401 E Ellis Dr
Tempe, AZ 85282

Please don’t! Our experience at Aguilar Elementary has been deeply disappointing. The school repeatedly failed to follow essential special education procedures and provided poor communication when issues were raised. Safeguards and data tracking were inconsistent, and our child’s IEP was not implemented as required. Despite multiple written concerns and meetings, the administration offered no clear or timely solutions. Families relying on special education services or expecting a responsive, accountable school environment should look elsewhere. I do not recommend this school

If I could give zero stars, I would. Mrs. Hamati the principal has been one of the most rigid and overbearing staff members I’ve encountered. She shows little to no understanding of individual student needs and absolutely no flexibility when it comes to circumstances that require compassion and support.Her approach is unnecessarily strict, cold, and unyielding—failing to foster a healthy or encouraging environment for students. Rather than working with families or finding solutions, she creates more tension and leaves students feeling unheard, misunderstood, and discouraged.In a role that should require empathy and communication, she consistently demonstrates the opposite. If you're looking for someone who nurtures growth and supports student well-being, unfortunately, that’s not what you’ll get here.

There are better examples of schools that are more well rounded, educated and student-focused in Tempe. I would not suggest this school to anyone that cares for their child. Everything from teachers attitudes, student mental and physical health to such a simple thing as a healthy lunch. This is only my opinion but please be warned.Teachers: I would say a 1/3 of the teaching staff actually put forth 110% for the students. There are staff that borderline bully students/parents. It's happen to me and I've seen it happen to other parents. The only decent teachers have left for other schools, and those teachers made it bearable. For example, they claim "There are cameras everywhere." yet my student was blamed for something they didn't do (other students agreed) but ended up getting detention anyway with no evidence.Classwork:They claim there is no homework, yet they do and make the students carry tons of paperwork and a chrome book. We weighed their backpack and it weighed 10lbs. I am not against homework but some of their decisions are questionable. The lessons bounce from subject to subject so often, its difficult to keep track of anything. For example, Going from Greek mythology for 2 days, then suddenly learning about caveman drawings. Just no real direction.Social-emotional support:From the bullying from students and teachers (A Teacher has said in the middle of class "I don't know how you got to this grade") to taking things out of context and making something it is not, doesn't sit well with my student and I can see their hesitation on enrolling again.Family EngagementThe only positive thing I will give them is they are very open on what students are learning and with events the school holds.Nutrition:If you care about what your student eats and doesn't eat, be warned. Their lunch menu is 3/10 at best, they do have alternative Peanut Butter and Jelly, but that's it. Teachers will give things like candy and processed junk food throughout the day, but there is nothing nutritious about it.

This school is honestly really nice for academics. It offers so many countless opportunities. Its main focus is college readiness. They will get you there no matter how much it takes. They offer Honors and IB classes so regularly to students under no pressure. I recommend if your child is really ahead or have a clear passion for their career and education. They even offer opportunities to students who have trouble in school I’ve noticed. They offer trade school to students who are working towards their career and a standard CTE class helps a lot. Lastly, their special education program is really nice.