Sundance Elementary School

7051 West Cholla Street

School District

Peoria Unified
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Peoria 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 May 17, 2019

My overall experience with this school is horrible. I am currently in the process of removing my younger son from this school and finding one that will help more with his disabilities. I never thought I would be in this position as I am an advocate for public education, but I can't let this go any longer. I never asked for much and all the teachers needed to do is let the parents know what was due for the week and this simple request couldn't be handled. My child has problems, but as a parent, I can't help him without some help from the teachers. This year his math teacher was the only one who cared enough to let me know on a regular basis what was going on. Until the Silva is cleared out of that school, nothing will get better.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2017

We love Sundance. 3 of my children went here after a move and likes it much better than the others.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2017

I have 3 kids that have or do go to Sundance. Although there have been many changes, Sundance truly has teachers and Admin who really care about the students, their heart is in the job. Yes they may seem stressed on occasion, but they are office staff, TEACHERS, and PRINCIPALS who work very hard everyday with the least amount of pay in the COUNTRY. You couldn’t ask for a better school who has people with their heart in the job. Stop with the insults.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2017

My kid(s) have had some great teachers here aside from the music teacher who insisted on teaching about god in music class, and some teachers who play favorites and some who just don't seem to really like jobs. But I'd say 80. Percent of the teachers are great. Just no one in administration. They are super nice but the second there is a problem they become ineffective, unfair and biased.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2016

Sundance has a great staff that cares about students and the community. We are blessed to have had wonderful teachers who have high expectations and who take care of the children.Mrs. Cheche is an amazing kindergarten teacher,Mrs. Kiefer is wonderful in first grade, and there are so many more teachers who work hard to educate my children. Thank you to Mrs. Silva and Mrs. Liefer for helping to resolve problems that arised with other students.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2015

Sadly, my two kids have gone here both since kindergarten spanning over 12 years. It used to be a sought after school until Ms. Silva stepped in as principle. She and my child's teacher don't offer any extra outside services or help, in fact they make the situations worse! My child instead feels trapped and not happy and thriving. They like to punish good kids to get them out of their hair by sending them to the principles office to shame them. The teachers have all been there since it opened its doors and all gossip too much to the point where you don't want to walk in the office or support the school at anymore events. The office staff are all too nosey and seem unhappy. It's pretty bad when they both ask you what to do when they are the ones with the degrees? You're kids are just a number here for the state and district and barely getting by to get an A rating...... Do your research before sending them here. I have many friends that are teachers and would prefer to be on a high end waiting list than place their children here!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

Ever since they changed principal to Mrs. Silva, ALOT has gone down hill. She likes to put the responsibility of an issue on someone else. I had issues with there not being a crosswalk on one side of the school. Kids and parents were almost getting hit daily! She did nothing. Not a sign- not anything. I had to go to the city council person to get any results. I had issues with one teacher. Out of ALL the teachers mykids have had thru the years at sundance... just one was myproblem. COme to find out alot of other parents have complained about her too. Yelling, and not being able to connect with the kids. Shes just doesnt have patience you need...she's been teaching a while, perhaps burnt out cause I heard she was good at one point like 20 yrs ago.....NOthing has been done. I can only be glad my daughter doesnt have her anymore, and she is successfully learning and THRIVING with her new teacher. She's even being tested for gifted now that she has a teacher willing to actually teach her and work with her. There are some BAD seeds in the bunch at this school. The thing is, they are friends with the good ones so the good ones wont say anything bad about them. I've chaperoned nearly everyone of BOTH my kids fields trips. I've done math nights, pizza nights, and I've supported my school. NOW, when I go to drop my kids off at 7:58 and the crossing guards shoo my kids into the office for a late pass is when I call it! My kids have been late twice this week. I'm sick, i'm having issues- whatever. So I have no problem signing them in late if they are LATE. The gate was still open and even another mom next to me said "it's not 8am yet..." when they made her go to the office too. Certain people at this school just like to off their bad days on other people, I guess. I complained to the principal who wanted to say cause I didnt hear an 8am bell that it had already rung. No, I didnt hear it while I was in my car parking so I can go sign my kids in. No excuses for bad staff behavior, just fix it. Say sorry, but actually do something about it. Why is everything something I have to handle? A principal should be concerned if people are almost getting run over daily. A principal should be concerned about MULTIPLE complaints about a teacher. A principal should be happy kids are there by 8am to learn. 8AM! Other issues, but it wont let me type anymore!!
Submitted by other on June 08, 2015

I think this school has to be one of the best schools in the area. I would recommend. Both of my girls go here.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015

I am so frustrated by Sundance school. Today my child received a negative for getting a drink of water and not following the 4th grade social contract! I have seen a huge drop in the culture of the school. Up until this year, my child has had great teachers and a positive experience at Sundance, however this year there is constant yelling, loss of learning time and ridiculous behavior management protocol that does not allow for a child's simple basic needs such as water. I have already registered my child at a new school, as we will not be returning to Sundance. So sad over this fact since my child was a baby I told her that is going to be your school....not anymore!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2012

I would like to THANK everyone at Sundance Elementry. I moved to the area in 2007, since the school is so close my kids walk there. I have seen the difference in my sons grades. And the most important thing is that teachers and staff members are always very happy to help with any problem or issue. At one time I was thinking of moving closer to my parents home to save money, and my boys cried and did not want to move out of thier school. Since thier grades and the the school is in such a good area I decided to cancel my move out and keep them at Sundace. Thanks, to all from Gonzalez-Perez and Garcia Family:)
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2012

I had 2 children here and I pulled them out. The teachers are fantastic and the newest principle Ms McIntosh is very pleasant, however, the newest assistant principle Ms Maas is untolerable and makes everything difficult. I've tried to discuss concerns with her and she is rude and blew me off. After dealing with her, I pulled my kids and put them in Santa Fe which so far seems to be a much better school all around with alot more activities and an extremely wonderful staff.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2011

My 3 children now go to Sundance & they love it! I have a son in 2nd grade,a daughter in 4th, and another son in 8th grade and they have only positive things to say about this school and the teachers!!! We came from Desert Palms and were very unhappy :( there! Now my children love school again!!! This school does so much for the students and I am just happy my kids have pride in their school now!!! thank you to all the teachers and staff. YOU ROCK!!! -From> The Holguin Family
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2011

We Love Sundance. We love Mrs. Leonard, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Maltose, and Mrs. Houston!!!! You are GREAT!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2011

I love SUNDANCE! I have a 2 children in the school, and I have had nothing but awesome experiences with the teachers, office staff, and principals. Yes, they have changed principals a few times in the last 3 years, but I hope the new one, Mrs. Debbie McIntosh, is here to stay because she seems to have a real vision for the school and cares about the performance of students on all grade levels. My only 2 complaints is that I wish the kids had a little longer for lunch, especially Kinder and 1st grade, because I have heard many complaints from the kids (not just mine) that they don't have enough time to finish their lunch. When they are little they are still getting the hang of it, give them at least 5 extra minutes. Also, I think the campus is a little too open, inviting possibly unwanted people. I think they should close all the gates around the school once school has started, and don't open them until school gets out. Also, the P.E. teacher Ms. Kathy Derr is NOT NICE. She yells a lot and is quite intimidating, and I think it's a little unnecessary. I think you can be firm but not be scary.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2011

My daughter goes to preschool here at Sundance and I LOVE IT! the teacher Ms. Kupec and asst teacher Ms.Vega are so patient and undertsanding. I am surprised on how much my daughte has learned in such as small amount of time . Shes learned how to write her first and last name. she knows the phonic word sounds and even knows basic math ! Let me remond u my daughte is 4! Also they have a very nice community and a family based community. They even have activies for families such as their "family fun night" . I cant wait til she starts kinder next year!