Van Hise Elementary School

My children attend this school and we’re generally very happy with it. Most of the teachers have been here over three to five years, and the past few years they have been piloting a new course called “CAMP” which stands for Curiosity, Arts, Mindfulness, and Projects. It’s a great way for students to use recycled materials to be creative. This school is so awesome that some teachers decide to return from retirement to just work here! I’ve had to reach out to the leadership and support teams and they’ve always been supportive and helpful. Only two drawbacks to the school: the building needs to be updated, but MMSD is working on that with most schools. Second being that the gifted students program barely exists and the teacher leading it has an extremely high number of students to support. The core teachers are responsive if you communicate any concerns.

We have had two different children attend Midvale Elementary. The first child entered in 1st grade, which was during Covid. After a few weeks, the school reached out to us to let us know that our child couldn't read. I knew this already, but I was glad the school identified it. Our child was provided with a one on one reading specialist 4 days per week until they reached the expected level they needed to. Now they are in 6th grade and reading above grade level.Our younger child has had an amazing time at Midvale. They have ADHD and the teachers have been accommodating, working with us to find ways to engage our child without punishing them for the activity level they have. I have been very happy with all of the teachers that my children have had.The school has an amazing music teacher and amazing art teacher (who just retired). The PE teacher Ms. Mo is fantastic. I've been very impressed that all children receive swimming education as well as bicycling education. Not every school offers that but those are important skills for children to learn.

I am a mother of three school-aged children. We came from another country because my husband is pursuing his PhD studies here. When we arrived, my children didn’t speak English, and I was very worried about how they would adapt to a new culture, language, and school environment.From the very first day, we felt truly welcomed and cared for by everyone at the school. We experienced genuine kindness and support from every person we met. Last year, my eldest son faced some challenges, and the school staff responded with incredible understanding and professionalism.I want to sincerely thank Principal Gillespie and all the wonderful teachers who supported us and helped create such a warm, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere.

I went to this school when I was a kid; and my kids go here now this school is amazing I love how they take extra security they take to the building I feel so much comfort sending my kids here all the teachers are amazing

The education is great!, but the teachers and principal is not! The lack of communication and respect for parents is unbelievable! The lack of English when you’re trying to communicate with the teachers about students and getting weird responses back or no response at all is so unprofessional! Also, they need to have more teachers who don’t just speak Spanish. They need diversity! This saddened me because I know this is a great school the teachers are making it bad, the lack or respect and different backgrounds! The lack of communication and responses is terrible! I hope it improves or I will remove my children. This school doesn’t make every parent feel welcomed!