San Tan Elementary School

3443 East Calistoga Drive

School District

Higley Unified
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Higley 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 February 16, 2025

My daughter has been at San Tan Elementary since Kindergarten and is in the bi-lingual program. I cannot say enough great things about the atmosphere, the classrooms, the teachers, and more. Mr. Mercado is a superb principal and Miss. Meme at the front desk is just amazing. The school is always having family focused events.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2025

San Tan Elementary is staffed with dedicated and caring teachers, staff, and admin. I know my daughter’s education and personal development are well cared for as evidenced by the communication I receive, the events were invited to, and from witnessing firsthand during the moments I’ve volunteered at the school. She is enrolled in the Spanish dual language immersion program. She’s in 1st grade and it’s been wonderful to see how much she can speak, read, and write in Spanish already!
Submitted by other on February 14, 2025

I have had the privilege of being the parent of a child at this school and a substitute for 3 years. This is the best school I have been associated with for several reasons. The staff: They pull together and support each other with the success of every student as top priority. They care! It begins with the office staff that are kind, courteous, professional and helpful to every person that comes into the door. Not only do grade levels confer with each other, they reach across all grades to synergize.The parents: The PTA is engaged and supportive of the school's vision. They work hard to support the staff and their own children in the school and at home. It is obvious they care about the success of each child.The programs: There are before and after school clubs that are interesting and support education. Band, orchestra, music, technology and library have amazing teachers that are dedicated and share their passion for the students' benefit.From the different perspectives that I have, it is evident that they spend money wisely. Every dollar is carefully spent for the success of every student.This school is one of the strongest reasons Higley receives high ratings. Go Scorpions!
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2025

My kids have been going to San Tan for 5 years and we have really liked it. They are traditional in the subjects they teach and I feel like everyone who works there seems happy at their job. The PTO is great and always comes up with fun things for the kids to do such as a carnival, Kona Ice days and spirit weeks.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2024

Quite literally thee most welcoming & safe school. Mr. Mercado (the principal) has perfected the elementary experience for the kids and the parents. My first year here and I couldn’t be more satisfied in every way.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2022

This school has a great program called Leader in me. Since applying this learning strategy I can see a huge improvement in my children academic success. Their social emotional skills have progressed as well.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2021

We have been very impressed with the staff at San Tan. Mr Marcado the principal is an All Star! I was lucky to have some great teachers over the years, but the culture he has created is top notch. My daughter attends the dual enrollment Spanish program and appears to be flourishing. I love the implementation of Steven Covey’s highly effective habits. My son will be joining San tan this year and we are excited about it. They don’t require a ton of homework, but the kids are expected to work on reading outside school. Overall our first 2 years have been fantastic.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2021

My son came from Gilbert Public School District where he attended grades 1st through 4th. The school was 9/10 on this website, but my son struggled each year. After moving him here for 5th grade, he has improved 10-fold. We have done in-person learning for many months now, and I love seeing him finally gaining confidence, and not crying because he thinks he is ‘stupid’ like he did before in the other district. You can imagine as a mother seeing her child feel this way, it was absolutely heartbreaking and devastating. I highly recommend this school. I love Mimi who is at the front desk, and I also love Ray, the principal.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2018

Because this principal and secretary (Mimi Potter) allowed my daughter to slip through the cracks and release her to her father who then kidnapped her I am forever upset at this school. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN THERE IF THE OTHER PARENT MAY TRANSFER THEM TO ANOTHER SCHOOL AND NOT INFORM THE OTHER PARENT.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2017

The school nurse aid (Daphne) is awful. It is really hard to work with the nurse aid and principal if you have a special needs child. Daphne thinks she knows more than the doctors and will call DCS on you in you disagree . DCS had to flag the school on false reports. VERY SAD! School district will not help. Multiple parents with special needs run into this problem with her.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2017

San Tan Elementary has been a wonderful, supportive environment for my children. They make learning fun and encourage students to push themselves. I really love the "Leader In Me" program which gives students the foundation to learn how to become responsible members of our community. The reading garden is fantastic as well. I feel good dropping the kids off for school and seeing the Principal greeting students with a smile. Teacher communication has been incredible as well. I hear from the school a couple times a week at a minimum and have never felt "out of the loop". Highly recommend!
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2014

My daughter is doing very well at this school. Her 3rd grader teacher was fresh out of college, but did a great job. She likes her teachers, has made many friends, and feels comfortable and safe here. The workload is challenging but reasonable.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2013

My family recently moved to OH. We were worried that our children wouldn't be at the same level as the other children in their new school (since AZ schools don't rank well amongst other states). I am very happy to report that San Tan completely had them prepared. They are both doing extremely well and are even testing at a higher level in most areas. I attribute it to the staff at San Tan and the commitment that they all give to the kids. I also want to let the PTO know that they do an awesome job at San Tan. The PTO at our new school doesn't even compare. Thanks San Tan!
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

I am very happy with San Tan Elementary. I have three children attending the school and I am impressed with "most" of the teachers they have had. I do realize all teachers are different and probably will not like all of my children's teachers. I have had great communication from many of the teachers. Depending on the grade we got newsletters weekly or monthly (with weekly updates). We received emails when our 6th grader was falling behind in one class (all four of her teachers offered to help her through tutoring). I am glad my children attend San Tan.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2013

Our childrens' experience at this school was dismal. Teacher communication was almost non-existent and turnover was high. The atmosphere among parents was one of discord and competition. We were glad to have other school choices in our community.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2012

2012-2103 school year is off to a great start! The amazing staff at San Tan are working harder than ever. As a parent I truly appreciate the endless hours of training, the supportive administration and the abundance of helpful teachers. From the amazing Mrs. Potter in the front office to the wonderful cafeteria manager, Connie, everyone is on the same path this year! Rock on San Tan!
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2012

We love San tan and all of the staff!!! I cant wait to see what next year brings!
Submitted by parent on February 29, 2012

I have been very pleased with this school. The teachers us every means of communication to make sure we are prepared to help our kids. Email, phone, newsletters and school website. They also tailor their program to the kids needs, and do everything they can to enhance the kids learning ability as best suits the child. My only complaint is the amount of fundraisers that the school is involved in. We have done at least 2 fundraisers a MONTH this year, sometimes more. The pressure put on the parents at such an early agie is somewhat ridiculous. I can understand some fundraisers, but as a working Mom, I find it difficult to participate, and my kids seem to feel very pressured by this to outperform their friends. I don't think this is a good practice when my kids are in Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Overall, if I were to recommend the school, Hands down, I would tell anyone to move into the area! The surrounding neighborhood is the most child friendly area we have ever lived, and since we are military, that says alot about this area and the school! Good luck in your school searches!
Submitted by parent on December 01, 2011

I have two children at this school. They both are receiving a great education. It concerns me that teachers are getting let go. I received an email today that there will be a new principal effective 12/5. What is happening with the teachers and staff at this school? None of the teachers will talk about what is going on. The district is not talking either...
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2011

I would like to comment on the most recent post below dated 11/28/2011. San Tan does have great teachers in all grades and they have worked hard to get there. Truth IS that Dr. Alva has managed to push the staff to become one of the best schools in AZ, he is a very intelligent man and has a demanding position at San Tan but also within the district! HOWEVER going to the extreme to say that there is flirting in the office, NO !!! Never have I seen any such type of behavior as much as I am in the school. What I do SEE and HEAR is front office staff communicating with parents. Every parent is different and has different needs for them and their children. The front office staff deals with a wide variety of parent issues and these ladies work with parents to meet each of their needs. Would I call this flirting, absolutely not! They show attention, sympathy, assistence, laughter, support and comfort. As a parent you want admirable service as you walk in the door. Parent below why don't you look up the definition of what FLIRTING really means!! Parent why don't you get a job behind the desk of an office staff member and open your eyes to what office staff and administration faces