Northeast

Got bullied, teachers hated it people left me out mental issues left with anxiety and ADHD I got bullied until I was bleeding. Unacceptable for a school. I recommend Gilbert public district

My son is autistic and can have trouble regulating his emotions and outbursts. We moved him from a charter school (that couldn’t meet his needs) to Barbara Bush and his kindergarten teacher is Mrs. Wells. On my son’s first day Mrs. Wells put me at ease and told me “Don’t worry, We got this Mom!”. The principal, Mr. Olson, as well as the school psychologist Mrs. Lynch gave my son and I a tour of the school as well. They were very friendly and informative, and supportive. My son’s first week was a bit rocky. However, we are now at the end of week two and his behaviors are getting better everyday! Today he had an amazing day! And he is soooo proud to tell me at pick up! This school is supportive with my son’s needs. They take the time to understand him and work positively with him. They know how to engage him, motivate him and praise him. As the saying goes, “Kids do well if they can”. My son seems to be thriving here so far and this was the best choice my husband and I could have made.

The teachers here are amazing but the principal is not very good. They recently added a self contained autism rise soar program, and it shows the principal has no experience with special needs. For instance the start of school, she has the kids with Autism navigate crowded hall with all the noise and sensory overload causing issues. When given alternative routes for these kids to take, she dismisses the suggestion with no explanation other than "that doesn't work". Also when every other rise soar program got laptops for every IA this principal decided to only give one laptop per class severely limiting the work IAs can do. When a parent found out and complained to district, because this was affecting their child's learning experience, the principal instead of taking the criticism, went on a witch hunt interrogating staff trying to find out how the parent found out. More worried about looking good and staying in districts good Grace than teaching and helping kids. Also she doesn't allow IAs to interact with parents again with no explanation. Just run really weird like she's trying to hide something.

Mendoza has been such a blessing for our family. As a parent, you always worry about those first few years of school, but the environment here is so warm and supportive. The teachers are incredible—they’ve managed to make learning fun while really challenging the kids to grow. I’ve already seen such a big change in my son’s vocabulary and his excitement for solving problems.I love that the "Mendoza Pup" spirit is more than just a slogan; the staff truly cares about raising kind, respectful kids. It’s a great community where my son feels safe to be himself and excited to go to school every morning. We are so grateful to be part of the Mendoza family!

My grandson was attending school here at the class they have for children on the spectrum..Ms. Papadakus was great with him. The principal Ms.Quick is phenomenal and truly cares about her students..Great school