Highland Jr High School

I attended this school from kindergarten through 6th grade, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. From my very first day, the teachers and staff made me feel welcome, supported, and excited to learn.One of the things I loved most about this school was the sense of community. The teachers truly cared about their students and went above and beyond to help everyone succeed. They made learning fun, encouraged us to try new things, and helped us build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.I am incredibly grateful for the education, support, and encouragement I received during my seven years here. This school helped shape who I am today, and I will always remember my time here with appreciation and fondness.

My kids attended a few years ago and I was looking at current reviews to see if it's a viable choice for upcoming students. The principal I see is still there and 3 years ago I thought he was burnt out and needed to retire. My kid broke their arm twice and faculty wasn't around to witness it and were chatting away when they were supposed to be supervising recess. I wasn't notified of it despite him going to the nurse. One of those instances was a bully who pushed him. The kid wasn't issued a consequence and the principal said it was an accident upon his personal investigation. This kid was expelled later in the year for violence. Why didn't they have teachers outside supervising? They didn't have video surveillance either? Really? I don't trust this principle and it's a shame because the teachers are top notch.

We've been a CRRE family since 2018 and have now experienced the Building Blocks preschool program all the way through 6th grade. We have been so happy and impressed with CRRE and would highly recommend it. The principal, teachers, and staff truly care about kids and our kids have always been happy to go to school. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved and throughout the year there are family-friendly events to attend. My kids have had great classroom teachers and great specials teachers, many of whom have been at the school for years and are deeply connected to the school community. The P.E. teacher Mrs. Naumann runs many fun clubs and events for kids throughout the year, from cup stacking to running club to Bring Your Parent to PE Day to 6th grade flag football and Field Day. The principal Mr. Birgen is very involved and you'll see him helping in the carpool line every day, no matter the weather. He knows the names of all the kids and is always open to ideas and chatting with parents. We have not had kids enrolled in the special education programs but my friends who have say that it's great. If you're considering schools in the Gilbert area, CRRE should be at the top of your list.

I have experience with this school for over the last 8 years and there have been some changes for the better. However, the thing that has stayed the same, if not gotten stronger, is the staff's commitment to each child and their learning. The staff holds students to a high expectation and reinforces that their education is the biggest job they have right now in their life. As this school continues to build on their community involvement, there have been more events to bring the community in to see what amazing things these students are learning. From Ancient Wax museums, reading nights, Steam nights, fall festivals, musical performances, and movie nights the way this community supports their school and teachers is great. I am lucky to be a part of this school and know that students who attend here are lucky because their teachers and the staff truly do care about each and everyone of them.