Desert Vista Elementary School

3701 East Broadway Avenue

School District

Apache Junction Unified District
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Apache Junction Unified District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 16, 2024

The staff attempts at getting everyone on board but the teachers are constantly leaving retiring or being sent to other schools that need more help? I haven’t had a good experience this whole year. There has been a huge lack of communications and now that the principle is leaving they don’t really care to carry out the last few weeks the correct way. I feel like the teachers do not have enough support from the district or their principle. The intervention specialist left after I finally got some lead way with my youngest and his behaviors. He has had two brand new teachers right out of school out of the 3 years we’ve been here. My oldest is failing in reading and the teacher just let me know at the last conference of the year. I’ve had many concerns brushed off and never had any resolutions. They except the teachers to watch 90 kids on the recesses and when all the kids are up to trouble they blame one kid and never actually solve the issues or resolve the behaviors. I have had a hard time deciding whether to keep my kids in the school district or attempt mesa public schools. And now I have my mind made up. The high turn over and low resources make it hard for any kid that is at risk let alone kids that experienced Covid and closures. Not to mention the front desk staff has sent mixed messages and have lost my children at least five times.
Submitted by other on July 20, 2019

Great school, principal and staff. Beautiful location.
Submitted by other on September 15, 2014

Desert Vista School and staff are great!!!! I have been involved with this school and staff for the last few years and have not been disappointed!!! The person who posted that the nurse is insensitive must be talking about someone else because the current nurse is wonderful!!! She treats all the children the same and always communicates with parents. The entire staff put the children first and that is what makes them so special. Keep up the great job Desert Vista!!!!!
Submitted by teacher on September 12, 2014

As principal of Desert Vista Elementary, I always appreciate feedback both to celebrate accomplishments and to improve so we can be better tomorrow than we are today. My school nurse does not attend assemblies as her responsibility is to look after our students who may go to the nurse's office during that time. She truly cares about every student just like all the staff members at DVES. Thank you for your feedback.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2014

Although I rated this school 4 stars, I must say the nurse has got to go. She is the most insensitive person I have ever met! The is out right hateful to the children and even pulled my 5 year olds hair at an assembly as she was looking for a place to sit in order to direct her.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2011

Well first of all the staff that we had contact with seem very confused and stressed out. Very high lack of communication. After being told by several people that our children will be going to Desert Vista, so we purchased uniforms and school supplies to prepare to start school.. Let me say We were not prepared when we got a call from the principal (Nice Lady). she informed us that our kids were at the wrong school according to our address. Why is there so much chaos and B.S. within the school/school district? Is there a lack of understanding and comprehension of how a school should be ran. But like I told my wife this might all be a blessing in disguise, Maybe they weren meant to go tro that school. by how rundown it is I dont think it should even be open...........
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2010

Great school, Mrs. Mittendorf is an awesome teacher. My child is learning more than other kids do in the other school districts.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2010

When we started at this school 7 years ago it was a much diffrent school. This Mrs. Sanchez doesn't care about this school and does not treat the children or the parents with respect. she is dropping the standered every year in the 4 she has been there. The teachers are all new every year. LOTS of turn over. The ones who were there for for years have almost all left. We are pulling our kids out.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2010

Do not let this happen to your children! I m not saying do not send your children to D.V., but rather if you have a bully issue or any issue you must DEMAND proof that the issue has been resolved or that discipline has been handed out.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2010

I am dissatisfied with this school. I was a volunteer all year long and have seen many things that bothered me. My sons Kindergarten teacher was ill and had to leave. His class was always noisy and it took awhile to find a replacement. Classrooms need consistancy at this early age. Principle was always taking sides of the teachers and not an advocate for the parents. She is very hard to talk to and has not one time thanked myself for all the hard work I have put into this school. Teachers are all changing next year and so who knows what will happen. We cannot request a teacher anymore because the principle will not allow it. I'm looking for a new school for this upcoming year. On the positive the teachers that are currently there I will say the majority are very good, but most of them are now leaving.