Las Sendas Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona

“Both of my sons have started school at Las Sendas. The oldest will finish his final year in May. We have always taken an active role in supporting the school and have gotten to know teachers and administration. Although some are hard on Mrs. Kelly, the principal, I feel her leadership is the key to the success of the school. After coaching children s sports and volunteering at the school, I have gained a perspective that the parents that do the most complaining are the ones that do the least contributing. Some would rather complain about the pick-up/drop-off waiting time than simply putting their children on the bus for a half mile ride within the neighborhood.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I feel that Las Sendas is a great school academically, however, the principal, Mrs. Kelly is completely rude, controlling and overbearing. After speaking with many other parents about her mannerisms, we all agree she has lack of respect for parents as well as for students in the school. The school atmosphere is very impersonable and unfriendly- possibly due to the stress from the principal, which is quite unfortunate because the Las Sendas school could be wonderful if she and a few other staff members were not there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is in Kindergarten at Las Sendas. I love her teacher but the class sizes are a little big, but they seem to manage this quite well with very little impact to the overall student experience. Pick up and drop off are a nightmare, but I think that goes for just about any school, anywhere. I have presonally met with Principal Kelly and she has never taken a condescending tone with me, nor have I witnessed this with any of her other communications so I have no idea what one of the previous comments are about. The office staff could be a little more professional. Other than that, I love this school”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this school!! My kids are enjoying their classes and their theachers are challenging and supportive. The Principal is very approchable but strict, but I feel that is the way succesful principals must run a school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Las Sendas has done an outstanding job of educating - in all areas. I found the teacher to student ratio in the 6th grade to be closer to 1-24. As a result of their efforts, my son is doing very well in middle school in all subjects. I highly recommend Las Sendas.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The classroom size is a joke this year (2008-2009). There are 35 in 3rd grade! How is this allowed? Great school, but kids are not getting what they need with 34 other kids to compete with. The school has really grown, and we need alternatives!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The Principal of this school has some very real problems and it shows in the position she holds. She is overly controlling and uses a condescending tone, attitude and outlook to students and parents alike. It is so sad to see a person with such an attitude in a position of a role model for our children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Although this school is more affluent than neighboring schools, there certainly is a high materialistic standard which has alienated both the parents and children of 'regular' families. Children should not have to feel that there is such a heavy emphasis placed on body image and clothing labels. The teachers at the school are quite gifted. However, the Principal of the school may be described as generally cross and overbearing. While our child excelled academically, the staff seemed generally unaware of the female body image issues that were running rampant. We have decided to move our child from Las Sendas because of these reasons.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Las Sendas is a wonderful school!! We feel very blessed to have our children enrolled there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have thrived at Las Sendas Elementary but I do believe the class sizes are too large. I think that they are going to have to change the borders to eliminate anyone outside of Las Sendas. New residents are moving into Las Sendas and are on waiting lists to attend school. I agree with the parking situation. Many parents do not have manners and have caused near accidents. Also, what part of No U-Turn (in the community south of the school) do parents not understand? The children of that community along with ones walking to school have almost been hit. Will it take an accident to wake some parents up? I agree the drop-off situation is a nightmare, but the safety of the children comes first.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been involved with a number of elementary schools around the country over the last few years and it is sad to see so many people say how great this school is. Unfortunately this school falls in a state which is lacking in many if not all aspects of education. If you compare it to schools across Arizona it is great, but compared to other states...not even close. The kids here are getting a substandard education and now the state is considering even more cuts to education due to a budget shortfall! When will this state learn....obviously as fast as the children are. If you have a choice and have to stay in AZ-go private, not charter, just private. You'll have to pay for it, but what's more important your childs education or following a strict budget if you have to.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Not impressed at all! Yes this school has high test scores and high parental involvement but it's lacking in so many areas. If you are looking for a school that promotes a love of learning look elsewhere!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter went to Las Sendas the 2nd year it opened and my son will be going into 6th grade this year. My daughter is doing great in a very challenging school and I believe she got her foundation by going to Las Sendas. My son is on the same track. Las Sendas is a great school, the teachers are dedicated and Mrs Kelly does run a tight ship, thank goodness its needed in this day and age. We have been going to this school now for 10 years and the pick up and drop off has not changed it is still a free for all, manners from other driving parents would help. All in all Las Sendas is a great school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is going into the second grade at Las Sendas and I've loved the last two years. The office staff is so wonderful and extremely helpful. Mrs. Kelly has been attentive, caring and supportive with any issue or question that I've had. Mrs. Kelly is strict, but fair. My son has LOVED his teachers. Yes, pick up/drop off time is busy, but if it bothers you, have your kid take the bus, it's hardly a legit complaint. There are a lot of parents who volunteer, but also it's also not a negative - so many parents, so much attention, that's good news in my opinion.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has been at Las Sendas Elem. K-4 thus far. It is an excellent school overall. The music program is excellent however the basics of reading, writing and math are pursued with vigor worthy of an engineers approval. Mrs. Kelly is strict and runs a tight ship and that in my opinion keeps this school, unlike so many others, on track. It helps that the area is affluent and so over achieving parents set goals for their kids as well. With the exception of a terrible 1st grade (that teacher was gone after one more year) and an immature 2nd grade teacher we've been fortunate to have two very professional teachers the past two. I can't say with absolute certainty but I feel confident saying that Las Sendas Elementary is likely the best school in the Mesa district.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In our 4 years at Las Sendas, three have been outstanding, and best-of-all as a parent I've been empowered to have a voice in identifying the teaching style my child thrives in and asking for placement based upon that in future grades. Music - both regular and the suzuki programs are excellent. Art instruction seems non-existent and only available as a seasonal after-school activity by round robin assignment. Springtime is trying - with curriculm focusing on testing alone. My child would benefit from more AP/ELP programming on site vs. one day pull out offering offsite. Parent involvement is high; possibily to a detrement in that PTO becomes exclusionary and competitive.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a kindergarten at this school and I have to say it's been a mess. Parental involvement is tough- there are so many parents that want to be involved. The drop off/pick up is a nightmare.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have 3 children at Las Sendas. Our oldest has been there since 2nd grade and is now in 6th. The teachers have been super. The Suzuki vioin program is excellent. At times some of the teachers have been a bit rigid. I think it would be helpful to give each student a one time 'pass' per quarter for a missed homework assignment. Also, assigning homework for the entire week on Monday would help my kids be able to manage their time for evenings when they have extracurricular activities. Julia Kelly is strict, but fair, and my children respect her. The overcrowding would be diminished if the boundries were reviewed. As the community of Las Sendas has grown, it is unrealistic to continue to allow so many kids from outlying communities to attend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would rate my children's experience as below average. The Principal is very controlling. I feel she stifles the creative spirit of learning and the teachers and parents seem to walk on egg shells around her. Our 3rd grade experience was worksheets only, they left out social studies almost entirely. our experience to date has been with very stressed out teachers-- they are concerned about class size and uptight about the testing. There are very few opportunities for extra curricular activities if they are not academically focused. I am concerned that my children will have very few”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Las Sendas is a very high quality basics school. It emphasises respect, discipline, high academic achievement, music education. The staff is excellent for the most part. The school is very controlled.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an awesome school with terrific enrichment programs and parental involvement. Some changes I would make: Classes are way too big and keep growing. Desperately need to limit class sizes. Extra work available for K & 1 for children who want and need more. And I would like a more 'open' classroom where parents feel welcome to be in the classroom and not just in the workroom.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I've been very impressed with Las Sendas. The principal is very involved and takes a genuine interest in each child. Suzuki lessons were given to all 3rd graders last year, and this year in 4th grade, my son is in Orchestra. The parents are a closely knit group that live in the nearby vicinity in the community of Las Sendas. Thye plan great parent and children's events and fundraisers!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If you are moving to Mesa you want your child to attend Las Sendas. I feel that the teachers give 110% and are always willing to help. I have a 1st and 3rd grader and I love both teachers. Mrs Kelly runs a tight ship, but I think this is the reason Las Sendas is such a great school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has had terrific 1st, 4th and 5th grade teachers at this school!! all other grades inbetween need a lot of work! the principal is really strick(too strick for elementary school)with both students and parents, people skills need more work. No after school sports programs. Music programs are totally great, but a few more performances could be added. One band/orchestra concert a year is just not enough! 5th grade teachers rock this year!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“While the curriculum is good i feel that the principal does not work closely with parents to acheive a real good learning experience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My 4th grade daughter thrived and grew academically at Las Sendas, although she wished she could've gotten extra help in math. I think the academic program could be more challenging, as compared to our experiencee with Colorado schools. The high test scores this school recieved might be a reflection of this...the curriculum is too easy for these mostly affluent kids. The music programs are awesome...kids can choose from band or orchestra. There are not very many extra-curricular activities. I also felt the principal involvement with students and parents was lacking. For example, of my 13 years experience with elementary schools, this is the first one where the principal and teachers are not outside assisting with car pools, helping to ensure kid safety. The parent driver manners are poor...cutting in line, speeding...parking in the car pool lanes...something the school staff needs to get on top of.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has attended Las Sendas for 1 - 6 grades and has done terrifically. He has had great teachers, participated in the music program, taken advanced classes, and art. The parents support and functions throughout the year is awesome. We love the school and the wonderful community of Las Sendas.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Las Sendas Elementary is an outstanding school academically. Their scores are the best in the district. They also have awesome teachers at the school, who really care about the students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have two students at Las Sendas and have been very pleased with the teachers and staff, including Principal Kelly. Our daughter started the Suzuki Violin program this year and we were amazed at the progress the whole class made in a short period of time. Our son started Orchestra this year and has the wonderful dilemna of continuing with that or choosing Band next year -- something I would expect to be offered at the Jr. High level. Parents seem very involved and interested in their children's education, although like many organizations, it's the same 30% who do most of the work for the PTO.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an excellent school. The principal is tough, but very fair. I like that she enforces the school rules. All of the teachers are very nice, and my children have not had a teacher that they did not like! I highly recommend this school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very good school. Good leadership and teachers. Very experienced teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Las Sendas is a pretty good school. The teachers are well qualified and enjoy teaching. The principal is not very helpful at times, but overall I feel my children are getting a good education.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Ranked #1 Stanford9 Tests for Math (88 percentile) in Mesa! Number #2 in Reading (80 percentile) and Language (81 percentile). This says quite a lot! After-school activities could be more developed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had a good experience overall with this school, but found that the principle likes to do things her way, whether the parents agree or not.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have three children who just started attending Las Sendas Elementary this year. So far, we have been most impressed with the caliber of the teachers and the principal. We have also heard of the tremendous parent involvement at the school. What's really great is that our children are really excited to go to school each morning. As parents we are also very pleased with the focus on learning an instrument beginning in the fourth grade. We are looking forward to a great year!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have three children at the Las Sendas school. They are not particularly excited about starting another year. There seems to be far too much of the teacher's time having to deal with rude and disrespectful students. Our children were amazed and discouraged to have to deal with this on a daily basis. The administration needs to acquire a stronger backbone and not be fearful to address these situations that occur within the learning environment. Zero tolerance should mean just that. They need to support their teaching staff so that there teachers can excel in their abilities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are more than pleased with this school. Prior to kindergarten, my son couldn't read at all. In six months, he was reading 1st/2nd grade levels. The teachers and Principal Kelly are diligent and dedicated, a powerful combination. He will be a second grader, we truly look forward to another great school year.”
This review was posted by a .

“We have nothing but praise for the teachers at Las Sendas - they have gone above and beyond our expectations in so many ways. Outstanding communication, challenging daily homework and schoolwork presented within the framework of a fun environment. We are thrilled that our 1st grader is reading 'chapter books', and excelling in math and spelling . . . and actually looks forward to going to school (most days!). Thank you, thank you to the dedicated teachers who have created this wonderful learning environment at Las Sendas.”
This review was posted by a .