Sonoma Ranch Elementary School

601 North Key Biscayne Drive

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 May 24, 2024

I've been consistently impressed with Sonoma Ranch Elementary School since enrolling my children in 2019. Despite some challenges, the staff demonstrated a strong commitment to resolving issues and have been helpful, even going above and beyond their assigned duties, to provide information. While there are some minor hiccups with my children requesting the school nurse over frequent stomach aches occurring after recess (which, as a mother, made me feel uncomfortable about the school hours they were missing while their peers remained in class, where my children need to be to ensure they have the same access to education) the office staff made every effort to assist.The teachers at this school are truly exceptional. Not only do they excel in teaching the curriculum, but they also go above and beyond to nurture each student's individual strengths and talents. We've witnessed firsthand their commitment to supervision, ensuring all students are supported.Additionally, while I've considered transferring my children to another school that is closer, I've been continually impressed by the leadership of Principal Kelly and the efforts of the staff. There may be times that I've felt the school's guidance counselor deflected responsibility onto the district the counselor's tone felt dismissive and not sufficiently empathetic after receiving constructive input but overall my husband and I couldn't be happier with our experience at this school! I'm grateful my children are part of such a supportive school community and look forward to seeing their growth ahead!!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2022

We love Sonoma Ranch Elementary. The school is in a great family-friendly neighborhood. I love watching how interactive Principal Kelly is with the kids. He greets them in the morning and really gets to know the children at his school. The teachers we've had have been outstanding, and I've heard great reviews about the teachers we haven't had. All the teachers we've had have a genuine interest in their students and their progress. My daughter's current second grade teacher, Ms. Erickson, is a gem! She is so creative in her teaching and makes every day so fun for her students. She truly cares about each student and will check in to see how they're doing if they're absent. She is always positive and uplifting. We adore her! My daughter loves all of her specials teachers. The only downside about specials is that they only have art about every other week instead of every week. I would highly recommend Sonoma Ranch!
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2022

I have had a former sixth grader graduate and currently have a child at Sonoma Ranch Elementary. I cannot express how impressed I am with my children's development- not only educational wise but socially as well. Prior, both of my children were in a charter school and we pulled them out to attend the home school we are zoned for.Mr. Kelly is an amazing principal and educator. He is very firm, yet fair. Never have I ever seen anyone take such a strong stand for inclusion of all students in all aspects of a school. Sonoma has all SPICE classes from kindergarten all the way to 6th grade. I know my children have benefited greatly from having exposure everyday with the SPICE students in specials and at classroom time. All kids are to be respected and kind - regardless. No if, and, or buts. My kids have become more well rounded and open minded to all learning styles because of the immersion. The teachers there are all cream of the crop. They love what they do and they love the kids - even kids who aren't in their class or grade! They are constantly working on making connections and reminding the students they have value and can be engaged in all that they do. I love how every morning the staff and teachers welcome the kids and tell them to have a good day. They all seem to just know what a kid needs to start their day off on the right foot!As a parent, we ask a lot of non verbal questions. How do the teachers seem? How are the students? What does the atmosphere feel like? Is there an active Parent Teacher Organization? As a parent, I can overwhelmingly recommend from my heart of hearts that this school is so much more wonderful than I could have ever anticipated! I do not regret at all pulling my kids from a charter school and having them attend Sonoma Ranch Elementary.Thank you so much for taking time to read my review! I normally do not write reviews but felt a lingering feeling to do so. When I saw my oldest at a Golden Scholar (3.8 GPA or higher) program at Gilbert High and was able to attain this as a student athlete and active in extracurriculars, I knew that his time at Sonoma Ranch Elementary helped prepare him for a path of well-rounded success!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2021

I have had kids at this school for 6 years now. The staff are always helpful and friendly and they work hard to get the kids support if they need it.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2021

Sonoma Ranch is such an amazing school. My children started 2020-2021 year and although it was such an unusual year due to the pandemic, their teachers did such a great job with making sure my children stayed on track. With it being my son’s first year, Kindergarten, he was extremely timid, his teacher - Mrs. Naragon - did her absolute best to make him feel safe and comfortable. And we haven’t had an issue since. Both of my children have thrived here. All of the staff members are extremely helpful and nice. My 3rd grade nephew started this year 2021 and he himself has told me how much he enjoys it. My sister in law is happy she made the move! I would recommend Sonoma Ranch to anyone!
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2021

My son has had an amazing academic experience at Sonoma Ranch. He has loved every teacher he has had and he has shown tremendous growth in all areas. The staff have done an amazing job with pushing him academically and the communication from the principal has been above and beyond. I would recommend Sonoma Ranch to any family who is looking for a supportive and engaged campus.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2021

My kids have been going here since preschool. Even having moved to another city, I still trek them here. The staff and teachers are personable, kind, attentive and all around amazing. Each of my kids have a feeling of belonging that only comes with being among teachers who love what they do and know the import role they play in each kids life.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2021

Our kids have attended Sonoma Ranch for the past four years and we have been very happy with our experience. Our kids have thrived academically, have developed some really good friendships, and are involved multiple activities including band, student council, and National Elementary Honor Society. The teachers have been caring and supportive while also holding our kids to high personal and academic expectations. Like many parents, we wrestled with where to send our kids to school. This was especially challenging for us as our kids have some specific learning needs and this school has done a very good job meeting their needs. I can honestly say that Sonoma Ranch was a great fit for our kids and our family. Highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2017

I really love Sonoma Ranch, every teacher my kids have had are really responsive and deeply care about their students.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2017

Being a former teacher myself, this is one amazing school! My children have been to 5 different schools, we move a lot but Sonoma Ranch is their favorite! The teachers are very communicative. The classrooms and hallways are clean. Front desk people are approachable and helpful. The principal Mr. Kelly is hands-on. You see him everywhere! At the drop off, during pick up, I see him in each and every event! Each week, there's a newsletter from the principal and teachers. Again, great communication! Before school started there had been several announcements, emails and even text messages about school time, drop off and pick up instructions. Just like any other schools, there is only one open door to access inside and it's in the front door. Yes, the gates are locked once all children are inside and it's for all the student's security. Safety is #1 school priority.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2017

Bad experience. Drop off is nightmare- if you don't reach the school by a certain time the big gate in the back is closed and you have to go all the away around the school to the front of it-- did not know this as this as the gate has been open the prior 2 days at drop off. I'm learning the system as this is the 3rd day of school for my Kindergartener- I've never had a student attend school before. This morning was locked into the blacktop area and was told by a teacher holding the key to the gate that I needed to walk 1/2 mile in dress clothes and heals back to my car b/c the gate was locked!! She had let me in to drop off my kindergartener but then locked the gate on me when I was headed back to leave. I had to chase her down in heels and demand she let me out of the back gate. She reluctantly let me back out after I told her that I was not walking in 100 degree weather 1/2 mile back to my car in dress clothes and heels- I was headed to work afterwards and would have been late and sweaty mess with sore feet. May not keep my child here. That's just rude and inconsiderate!! Who does that?! Are we at a prison here?! Let the principal know about this bad experience this morning and he didn't care-- just lazy and obnoxious. May be pulling my child from this school and sending him to Greenfield Elementary instead which has higher reviews and probably nicer staff.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2017

I have had my boys at this school for three years now. Absolutely love it. I have dealt with many schools through the years with my older kids. I won't move my boys from this school. From the crossing guards to the teachers to the principal. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2015

Wow! I am loving Sonoma Ranch! The new principal is great and the office staff has always been kind, courteous and helpful when I visit. My kids are so happy when they come home from school. They like their teachers and talk about their "specials" classes all the time. I was a bit worried when I read the other reviews because I didn't know what to expect at first, but we are so happy we made this choice.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2014

I have two kids that go to Sonoma Ranch. One of them started from 1st grade all the way to 6th. The principal is horrible. The office staff even worse. Snooty, caddy, gossiping people don't belong around children. The music teacher, pe teacher (new one), and most of the teachers are great. Mrs. Nelson hates kids and it is not hard to see. The preschool program is an overpriced joke. I am so happy to be moving. The front office needs some testosterone. Way too much estrogen up there, if you know what I mean. Too many girls (not women) with attitude problems. Find another job please. Like I said, most of the teachers are great, but with the poor office staff (even the nurse) being so bad and a terrible principal, the leadership makes the rest not so good.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2013

**Id rate this school at 2.5 stars, Im at a 50/50 with this school (unacceptable in my book) and am working towards getting my son out ASAP. Principal Terry is awful, ignorant to say the least.. as other reviewers have said he has no people skills, that is an understatement. I had a returned call from the superintendent of GPS within 7 hours due to Terry's incompetence. My sons inclusive teacher is fantastic, his primary teacher on the other hand I wish I could say the same but unfortunately I can not. I have had emails from her with my sons name spelled 3 different ways, his name is Aden.. how difficult is that? Im assuming she obtained her degree online or at some sub par university. I get other students homework sent home with my sons folder, she has given my son TAP water when I send him to school every day w. a fresh bottle of R.O. water, freshly made lunches have gone to waste, I use mostly organic and was disgusted that she would give my child processed garbage over what I had sent in. Front desk ladies, main one is very nice the unpleasant looking one is well... very unpleasant. I would not recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2013

My children have been going to Sonoma Ranch for years. The teachers help them feel welcome. The school has a very active PTSO that keeps the children engaged in fun activities and supports the school with fundraisers.