Carol Rae Ranch Elementary School

3777 East Houston Avenue

School District

Gilbert Unified District
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

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 January 21, 2025

We've been a CRRE family since 2018 and have now experienced the Building Blocks preschool program all the way through 6th grade. We have been so happy and impressed with CRRE and would highly recommend it. The principal, teachers, and staff truly care about kids and our kids have always been happy to go to school. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved and throughout the year there are family-friendly events to attend. My kids have had great classroom teachers and great specials teachers, many of whom have been at the school for years and are deeply connected to the school community. The P.E. teacher Mrs. Naumann runs many fun clubs and events for kids throughout the year, from cup stacking to running club to Bring Your Parent to PE Day to 6th grade flag football and Field Day. The principal Mr. Birgen is very involved and you'll see him helping in the carpool line every day, no matter the weather. He knows the names of all the kids and is always open to ideas and chatting with parents. We have not had kids enrolled in the special education programs but my friends who have say that it's great. If you're considering schools in the Gilbert area, CRRE should be at the top of your list.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2025

Both of my children attended Carol Rae Ranch from KG through 6th grade and it was a great experience. Not only were their teachers wonderful, but so was the whole school staff. The support staff from the front office to the custodians to the paraprofessionals would address them by name and make them feel special and seen. The teachers worked to make sure they were meeting the students needs at their own level and providing that individual care. There were many activities that allowed the school and families to come together and provided a great sense of community. I would absolutely recommend Carol Rae Ranch.
Submitted by teacher on January 09, 2025

Carol Rae is an A+ school with outstanding students and staff with a wonderful parent and community support system. Teachers hold students to high academic standards while still allowing children to have FUN! Extra curricular activities offered (for free) at this school that are not offered at other schools include running club, stacking club, and a school-wide art show. They also host an annual 9/11 program honoring first responders in the community. Last year, a police helicopter flew over as students applauded and waved. Parents are supportive of one another and of staff. It is truly a family. There are several events that specifically encourage parents to be a part of their child's education such as curriculum nights, door decorations, P.E. Parent Day, Jingle Jog, and Turkey Trot. PTSO generously provides additional school experiences such as field trips, class parties, and fun fests. Teachers have long tenure at Carol Rae and job openings are rare because teachers love working here.
Submitted by teacher on January 08, 2025

As an educator atCarol Rae Ranch], I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the exceptional environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. This review aims to highlight the key attributes that make our school a standout institution in the community.The curriculum a tCarol Rae is designed to challenge students while also catering to diverse learning styles. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving, our programs not only meet but exceed state standards. Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses provide motivated students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic work. Our faculty comprises highly qualified and passionate educators who are dedicated to their students' success. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, utilizing innovative teaching methods that inspire students to reach their full potential. Continuous professional development ensures that our teachers stay current with educational trends and best practices. In summary, Carol Rae is a remarkable institution that prioritizes academic rigor, personal development, and community engagement. The supportive environment, dedicated faculty, and diverse opportunities for growth make it an outstanding place for students to learn and thrive. I am proud to be a part of this vibrant educational community.
Submitted by other on January 08, 2025

I have worked at Carol Rae for over 18 years. I have worked as a classroom teacher and as a paraprofessional in Special Education. Our Special Education department and Special Education support staff are very knowledgeable and caring individuals. The staff in general is very supportive as well. The students are overall very nurturing and accepting of our special needs students and that is because we strive to be very inclusive and caring. It is a pleasure to work with students and staff at Carol Rae.
Submitted by teacher on January 07, 2025

I have been teaching at Carol Rae Ranch for seven years. In comparison to other districts and schools where I have worked, this institution offers the most welcoming and supportive environment. I believe the active participation of parents and the dedication of the administration and teachers to the students' success are the key factors that make a significant difference.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2025

Carol Rae Ranch Elementary School has been an Exceptional school for my son. He feels safe, heard, and appreciated. His Homeroom Teacher has been absolutely amazing, along with the rest of the staff my son interacts with. They have great leadership, starting with their School Principal. Thank you for all you do!!
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2025

I love this school. The teachers and staff are all very responsive and helpful. You have to buzz in with a camera doorbell and ID to get in which makes me feel like my kids are safe. There is a lot of support for my son who is a special type of learner. The staff seems to know all kids by name. I will always recommend Carol Rae
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2025

Carol Rae has been an exceptional educational experience for my family. We have three children who all learn very differently and all three have excelled at Carol Rae Ranch. The staff is always friendly and know my children's name, this includes the front office staff and principal as well.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2025

Both of my kids went/go to this school. Great/caring staff, good programs, involved parents. Anytime I have a concern I'm responded to promptly with reasonable solutions if the situation calls for it. I would strongly recommend this school.
Submitted by teacher on January 06, 2025

I have worked at Carol Rae a long time. The staff is really more like a family. We take care of each other personally and professionally. I love our professional development where we learn and grow together.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2025

My daughter has been at Carol Rae Ranch since she was three years old, and there's no other place I'd rather be. As an A+ rated school, the quality of teachers, paraprofessionals, special education staff, and administration is the absolute best! Their mission statement and philosophy is dedicated to building a community of compassionate, life-long learners that are working to make our world a better place to live.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2025

Both of my daughters went through Carol Rae Ranch from K-6 grade. The teachers here were loving and supportive. I love the atmosphere of the school from the minute you walk in. The front office staff is wonderful as are all the teachers from the classroom to the special areas. They have a wonderful SPICE program that teaches the students empathy and understanding of students that are different. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.
Submitted by teacher on December 20, 2024

Our school has a wonderful community feel. We have many extracurricular activities that students can engage in, in addition to our excellent academic standards. We have many after-school activities such as Running Club, Fun Runs, Sport Stacking Club, and 5th & 6th Grade Flag Football. Our Running Club has over 250 participants. Our school music programs are amazing where students can shine outside of academics. Our staff is kind and courteous and we work as a team to take care of all of our students while they are with us. We take pride in what we do each and every day.
Submitted by teacher on December 20, 2024

Carol Rae is a fantastic school with a strong sense of community that values every student.
Submitted by principal on December 20, 2024

I've worked at multiple schools in my 30 years as an educator. Carol Rae Ranch Elementary is among the best! Parents bring their kids here for open enrollment because they heard about us through word of mouth. That's the best review any school could have!
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2024

I have two children attending CRRE, and our experience with the school has always been positive. We first toured the school in 2023 to inquire about preschool programs. Our tour was with the principal, Mr. Birgen, who made a great impression. As we walked through the hallways, it was clear he had built strong relationships with the students—every child we passed greeted him with high-fives or hugs. He has a great rapport with the kids and they feel comfortable around him.During the tour, Mr. Birgen explained their preschool options and took us to meet the teacher of the program we were most interested in. Although we were a bit late to the game in February 2023, we were fortunate to get our son enrolled in the 2023/2024 Building Blocks - 4's program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is a popular class.As our son transitioned to Kindergarten in the 2024/2025 school year, and our daughter began the Building Blocks - 3's program, our positive experience with CRRE continued. Our son has speech development concerns, and the school’s speech therapist began working with him early in the year, resulting in noticeable improvement. As a kindergarten, it has been fun watching his progress in reading and writing, and seeing him excel at learning his sight words. When we ask him about his favorite part of the day, his answer is always “everything,” and he excitedly lists all the activities he remembers from the day. Our daughter also loves the days she goes to BB3's with her friends and her teachers.CRRE is a neighborhood school, so there are no buses. As reviewers have mentioned, the pickup and drop-off process can be chaotic, but it's no different from other schools. I’ve picked up my niece from a private school, and the experience is similar. While it gets busy, the lines move quickly, and most importantly, safely. The staff is well-organized and does a great job assisting with this process.Other reviews mention lots of fundraising to help add funds for the student's activities and supplies. While some may feel that the fundraising could be spaced out more, the goal is to supplement the lack of state funding for education. These efforts also provide opportunities for parents who want to get more involved in their child's school. It’s important to note that no fundraiser is mandatory.We are extremely happy with CRRE and will continue to be part of this school community as long as we live in Gilbert. We highly recommend it to anyone in the area!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2024

I read many reviews and toured both public and private schools for my kids. I was pretty much sold when I met the principal for our school tour last summer. You can tell he truly cares and priorities safety. This is our first year at CRRE - my boys are in kinder and preschool but I am blown away! I love the parent engagement opportunities. It makes the transition to school so much easier. Others commented about fundraising which they have an average amount but I never feel forced and it’s always fun events on the kids end. I have only had positive experiences with the teachers. I absolutely love everything about this school.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2018

Carol Rae is a very special Home like campus. The secretary and prinicipal always know my child’s name and mine! The teachers are caring and push the student Strive to be there best. Love Carol Rae.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2018

Very pleased with this school. Lots of fund raising but that is because schools don't receive the money that they should.