Desert Knolls Elementary School

18213 Symeron Road

School District

Apple Valley Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Apple Valley Unified School 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 December 18, 2024

I have 1 grandchild that attended this school,he has been bullied on several occasions quite a few different students. The school never saw or heard of anything that was going on with my grandson, but they always believe the other child.We met with the principal we've called the school district and still no resolve so we removed him from the school.My second grandchild has been in the school for about a week yesterday the teacher called him a liar and a thief. I sent her a message in parent square she has yet to respond. My children are sent to school to learn, instead they are being bullied by both students and teachers. There is no reason my 8 yr old should be asking why do we send him there.Yes, they're African American students
Submitted by other on May 16, 2024

Not sigma bro, very L skibidi gigarizz
Submitted by other on February 07, 2022

I Just graduated from this school last year, and it was good the first two years. After that, I noticed people were constantly bullied. I know that when you bring it up they virtually do nothing to help. The principle (since retired) knew about my issues with someone and put me in her class every year, making it worse. I loved my teachers and they were nice, but if your child has a chance of being bullied, maybe be careful.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2019

The staff, teachers, and administration truly care about the students. It takes all hands on deck to support schools, this includes parents taking accountability. There does need to be more consistency and a clear, positive message to students and parents.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2018

our experience has been horrible. The principal has anger issues. She yells at us in front of other people. She has no ethic?
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2015

This school is such a disappointment. My son has been picked on and when I complained, I was told it would be handled, but it wasn't. As stated in a previous review, both the teacher and principal are incompetent and do not handle situations as promised. They try to put everything back onto the parent, but the issues are happening at the school! Even my son can tell his teacher doesn't like him- he told me "well, I guess she likes the smarter kids the best." I've been in her classroom and seen the favoritism. I never mentioned it to my son, but kids' can sense these things. The need to remove the current principal and get someone in that cares about all the students and does not lie or hide things to protect the teachers. Perhaps she's afraid of the teacher's union? I don't know, but I don't believe there will be a good universal change until the administration has been removed.
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2014

Love it! Great school for my kids. they are happy here and excel in the gate program. Very pleased.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

Nothing positive about this school. My kids have always been in private school & never had to deal w/ nonsense that comes w/ a public school until now. Only reason my children went to this school is b/c we are on temp. military orders & only in the area for 1/2 the school yr. In 1 mo. time, my child has been bullied repeatedly by the same child to the point I filed a police report for assault. Needless to say after 3 incidence, a police report & complaint to AVUSD, the kid was placed back in the same classroom & only b/c I complained AGAIN about my child's safety, my child was removed from the class as if he was the problem rather than the victim. The bully has repeatedly been protected, all disciplinary info. Always withheld & I'm always told "he's being dealt w/. "Both teacher & principle are incompetent & tell you they will handle it just to shut you up. I was raised in this area, I know what the schools "used" to be. Academically, children are not allowed room to grow & are restricted to only doing reading in their grade level even if they are advanced. Children need to be allowed to excel w/out restrictions. ----from a Completely disappointed Parent / College Professor.....
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

My child has been attending since kindergarden. She loves her school, her teachers and is always ready to go and be with her BFF's as she says. I believe with all the improvements that has been made the classes are smaller and the teacher with their helpers and everyone you see helps each other out is nice. A lot different from where we come from although it was in the USA. I believe my daughter has more potential to grow here and not just become a number in the classroom. She is succeeding more than we ever imagined. Maybe it had something to do with the preschool we sent her to as well. Because if we hadn't sent her on our own $$ we wouldn't have never even known about DK. We immediately went and transfered her into DK rather than the school she was suppose to go to. No regrets. Good to see the security is so good and put into action here. Very Happy also to see she started Algebra in the 1st grade which was like ugh ok! We know it's for her though to be ahead of the game when she graduates. Thank You Desert Knolls. We are glad we found you.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2012

My child has attended DKE for 4 yrs., and continues to grow both socially and academically. I have a younger child who will be starting Kindergarten next year and she can't wait! We have always stressed the importance of education, but have never pushed our children to fulfill some need of our own. The entire staff knows our family and treats us with respect and love, as we treat them. I choose to ignore parent's gossip about their experience with this school, as I am perfectly capable of making that choice myself. My children will finish their elementary education here at DKE and will have the skills and values needed to further their educational goals.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2011

My child has been at DK for 4 years and he LOVES it! He is a happy, well-rounded child - of course as parents that's what WE encouraged and expected. Too many parents bring in their own educational baggage when they bash a school, they look at their own kids with rose-colored glasses and everyone else is under the microscope. The new staff is caring and supportive and my pre-schooler can't wait to start next year!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2011

My daughter has attended school here for 4 years, I have seen this school go downhill. I am pulling her out soon.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2011

I have been very happy with this school. It is unfortunate that classes sizes can't change due to budget, but in my opinion that just means we need to do our part and help out! My son started 1st grade last year and has been given many opportunites to be eduacated at his level. I would recommend this school ! The new principal has brought a much needed excitment and structure to this school.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2009

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