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North Ranch Elementary School
(602) 449-6400
16406 N. 61st Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Level: K-6
District: Paradise Valley Unified District

Extended Information

In-depth school information including test scores, student stats, parent ratings and reviews for North Ranch Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ.

Census Info	Value	Year
Student Teacher Ratio:	14.97%	(2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:	10%	(2008)
White, non-Hispanic:	77.13%	(2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:	3.64%	(2008)
Hispanic:	7.29%	(2008)
Asian:	11.13%	(2008)

North Ranch Elementary School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating	4
Average Principals Rating	4
Average Teachers Rating	4
Average Activities Rating	4
Average Parents Rating	4
Average Safety Rating	4

North Ranch Elementary School Reviews


Posted By: parent Quality Score: 2 2009-08-02 “Education is important but so are other values that you hope are to be demonstrated by teachers and staff. We have experienced instances several times where we were assured one thing by the principal and staff to find out it was not actually being done as we were told. To put your mind at ease, be prepared to actually pop in and observe. Especially in special classes and lunch. For most kids this is probably an ok school. However, if your child needs even a little special accomodation, be careful since sometimes things seem too good to be true.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2009-05-27 “I have a child that attended Sandpiper elementary and as fantastic I believed that school was, I was completely blown away by North Ranch. The Pre K program, more than prepared my little one, and Ms. Toaspern (teacher for Kinder) -- Well, could not have asked for anyone better! She's fantastic! No experience in working with the principal, but when you have a child that loves to be in school because of the envirmonment and the teacher, there usually isn't a need to be in the Principal's office.. ;) Here comes 1st grade!!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: decline 2009-05-11 “We have both of our daughters at North Ranch and couldn't be more pleased with how involved the principal is in their education. Dr. Hartley is very open to talk to and easy to get on her calendar. We love North Ranch.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2009-05-11 “A community is where people take care of each other; a concept never forgotten within the education at North Ranch. Children are supported, nurtured, and educated with a surety that gives them the confidence to move forward in a positive direction. A goal met through a community of staff that work together and support each other with unconditional consistency. A+ and then some!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2009-05-11 “We have had an amazing experience at North Ranch Elementary School. We have two children who have thoroughly enjoyed their teachers and we have been more than pleased with the academics, teacher involvement with the parents, and the overall feel of the school and adminstration.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 2 2009-05-09 “Dont be fooled! This is not an A+ school anymore! The principal is not approachable. She ignores the kids when she passes them and fills the parents with false securities. This principal does not have the best interest of the children at heart. The school preaches compassion however this principal lacks it! There are a few good teachers and a wonderful PTA that try to make up for the school's shortcomings. Education is ok if your child has a good teacher and wonderful honors teacher! Enrollement is going down in this school for a reason...” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2009-03-25 “We have been pleased with North Ranch. Good teachers, good parent involvement, good principal.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2009-02-21 “I must say, I took my son out of North Ranch, and placed him in the Madison School District. There is a huge difference. North Ranch is a great school, but as for activities, such as music, clubs, after care, spanish, oh my god, they have spanish classes at Madison! and sports, North Ranch doesnt have as much to offer, in that sense.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2009-02-19 “We just moved to Scottsdale. Before purchasing our house I met with Dr. Hartley, the principal, and took a tour of the school. I was very impressed with the school's philosophy of educating the whole child, making them responsible learners and members of a community. My son has settled in and we are all even more thrilled with North Ranch. We were paying for private enducation and now realize that does make it better. The type of work the kids do is not 'busy work' it makes them think. My son comes home talking about the science projects and what composers they were listening to. The children are also so respectful of each other. I don't see the the grabbing and goofing around that never ends well. It is an amazing school.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2009-02-19 “We just moved to Scottsdale. Before purchasing our house I met with Dr. Hartley, the principal, and took a tour of the school. I was very impressed with the school's philosophy of educating the whole child, making them responsible learners and members of a community. My son has settled in and we are all even more thrilled with North Ranch. We were paying for private enducation and now realize that does make it better. The type of work the kids do is not 'busy work' it makes them think. My son comes home talking about the science projects and what composers they were listening to. The children are also so respectful of each other. I don't see the the grabbing and goofing around that never ends well. It is an amazing school.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2008-10-20 “It amazes me how people blame a school and are not able to look at what their child really is. Yes, some east coast schools are very advanced. North Ranch is subject to evaluation on a nationally comparative venue with Terra Nova and AIMS testing. Take a look! See how it compares. I am looking for it all, not just superior academics. I think North Ranch offers a 'whole' education. It advances all students no matter what end of the spectrum they fall into. I think both working parents and stay at home parents enjoy so many opportunities to be involved in their students class. But, they have to take the personal responsibility and choose to be involved.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: decline 2008-09-30 “As far as after school activities, the school does offer quite a bit. Yes it seems that it comes from an outside source but in fact, the programs offered are 'through' the district. By this I mean that the funds are taken care of by a department within the district and not through the school itself. But they are offered by the school and are approved by the school council on a monthly basis. As far as being behind, in fact North Ranch is the school that leads all of the technology in the district. So if you are going to complain, it should be about the district because North Ranch is the school that pilots the majority of the newest programs offered in education. As far as communication, the policy of 'paperless' has gone into act this past year, but if needed paper copies of all correspondence are available.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 2 2008-09-18 “I guess if you are happy with your childs school being way behind the rest of the country then by all means stay. Its an absolute disaster of a school. I am sure for AZ this school is fine, however if you move out of state your are in trouble. That is a fact. I know because we did and are in trouble. As far as extraa activities, some of the ones you mentioned below are NOT part of the school, they are things you can sign up for outside the school. The music program is not great, and again unless you are a stay at home mom and have all day to hang around the school you are not included in things. The school is under par as the last post states” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 3 2007-04-30 “For children who are bright but not highly gifted, this school is not recommended. No effort was made to challenge my kids at their level. The teachers were quite content with kids who did good work and made no trouble.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2008-09-03 “No extra activities? I assume you mean other than Student Council, Homework Club, GenYes, Dance classes, Music classes, Chess, Talent Show, Spring Carnival, After-school Sports, Art Club, etc? Worst communication? I'm sure you have experience with all 32 schools, but personally, I have always had no problem communicating with my kids' teachers via email or in person. We also receive numerous flyers, written communication and PTA emails in addition to having access to the website which includes online grades. The school also sends out a recorded phone message to remind parents of issues such as early release days. Your comment about stressed teachers is laughable. Possibly you are the cause of their stress? I have also heard very good things about Desert Springs and if I were unhappy with North Ranch, I would certainly make the 1/2 mile trip to get my kids to Desert Springs.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2008-09-03 “No extra activities? I assume you mean other than Student Council, Homework Club, GenYes, Dance classes, Music classes, Chess, Talent Show, Spring Carnival, After-school Sports, Art Club, etc? Worst communication? I'm sure you have experience with all 32 schools, but personally, I have always had no problem communicating with my kids' teachers via email or in person. We also receive numerous flyers, written communication and PTA emails in addition to having access to the website which includes online grades. The school also sends out a recorded phone message to remind parents of issues such as early release days. Your comment about stressed teachers is laughable. Possibly you are the cause of their stress? I have also heard very good things about Desert Springs and if I were unhappy with North Ranch, I would certainly make the 1/2 mile trip to get my kids to Desert Springs.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: decline 2008-07-25 “North Ranch has been a wonderful place for both my boys. We've been at North Ranch for over 11 years and it's a 'big city'/'small town' feel. Great Principal and teachers! PTA does above and beyond. Parents can get involved in many different ways at North Ranch. A+ in our book!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2008-03-26 “This is a wonderful school. The principal is very dedicated and cares, which really shows. Their uniquely gifted program is outstanding. A+++++” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 3 2008-03-13 “Very overcrowded classes. No art or music most of the year. No budget for supplies or help for stressed out teachers. No one pays attention to if the children are learning or not. My child has learned only what we do at home.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 1 2007-10-22 “I put my daughter here for extra reading help and she got that but did not progress in anything else that year. Large classes, curriculum is in desperate need of overhaul. Parking is a problem” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2007-08-26 “this is my son's second year at north ranch, and our family coul not be happier with the education and extra help that he receives!! his teachers are well educated, and are wiling to go the extra one, or ten miles to see that he succeeds in all of his endeavors. the uniquely gifted program has turned my childs' life around. he has self esteem, an enjoys the challenges that are placed before him. his teachers are patient, kind, and care about all of their students. keep up the amazing work, North Ranch!!!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: decline 2007-08-24 “My daughter has learning challenges and this school has been a God send. They tested her and got her the help she needs to succeed. Her teacher, the principal and the special ed team have been patient and willing to do whatever it takes.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 3 2007-06-23 “Little to no communication with parents who want to be kept involved in their child's educational development.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2007-04-22 “This school saved my sons life. We came from a highly recommended Charter School that whittled his self esteem and confidence down to almost nothing. Once enrolled North Ranch pulled out all the stops for my son. He came from a school where the administration and staff screamed at him on a daily basis. Most days he would sit in the corner of the classroom crying completely ignored. Within one week at North Ranch my son was given an aide, was treated with dignity and respect and given the necessary support from administration and staff to be a regular participant in class. They truly love their students! One of my happiest days was seeing my son hug the principal telling her this is the best school ever! I cried. We are truly blessed to be part of this school.” Posted By: administrator Quality Score: 5 2006-05-11 “Outstanding school! Great Principal in Dr. Sarah Hartley. Excellent PTA. The Uniquely Gifted program also excellent.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2006-05-05 “Unfortanately, my child was only there for two years. What a great school! The principal is aware and the teachers are top notch. Dr. Hartly runs a tight ship! As long as she is in charge I would not question sending my other two children there when the time comes. This school has been A+ in more ways than one. Thank you for he great experience!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2006-03-10 “My children have had a wonderful experience at North Ranch. This is our second year in attendance. My kids were formerly enrolled in a charter school, where they were highly challenged daily. I am pleased with how they have been academically challenged at North Ranch.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2006-02-15 “We have been very pleased with our first year experience at North Ranch. Our child has enjoyed Kindergarten there, and we find her teacher, Mrs. Reay, to be outstanding. The children have learned much more than we could have anticipated, and the programs are very well-rounded----music, P.E., art, computer and more.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2006-01-15 “I am very grateful for the energy and expertise of the teachers and personnel at North Ranch Elementary School. I wish I had more time to get myself involved. We have our child in a few extracurricular activities, and I believe they have added another level to our childs outlook and knowledge. I would like to know more about the safety and discipline aspect of North Ranch, particulary a child (other) that acts out(verbal/physical) towards other children and adults. Specifically what are the steps to follow, and who do you ask?” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2006-01-10 “North Ranch provides most students with a solid learning environment. Could use some fine tuning in all areas listed. Steadily improving due to diligence at all levels.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 3 2005-12-13 “The school has quality teachers. It's a great school for the average student who wants a decent education. It does not meet the needs of excelling students, nor does it push the student body far enough. There is extreme cliquishness and favoritism among parents, teachers, and administration. Information transfer is spotty, depending on if you are 'in the know' or not. Out of 500+ students, PTA attendance averages less than 20 parents. There is no sense of community at North Ranch. It is a decent public school, but it has some problems.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-11-05 “North Ranch is an EXCELLENT school. They have been rated A+ and it shows in every way. They have a rigerous curriculum but make sure each student learns the concepts. It is an extremely friendly school. The teachers, principal, and office staff have been very receptive to our needs. We are an open enrolled family and I don't mind the drive because I know my children get what they need both educationally and emotionally at North Ranch. They live up to their mission providing top quality learning with a compassionate heart.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-10-31 “My daughter attended Kindergarten there and she loved it. The teachers were wonderful and the communication was great!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-08-22 “It's truly an A+ school in all ways. My daughter has attended since 1st grade, she is in 5th grade now and I have found the teachers to be excellent, the principal a great leader, and the parents very active. I don't think you could find a better school. My daughter has received an outstanding education. We love North Ranch!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2005-07-18 “Overall, I am happy with North Ranch. I do feel there is a small danger of my child getting sort of lost in the mix. Class size is on the larger side and already they have missed a couple key things in their review of my child. Academics could be a bit stronger, however, everything else is satisfactory. The level of parent involvement is encouraged and solicited.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-05-18 “I found North Ranch to be a school that cares about your child's ability to learn at any level. I am a witness that it is not easy to send your little ones off to 'strangers' but by God's Grace I have been comfortable with the staff . North Ranch is a great school to send any little one. I've had my experience with private schooling before North Ranch and I must say by far, which is surprising to me, I was more please with North Ranch with my one kid than I was with another one in private schooling. We have so many problems to face just in normal day to day life. I would hate that worrying about our kids in school should be on that list.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 1 2005-04-22 “This school expects to much from the children, they are not supportive and are very negative. There is only 15 min. given for every subject. I took both of my children out and put them into private school because of the principal.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-04-01 “The school principal is highly involved with making improvements in many aspects of North Ranch including the physical grounds of the school, teacher training, being visible and available for the children, attending PTA events, facilitating community service projects, and being innovative and open to piloting new programs for PV District. I'm happy to see North Ranch progressively moving forward rather than stagnating. Test scores are solidly good at this school. Teachers and PTA love to include parents in just about any way imaginable.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-03-09 “The K-3 reading specialist is a tremendous assest to North Ranch. She works very hard to meet the needs of the students and is very available and approachable. Thanks to her collaborative efforts with my child's teacher and I, my child can be more successful in school. North Ranch is a great school where teachers and parents work together, so children will have the best outcome.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2005-02-10 “Good school great parental involvement the best I have ever seen. Some bully issues. Great academic programs and after school programs” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 4 2004-05-06 “I am very pleased with North Ranch. My son is a first grader and I am so grateful to his teacher, Mrs. Bowen, for her communication, teaching, and understanding this year. From Dr. Hartley's hands-on approach to school/parent issues to the administrative staff's efficiency and friendliness, I couldn't be more pleased. These people care!” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2004-05-02 “North Ranch is a great school with a lot of Principal, teacher and parent support. Many activities are provided for the students and parents are highly encouraged and given every opportunity to get involved with the school. If you live in Northeast Phoenix, I highly recommend this school.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2004-04-28 “North Ranch is a great school. We have great parent involvement, strong PTA leadership and the teachers are there 110 percent for the kids. The principal is caring and supportive of the children, parents and teachers. She takes great pride in being a part of North Ranch.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2004-04-24 “I have 2 children at North Rach Elementary. They are in Kindergarten and 3rd grade. Both of my children have had a great school year. They love the teachers and have been excited about learning.” Posted By: parent Quality Score: 5 2003-07-18 “North Ranch is an excellent school. The principal is approachable and always listens. The teachers are experienced, caring, and provide a top-notch education to each student. Safety is an obvious focus. All students in 3rd and 5th grades have Palms and the teachers use them for assessing the students. Parent involvement is encouraged. North Ranch is a great school.” Posted By: Quality Score: 2 2003-06-15 “The principal plays favorites with staff and parents. The principal will cater to a select few. Sometimes it is difficult to know who is running the school. Some teachers are exceptional. However, I am not sure why others there are teachers at all. The majority of the teachers are clique-ish, often excluding the third teacher in their grade level when making plans or decisions. Gossip runs rampant with staff and parents throughout the school about peer staff, students and parents. Discipline for students is inconsistent and lax.” Posted By: Quality Score: 3 2003-03-27 “Our child's second grade teacher didn't demonstrate good class management skills. His third grade teacher is definitely in-touch with how 3rd graders think and feel and our son is having his best year yet at North Ranch!”