2455 E Encinas Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234

We love Pioneer and the feeling of community there. Many teachers and staff get to know all the kids' names and make them feel welcome from the moment they arrive each day. Communication from most teachers is excellent, providing weekly notes about class and school activities and lesson plans, as well as prompt responses to private messages. There seems to be an appropriate balance between academic activities and fun brain breaks provided throughout each school day. The amount of homework assigned is enough to keep parents in the loop about what their students are learning, but not so much that it takes up the entire evening. Class sizes are small enough that we don't have to worry about our children getting lost, overlooked, or not getting enough attention. The campus is charming with a nice courtyard in the middle and inviting classrooms. My picky eater kids have been able to expand their palates by trying and enjoying menu items from the school cafeteria. The PTSO does a great job at organizing fundraising activities and then putting on free family events throughout the year. We sometimes wish there were more clubs and after school activities offered through the school, but understand the challenges of making them happen with such a small student body. Overall, we are so pleased that we were lucky enough to be assigned to such a lovely little school!