W Sterling Pl
Chandler, AZ 85225

I know there’s a lot of complaints about Dobson, but honestly, I think this school is great! I want to point out, this school makes everyone go through weapon detectors every day, and they have advanced cameras and vape detectors everywhere, and a pre-recorded system in case the school goes on lockdown. You will be much safer at Dobson than many other high schools in this area. A few other things: The lunch is alright, and I especially love their chicken and waffles. It’s pre-made, and they could have fresher fruits and veggies. But overall, it’s alright. They have much more electives to choose from, unlike many other High School, and overall, the Mesa school district is much more better funded and doing much better than other school districts in Arizona. The library is pretty good too. They have diverse books, and they never ban them. I think they could add more new releases, but the librarians told me that they’re actively improving the selection, and so far, I think they are! Unfortunately, they got rid of their driver’s ed a few years ago due to staffing issues, so your only option is to go to a driver’s school that costs a fortune if you can’t have anyone else teach you. The teachers have supported me in trying to improve my grades I’ve had at the beginning of the year, and I’m pretty grateful to be at this school. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

My son transferred to Sirrine Montessori Center as a former Montessori pre-K student, but he had also been at one of the top-rated Kyrene elementary schools for years prior. His kinder and first-grade teachers were amazing, but in the second grade he became very down, lost all his self-belief, and frequently told me he was the slowest and dumbest in his classes at the former Kyrene school. I asked him why he felt this way, or who had said any of that to him, and he would say it was just obvious. We spoke to his teachers and sent him to a counselor there, but no one seemed to know what we were describing. From a teaching friend I have, I learned I could ask to have him evaluated in case he had any learning disabilities or needs. I asked at least three times, and was told it would be arranged, but never was. Meanwhile, every single day when we picked him up he was unsmiling, worn out, defeated. I'd had him on waitlists at public Montessori elementary schools all during his second grade, and when we learned he was accepted at Sirrine I was beyond happy and relieved, not just for the Montessori elements, but also due to the smaller school and classroom sizes overall.He loves this school! (Well, as much as he will ever love going to school.) When I say he literally looked like his old self with the reduced stress, and no more of that completely defeated demeanor that first week, I'm not exaggerating. It was like he was a kid again, smiling, lighthearted, and at ease. As the year progressed, his teachers were both incredibly kind and encouraging to him, and they never waivered in giving support. His lead teacher stayed in regular contact with us (without us reaching out first) and I realized this is what it feels like to actually be partners with his education. He had some rough quarters grades wise, and she gave me tools and suggestions that made all the difference.And then, in the winter when he had the worst repeated/ongoing illness he's experienced by far, not only were his teachers there for him, but his school's office and health staff were incredibly supportive. I was so concerned about him, but not once were they anything but genuinely caring and calm while I was seriously worried.I am eternally grateful for SMC's staff and environment; it is truly an amazing group of people that make it so great.Caleb J's mom

This school used to be filled with kind and supportive staff, now, not so much. The new Principle Mike is pretty rude and so is their staff, quite a change compared to the past 20 years. Their early education teacher, doesnt know how to decide that a child is ready for kindergarten, but rather goes off her little test on paper with a pass or fail. Missed opportunities for kids who are intelligent and ready to learn, but may not know everything on their written test. Just not the school it used to be.