Santa Cruz Elementary School

19845 North Costa Del Sol Boulevard

School District

Maricopa Unified
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Maricopa 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 September 23, 2021

The communication at the school from the principal Stephanie Rhinehart is horrible. I contacted her after some concerns that I was having with my child's learning and grades from his teacher, she got so offended, and defensive, rushed me off the phone and we never even had a chance to speak about my child's progress or future plans. She then tried to label my child in a written letter as having some cognition and learning concerns. It's a shame that because she was upset with me, she is now trying to take it out on my 7 year old. This is not how educators should react. If you care do not bring your child to this school. They don't have substitutes to cover classes, they don't have enough bus drivers and the educational level that they are teaching at is very low. Her response from my concerns is very disappointing and disheartening.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2020

They make sick kids go to school during coronavirus
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2018

It's been almost over s year and my daughter still worried I will send her back to this school. It was a horrible experience.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2016

Is my first time having a child in school, in this case is my 5 year old daughter, she started kindergarten 2 months ago, last week she kept on writing her entire name and last name at home on her blackboard, she had started writing her full name two weeks ago, however she now writes her full name and last name and each name has 8 letters! I am impressed on how soon she has done so. Her teacher is Mrs Bailey, in my opinion she is one of the very few kindergarten teachers that seems capable of doing the job well done. As I have experienced multiple times other teachers such as Mrs James being rude, aggressive to the kids, I've seen her pulling the kids arms, yelling at them in the hallway, etc. I really hope my child never gets to have Mrs James as her teacher I would change schools otherwise.
Submitted by other on May 23, 2016

The school is making efforts to improve from the teachers up through to the principal. It has been a year of change but hopefully the changes that are coming will strengthen the entire school. There are some truly caring teachers and the students need the consistency.
Submitted by other on May 01, 2016

Although a few good teachers left in recent years, Santa Cruz continues to have high expectations and meets the educational and social needs of my kids. Great school and Great Teachers!
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2015

I have three children that have either gone or are in the school. Wonderful teachers, great action plans, and the students are learning. The children at this school are educated, and ready for middle school.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2014

My husband was in the Army for 7 years, so my children have had their fair share of new schools. This school is hands down the worst school I have ever experienced in my life. They demonstrate corporal punishment toward the kids, and serve lunch detention on stage in the lunchroom in front of 1 or 2 entire classes! The 5th grade teacher Mrs. Saunders communicates very poorly, and her aloof attitude infuriates me. On my child's first day of school, he and his classmates were forced to write a letter describing how "bad" they were and the "teachers were sick of it" Mass punishment! My child is an honor student and has never given any teacher grief, yet he was punished more at this school than I can even wrap my mind around. Do not take your children there! However; the kindergarten teacher Mrs. Williams was a very nice lady and tried her best despite the challenges the school is facing as a whole.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2013

This school is horrible with the district is even worse.I have three kids enrolled at these schools in Maricopa not one of them like the schools here and that"s why we are moving.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2013

Over the course of a year, my baby (kinder) has learned to read! She's excited, and can read ENTIRE level 1 books. She loves it, and it makes me so proud and happy. I <3 this school.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012

I wrote a review for this school March 11, 2010 (if you are interested in reading my previous thoughts.) I have had children at this school through all the grades for about six years. The school has changed dramatically this year. More than 1/2 the teachers left at the end of the last school year (2011-12), all of them were a loss. Because of enrollment numbers some of the teachers were not replaced. Some were replaced with teachers just as competent as before, and a few were replaced with teachers that leave something to be desired (yelling and rude behaviors), which is sad, because the school had a phenomenal teaching staff last year. The principal proclaims he is there any time to help parents with concerns; he will talk to parents, but has no follow-through. I have consistently supported this school and this district, and will continue to do so, but will also oversee my children's teachers. There are enough good ones available to be a team, but I am hoping to see a change next year. (currently I have children in 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades at this school, and am somewhat familiar with all teachers.)
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2012

We are new to Maricopa and have been very disappointed with Santa Cruz. There is so much teacher drama and they involve the kids. They give mass punishment out instead of punishing individuals... entire classes or grades get detention. The lunch time is ran like a detention center, kids are not allowed to talk and interact. The principal has a lack of enthusiasm and does not make effots to understand concerns, nor correct them. The teachers are overworked with having to be monitors and cross walk supervisors, which, in my opinion, takes away from the class interaction. Our 3 kids get A's and B's and have always enjoyed school until this year. I have spoken with the Superintendent once, and left 2 messages, my husband left 2 messages and never received a call back. Our kids have not enjoyed the school year thus far. The only positive thing about the school is how great the new music teacher is. We are moving to a charter school next year.