Stephensen Elementary

200 GUNFIGHTER AVENUE

School District

Mountain Home District
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

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 December 25, 2023

Bulling goes unpunished! All staff seem completely unaware of what happens on the playground. The school is understaffed. Don’t send your child here! If you’re able to home school, do it! My son’s former teacher was terrible with communication and didn’t seem to want to be bothered when dealing with student issues. Too many children for one teacher so student teacher ratio is an issue. School has terrible funding, but it sounds like that’s an Idaho thing. We did not feel safe with our child attending this school!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2019

I honestly cannot wait to move from this school. Our child in Kindergarten has issues with staying in track because shes very happy and likes chatting with other students. Shes been pretty much branded as a bad kid by her teacher. The school also has on their site that the rating is a 9 out of 10. The rating is 4, which sadly is the highest rating out of any of the schools in the district.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2018

My son spent 1st and 2nd grade here and we loved the teachers but since they are part of the Mountain Home School District, the funding is almost nonexistent! I truly felt bad for the teachers as they rarely had what they needed. This school district is awful - but it’s Idaho public school system and funding is just not there.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2016

I have two kids in this school; one in 3rd (Mrs. Negri) and one in full day Kindergarten (Mrs. Wilson). Both of my children love their teachers and enjoy going to school every day. The school has a lot of programs, to include a challenge group, science, art, and homework group. The principle is very involved and really takes the time to know the children and what is going on in his school. I am very impressed and would not pick any other school in Mountain Home. The academics and opportunities for advanced children to progress is a little limited - but not by the school, by Idaho in general. I have experienced 2 years in this district and have seen nothing short of tremendous improvements each year.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2016

We absolutely LOVE Mrs. Norris, full day Kindergarten teacher! I wish the kids could keep her as they go up in grades. Principal McCluskey is very involved and gets a lot of support from the base here on MHAFB. Great programs, involvement and a lot of fun to be apart of! We'd recommend this school to anyone!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2016

Dedicated teachers, involved parents, and a wonderful principle. This school is definitely worth the drive from town. I'm so glad my kids go to Stephensen Elementary.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2016

Coming from the DODDS in Europe we were skeptical after hearing about the State's education report. We love this school and everything they do to give their students the best foundation for learning.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2016

I've never heard of a school system having no science or art program until we moved to Idaho. Fortunately, there seem to be a very dedicated group of parent-volunteers who devote their time to providing the children with an art and a science program. Even hosting a science fair and an art expo. As wonderful as this is, it should not be the parents' responsibility. Otherwise, the teachers are very dedicated and hard working. And thank god for that, because working in a drastically underfunded school system must be no easy task.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2015

We have had a wonderful experience at this school. The principle is amazing and the teachers are extremely dedicated. There have been numerous family events at the school this year, such as a science fair, art fair, and an egg drop. There are also science classes for all grades where the kids get to do hands on experiments. I truly believe this is the best elementary school in Mountain Home.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2015

The school itself is good, I am not a fan of the teacher to student ratio in my sons room (29 4th graders) but the teacher is great with communication (email, Facebook, newsletter) and my son is happy.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

We've lived here for over 5 years and have 3 children who have attended or are currently attending this school. I've had wonderful experiences with this school, the teachers & the principal. I've especially been impressed with the program for my students who need speech and have some special education needs. I feel those teachers have gone above & beyond to help my children. It's been encouraging to see the programs at the school grow & offer more opportunities for the students, like art & science which are volunteer run. I believe that my students have the opportunity for the best education at this school compared to the local area schools.
Submitted by teacher on March 03, 2015

Stephensen Elementary has undergone many changes since the arrival of a new principal in 2013-14. The classrooms have been freshly painted, there is a large emphasis on new technology, and many, many new teachers have been hired. All of the teachers at Stephensen Elementary are now totally dedicated to helping your child learn in every way possible and the atmosphere is very positive.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

We have been VERY impressed with Stephensen this year. Since the new principal came there has been a wonderful change to the school! They offer art classes, science labs, music, computers and have great programs for special needs and gifted programs on site! My child has some special needs and we have been very happy with the services provided at the school. I feel like every teacher he has interacted with has gone above and beyond our expectations. They always make time for us and are aware of the special circumstances that military kids face everyday. I Love that they have a military life counselor in the school everyday to meet with the kids if they are having issues and just want to talk. They also do so much to make the kids feel like they are in a safe and happy environment. The principal is very hands on and I see him in the classrooms whenever I am at the school. All the teachers seem very happy and that makes a big difference in the attitude of the students! We love this school and have nothing but good things to say!
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

We moved here a few months ago so the children were scared of new friends and a new school. The teachers are wonderful and the Principle is amazing and goes the extra mile to help the students improve and reach their goals. I have a child in each grade k-4th. Each teacher has their own way of making each child feel special and sets aside extra time for questions and or help.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

We have been in this school for 2 and 1/2 years and we have had a good experience. After coming from an enormous school, I like the feel of a small school. We have been satisfied with everything. I had an issue earlier this year and the principal personally called me, we discussed it, and we were able to solve the problem together and I really appreciated that.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2015

This K- 4 school has recently undergone a major update and we are very happy with the total school environment. A new name (Stephensen Elem), new paint inside and out, new landscaping, a new principal, and many new programs and opportunities at the school lead to huge learning experiences for kids. A full day (tuition) kindergarten, art and science enrichment classes, yearbook club, choir/bell choir, safety patrol/positive action committee, Chinese/Singaporean cultural assemblies, "brain lab", homework and reading clubs, and intramural sports provide a spectrum of "extras" unique to this school. The principal, Mr. McCluskey, is extremely involved and is a very strong advocate for enrichment opportunities, hosting a Veterans Day assembly, fire safety assembly, and awards assemblies for spirit days, honor roll students and reading program winners. There is a district gifted and talented program and qualifying 4th grade students are offered the opportunity to accelerate their math learning to 5th grade. There is a very active PTT running the enrichment programs and other community events such as a science fair and egg drop competition. An outstanding school in Mtn Home.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2014

Classrooms are overcrowded and the facility is very old, but some of the teachers are wonderful. We have two children currently enrolled here, and we have been fortunate enough to have good teachers this year, as well as some parents that help out in the classrooms. If not for parent involvement, I believe it would be almost impossible for even the best of teachers to manage the classroom sizes at this school. The school just received a new principal, but I rarely see him. When I do, he passes by without a word or smile. So much for feeling welcomed...
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2012

This is our 1st term here at Base Primary and the experience so far has not been a pleasant one. Parents, if you have the time, please homeschool your kid(s).
Submitted by teacher on April 13, 2011

I have worked at Base Primary for 3 years and as a staff member, it has been an okay experience. As a mother (living in Boise) I would never send my children to this school. Teachers are mean, grumpy and overworked. There is little to no parent involvement, as well as no push for any. Parents need to get involved and make this place a better school.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2010

My daughter has gone to Base Primary School for two years. She has been fortunate to have some great teachers. The school has limited resources because of the budget cut and it's a public school. I feel that the teachers do the best that they can with what they have. The PTA (I guess that is what they are called) tries to do things for the school, considering the size of the involvement I think they do a great job. I blame the school funding, I'm surprised that the kids get anything.