Schools > Public > Desert Canyon Elementary School

Desert Canyon Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona

Desert Canyon Elementary School Detail

(480) 484-1700
10203 E McDowell Mountain Ranch
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Levels: K-5
District: Scottsdale Unified District


Desert Canyon Elementary School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Student Teacher Ratio:17.11% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:2.18% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:88.86% (2008)
Hispanic:4.25% (2008)
Asian:5.72% (2008)

Desert Canyon Elementary School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating3
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating4

Desert Canyon Elementary School Reviews

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-30
“I am surprised with a few posts here. To each his own... but I find my children's school and staff excellent. The principal has tough rules, but to me that is great! The teachers thus far have been terrific. I am very pleased and my children are happy, and thriving! Thank you DCES staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-21
“Excellent, caring teachers!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-12
“Desert Canyon Elementary has a very diverse teaching program, including special needs classes for kids with learning disabilities and kids with ADD/ADHD that require more 1:1 attention. All this in addition to providing extracurricular activities/afterschool activities that help to broaden and enhance the children's self-esteem/knowledge (band, Spanish, Chess, monthly ball sports, tennis, science, etc.).”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2009-06-17
“I have not been pleased with this school. The principal and assist. principal are terrible. They do not care about the parents, teachers or students. They really don't relate well. While I have had some great teachers in the past, this year my 2nd grade daughter was bored every day and wanted to know why she kept learning the same things over and over and my older son had a terrible teacher who was just not nice at all (and this is not a trouble maker). Watch the 10 rating, they should be an 8. Parent involvement is super though.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-06-08
“This was my childrens' first year in Desert Canyon (we moved here from NY) and I was thrilled with the school. They too were thrilled with their experience. They just finished first grade and had really wonderful, nurturing teachers that helped them to grow emotionally, socially and intellectually this year. I have nothing but good things to say about the school so far.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-01-27
“good educators not so good loving and caring for children.”
This review was posted by a other.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2008-07-20
“My daughter attended 6th grade there a couple years ago and we had the worst experience. She was constantly ridiculed by the students for not wearing the high dollar clothes that her GPA was a .74 at the end of her school year. The staff didn't bother to let me know how much of a problem she was having. She was a straight A and B student when we moved from Iowa and then this happens. To top it all off, she was passed on to the 7th grade with that GPA. We held her back in the 6th grade after we moved school districts. This school has a lot to look at when it comes to education instead of fashion.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-02-29
“Very pleased with the teachers, and staff, my only complaint at this time, is the sand. My child comes home with half the playground in her shoes, as I'm sure your kids do too. Are there any plans on removing the sand, and replacing it with rubberized material? Also, the sand hides things, such as the 3 inch nail I found poking up by the swings on the first day of school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-12-20
“Awesome school, dedicated teachers and a principal who really cares. I couldn't ask for more.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2007-09-01
“Excellent parental involvement, nice community surrounding the school. Teachers were good overall and concerned about the kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2006-08-03
“My son has attended DCES since Kindergarten and is approaching the third grade. His sister will be attending Kindergarten next year and we can only hope that her path, and experience with teachers is similar pleasing.We have thoroughly enjoyed the enhanced programs the school has begun to develop (math club, science lab, cultural music and art) along with the teachers he we have interfaced with. The school seems committed to parent involvement, education, safety and a well rounded experience for their classrooms. AIMS scoring is high, but not at the top, however very well balanced.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-08-21
“Excellent school, teacher's principal.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-07-30
“A fabulous school. My son will be going into 2nd grade this year and he absolutely loves it!! I am very happy with the parental involvement and the caring supportive staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-04-12
“Overall, a quality school; excellent facilities, wholesome, uppper middle-class neghborhood. My daughter has attended Kindergarten thru third grade and has scored well on AMES and grown as a student and person. Formed a particularly strong bond with her 2nd Grade teacher. Lone downside of Desert Canyon is the prinicipal, Darlene Johnson, who is not readily accessible and not parent-friendly. Makes decisions in a silo and is not particularly interested in parent feedback.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-03-16
“My child has been at Desert Canyon for four years and my youngest will be entering in the Fall. Overall, impressions of the school have been extremely positive. Teachers have ranged from very good to outstanding (2nd grade). Mailing hand written school sponsored postcards from teacher to student congratulating excellent performance is very impressive/motivating. Homework beginning in 3rd grade is heavy and requires alot of parental involvement for all but perhaps the most motivated students. Principal/Vice Principal leadership is very good-strict, but caring and interested. Experience with extra curricular activities has been positive. Parental involvement is definitely encouraged - class moms even send emails to inform/remind about class/school events. I feel lucky that we have such a great school in our neighborhood.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-01-05
“We have had great success at Desert Canyon with two kids enrolled this year in 1st and 5th grades. The 5th grader has been at DCES for 4 years...and has had the best teachers there. The 1st grader has a super teacher. Parent involvement is high and welcome. I wish that the strings program would have more consistency for the 4th and 5th graders.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2005-01-04
“Clustered desks for 'mentoring'. Slower kids copy off smarter kids. Parents discouraged to participate except give money.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-10-20
“Wholesome, safe environment. Focuses on skills, with a strong reading and writing program. Like most public schools, the curriculum seems to lack solid content, but my 4th grader is very happy there.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-10-11
“My 2 boys have had an excellent experience at Desert Canyon Elementary. The teachers are very committed and take an interest in the education process. The only thing I have found is that the classes can be too large with not enough help for the teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-06-02
“Our oldest daughter attended DCES since its first year 6 years ago, and our youngest since 1st grade. We have been very pleased with the teachers we have had; all have gone above and beyond to ensure personal attention and support. Our biggest disappointment has been with the Scottsdale school district and their boundry changes. We sold our home and left the district so that we would not have to put our children on busses to middle and high school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2004-05-19
“Wonderful principal and staff, happy kids, great curriculum and educational opportunities for kids.”
This review was posted by a staff.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-05-17
“There are some great teachers in the lower grades that we have experienced. The sense of community is strong in this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-05-14
“I think Desert Canyon is a great school. The administration and staff are always available and willing to work with you to make your child successful. I do not however care for the Everyday Math program which they began in 2003. I do not believe it allows the children to master the concepts and the material is I think not presented in a sequential manner to build on what has been previously learned. Some grade level teacher groups seem to be more organized than others. Also the level of communication via monthly newsletters is not as detailed as in the past.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2004-05-04
“All 3 of my little ones attended this school-fabulous!coming from n.Y., It took a bit of time initially to become accusomed to the very strict routine-trust me,it pays off!young, enthusiastic, bright, encouraging, engaging teachers! we need this discipline/accountability in our school systems nowdays-wonderful experience!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2002-10-15
“This is our child's first year at Desert Canyon. We just moved from New York and we always sent our children to private schools. Naturally, we were very apprehensive about sending our child to a public school. To date we are very pleased with the school and its staff”
This review was posted by a .




     




Advertise in Phoenix AZ





Contact US
About US

Our Staff

Press Releases


Privacy Policy
© HelloMetro