Hale Elementary School

Let the new principle know how I felt about a teacher making both of my kids cry and was given the third degree about it being my "kids reality". As far as I am concerned, no one but me (the parent) gets to dismiss "my kids reality". If I have 2 kids who have problems with the same teacher and are coming home daily crying, it's a YOU problem. Having a kid with behavioral issues is hard, but you are supposed to be professionals and HELPING my kids and not making them feel helpless.

This school ruined me the teachers were okay but the students were the problem. and the staff did NOTHING about it one kid pretended to be hitler and drew a mustache on himself and did the NAZI salute. teacher didn't even notice?? and when I reported it the counselor gave him a "talk". when the student came back he laughed it off and did it AGAIN little to ZERO consequences for literally impersonating hitler. A student i know was bullied by their peers for being transgender kids would ask them "do you need to wear a pad???" loud and rudely to them and laughed it off NO consequences!! the only good thing about this school is that the counselor's kind of make you feel better. this school made depression easy to develop and has destroyed many kids mental health. if tou're kid has behavioral issues dont send them too easy to get away with literal nazi,racism and transphobia in this school.

On a positive note, this school is very good with education, and special need services. HOWEVER THEY LACK IN PROTOCOL AND IN SAFETY - Another child threatened my child stating they would bring a gun to school today to shoot and kill my child. The school took this very lightly , left me a voicemail stating they needed to speak with me in regards to a "mean comment" made to my child during lunch and that it was not urgent. I called back only to find that it was in fact urgent. Upon my arrival the other parents refused to speak to me, & I did not receive much concern from the principle, the school staff or the teacher. Ultimately, there were no consequences for the child. In addition to this , a couple months ago some older boys shut my daughters face in the cafeteria door , gave her a black eye and busted her nose. The principle said my daughter lied and there were no consequences for those boys either. It is very clear that the safety of our children does not apply at this school .

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!

Montessori International School has been an amazing learning facility for my two children. They have both excelled in the environment, learning to be independent and contributing members of each little community. The teachers, staff and support personnel are amazing and care deeply about providing a nurturing environment for students to flourish. Every day I am impressed by the quality of the education provided and am so happy to have my daughters enrolled at MIS. Thank you for being amazing!!

This school is so friendly and sweet. The teachers make sure your safe at all times and make sure you know what your learning about. The kids here are so well mannered and have learned well. The special education is so good here also. The teachers are always in good contact with families and the teachers understand what your going through.