Imagine East Mesa Elementary School

9701 East Southern Avenue

School District

East Mesa Charter Elementary School Inc.
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

charter

School Map for East Mesa Charter Elementary School Inc.

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 principal on February 07, 2025

Such an incredible community of educators, families and students that focuses on Academics, Character and Leadership! Earning an A in both the elementary and middle school is a huge accomplishment, and I am so proud of the efforts of the staff and students. #goroadrunners
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2022

Half the teaches to little to help those students that struggle. They also do not take bullying seriously at all, after years of my child being bullied and literally punched multiple times with the kids getting a slap on the wrist i am switching him schools.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2017

95% great school,great teachers. IEM genuinely cares about there students,it shows on the faces of all employees,makes me so glad we came to IEM
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2017

I can't say enough great things about Imagine East Mesa (IEM)!! My student started his journey here in Kindergarten; and in 2 days, he will be beginning his last year here, as an 8th grader! During this time there has been very minimal changes to their teachers/ leadership. Unfortunately, at an early age my child went through some difficult years with his behavior and the staff was amazing through it all! They could have easily disregarded him (probably even expelled him), but that was NOT the case. Never once did I feel like they wanted to give up on him. The love they have for their students and teaching shines through each day and year! They treat their students and parents like family. And because it is a smaller school with smaller student/teacher ratio, they can afford to take that extra time. There was a time that I had to move over 10 miles away from IME. To take him and pick him up each day was completely out of my way. I could have easily switched him to another school, but it didn’t even cross my mind. I knew what he had gained and what he would continue to gain by staying at IEM was FAR more important than the extra drive-time in getting back and forth. Academically I am completely happy with what I have seen over the years. Although there is standardized / state requirements and testing, IEM will work with each student no matter what learning level they are. Although it is a small school, they offer lots of before and after learning “clubs” (aka Imagination Station) for your students to enjoy. They also have lots of events/ activities throughout the year and encourage/ welcome parent volunteers. As you can tell, I highly recommend IEM and am so happy (and blessed) that I was referred to them 8 years ago!! I am so proud to say that my once “troubled” little boy is now an obedient respectful young man, eager to begin his last year at IEM!!
Submitted by other on April 20, 2017

I love this school!! I have 3 children who have either gone to or go to this school, they are thriving, healthy and happy. I love the principal ( she started 2 or 3 years ago) and the administration. Overall I think this is a great school for my child.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2017

There are amazing teachers and administrators at Imagine East Mesa!
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2015

my son has gone here for 2 yrs. 7th and 8 grade. I have been happy with the teachers and administration, if there is a problem they let me know right away. Next year he will be going to Imagine Prep. for high school.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2015

I have 2 children attending here in kindergarten and first grade, and I have enrolled my youngest in the pre-k program about which we are very excited. Both of our children love attending here. The completed school work they bring home is excellent, and I take the time to review it and am very satisfied. I can tell they are being challenged academically in an environment that promotes integrity and character. The homework is great also as it reinforces concepts taught in class and has taught them responsibility to complete work "on their own." My children look forward to completing their homework, and I get opportunities to help them as well. My wife and I are very impressed with the leadership and support staff as well. I am also impressed by the great attitude of teamwork that the teachers and staff share. It is very evident that everyone at the school works together to get the job done, and they do it very well in my opinion. I am hoping that Imagine East Mesa will be able to expand and continue to provide the level of education that my children have already received. Thank you Imagine East Mesa for partnering with us to raise and educate our children.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2015

My child has had a unique experience at East Mesa. She attended our Pre K program here and had an opportunity to really excel in all aspects of her development. Mrs. G. is an amazing role model and leader for the littlest ones at East Mesa. She took my child to new levels while she was in her class. By the end of her year in Pre K, she was reading, doing basic math, and loved to learn. When she went to Kindergarten, we wanted her to attend her neighborhood school to meet friends and go to a "public" school. This was by far the worst decision of our lives. It was a waste of a year and my daughter was so frustrated with school, she never wanted to go back. We decided to send our daughter back to Imagine East Mesa for 1st grade. She is back to her old self. As soon as school started, we saw a change in her. She was excited to come to school, she wanted to complete her homework, and had friends. Her teacher, Ms. Porter, is amazing. My daughter comes home everyday telling me something new. She now loves school and can't wait to get there. Thank you to Ms. Porter, Mrs. G and all of the teachers and staff that make my daughter feel welcome.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2015

I feel the lunch at school is very poor for the price parents pay! Portion are extremely small and the student is limited to items can have. Some days the cafeteria runs out of hot items and substitutes cold items! Children need a nutritious hot lunch that fills them up to be at there best. A review of lunches serves and portion size need to be review to not only the child is getting enough to care them through the day but parents are getting there monies worth. What are they doing using lunch monies for things other then cafeteria1
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2014

My child attends this school and I have never had any issues until today. Unfortunately, his lunch balance had fallen behind and I was unaware that the issue had not been taken care of. Instead of the school lunch lady, Michelle, calling me herself to let me know, she denied my child a hot lunch for MULTIPLE days. How is this fair to a young child who has no control of the situation, but is hungry? If she would have called, this would have been taken care of and my child could have ate the same things his friends were eating, instead of only being allowed to have a salad. I do not think this is fair to kids, I also think in the future the communication needs to be better...
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

I am so thankful for the amazing staff at Imagine East Mesa. Everyone from the classroom teachers, specials teachers, interventionists, aides, admin, everyone makes you feel special, valued, and welcomed. This is a wonderful school with high academic rigor without losing the family feel.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2014

Something is fishy about this place. They always charge for everything. While doing some research I discovered that its parent company has been kicked out of a few states so far due to fraud. when they do get a great teacher they leave, sometimes in the middle of the school year. The homework they have here is a joke as well. If your kids stay here be sure to have them attend only Imagine schools because they will probably be a few grades behind in a real school. They talk about leadership and values but what its really about is making money. I also searched the net for all the supposed awards they are always winning and those awards are offered by the company who owns Imagine East Mesa.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2014

Great school, but the only problem and reason why my daughter gotten switch to a different school is that when they started the cheer club with coach Heather, it was free, she justed charged for shorts and shirt. But now, school its admitting the new coach run her whole business in the school. First it started with a lower montly fee, but over the years, the fee has been increasing higher and higher. Even the registration fee has increased. It's hard for alot of families to afford the prices. Main point, my daughter just started junior high, great school and were there is no montly fee for her cheerleading hobby... I hope school understands my point.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2014

My son is starting his 3rd year (kindergarten through now 2nd grade) and we are very excited about the coming school year. The teachers are well trained in identifing the education needs of each individual student and really helped us to develope a balanced home/school schedule that directly impacted his grades and performance. My husband is a parent volunteer in class and appreciates how fluid the educators are in adapting to new testing requirements. Overall, I would highly recommend Imagine East Mesa. My thanks to the faculty and staff there for all their dedication and hard work educating the youth of our community and continuing to establish teast school results that are at or above state testing levels. Keep moving forward!
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2014

My son Is going on his 4th year at IEM. We had our struggles in the beginning with a teacher & administration staff turn over, but we are beyond happy with the education my son is getting!! Ms Porter in 1st grade is an amazing teacher and has great new ideas & so happy my son had her for 1st grade!! She really changed his thoughts on school & he is so excited to go! This year, my son had Mrs VanLonkHuyzen..... Mrs Van is incredible!! I was able to help out in the class room, so glad I was able to watch her interaction with the kiddos, she truly loves the kiddos and works her hardest to help each child out individually!! After all the changes with the administration, I'm so happy with who they have & the group is awesome!! There will always be turn over at schools, every school has their issues and people think the grass is greener on the other side but you will eventually be back.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2014

This school has been a joke over the last year my son has attended, talk about being left behind. There shouldn't a reason why all of his class work is being done incorrectly and not even noticed by teacher. No one stopping him to make sure to explain or make sure he is understands the work. He will now be repeating Kindergarten at a better school.
Submitted by teacher on April 06, 2014

I think the fact that teachers are posting is a positive thing. I have been at this school for 8 years. There isn't any other place that I would rather be working. The fact that the teachers love the school is an added bonus for our students. I truly believe if a person is happy where they work, they are blessed! I love how I feel valued as an individual and can feel comfortable and free to add my own personality and passions into my daily routines. This allows our students to have many types of experiences they may not have in a public school. My animals create leadership roles and the development of responsibility and respect. Many of the teachers go above and beyond the planning and teaching in their own classrooms. We've provided meals for the community and work hard to make sure that our students' basic needs are met. Teachers tutor after school, during breaks and early morning. Through a few major transitions we've come out strong and better than ever! I am proud to be a part of the Imagine East Mesa family and enjoy watching the students develop and grow into the leaders of the future! Going to work with such amazing kids is truly a joy!
Submitted by teacher on April 04, 2014

Imagine East Mesa is a great school and a great place to work. Coming from a public school IEM is a breath of fresh air. The teachers, leadership team, instructional aides and office staff are incredible. We are a family who work together to meet the needs off all students. People who post negative reviews are simple minded and don't know what's best for kids. I am confident in saying IEM is a GREAT school. Come see for yourself if you don't believe me.
Submitted by teacher on April 04, 2014

Imagine East Mesa is a great place to work with amazing leadership. I have been a teacher there for the last two years and have loved every minute of it, especially in comparison to other schools I have worked at. I am feel very supported and everyone on staff comes together to support children however they need it! IEM is a great place to be!! Go Roadrunners!!!