Estrella Mountain Elementary School

10301 South San Miguel

School District

Liberty Elementary District
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Liberty 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 June 04, 2022

I have had children at this school in Kindergarten through 5th grades and been very pleased with their experiences. There are many opportunities for students to grow in the daily regular academic subjects but also many opportunities for things like band, choir, sports, science clubs, etc. I believe the teachers care about my children and other students. There is a strong sense of community within the school and all types of students are celebrated.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2019

I admire this school and my children feel comfortable here. We looked at another school, and they were extremely rude, and not willing to listen to the concerns of either the parents, or the incoming students. When we visited EMES, it felt like home. Ms. Minnie, is incredible, and makes you feel like you belong as soon as you walk in the door. I think that this carries on through all of the staff and teachers as well. They are eager to listen, and always want to find the root of a problem so that it can be solved right away.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2019

I chose this school over another neighboring school in the community before he started kinder and now I have 2, soon to be 3 attending and I couldn't be more happy and excited for their future. Such a great school, teachers, and staff!
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2019

My son has had such a positive experience with this school, both in elementary and middle school grades. The IB philosophy has helped build great character and learning skills in him.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2019

For the most part we have loved this school, but some of the staff have not shown support or a desire to help those that wish to work hard to improve grades. And the lack of communication between myself, as a parent, and these teachers is very frustrating!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2019

EMES is not your typical school. We are treated like family. All the teachers and staff are fabulous, engaged, creative and involved with our kiddos. Students feel seen and important, as they are asked to think outside of the box and themselves. It is not your typical rote learning. We moved to Estrella for our kiddos to have this world class IB education and we have not been disappointed!!!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2019

Excellent school! Great staff! I feel like the teachers really care for my kids.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2019

I give it a 2 for lack of accommodations for kids with special needs and for the poor response to bullying.
Submitted by other on October 29, 2018

Horrible, they only give class clowns or people who misbehave suspension or detention, not the bullies at all. Some of the teachers were bad, some of them were good. I would not recommend this school at all for a child who sticks out and has learning difficulties.
Submitted by other on June 23, 2018

I have been a frequent volunteer at Estrella Mountain Elementary for the past five years. I am proud to be associated with this International Baccalaureate School where students always come first. In April 2018, the school earned the A+ School of Excellence award from the Arizona Education Foundation. Here is a quote from the A+ School of Excellence judges. "The DEDICATED team of Estrella Mountain is COMMITTED to ensuring the students are provided a GLOBAL experience in a CHALLENGING environment in order to live their school's mission "to engage and motivate tomorrow's leaders as inquiring, knowledgeable, reflective and caring individuals who embrace cultural awareness". Meeting with school parents, community members,and school volunteers provided a glimpse into how the entire community rallies around the school to ensure a SUPPORTIVE and WELCOMING school environment for all. One school volunteer said that the CARING environment, INNOVATIVE ideas and the "good for our kids" attitude of the entire school staff is what keeps her coming back." I agree completely.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2017

We have been at EMES for 3 years. We LOVE the teachers, the IB program, and the community involvement. The school has a lot of community volunteers that help from drop off to the classroom. My son is welcomed to school with a smile and is greeted with patience, knowledge and appreciation from this amazing group of volunteers. EMES has a good PTO group that supports the school with fun activities and general support. The teachers are amazing. They have control over the classroom, which enables a solid learning environment. They are creative and really show a love of teaching. The IB program requires specialist teachers: Music, Art, PE & Spanish. So the education is well-rounded. We love EMES and highly recommend it.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2016

We love EMES! The teachers and staff are so dedicated and keep my children engaged to learn and succeed in a very caring environment.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2016

I am impressed with the teachers, low ratio and outstanding communication between teachers and parents. My son loves going there.
Submitted by teacher on January 23, 2015

Are you currently looking for a school for your child(ren) for the next school year? If so, come check out what Estrella Mountain Elementary School has to offer! On February 5, 2015 from 4:30-6:30, you can come tour the campus, talk to staff, and watch modeled math lessons from the teachers. If you are a parent of a future kindergarten student, this is also a great time to complete a registration packet and visit with the kinder teachers in their classrooms. We can't wait to see you at our Showcase/Kinder Round-up Night!
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2014

As we are moving and as I sit here lookng for schools comparable to Estrella Mountain, I decided Hey! Let me write my review. My son started at Estrella Mountain May 2013. He started the last 2 weeks of his 1st grade school year and those two weeks were very impressionable. For me, test scores are important as well as the atmosphere and student comradery. My son continued for his entire 2nd grade year and is currently on his third grade. My daughter started this year as well in Kinder. I absolutely love this school. I feel safe when I leave my child there knowing that they will call me with the simplest of things, like, we are just double checking if they are riding the bus or getting picked up. The staff is very kind and the kids are great. I have no worries about is my child be bullied and is my child receiving the best education. I am a truly happy mom and question myself why am I moving?..(because we are military lol)
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2014

I did not have a good experience with Estrella Mountain Elementry. The principal and staff seem to not care about students who have a difficult time fitting in their mold. Communication was a daily struggle with teachers. My son had learning disabilities which made it difficult but instead of working with him, they would constantly send him home. They made him feel unwelcome and unwanted. The curriculum is challenging which is good but unrealistic at times. As a parent, I find it a little ridiculous not being able to help a 3rd grader with their homework, I even have a college degree. The Baccalaureate award is all they seem to be concerned about and if your student doesn't fit the mold, watch out! It also seems that most of the reviews are written by the principle and staff instead of parents giving a real opinion. My son currently attends West Star were we found a better fit for his learning and personality.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2014

Highly disappointed with EMES. This school puts an extreme amount of pressure on their students. My child is expected to be perfect and to remember every little thing that she is told. If she misses one thing she is punished through the teachers "reward" system. Anyone who has a seven year old knows that no one is perfect. What a way to teach children to love school. My child comes home at least three days a week so upset because she feels that she is a failure because she can not meet her teachers expectations. I thought we found a great school but I was very wrong. Even when we have asked to see the principal, she is always too busy and we are treated as though we are not important enough to be seen. The only children that are treated equally are those whose parents are highly involved within the school. Needless to say we will be looking for a new school and advise anyone who is considering this school to keep on looking elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2014

My children have been attending this school for 2 years now. We love it! The teachers are wonderful and very good at addressing concerns. I don't agree with the previous post about minority children. My children are of minority and they are treated VERY well. However, I do have some complaints. Academically my children are struggling more since the IB has been set in motion. I think my kids struggle more trying to get the projects done. It's too much . It's stressful for the kids as well as the parents. It's very time consuming. It seems there is less focus on Math and more focus on projects. My daughter struggles in math and has never had difficulty before. My husband, who is very good in math, has to Google how to complete a math problem to help her. This has just been my experience anyway. I think the projects that are assigned are too hard for their age level. They require a lot of parental assistance.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2014

I was hoping that this was not the case, but I tend to agree with the parent in regards to the treatment a child of a minority gets. I feel that the teachers, as well as the principal do not tend to care about my daughter's success at this school. When she is struggling, I have to do most of the correspondence. Not once, did any of her teachers reach out to me to discuss academic concerns in regards to her. When conferences were held, it was 98% my daughter's fault at to why she was not performing well, which I find to be absolutely degrading to her as a student. It is the responsibility of the teacher and staff to make sure she has what she needs to succeed. This is to include homework and assignment information, which as a 36 y/o physician, I have a hard time understanding. Again, this is only if she receives instructions. I am very disappointed, not only with the lack of teacher concern but no improvements or realistic suggestions as to how we can help her. Obviously, this does not happen with all of the children, which causes even more pause for me as the parent of a minority child. Very frustrated
Submitted by teacher on March 03, 2014

Estrella Mountain Elementary is dedicated to the growth of its staff and students. Our Principal works hard to recognize our strengths and weaknesses while supporting us to grow in our profession. We have strong grade level teacher collaboration and across the grade level team work. Our students are stepping up to the plate to meet the demands of the Common Core curriculum as well as learning and living the expectations and rigor of being an International Baccalaureate student. Our parents and community members show their support daily through PTO, coaching extra-curricular activities, volunteering in classrooms, the office, and around the campus. Our campus is a place where families, staff, and students should be honored to call their school.