Freeport
Mayer, AZ 86333

My daughter attended 5th grade and just started 6th grade. She LOVES going to school, which speaks volumes! She feels safe, likes her teachers, and has fun learning. The school offers STEAM, art, music, and multiple clubs for before and after school (with bus transportation, if needed). They do offer some sports, mostly through clubs, but the district does allow this age group to participate in cross country (1 mile). This year, they've implemented Grizzly Zones on Fridays to get kids more outside time in addition to morning recess and mid-day recess. The district offers a phenomenal Watershed program for 5th graders that includes six field trips to Prescott parks and water treatment facility and a 2-night camping experience! They include parents in multiple events throughout the year, including Meet the Teachers, Back to School night (a couple of weeks after school starts), music concerts, plays, award ceremonies, etc. There is a PTA desperate for parent involvement. In our experience, the 5th-grade teacher asked for Room Parents; these parents planned four class parties. My daughter does not have accommodations, so I can't speak to that; however, through volunteering, I met a newly hired Special Education teacher whom the kids adored. The school probably encounters the same issues of teacher quality as all schools do; some are just more desirable than others, but I would still recommend Granite Mountain Upper Elementary School!

Pervasive and unaddressed bullying, unsupportive environment, disruptive classrooms, poor communication.

Excellent school. All schools / work places / etc. have positive and negative. Honestly, we didn't have very high expectations because of the reputation of the school. We were pleasantly surprised. The homework for most classes wasn't too much, respecting the kid's needs to breathe after school and pursue personal hobbies allowing kids down time. Very important!

Don't work here if you can help it. Teachers are amazing and care about the students but admin lies about positions and what you would be doing. Be careful if you ever interview here. They allow children that are aggressive to both kids and teachers into Gen ED when they should be in a more specalised environment to meet their needs.