Ishikawa Elementary School

I withdrew my child from this school because of ongoing bullying by students and the staff's failure to intervene. I tried discussing my concerns face-to-face, but my child continued to come home upset and reluctant to attend. I do not recommend this school; consider exploring charter or online schools instead.

I can’t say enough positive things about this school! We transferred here from MacArthur and it’s been amazing! The staff, the principal, the teachers, the PTO, everything! So happy and so are my kids!

This was the most violent school that I had ever worked at. Students were constantly threatening each other, even in front of the principal at the time. Students would yellow racist things across the classroom, throw things, kick and choke each other in the classroom. There were too many kids in the classrooms for this level of energy and their photos weren't posted in Synergy. I brought it up to the principal that 25 students didn't have photos for me to verify their identity and she said, that was impossible and maybe only 1 was missing. I notified the principal and HR about these situations but was brushed off. If the same principal is there, I would not recommend this school for children or teachers.

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 .

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.

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!