2534 E RUSSELL Street, Mesa, AZ 85213

Principal Heather Horne has made a huge positive impact on this school! She was a former teacher and a former parent, she really gets all sides and tries to create an environment that's a win for everyone. She cares deeply about teacher retention and keeping the best teachers. Good teachers have told us they're happy here and love her, and that speaks volumes! As a parent, I have loved sending my kids, we even drive out of boundary to go. We've had one or two teachers who weren't amazing, but we've had about six who have changed our kids' lives for the better and been the best of the best! The Spanish Immersion program is fantastic. It provides a lot of elevated learning, cultural appreciation, and helps kids really excel in all subjects. I love that they have a GT program for 3rd grade and up. It's one day a week and I am floored by the advanced learning and engineering and math enhancement. We carpool with a group of kids who are all in GT, and they all say it's their favorite day of the week. They do it so well in this district, and the school has it down to make sure they get the enhancement and don't fall behind in regular classes. Bullying issues are addressed quickly here and are not tolerated. It feels like a very safe place for kids to be, very accepting with a little more diversity than many Mesa schools, and somewhere where kids are known by name. The parent involved may be their strongest asset! Teachers have learned how to involve volunteers, ask for donations where appropriate, and utilize a strong parent community that love to be involved and help. I often find that if I don't volunteer or sign up as soon as forms are released or signups are sent, it's gone in no time. It's a great problem to feel like you have to be on the ball to get the opportunity to help more with the school since so many parents freely give and help here! You'll feel like a community with parents who care and at least most teachers who really want your help and support to be a team together. It's been just a great decision to enroll and while there's always room for improvement and some imperfect people, you'll find a truly caring environment where learning is fun and kids are treated well!