle and know that it is put in it as well as newsletters sent out by the office. I would recommend this school to anyone and I am disappointed this is my last year as a student.”

“First let me start by saying that EVERY school has areas to grow and improve in. That being said I have some feedback to some of the negative and to be blunt false comments. This is a uniform wearing school. In general the kids all have the same type of shirt and same color bottom. CLASS SIZE: DHCS has a lower average classroom size than any public school. BEHAVIOR: It might not be that the school is overlooking it just that they are trying various ways to try and overcome the issue. DHCS adapts to it's children and families based on the needs and situations. It's a family atmosphere and try to accomodate everyone. The staff improves every year and I am excited to see where DHCS will take us next year. GO visit and see for yourselves!”

“My child is in 4th grade and she went home last friday and all she talked about was their substitute for that day. She was so excited and happy to be with her. I feel secured that even though that the teacher is not there, the school still provide them with a very good substitutes. Keep it up! My daughter is hoping to be with her all the time. The movie night was so awesome too! I'm so happy that my child goes to DHCS. The best school ever!”

“My children have been at Desert Heights for seven years. My son graduated several years ago, however my daughter has two more years. My older children attended public school, and there is no comparison between the two. In the seven years that we have been a part of the Desert Heights family, I can not name one negative incident. Though there have been some recent changes in staff, I am completely confident that these changes will only further enhance my child's learning experience.”

“As a parent of past and present students I feel very disturbed about the negative comments of some parents. This school is truly wonderful. The teachers have all been great! This school has a family atmosphere. The class size is below average, and the afterschool activities are enriching for students. Thank you DHCS for all that you do for our children and families!”

“I think DHCS is a great environment for students to learn in. The teachers do a great job communicating with both students and parents, as well as the school community. The students perform well, there aren't problems with bullying due to the small student population, and what I found particularly appealing is that most teachers know most of the students whether they're in their class/grade or not. I've read many of the negative reviews written on this site and I could not disagree more. I think the authors of those negative comments are probably citing the school as a whole for their individual issues, or their child's. Mistakes will inevitably be made in any industry as well as misunderstandings. Misunderstandings are rarely one-sided. I would like to comment on the issue I read about teachers losing students' homework. Just because they did it, doesn't mean they turned it in.”

“I Love This School! The teachers are very helpful and cooperative. It is very reassuring to know that my child is getting the best education in an enriched learning environment. It s nice to be able to go into the office and see the principal and vice principal so actively involved in the school. The office staff has always been so welcoming. The special class the school offers is top notch. My daughter especially LOVES art; the spaghetti dinner/art show was great. The art teacher is amazing.”

“This is a wonderful school that has really helped my son. His teacher is great very supportive and understanding. He loves to come to school, and looks forward to those days he has art and computer lab. The teachers and staff are very friendly. As for those teachers that left, the kids are better off. We wouldn t want some teachers that are more interested in the bottom line then our kids education. Overall it s a great school and my other little one can t wait to attend.”

“I am so happy some people are pleased with what they see at this school. No doubt, some of the teachers are wonderful, but recently they have lost a few of the best and we hear more are leaving. The administration is rarely available or seen at school functions and the office staff most unwelcoming. It appears accepting inappropriate behaviors the norm here, despite repeated promises that they will be dealt with. While I see great learning happening in my child's classroom, I also see teachers overwhelmed by buracracy and this carries over into creating a very messy, cluttered, dirty and often disoraganized learning environment. It appears they are overwhelmed dealing with behavior issues that keeping a clean classroom is the least of their priorities. While the school claims it has a uniform policy, it rarely is followed. Teachers/staff tend to dress inappropriately at times, setting a poor example for students.”

“When I read some of the entries, I wonder exactly what parents are expecting teachers to do. While a few of the classes are a little larger than the DHCS average, even those are lower than the public school sardine cans. Teaching presents so many challenges that one cannot image the difficulties until one h spent time in the classroom. I hear complaints from other parents about a lack of communication. Newsletters come home every week, the calendar for the entire year is sent home at the beginning of the year and updated each month. Information is posted on the website and teachers call home when they have concerns. Teachers send home student work each week and some grades even send home regular progress reports, so if parents don't know how their child is doing, then they are not holding up their end of the partnership contract.”

“I have a daughter that attends Desert Heights and I must say we love it there! We attended the PTSA Spagghetti dinner and school Art show the other day. Not only was the food great, but to see all of the kids art displayed on the walls of the cafteria was wonderful. It's nice to have your child attending a school that cares about the students as well as the parents. I don't know of any other school that has a 'spaghetti dinner' night so the parents can attend conferences as well as feed there kids a healthy meal that isn't drive thru. The before AND after school activities are all amazing! My daughter loves her teachers as well as the friendly staff in the office. This is definately our second 'home' and there is no place like it! We LOVE you Desert Heights! :)”

“I agree 100% with the comments the previous parent wrote. Our concerns about our childs education and family were not common goals with this school. The teachers lack organization and experience. The comments below regarding the principal- I also agree 100% with the comments below the principal does not seem to care about issues or problems.”

“This school is grooming test takers. All they care about are the AIMS testing which they do well, but the kids forget it after. They do not care that they are not learning. The kids are stressed and pushed. Not a lot of care is taken to individuals. I will not be bringing my kids back.”

“This school employs the policy of grow at all cost. They have far too many children in some of the classrooms. Combined with teachers that can not handle the rigors of keeping up with that many students in one class - makes for the problem of disorganization and the children have to pay for it. This makes them no longer the exception to public schools.”

“I have never had any problems with the middle school teachers. In fact, I reccomend this school to anyone whith kids in middle school. The teachers are firm, but warm and friendly at the same time. As for grading and communication, they send home progress reports every week without exception. I've never had a lost or missing assignment and the grades are always updated. I feel they go out of their way to communicate with us and keep us in the loop. There is always room to improve, but I feel the middle school staff is always making improvements.”

“I love Desert Heights! More importantly, my daughter loves it even more! She feels so cared about by the staff there and she talks about her day at school long after its over. I am so thankful that I have found an environment whereby my child feels safe, is learning through challenge and is excited every morning to get through the gate on time!”

“Desert Heights is great at the other end of the spectrum as well. I am blessed to have a daughter that loves school and finds it quite easy so far. We were concerned that she would be board and not challenged, but her kinder teacher went out of her way to find her activities that both challenge and expand her knowledge in many subjects. Teachers are so busy it was great that her teacher took the extra time and effort to help our daughter's situation. All the after-school activities are also a great bonus as we work full time which limits our options of enrolling our kids in other out side of school activities. Kudos to the Pre-School as well for giving her a great base to start”

“I was impressed at how welcoming the staff and teachers are at this school. They really care about the child and their educational needs.”

“My daughter started Desert Heights last year as a kindergarten. She was learning but learning slower than the rest. Her teacher pointed out to me what areas she is needing help in so that I can help her at home as well as the teacher helping her at school. Overall this school has plenty of options for newcomers to like the school. It wouldnt take them long to like it. I know I did and still do. My daughter almost got held back and thanks to their parent/teacher meetings, my daughter is now in 1st grade. Every staff I have encountered there are all friendly and helpful.”

“We love this school. My girls started out on the preschool and are now in 3rd grade. Also have a little one in the preschool now. They enjoy going to school and are wanting to participate in everything from cooking club to piano lessons with the music teacher and girl scouts. We love it here.”

“Desert Heights has been a wonderful school for my son. They made such a great first impression with my youngest son that my older two children (They were at the local public school) will be joinging the Desert Heights family for the upcoming school year!”

“We have no car at this time and the school is a little far from our home. I am still very committed to making sure I do everything I can to make sure my son attends this school. I was very scared when he started Kindergarten last year. That is until I seen the campus of Desert Heights. I instantly felt safer. My son and I both absolutely love this school. We loved being part of the movie nights as well as the carnival. My son loves music and having a great music teacher such as the one at Desert Heights has been wonderful. I am not able to volunteer due to my work schedule but I know the parents that are able to volunteer do a great job. I am glad that parents have the opportunity to be involved so much in our children's school. We will absolutely be back”

“I have had the pleasure of watching and expereincing first hand the growth of this wonderful program. There is an undeniable committment to the students and parents at Desert Heights. All staff members work together to create an environment that promotes learning, safety and family! Just a great place to learn!”

“Desert Heights is a fantastic school. There is a real small-town feel to the campus. The principal and teachers are easily approachable. My children are getting an excellent education and love their teachers. We also love the family-oriented activities, like Movie Night, Spring Carnival, and Coyotes Night. People love the school so much, it is growing at a really fast pace! We look forward to many more years at Desert Heights. The Valverde Family”

“Desert Heights is a fantastic school. The faculty, students & parents help to form a great community that honestly puts the children first. The principal walks the school every morning, taking time for each student and parent. He really sets the mood for the entire school. My daughter loves Desert Heights, they make learning fun.”

“I agree, this school is very bad. The behavior that is allowed by athletes, in combination with the lack of supervision and failure to enforce consequenses to students, is a recipe for a disaster. Also the bathroom conditions are disgusting to say the least.”

“This is a terrible school. Nothing is done about bad behavior. There is a lot of bullying.”

“I loved this school. The teachers were so extremely caring and considerate and the kids were very well behaved. I loved the different programs they had. Kindergarten parents were extremely involved.”

“Very good school- Has odessyware programs where you child is on the computer 4 hours a day-Very interactive with principal- feels like a very warm family- prinicpal knows all childrens names and interacts with them well.”

“This school is the best thing that every happened to my son! Because of recent moves, he's been to three schools in the last 7 months and he loves this school! He actually wants to go to school every day and his behavior (which we've had some problems) has greatly increased. the teachers are very upbeat and seem to really enjoy what they do. They even strive to provide extra curr. activities for kids, even kindergardeners! My son was thrilled to be able to get into a soccer program in kidergarden, which most school don't offer. He's made lots of friends and they have lots of parent involved activities where most parents seem to actually attend! I'm starting my youngest son there next year and am very glad I've found this school.”

“Very pleased with 1st grade reading program. Teachers seem to really care about students without allowing them to be 'babies'. That was a real issue prior to this school. Would like to see Admin follow through on guidelines. For example, rules state no backpacks on wheels, but they are everywhere. Hard to teach a 1st grader that it is important to follow the rules when some many students don't have to. Either allow them or don't. Good music, library and technology programs. Nice after school activities available, including chess, cooking, scouts, tennis, etc. We are going back next year we are so pleased.”

“The teachers are very knowledgable and excited about their subjects, the music program is great, and my daughters love being there.”

“Our daughter was a straight-A student in first grade at a public school. Then she began failing tests early in 2nd grade at the same school because she couldn't read the tests! How could a straight-A student not read her tests unless the school had screwed something up? Why should she be judged on their failure? The school was no help, so we looked at greatschools.net and found Desert Heights. She's now been here over two years, soaring! She's an honor roll student. Their attention to individual student needs is unparalleled. What great teachers! I don't know how they get them - maybe because they make it a great place to be a teacher. Our son is special needs and we brought him here this year for 2nd grade. He's now doing advanced work! It's been a truly amazing year for him and for our whole family. Thank you, Desert Heights!”

“My daughter - who has been tested as a gifted child - has attended Desert Heights Preschool and Elementary for the past 4 years and has thrived! Her teachers are thoughtful, considerate, think outside the box, and provide great feedback. She loves choir with Mr. D, is challenged with Excel curriculum, and enjoys the respect and personal attention provided by all staff. The school sends home a 'Tuesday Folder' packed with information about upcoming events, meetings, policy changes, etc. I'm very pleased and intend to keep her there until she enters high school.”

“The atmosphere at this school is very positive. Everyone seems to be on the same page, the environment is orderly, and the principal and teachers work really hard to address everyone's needs!”

“I feel very fortunate to have found this 'hidden' extraordinary school. I found the staff to be very flexible, caring and universally involved. In addition and foremost importance, their enthusiasm for educating our children. I also was very impressed with their need to continuously keep us parents involved with various matters. Also, weekly newsletters, which was very informative to various school functions, activities, meetings, etc. A school such as this, is a rare commodity. Keep up the good work!”

“I had two children, one a special needs student, attend this school last year. The teacher quality was poor, help was not given when asked for and assignments were given without classroom instruction on the material. My previously Honor Roll child barely passed his grade and my special needs child did not have his IEP followed, as required by law. Students are required to adhere to a strict dress code while some teachers dressed like 1960's hippies. Teachers took personal calls on cell phones during classroom instruction time and had visitors stop by 'just to talk'. Overall I found that this was a school full of bright children who desperately needed caring, dedicated teachers but did not find them at Desert Heights. The middle school teachers in particular had no control of their students and chaos reigned in the classrooms.”

“I was told by my son's preschool principal that he wasn't ready for kindergarten but I enrolled him anyway. Not only was he ready, but he has excelled! Mrs. Young is the most awesome teacher you could hope for a kindergarten class. The children are expected to behave and do, but they all know that she loves them. And in return they love her, too. I was adamant that my son learn to read by phonics. Not only is he preparing to read phonetically he's learning to spell that way, too. And the math skills he showed at 3 are being reinforced, too. And the fact that he has Spanish and music classes just adds to the value of the education he is getting at Desert Heights. Desert Heights deserves to be considered one of the Great Schools!”

“Overall I have been pleased with Desert Hts. The principal, Mr. Dodd is doing a great job. He has been a wonderful asset to the school.”

“When we were looking for a school, we chose Desert Heights because the students seemed happy and interacted with the teachers and principal with enthusiasm. We are pleased with our selection. The principal encourages all the students to read and finds unique ways to encourage them. The school spirit is great and our child enjoys attending the school. Her teacher, Mrs. Shapley, is well qualified and makes school interesting. We could not be more pleased with the school.”

“This is a wonderful school. My son is very happy and has many friends at school. The Principle, Mrs. Taber, is very friendly and helpful. She is very involved in the school and on top of any problems or concerns that might arise.”