West Junior High School

Review for Hillcrest ElementaryI am beyond frustrated with Hillcrest Elementary and feel compelled to share my outrage. This school has been a complete disappointment and, frankly, a waste of our tax dollars.First and foremost, my child has been unfairly targeted by a substitute teacher who seems to have it out for him. This person, who was merely a lunch guard last year, somehow got thrust into a teaching position, raising serious questions about the hiring practices here. My child has been reprimanded multiple times for minor issues, while other kids run wild without any consequences when this substitute is around. Just last week, my son was sent to the office for telling another student to stop messing with the lights—something the substitute had already addressed! It’s infuriating to see him scapegoated for simply trying to follow the rules in an environment that should be nurturing.This school claims to be a safe space for children, yet my son comes home overwhelmed and anxious, with chafed lips from stress—thanks to a substitute who won’t even allow him chapstick! It’s heartbreaking to see my child suffering because of the incompetence of the staff. When I raised these concerns with the principal, her response was dismissive. It’s clear she is out of touch and ill-equipped to handle the needs of the students.And let’s talk about the utter failure of the majority of the staff. Last year, I overheard a counselor tell a child who expressed fear of being jumped on the way home, “Have you tried talking to them?” Are you kidding me? That’s when an adult should step in and take charge! The complete lack of appropriate response in situations like this shows a shocking disregard for student safety.Overall, Hillcrest Elementary is a disaster. The leadership is ineffective, the staff is underqualified, and the school seems to operate under the assumption that low-income students don’t deserve the same level of care as others. The principal’s constant excuses about the school’s size are pathetic; I could walk from one end to the other in seconds. It feels like the school has given up on the kids, leaving them to fend for themselves.In summary, I absolutely cannot recommend Hillcrest Elementary. It’s a toxic environment that fails to meet the needs of its students and is a disservice to our community. Parents deserve so much better for their children, and it’s infuriating to see our tax dollars wasted on such a broken system.

Great School- the learning and ownership of students is AMAZING!

There are certainly some teachers at Amity that might reconsider their careers in the Covid/Post Covid educational setting. We're never going back, and you're punishing children for things they can not impact. There are also amazing teachers entering the profession that should be cherished. Several years of principal turnover has impacted the teachers as much as the state's funding deficits. The staff at Amity truly connect with the kids, and I'm happy when my daughter tells me about how the front office staff know her (without her being a troublemaker). The PTA is lacking, but I feel that's a joint effort from the parents and administrative staff learning to jell.

We have had four children filter through Grace Jordan. The teachers are incredible in every way! They help each child find their passion for learning and encourage them to be the best version of themselves. The entire staff is amazing. We could not have asked for a better school for our children!

The teachers are dedicated, passionate, and truly care about each student's success. The curriculum is challenging yet engaging.The school's focus on Math has been particularly impressive, and I've seen my daughter grow and thrive in this environment. Especially the extra Math class they do every Wednesday is a great way of encouraging. The administration is responsive and communicative, keeping parents informed and involved in every step of the educational journey.It's a great school that has provided my daughter with a solid foundation for future success. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a supportive, inclusive, and academically rigorous educational environment!

Best elementary school in the treasure valley

We have attended 4 different elementary schools in 5 years due to military service. I have been so happy with each and every one (even the one in Nevada which is such a low performing state academically). Our 7 months at Desert Sage have been an absolute nightmare. It is unreal. The front staff will answer no questions. Absolutely nothing is their problem. They will tell you to google it if you want info about after school activities. If your child is lost and confused about their bus and in the office asking where they should go? They won't direct them. They will call YOU and tell you they "don't communicate with the busses." Your child will be groped on the playground, punched in the face. Nobody will do anything. They won't acknowledge the ALP your child brings from their prior school until you get an educational advocate involved. They won't let you watch your child carol with the choir in the hallway because it is a security risk. Yet when you walk in, they won't look up or make you sign in unless you purposely get their attention. I have never felt compelled to leave a review for a school, but you should know what you are getting into if your child attends Desert Sage.