Festival Foothills Elementary School

26252 West Desert Vista Boulevard

School District

Wickenburg Unified District
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Wickenburg 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 November 07, 2023

We put our child in this school and had multiple times we felt our child wasn’t safe. Communication was terrible. They go off campus in an unsecured area to use playground equipment. Our child was not excelling like they should have for being in such a low number student classroom and was actually declining by the end of the year. No water fountains for the kids to use or fill up their water bottles with. We pulled our child out of this school and decided it’s better and safer to homeschool them than send them here.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2023

Horrible experience!!! This school is understaffed and underfunded. This school is the prime example of leave every student behind. There is a lack of pride throughout, starting at the staff level. Bullying is everywhere and the students that are doing the bullying are protected more than the students getting hurt. And I don't just mean name calling. There are no boundaries or discipline for physical violence. Multiple major issues get swept under the rug. There is zero communication to the parents about important issues. We pulled our student out last year after multiple major incidents. As I walked by the school yesterday PE teacher was a football field away facing the opposite direction of where students were. Students were shoving each other to the ground and throwing balls directly to each other's faces. I called the front office and reported as it looked like nothing had changed. I would at all costs keep your kids away from this school.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2018

0 stars if I could give that low. It's really too bad because there are a few excellent teachers
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2018

The worst school I have ever seen ! This school needs a new Principal for sure !!
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2018

This school offers great opportunities for our students to learn and grow together. My child is in their second year at this school and the teachers have been amazing! They really listen to any concerns brought up and also are very communicative with us. The PTA also offers fun family nights throughout the year to help with family life balance.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2018

My child really enjoys attending Festival. He loves going to school everyday and has a great time and learns a lot. This school provides a positive learning environment. Teachers and support staff are all very kind and positive.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2017

This school thrives on a lack of communication and parental involvement. Their policies depend on the whims of those in charge and vary depending on the personal relationship with the affected party. Extracurricular activities are severely limited to give teachers preferential treatment at the cost of student experiences. When i attempted to address the issue of recess with the principal, she ignored my concerns and lied to me. My request for a district investigation into the issue of has gone unanswered.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2014

I find it odd that the last review gave no specific details to what his/her problem was. My kids have been going to the school for the last 5 years. I have had nothing but positive things to say about the dedicated teachers on staff and the Principal. I have seen the school grow in what they offer in curriculum and activities and how they handle different situations as the area continues to grow. Sadly, I have seen some horrific parents and students come through the school as well and that makes the school's job even more difficult. I have nothing but good things to say about Festival Foothills and I think some of the negative comments come from personal agendas or experiences that does not reflect the school as a whole. I stood behind the school and staff 5 years ago and I continue to do so today. Any concerns that I have ever had was immediatley addressed by a teacher or the Prinicipal and I am always encouraged to come in at anytime to talk. This is a fantastic school with a fantastic staff. Those with the negative comments and experiences should, if they have not already, remove the student/s and place them in another school. Then let's see how schools compare.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2014

If I could give this school a zero star rating I would. Don't be fooled as I did. Someone warned me about it but I wanted to see for myself and they were right. My kids had to pay for my mistake. All I will say is that it didn't have anything to do with church and school.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2014

I have to disagree 100% with the comments from the July 27th post. There are parents in this community who wind up with a bee in their bonnet and trash EVERYTHING because they did not get their way. If Festival is not working for you....then exercise your option to remove your child. As for me and my family.....we love, love, love Festival Foothills!!! My family stands behind the school, the teachers and the Principal. The comments from the July post screams of a personal attack instead of constructive criticism. No one cares that the church is renting space or who the Principal is married to. You act like this is a conspiracy to take over Buckeye. Those line have never crossed the entire time we have lived here. This is a small community and we are fortunate to reap the benefit of having the church here. I would bet my life that this same parent has attended most of the events put on by the church too. So, I do not place much value on the comments made in the July 27th post or even the October 8th post.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

I would disagree.I am only assuming that they are made out of jealousy or nastiness because they don't happen to feel as if "they" fit in. I've had my kids at other schools & all schools have a church rent space,whats the problem? They don't preach in the classroom. So you condemn a school because the community has a church there for them?Good for that church for activities to a very small area. Would you rather the kids be bored & have no youth activities,get off your high horse, leave people alone, stick your nose back where it belongs. For the school, it does a great job with the kids, my kids past schools have been the teachers don't stay after to tutor ,make sure the kids are succeeding or don't stay after school to play with kids,or the staff point fingers at the kids and don't openly talk to kids. My experience with THIS school has been great,always a couple rotten apples(parents that point fingers)in the bunch that try to ruin a good thing. Maybe those parents should be letting their kids grow,see diversity. There the ones who don't want it any other way but theirs. Festival Foothills is still # 1 in my book & from what I hear in the neighborhood most everyone else's too.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2014

When this school first opened it was a fantastic small school. When the new Principle took over a few years ago the school went down hill fast! Most of the incredible teaching staff is gone and the school is very unorganized. The best thing I have ever done is remove my children along with a lot of other parents . I agree with almost everything that was written from the July post. I do not recommend sending your children to this school.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2014

This school is no longer the best school in the northwest valley. Their is no separation of church and PUBLIC school here! The principal is the pastors wife. The church rents the back half of the school and has Sunday service in the cafeteria. The pastor is also a member of the Buckeye City Counsel. The assistant pastor sits on the school board. The superintendent of Wickenburg lives in the neighborhood and attends the church. His wife also happens to be the art/music teacher. The list goes on and on. The "church children" get preferential treatment, no outsiders welcome! If you have a child that is struggling do not bring them here! They don't offer any specialized learning. The school nurse and librarian are helping the slower learners, unbelievable! The principal states that she has other priorities and concerns. What is more important than educating the students? The principal has forgotten her mission and that of the schools. The faculty and church rallied for the teachers who were accused of misconduct with a student. One of those teachers happens to be a church member as well. Their is zero communication and transparency with this principal and this district! Beware!
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2014

One of the better schools available in the far NW Valley. Small size of the school is very beneficial to the students. We've had the opportunity to have each teacher except KG and 1st. Happy with the curriculum, rigor, 1:1 attention, etc. Provides opportunity to get to know the students and families of what feels like an extremely small town. Coming from a larger district, school, class size, I can tell you this school is extraordinary. Complaints about Festival may have some weight, but are not entirely the whole picture. Sweeping things under the rug could be ones perception of a bullying issue or even the way the FALSE allegation of a teacher was handled, but perhaps they were being handled appropriately while honoring the rights of those involved. I have stepped into the office and asked questions, responses have always been honest and as transparent as they can be without violating the rights of those involved. As for the church - not really an issue, provides something for the neighborhood kids and families to do out there in the middle of nowhere. Thankful to have people, regardless of their affiliation of the church or not, with such great values working with the kids.
Submitted by other on February 11, 2014

This school is okay. Not much diversity though. Being that it is in a small community my child has been in with the same class of kids since the 3rd grade. Also don't have a great feeling about the schools anti bullying policy. My son had some issues with another child and it was eventually played off as not a big deal by the principal. When I withdrew him no one even asked why.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2013

I have never liked the public school system, but gave this school a chance based on what our neighbors have said. This school is outstanding! They are up to date with technology, and communicate electronically with parents. They are safety conscious and ensure each child gets into the correct vehicle. I love the small town feel. The principal even takes the time to remember every student, and their parents. My only critique is the special needs area. They need more training, and equipment.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

My school is awesome and the people that work there care about their students. Everyone is sweet and the whole Festival Foothills Team is a great way for our daughter to grow and become a smart and dynamic student. Thank you to all of you!! Mike & Reyna Mason
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2012

I enrolled my daughter in the Preschool program and to my surprise the teacher was very Rude on her first day. No compassion and enthusiasm regarding her starting the program. I had a discussion regarding this matter with the teacher and of course she stated it was "a misunderstanding". Well after feeling uneasy , I pulled her from the program and on the day I went to inform the Director of my decision, she stated to me that she was aware of the "misunderstanding" and was sorry that my experience was "horrible". Well, if you knew of my situation then why wouldn't I or my husband be contacted. (The situation occurred a week before the decision was made to leave the program). What adds to my frustration is this is a program that parents have to pay for their children to attend so common courtesy would've been expected and appreciated. I'm so appalled that no one ever contacted my husband or I that even though we live 2 blocks away, I will not be sending my daughter to school there ever. On another note, the (front desk administration) was very nice and helpful during enrollment.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2012

We are so grateful for the positive changes we have seen in our kids this year. We have just completed our first school year in the Wickenburg District and we are proud of Festival Foothills. We are embracing the positive outcome of our decision to open enroll at Festival Foothills, which is just 10 minutes from Surprise.. There are so many wonderful things about this school and I am thankful that they not only provide an appropriate curriculum and a safe, respectful, & FUN environment for our kids... It's the icing on the cake that the kids are getting an EXCELLING education. Thank you SO much!!!