We transfered to sycamore after having our children in Dept of Defense schools in Japan. The school was on par with the curriculum at DoDs school (which are normally ranked in the top 10% of schools in the nation) Kudos to Ken Graf and staff.
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Posted by a parent on 07/26/08
We have been in the Vail District for 5 years and we LOVE it! My kids have attended Desert Willow, Mesquite Elementary and are now at Sycamore. We have been with Sycamore for 3 years and I would have to say it is an OUTSTANDING school! I would like to give some praise to one of Sycamore's finest teachers,
... Read more Mrs. Kim Balstad. She cares for each one of her students as if they were her own and in her class there is no such thing as failing. Kim Balstad is one of a kind! I would like to see Sycamore offer more extracurricular activities and spend a little less time on testing. I know that when I drop my children off to school each day they are in safe hands. I look forward to another great year with Sycamore! Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/22/07
Our daughter transferred from TUSD to Vail School District when we moved and it was the best move we could have ever made. The testing definitely identifies where she needs to improve and those areas are addressed. Vail also offers intersession help for those students that need it. That is a big bonus.
... Read more The onsite aftercare is also excellent. While we have not had any reason to interface with the principal, the entire staff certainly gives an air of 'open door' policy. The teachers do an excellent job of communicating with parents through newsletters; we always know what's going on in the classroom. The kindergarten curriculum is more challenging than in the other school my son was enrolled in. My kids have been at Sycamore collectively for 4 years. We feel we have had great teachers, even the teachers who were in their first year of teaching were excellent. Read less
Posted by a parent on 03/27/07
My wife and I took our daughter out of the school due to a discipline issue in her classroom. There was no support from administration other than a meeting to pacify the situation and appease us. The other parent's comments about the only thing they rely on is testing is correct.
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Posted by a parent on 03/14/07
I recently moved to the Vail area from California and was so concerned about my children starting school in a new area, however I am so pleased with my childrens academic success and with all of the teachers and other staff. Everyone here is great and my children are doing very well.
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Posted by a parent on 09/19/06
When had chose a house to be built in the Vail School district because it is one of the top 5 districts in Arizona. I am disappointed in the way this school educates, disciplines, and disregards my suggestions. I will not list every little detail. I think it unnecessary and unrespectful for my child
... Read more to be recognized as a number and not by his name. However he is known by his name when he reprimanded. There is no sport activities. Sycamore concentrates on testing scores. This is his second year at Sycamore. Maybe the last. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/19/06
My daughter has done so well at Sycamore.She absolutely loves it.She has straight A's, and she loves her teachers.The principle, Mr. Graff, is excellent and genuinely cares for his staff and students.I have found that even though my daughter has only attended Sycamore for kindergarten and 1st grade,
... Read more other teachers know her by name and make it a point to know each student on a first name basis, which makes me feel extra comfortable knowing that she is being watched over and cared for by everyone there.The staff also encourages parent participation whenever possible, which is also comforting to know I can drop in anytime to check on my daughter and her teachers.I definitely recommend Sycamore to anyone thinking of registering their kids there. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/18/06
Caring environment. Lots of parent involvement. Great school spirit.
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Posted by a parent on 05/05/06
Sycamore is an incredible school! The admistration and faculty are great! Sycamore has a wonderful caring environment along with high expectations for their students.
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Posted by a parent on 11/13/05
The staff our friendly and caring from lunch workers, and parapros to office staff and teachers. The principal, Ken Graff, is a great leader and as a fellow parent and community member has a true pride of ownership in this school and this area. As most schools are in the Vail school district, Sycamore
... Read more is growing fast! Read less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Corona schools — Sycamore Elementary School is located at 16701 S Houghton, Corona AZ 85641. 16701 S Houghton is in the 85641 ZIP code in Corona, AZ The school district for Sycamore Elementary School is the Vail School District 20. Sycamore Elementary School is a Public school that serves grade levels K - 5.
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Test Score Ratings
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