Ustick Elementary School

12435 West Ustick Road

School District

Joint No. 2
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Joint School District No. 2

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 September 22, 2022

If I could give a negative star review I would, but since I can't I am stuck leaving it as a one star. My son started kindergarten this year and we've had nothing but trouble with the school. He started being bullied and then because of that started to act out. He was not getting the support he needed or being watched very well. I will not go into details to give our identities away. But if I could start his kindergarten year over at another school I would. I am investigating and looking for another option starting today. Do not allow your kids to go here! I constantly worry about his safety at this school.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2018

I have spent the last 2 years volunteering and spending time with the teachers and kids. I was appalled when I saw how many kids in the 2nd grade struggled to read and do basic math and the teachers approach to handling it was to let them draw or play on the ipads. This happened on numerous occasions. I wouldn't say that the teachers don't care, but I would confidently say that their dedication and involvement in to teaching our children the skills and knowledge they need from school are VERY low and need alot of work. Teacher/ parent and even school/parent communication is only present when we force it out of them. Our child had a bloody nose so bad one day, they gave her loner clothes and when she came home is when we found out about the incident. We are very attentive parents and even create our own homework and assignments for our child since the school lowers their expectations for the kids to slide by and get through the year. The only reason we are still at this school is because we have been battling in court for a change and until we get that, I will be "that parent" that speaks up and forces the school to give the education these children deserve. There is a reason why Ustick is rated one of the lowest schools in the entire treasure valley.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2018

The teacher and the staff are super helpful. You can tell they really care about the kids.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2017

All of the teachers and other staff go above and beyond for the students and families.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2016

I love this school, I really do. My son has been here since the spring of 2015. He was in 2nd grade at the time and he has loved it since. He is in 4th grade now and I am relieved when he goes to school at Ustick everyday. The teachers are great and everyone is really nice there.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2014

Love love love this school. Has great teachers that know what they are doing. They continually show huge growth scores according to district tests. Principal seems nice and fair.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

This is a great school. The teachers really care for the students. The school has great diversity that you will not find in another treasure valley school. The principal knows all the kids names and is always open to conversation. My kids are now in middle and high school and Ustick prepared them well.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Ustick elementary is underrated. Yes, they have around 18 languages spoken there, so their test scores are misleading. If you look at the test scores of those where English is the language spoken in the home, they are the same as other schools in the area. All the teachers my 2 kids have had, I have loved. The school does a great job with parent involvement, however, many parents are lazy and drop the ball. It is the same parents helping out over and over again....can't blame the school. Overall, I think this is a fine school for Idaho, although Idaho schools could improve quite a bit in general.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2012

Our oldest son spent 4th grade here. I tried not to judge the school based on the old building, but our experience matched the old exterior. The teacher was overwhelmed with behavioral problems with a few students in the class. When I expressed my concern that my son wasn't reaching his potential, she said, " B's and C's get Degrees." I was floored that a teacher would encourage us to lower our expectations. This attitude carried on up to the administration as well. It's no surprise that this school is flagged as a "Needs Improvement" School and is required to provide its students with transportation to two other schools of choice. We moved him to Spalding and were very, very happy. The administration is excellent.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2010

Ustick school did not impress me with either academic or leadership excellence. Communication between teacher and parent was poor and sporadic in what they would send home for information and homework. Parent involement in classroom was minimal and it was always the same 1-2 parents everytime. Old school with old facilities and outdated materials and supplies. Big class sizes in small rooms with no personal space at all for kids supplies or backpacks.