Pinon Hills Elementary School

1479 Stephanie Way

School District

Douglas County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Douglas County 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 February 17, 2023

This is our first year at Pinon and I have been so impressed. Starting with the Principal Mr. Reid, he sets the tone and the school’s motto of “Pinon is Kind” and this really carries through to the individual actions of the staff and teachers. Everyone says good morning and hi to each other, the staff knows all the kids by name. I’m in the office fairly frequently so I see on a weekly basis how the administration handles behavior issues both good and bad. They treat the children with respect and really listen to them when trying to understand what happened in a particular situation. They go out of their way to make sure every kid can get to school and have a good school day. In regards to academics I am loving the way they teach math, they teach strategies to help the children solve mathematical problems far behind basic addition and subtraction and are building a way of thinking that will help them in the future grades. My daughter is in first grade and her teacher Mrs. Rice has been able to juggle multiple ability levels of kids and keep high performing students challenged while still making sure others don’t fall behind. And I just love how there are so many parents and grandparents and siblings at pickup times and school events. It’s just a really nice community feel and there is no pretentiousness. Thank you Pinon Hills for being such a positive, fun, place to learn.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2022

We moved to the area 3 months ago. My children have thrived at Piñon Hills. Their teachers (Mrs. Sullivan & Mrs. Robinson) are so attentive and welcoming, leaving notes on homework saying, “We’re so glad you moved to Minden!” And positive affirmations encouraging them to continue and work hard. My Son has already been put in the GT program, it took his teacher (Mrs. Robinson) at Piñon 2 months to notice he was excelling academically and encourage him to take appropriate classes. It had taken years at our previous school and constant nagging on my end that he was “bored” for them to even test him. I didn’t want to push for GT at a new school in a new state not knowing their curriculum. But Piñon was on it! Every step of the way the staff has been exceptional, taking care to make sure my children felt welcome, were loved and appreciated, and the staff looked forward to having them there. An experience I thought was long gone in the public school system. We are so grateful to them for making the mid-year school transition for our children so positive, we couldn’t of prayed for a better outcome. Also Mr. Reed is hands down the best principle on the planet, both my children adore him and we have had nothing but positive and encouraging interactions. Thank you, thank you, Piñon Hills Elementary!
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2020

This is the best elementary school in Douglas County School District. The employees and teachers go above and beyond for students and their needs.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2018

My child's K-1 grade was great. His 2nd, not so much, he wasn't getting challenged as much as he could have been. The teacher was weird with classroom management, homework and grading. My child will not be going back. Do to a letter regarding a variance we are not welcomed at that school
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2015

I came into this school with a little hesitation. Both my kids had ADHD and I had terrible experiences at previous schools. This school exceeded my expectations! The school recognized right away both my children's needs and for the first time I feel like we are all on the same team. Even when there are disagreements I still feel that they are looking out for the best interest of my child. This school is academically rigorous. If you are not a parent that likes a lot of homework (like me) this school may throw you through a loop. However, this school does not have a strict academic agenda. I feel like their relationship with their students is a big priority. My kids have formed amazing relationships with their teachers (Mrs Huff & Mrs Rechs). Even my oldest who has never liked going to school can't wait to be back in his class on Monday. They adore their teachers! The principle is amazing! He always makes sure he communicates with everyone before giving an opinion. Very organized, thoughtful, helpful and friendly principle. The front staff, nurse, school psychologist, etc. are all great people to work with! Both kids are thriving despite some learning curves.