Sunset Mesa Schools

Reviews

• Submitted by parent on February 14, 2022
  A couple of parents were unhappy with COVID requirements in our state and opted to drop negative reviews everywhere they could to voice their frustration, so I felt like the right thing to do is give a more objectively honest and moderate review. We have 2 children enrolled in Sunset Mesa. We are a military family making ends meet to afford to send our kids to the best schools we can afford to due to the lack of funding and general poor management of the public school system here in central NM (and the state overall, but I digress). For context, we are products of east coast public school systems and are not affluent by any means, nor are we part of the "private school circuit" as this is our first experience with private schools. Honest Review: Academics- We could NOT be any happier with how are children are thriving in this environment. They are being challenged and encouraged, and the grade level classrooms offer differentiation to meet the kids where they are which is what we were searching for (and unable to find in the public school system here). My mother is an elementary public school teacher in another much wealthier state (who was pretty offended we were electing to go private) and she was blown away by where my younger elementary children are compared to the students she teaches in upper elementary. Class sizes seem to range to 12-14 students and they adjust the staff every year to accommodate the number of students enrolled in order to keep those class sizes small. This was especially helpful during COVID. Campus- The campus is open and kid friendly, and reminds me of a smaller version of a college campus. The playgrounds could use some updated equipment and we all hate the parking lot that's too small for the size and influx of vehicles but that's out of their control based on their location. Safety- Positive discipline and respect are some of the cornerstones of this school and that was one of the things that drew us. It's got the values and positive aspects of parochial schools but it's obviously secular. **COVID Safety: I feel compelled to address this only based on the other reviews by the disgruntled parent. With 2 children in school full-time, Sunset Mesa's policies kept my home COVID free for now 2 years, which was comforting to us with now 2 younger babies in the home. I'd characterize their communication as good, and policies erred on the side of caution for self-quarantine and testing during the pandemic.
• Submitted by parent on August 13, 2021
  Sunset Mesa did not have online learning during the pandemic in 2020 and we removed our child. It seems as though they didn't want to adjust their tuition. We re-enrolled our kids, hoping Sunset Mesa's policies would change for the upcoming year. One week before school starts we receive an email that masks will be optional indoors for unvaccinated elementary students. A parent asked Alan Mask what it would take for him to reconsider his decision and he said that it would take more parents complaining, which goes to show that Sunset Mesa is weighing their bottom line against your child's well being. Delta variant cases are increasing as we speak, but Sunset Mesa wants your money! Sunset Mesa is a business, and your child's well being comes second!
• Submitted by parent on February 01, 2021
  Our kids started here this year and we've been nothing but impressed. Overall, the academics are rigorous enough to keep our preschool/kindergarten kiddos engaged and advancing, but not unreasonable. The teachers and staff have been very caring and I've been impressed with their COVID safe practices and stances that have allowed them to remain successfully open without the state shutting them down as a non-essential business. My kids come home happy every day with their experience at Sunset Mesa. We live in a relatively good public school district and debated pulling them to attend next year in public, but if it's not broken, don't fix it. My kids overwhelmingly want to attend. The only thing I can see is that the school is a little worn, the playground equipment is older. But I also think the school has prioritized the quality of educators they've got on staff and after hiring additional teachers to meet the demand and COVID compliance to allow them to open on time and stay open this year, I'd say that's the better stewardship of our dollars. Mr Mask and the school administration has been great with communicating and we really have no complaints.
• Submitted by parent on January 05, 2018
  This school invests in the students and trains their staff on a continuing basis. They care about each child, spending time on placement with each teacher as well as considering the class dynamics. Our children were accepted by the schools they wanted to attend and have flourished in middle and high school due to the strong academic foundation provided by this school.
• Submitted by parent on December 25, 2014
  We have a large family so, when making a school decision for our children, the decision weighed heavily upon us because we were deciding for several children with various talents and learning styles. We did very thorough research, visited dozens of schools, spent time in classrooms and spoke with current parents, teachers and students at a variety of schools around the city. When we found Sunset Mesa, we knew we'd found "our" school. We currently have three children enrolled in the school and next year we will have four. Our children are loved, treasured and feel safe. The other students are intelligent, kind and come from supportive families. The teachers are approachable and nurturing. Class size is smaller than you'll find almost anywhere. And, most importantly to us, it is emphasized that just as important as their education is the development of kids' social skills, behavior and positive attitudes. Paying private school tuition for several children is not something that fits easily into our budget. However, like many of the other families at the school, we have made education our priority and we feel like every dollar that we spend on Sunset Mesa tuition is well spent.
• Submitted by parent on May 24, 2014
  I am a mother of two and both my children have been taught by superb teachers throughout their schooling. The standard of excellence is apparent among all the classes. Students are nurtured, encouraged, and supported. Their curiosity to learn is fostered in a fun but challenging environment. My kids have had experiential learning opportunities and differentiated instruction. The enrichment teachers are passionate about their subjects, as well as the classroom teachers. In my opinion, this elementary school is worth the investment into my children's love of learning!!
• Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014
  This school encourages and rewards parents to post all these positive comments. I would suggest you check out the school yourself. Notice the grounds are not well kept. Many of the teachers are not certified. Ask about ages. The kids are often held back a year, in pre-first or preschool so they are a year older and thus test better. My kids went to school here, I must tell you I spent a great deal of time re-teaching the course work at home because they were so busy with their musicals. It seemed like most the kids had private tutors to keep up with the work that wasn't taught well. They teach by memorizing! There are many good schools in Albuquerque, this one is not worth the money!
• Submitted by parent on February 28, 2014
  We have kids in elementary and preschool and could not be more pleased with the quality of the academic instruction here. We are maybe even more pleased with the "positive discipline" that both campuses practice and which we have adopted in our home. Our kids are very different from one another, but Sunset Mesa has worked to find ways to reach them both. They are both happy to go to school, empowered and confident as a result of all they have learned, and keenly aware of what it means to be a part of a community. We absolutely love Sunset Mesa. Nonetheless, because we are not wealthy, we tried an Albuquerque public school -- one very highly rated on this site -- for a little over a semester. We came away from that experience absolutely convinced that Sunset Mesa is worth every (sometimes scraped together!) penny.
• Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014
  Sunset Mesa is by far the best school in Albuquerque! The owners are there everyday and treat everyone like family! We are proud to be part of the Sunset Mesa Family!
• Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014
  Wow, wow!! We love Sunset Mesa, from the director, office staff, to teachers, parents and students. In 2013 we joined SSM and what a fantastic experience! After a long move from Michigan we worried about finding the right school for our 4 year old boy and sunset has provided us not only with an excellent place where our son goes to obtain academic achievement but a school where we feel like family. every day my sons jumps out of bed asking if it is school day and I don't blame him, for feeling this way. SSM is a place where he goes to learn not only through textbooks but also real hands on experiences. I cannot believe how much he has achieved in the last few months. Is absolutely amazing to see how everyone takes the time to know you and your kids, you are not just a number but a specific individual. Here everyone is given detailed attention, from the quiet one to the rowdy one. I feel they work with every family to bring each child to their potential. This is a school with academic success, social interaction and excellent expectations. Discipline is followed by responsiveness,supervision and age appropriate problem solving. Thanks SSM, looking forward to the next 5 years.
• Submitted by parent on January 20, 2014
  My son is a senior in high school this year. He currently attends a fabulous, local private school. As we prepare for college plans I have been thinking about the wonderful academic opportunities he has had. This all started at Sunset Mesa where we nervously enrolled him for preschool. From the beginning, Sunset Mesa was remarkable. The preschool teachers were kind, well-trained, structured, and fun! We then moved to the other campus to enjoy kindergarten through fifth grade. Again, the teachers were excellent, the opportunities were endless and the friends my son made at Sunset Mesa are still his best friends today. They all come from wonderful families who agreed that the investment of small class sizes, like minded-students, and an enriching curriculum were worth it. The owners of this school are incredibly kind and generous. THANK YOU Sunset Mesa for giving my son a solid academic foundation, confidence, and for instilling a love for learning. We will always be thankful to you.
• Submitted by parent on October 02, 2013
  This school is truly the worst school experience our family has ever had. There are some great teachers here, BUT the administration, board members and attitudes are elitist, judgemental, out of touch and dismissive. This may sound like a biased review, but it is not. It is an educated review. We had our currently bright and successful daughter enrolled there and left in horror less than a year later. Communication is abysmal. The majority of serious complaints are dismissed as "not being onboard with our program". Over the years I continue to hear horror stories of the damage that this school environment inflicts upon otherwise bright and driven children. I personally know of several professional successful families who left this school and were left trying to repair their children's subsequent apprehension about school for years after. When we moved out of state to an excellent school district, we found that the neighborhood public schools FAR exceeded the education, support and results of this private school. Imagine they are a self-hyped monopoly in a district that struggles with funding, because that is what they are. That makes the board and admin elitist. Unfounded. Beware.
• Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013
  Sunset Mesa is a stellar school. I have had two daughters graduate from SMS and my third child is now in 2nd grade at SMS, this is his 6th year attending. He tested in the top 4% Nationally on his standardized tests last year thanks to the top notch teachers and staff at Sunset Mesa. I have had the blessing of two of my three children getting the gift of time and having the opportunity of attending pre-first grade. A true bonus that most schools don't offer. The teachers are amazing and the school community is one I am proud to be apart off. SMS offers many enrichment classes; my son's favorite is Spanish. I give Sunset Mesa two thumbs up and would highly recommend the school to others in the community. The best elementary school in the state by far! The owners love and care about each and every student. Class sizes are small and each student is given individualized attention.
• Submitted by parent on February 14, 2013
  Success in private middle school placement varies significantly year-to-year. High teacher turnover rate. In attentive administration that can be erratic in decision making. If you need to see an administrator, be sure to make an appointment as they may not be present. Overall, teachers work hard to educate the children. Rumor is that tuition is negotiable.
• Submitted by parent on January 15, 2013
  My son graduated from the sunset mesa program last year. This year he is a sixth grader at Albuquerque Academy. He was a first draft choice for Academy and I was told his scores were excellent. He was placed in advanced classes across the board and into 7th grade math at the beginning of term and then later tested for 8th grade math. Academy's first report card was the type of card every parent wishes for their child, and it made me so grateful to Sunset Mesa School. SMS equipped him with all the tools he needed to succeed in a challenging academic enviorment, from strong math skills and writing a proper paper to knowing how to work effectively in a group including time management skills. My son is a regular kid... he has my genes, so I know he didn't inherit a tremendous intelligence, but he has developed a strong love of reading, science, math and learning. All of which I attribute to SMS. While he was there I knew it was a great school, but now that he's moved on I can see that they went above and beyond my expectations. I strongly recommend Sunset mesa School for any child!!
• Submitted by parent on October 23, 2012
  I have been a parent for 6 years at SMS. I currently have 3 children attending the school, from preschool on up. I am continually impressed by the teachers dedication to their students. The principal and administration have strong leadership qualities. My children are well-cared for and are always being challenged academically by the pace and curriculum of the school. I am sure that my children are receiving a strong foundation for the future.
• Submitted by parent on May 24, 2012
  Sunset Mesa is a great school. Wonderful students, faculty, staff and families. My daughter received the best education available in Albuquerque, period. The best time spent from pre-school through 5th grade. I was shocked to see any negative comments at all for this school. All of them must be written by one disgruntled person or someone just out to slam this school for warped reasons. I would not give those comments a second thought. Anyone interested in providing their child the best possible education in ABQ should just go and see for themselves. Seeing is believing. And their success record stands for itself.
• Submitted by parent on May 11, 2012
  My child did not have a positive experience at this school. The factors that I've attributed to this were, in part, the very cold and highhanded administration, teachers who behave as if they have to pander to the "elite" parents to the detriment of the others, mostly entitled kids, and subpar faciltiies. I was paying for my child to receive a top notch education that would meet her individual needs. I did not receive this. I am glad that my family is done with this school. If I had to do it all over again, I'd look at the competition, including the other private or parochial schools, or even my local public school. On another note, I am saddened, but not surprised, that an earlier parent reviewer made the statement that all of the "negative complaints are unfounded, most likely (made by) parents who had kids with learning or behavior issues." Wow! These reviews are made by individuals who speak of their INDIVIDUAL experiences! How can someone claim that another's personal experiences are unfounded. This attitude prevailed for our duration at this school. Buyer beware!
• Submitted by parent on April 24, 2012
  I came across this website by accident, but I thought I'd leave my observations for prospective parents. First, kids who push, hit, kick, bite, etc, are asked to leave, sometimes very abruptly. And, usually the parents are understandably very upset about it and I imagine that the staff looks pretty cold and callus in their eyes. Second, the school is academically challenging and if your child can't keep up, or is disruptive to the class, they may be asked to leave. But usually, you'll see this coming after being called in for endless meetings with the staff. I've seen some parents call it quits just to avoid the meetings. Remember that a lot of the parents are PhD scientists and engineers at the labs or doctors, lawyers, etc. and some of the teachers are naturally a bit intimidated by this and it can make them seem a little cold but they warm up pretty quick if you take the initiative to talk to them. The public schools in the area have superior facilities, but have nearly twice the student to teacher ratio. And no child falls through the cracks here, unlike in some public schools. I'm happy with my choice.
• Submitted by other on April 10, 2012
  I think Sunset Mesa is a great school. As a fifth grade student, I feel like school's my second home. So, it's great to have a friendly environment with great academics. The only bad things I have to say about my school is that there's some favoritism going on. Sure that's great for the kids who are the favorites, but for kids like me, it's really not fair to not get the part you wanted in the school play, or something like that, just because you're not a favorite.

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