Explorer Middle School

22401 North 40th Street

School District

Paradise Valley Unified District
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Paradise Valley Unified 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 15, 2023

We have had 3 kids go through and each has had a wonderful experience. Teachers & Staff work hard to get to know students.The school runs smoothly and the Admin couldn't be easier to work with. I would highly recommend Explorer Middle School.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2023

I have been fortunate to have such wonderful schools in my neighborhood! All three of my children have attended Explorer Middle School, I couldn't have asked for a better Middle School to prepare my children for High School. The Administration is attentive to student and family needs, and the Teachers and staff are excellent!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2023

Explorer Middle school has been a great experience for our family. I find that the staff and administration really care about the kids and engage with parents really well. They are transparent in their communication and truly care about the school. Middle school can be a tough age and they do a great job of helping the students navigate this time in their life.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2022

Bad teachers, spoiled students that don't care. The only good class was the band. Long boring classes. My English class had 3 different teachers in it within a year. Math teacher is full of herself has a massive ego.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2020

Awful. Administration is very demeaning to the parents. This needs to be an educational facility not a prison. Stop expecting the worst behaviors and recognize kids showing positive behaviors.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2020

My son is challenged in his honors classes. He has a good amount of homework and the teachers are really helpful and nice. His writing has improved immensely. His experience with other children has been positive and he has made a lot of new friends coming from a new school. I was worried he would not adjust well, but he has good social group of kids. I would definitely recommend this school and the neighborhood of Desert Ridge.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019

Terrible!!! For 6 months we have given them many chances to do what’s right. Time after time again they didnt. It’s hard to put the blame on Administration when their hands are tied as they have to follow their Districts’ policies and cannot do the job that they were hired to do. They have too many fires to put out criminally there (3 last week alone) that there isn’t time left to deal with the good students that are being harassed, bullied and given extremely inappropriate reading material by their Teachers that the Administration can NOT even censor at their level?! We CAN NOT in good conscience, recommend Explorer Middle School to you for your child or ANY child!!!!!
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2018

Although my daughter didn't hate this school, it just isn't very good school in academics, social, or teacher supports/encouragements. All teachers have too many students to care about anything but getting day to day. Some have anger issues and some are just checked out. I'm not sure how this school have 4 stars. Maybe because they really care about AZ merit testing? This school is in upper middle class area so I was really hoping to have better schools. I am hoping other parents do take time to write constructive reviews for changes in the future.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2016

My son enjoys Explorer. In my experience the teachers have always been easy to communicate with and make themselves available to the parent and student if needed. Its a clean campus, they offer a variety of extra curricular activities, and in my personal opinion a great school. There is a Boys and Girls Club walking distance which helps with after school care.
Submitted by other on May 13, 2015

As a former student, I feel the school was mediocre at best. Every single one of my 7th grade teachers was awesome, but the quality sharply decline in 8th grade. While I had one phenomenal English teacher, the rest were terrible in comparison. A few appeared to have anger management issues, which does not make for a good learning environment. However, this pales in comparison to my biggest gripe: the rampant bullying completely and utterly disregarded by the office staff and teachers alike. I understand that Middle School is a particularly nasty time for a lot of people growing up, but that doesn't give the staff the right to turn a blind eye to those in need. Getting punched and getting my head shoved into a locker were just a few of the many unpleasant experiences I had there. Also, any form of self-defense results in the same punishment as whoever started it, meaning you aren't allowed to stick up for yourself either. Overall, I only recommend Explorer for those who haven't had bullying issues in the past. Think carefully before considering it.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2014

Average at best, going to the School board tomorrow to put a complaint in. The English teacher is disgruntled mess. I have never had a teacher blatantly not take responsible for her mistakes. As a concerned parent I don't want to be told what other kids have done, I care about my child and I am here to advocate for my son. She is the only teacher I have an issue with here at the school. The assistant principal is no prize either. When my son's hat was moved and ultimately was just a joke between boys she could't be bothered to go into a locked classroom to help recover it and let him go through a 4 day weekend thinking it was stolen. She was condescending on the phone, and although I have not met her in person I care not too. I am unhappy with a teacher that states she does not want the parent to solve the kids problems yet sends a email home weekly for you information. But don't consult her website like she states if you have questions because oh well it's wrong. She'll have to fix that. Twice this year. Oh and that's on your kid because she repeatedly tells them what they need to do. The website must be there for show.? Who knew?
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

This school is ridiculous! The assistant principal is worthless the teachers rude and I don't think the kids are anything worth mentioning. They don't care if they loose students and have even been told that if I am not happy with the school to find another! The teachers will stand in front of you say they adhd tell you they want perfection from your child but will not give perfection in return and then make a child with adhd feel stupid and even tell the class they have it! Can't wait to get my child out of here!!! Wish I could give negative stars!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2014

I agree with the comments below about bullying. If your child doesn't wear provacative clothes or have a boyfriend or sexts then be prepared ot have your child bullied. Looking for another school where my daughter will feel comfortable being a smart, compassionate child.
Submitted by other on May 11, 2014

This school has been amazing! I was a there for 2 years and loved it. Explorer has a wide range of activities and classes that make learning fun! The teachers are amazing and always lend a helping hand. The staff is nice, polite and all-round amazing. They offer tutoring for students who need extra help and the councilors provide a safe place for you when you need help. I have been very impressed with this school and wish I could have stayed longer!
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2014

Explorer Middle School has been absolutely wonderful! Not only do they focus on the student's education, safety, and overall sense of school spirit, the teachers and administrators make it a point to communicate with parents on a consistent basis. My son has had a fantastic two years at Explorer. Not to say he hasn't had his "challenges" that come with being a normal outgoing boy. However, those situations were always handled in a professional manner. I believe that due in large part, Explorer's curriculumn and emphasis on education is one reason why my son was accepted to both Notre Dame and Brophy Preparatory.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

Explorer Middle School is a great school. They have 75 minutes of Math, Science & English. Other schools only have 42-45 minutes. That is key. This is a STEM school specializing in Science, Technology, English and Math. Imperative to student success in growth. Teachers are good. New Principal seems very nice. Overall happy in our 2nd year there.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2013

Our personal experience at Explorer has met all of our expectations. Our daughter came from an exceptional elementary school and we fully expected her educational experience to remain the same at Explorer and we have not been disappointed. The curriculum is challenging and some of the teachers can have high expectations for the kids and that is perfect for preparing them for high school. Our daughter met a great group of kids and we have not witnessed any bullying issues. If it has occurred then it is very isolated and unfortunate. The school does have a bullying policy in place and our daughter is very aware of it and has not witnessed any bullying personally. We rated it four stars because every school has room for improvement.
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2013

The bullying is out of control at this school and absolutely nothing has been done. There are mean kids that the administration chooses to look the other way with. Something needs to be done. There are good teachers whose hands are tied. Don't open enroll your students here...
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2012

I am confused and dismayed at the negative reviews posted regarding bullying at Explorer Middle School. It simply doesn't go on at Explorer and I am pretty sure the reviews below are from one or two disgruntled parents. I have been an EMS parent and volunteer for 2 years and am extremely impressed with the quality and dedication of the faculty and the variety of programs that are offered for the students. As many have noted, the technology classes are exceptional and the growing music and drama departments are the best of any middle school in the district. About 1/2 of the students at EMS have open enrolled which means that they choose to go to school at Explorer. EMS also has the highest test scores of any middle school in the district. There are numerous opportunities to volutneer and you can get involved as much or as little as your schedule allows. The PTO is active and very supportive of the staff and students. They also have a fabulous fall festival that this the talk of the community every October.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2012

This is my 1st year at Explorer and my husband and I are happy with our choice. My 2 older kids attended Mountain Trail Middle another good school however, this time we allowed our youngest child the opportunity to choose for himself. He came home yesterday beaming as he told us he got straight A's this time. He's had to work hard especially in English Honors but the work has paid off! The leaders and staff are all hard working and dedicated. As a member of the PTO and district Rep -- this school has a very active group of parent volunteers and we work closely with the administration to provide the best learning environment for our kids.