1524 E Cortez St
Phoenix, AZ 85020

I want to share my experience with Larkspur Elementary School! My son is a first grade student, he also was in the kindergarten here. Hghly qualified and talented teachers achieve incredible success. The Principal of the school has assembled an excellent team, all school stuff are very responsive. Larkspur Elementary School got a B grade this year! I am very proud that my child and I are part of this community!

I've had two students attend and graduate from Shadow over a 7-year period. There are numerous teachers are passionate about their position and have a bond with students who are engaged. There is a variety of extracurriculars and clubs for the students too, depending on their interests. Unfortunately, there aren't many Dual Enrollment classes available, while those that are DE classes don't transfer to many colleges as a regular class, but end up counting as credit as an extra-curricular in college. The AP classes are beneficial with being an "honors" class, but aren't worth (the stress of the class) if the AP test isn't taken or passed for college. Next, administration is difficult to work with, especially as a parent volunteer. However, both of my students complained often how they felt uncomfortable with anyone in the admin building. Although their Counselor was dismissive of help, the career & college counselor was very helpful with resources for them to look at all options going to college after graduation and always made them feel welcome to speak with him. Although high school is meant for the students to learn independence, communication is easily 60%+ less than what was received in lower level schools. Both of the students' parents volunteered for booster clubs of multiple groups with each of them, and the assistants that booster clubs must work through was less than helpful. The procedure to complete paperwork with her changed every year. It's quite sad how we felt treated unwelcome and as an annoyance from her; and when told to her superiors felt dismissed and "yes-ed" to just be quiet. However, other volunteers are treated as royalty simply because they bring lunch to the administration or also are a teacher in the district. And those royal volunteers are also allowed to not follow outlined district and state policies as long as (it seems) staff doesn't have to do it.The campus itself is a mess. There is always bugs, dead birds, dirty common areas, broken bathrooms, chipped paint, and terrible parking lots. Every other campus in the PV district takes care of their facilities. When asked why Shadow gets nothing, parents are told district ties their hands. But, after direct communication with the district about the campus, there is no communication or submissions to have repairs done to the campus. This makes it seem as if there is a lack of care from administration and campus maintenance to simply submit paperwork.

This school is full of bullies and gossip. Administrators downplay the lack their of prevention or accountability for the students that seem to think it’s ok to have this type of unacceptable behavior.