Desert Star

2131 South 157th Avenue

School District

Avondale Elementary District
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Avondale Elementary 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 April 21, 2021

My child has attended Desert star for the past 7 years, we have always received exceptional service at this school. The staff is amazing and the after school program has been very helpful in taking care of my child and keeping her safe when I cannot pick her up right after school. Teachers are caring and put in exceptional effort in their students learning and communicating with parents. Front office staff is always welcoming and helpful. I am thankful to the entire staff for their professionalism and helping my child succeed in life.
Submitted by other on May 03, 2017

I want to advise anyone who is considering placing their child into the Avondale Elementary School District to SERIOUSLY consider any other available option. To say what we have been through with a special needs child has been a nightmare would be an understatement. No child should ever be fearful of their school environment, teacher, or peers. Yet, that's exactly where we are. We continue to fight an uphill battle, even with the assistance of an outside advocate, to make sure our son receives the education and support that he has every right to have.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2016

I have had 4 children attend Desert Star over the past 10 years and have always been pleased with the school's expectations of my kids. The have all excelled in a variety of areas and have gone on to high school well prepared and were able to excel there as well. We will always have fond memories of the great staff at Desert Star - especially Ms. Largent! Thank you for expecting the best from my kids!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2014

Desert School is a wonderful school. My son is excited to go to school each day. I'm very impressed with his progress. All of the teachers and staff are caring and concerned about all students.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

Desert Star is an awesome school that really cares about their students! I have two children that attend Desert Star and their teachers work so hard to help them reach their goals and to be successful! They make learning fun and provide a safe comfortable place to learn.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

I have two children that attend Desert Star. I love the friendly and warm atmosphere at the school and I believe it is a safe and nurturing environment for my children. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. I do wish they were offered more electives and that the class sizes were smaller, but overall, we have been very happy with Desert Star.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

I have two children that attend Desert Star and our experience has been very positive. The teachers work very well together and my children are receiving an excellent education. Both of my children love to read and that is because Desert Star has made it enjoyable for them.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2013

I have had all my 3 kids attend Desert Star and have always found the staff very helpful and outstanding. They go out of their way to make sure that my kids are cared for and are always checking in with me through emails, newsletters, phone calls as well as keeping their websites updated. I also love that I can check my kids grades on PowerSchool.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

My two kids have been attending Desert Star for over 6 years. They both have had wonderful teachers who take the time to get to know them on a personal level. As the travel through the grades I notice the amount of rigor increasing. It is obvious that the teachers and all the staff work hard to make this school a great place to learn and grow.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

My daughter LOVES Desert Star. She has an amazing teacher! The school maintains a strong focus on student achievement and offers many services for students. They have interventions during the day and after school. They also offer extracurricular clubs, sports, and activities. Parents are welcome to participate in many ways. The parent pick up runs smoothly now that it has been renovated.
Submitted by teacher on October 08, 2013

At Desert Star, we work very hard to help students achieve academic success, as well as support them in other aspects of their lives. We are very open to parent and community involvement, especially if there are changes you'd like to see. Many staff members are proud bring our children here as well. We love Desert Star and want to help every child be successful.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

My daughter has been in this school for two years and is now in 4th grade. Her teacher takes the time to understand my child's needs and keeps her challenged. The parent contact is consistent and I have found that any questions I have are answered quickly. The positive and supportive atmosphere is evident in my daughter's love to go to school.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

I have two children attending Desert Star currently, one elementary and one middle school. I have been very impressed with all the teachers - they are extremely caring and professional. They maintain an "open door" policy when it comes to parent questions or concerns. They are always looking for additional ways to support and challenge my children. The staff is very friendly and respectful. I know I can rest easy when I send my kids off to school each day - they enjoy the school very much. Thank you to all the staff at Desert Star who seem to constantly strive to do better for all the kids in their care. It really does seem like they believe that every child is a "kid at hope."
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2013

My child went to this school, and I am so happy We switched him out! The teacher did not help him when he needed help, he was failing but in the report card he was doing good. His homework and spelling test said a different story,he was failing. This school is far behind and unorganized without a doubt!
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2011

Kindergarten teachers are rude and two faced. Our Teacher is always late and never responds to any phone messages. I have witnessed on at least one account the teacher raising her voice to the kindergarteners to a tone that very loud and very upsetting even to me as an adult. I do not want my child at this school but I'm currently stuck. This school will charge you 2 bucks to feed your kids Hot Pockets for lunch. My child came home one day starving so I asked about his meal. He informed me that they has a bread stick with cheese for lunch. Being concerned and thinking my child must've been mistaken I asked about the lunch and sure enough that's a meal to them. I asked about protein, etc. To which I got the answer of, "Well there's tuna on the salad bar." Really? You want a 5 year old to know that he should eat tuna with his bread sticks? I've seen teachers grabbing kids by the arms and drilling them about their destination. Yet 5 yr old my kid gets to sit on a wall in the sun all recess for hugging a kid. The teachers act like the Gestapo. "Where are your papers?!" "Tuck in your shirt!" Heaven knows the world will stop spinning if kids didn't tuck in their polo's. Fact.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2009

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Submitted by parent on September 26, 2007

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