Norterra Canyon K-8

2200 West Maya Way

School District

Deer Valley Unified District
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Deer 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 March 28, 2024

My children have been at Norterra Canyon since the 2nd year it opened. My oldest 2 have moved on to high school/college, with my youngest still attending. We have LOVED everything about Norterra Canyon. Amazing administration and staff. The first admin was not as strong but have loved all of them since. Open to listen to concerns and suggestions. Teachers have become friends over the years. My children have been in the gifted program and I saying it is amazing is not high enough. My youngest tested high enough to go into the Renaissance program in the district. We felt he would do better at his home school and have not been disappointed. I highly recommend Norterra Canyon and it will be a little sad when my last one leaves. *Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate*
Submitted by other on December 10, 2023

I experienced open racism from my classmates because I was the only POC in my class. I was actively excluded from activities and my teacher didn't do anything about it.
Submitted by student on November 22, 2023

I have loved my time at Norterra. The teachers and staff are great and I have made great relationships with my fellow students. The lessons and experiences from this school will stay with me fir the rest of my life. Thank you, Norterra!
Submitted by other on February 08, 2023

My Experience This school is bright, energetic, and the staff are invested in the well-being of its students. Administration, teachers, and support staff go out of their way to individualize the learning environment for each student, which sometimes means that the most difficult students with adverse behaviors get an overage of 1:1 attention that can take away from general teaching to the majority of students. As in all schools, a lot of time and effort is spent on dealing with peer issues, especially "bullying" issues. Discipline is swift, but often, doesn't seem satisfactory to one parent or the other depending on which side of the issue their student falls. The administration investigates all reports and attempts to arbitrate the situation for the fairest outcome to students. The education that students receive at Norterra Canyon is top notch. Teachers are well educated and invested in their students' learning. There are very few serious issues at this school, with safety for the students and staff a top priority. The PTSA is very active at Norterra and works hard to organize fun activities that develop school spirit and make the staff feel very appreciated. Families at the school are overall very supportive and able to make their needs known to the administration. Unfortunately with reviews online, you often only see negative comments because satisfied people don't always take the time to provide their input. Their satisfied! There are, and should be, expectations that students have to follow such as dress code. Norterra strives to provide a high quality learning atmosphere where students can explore their potential and learn skills for life. School is not a daycare, hospital, or therapy clinic. This A rated school deserves excellent reviews. I encourage you to consider it for you student(s).
Submitted by student on May 02, 2022

The only thing I like at this school is the people I met here, and some teachers, but that's about it. "Punishment" towards homophobic remarks, racist remarks, and doing inappropriate gestures/remarks to somebody who's widely uncomfortable with it doesn't exist. They do, though, punish you for violating dress-code, even if you know, and other people agree, you never violated it. They are EXTREMELY annoying and picky for everything towards females, because they think we are supposed to be "kinder" then the men. (Entirely wrong). If your child knows how to handle bullies and fight back/knock their teeth out, enroll them here. They might have the time of their life or wish they were dead.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2019

Teachers are amazing - administration lacking. Teacher turnover due to administration. Parents left due to administration
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2018

Up until the current administration we were very pleased with the school and staff, however the School District and it's board does not back the students, parent or the teachers with the current issues the school has, they instead let the current administration run things poorly with no PTSA assistance.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2016

I love Norterra Canyon! The school has a warm and inviting culture and lots of school spirit. The parents, students, and teachers all make the school a great place.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2016

I would never reccomend this school. A first grade teacher was incredibly cruel to my child last year. She separated him in a desk alone last year. Made statements about my child, and to my child that were wrong and cruel. She's still teaching at Norterra this year. Sad.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

This is the worst year ever at this school. We have been here 6 years. The new principal is not a great fit. Teachers are unhappy and are leaving. We are short staff including math teacher and recess monitors. Our son receives 35 minutes a day of math instruction due to lack of staff and no one cares. Teachers are going to leave and parents are searching other schools for next year. Do yourself a favor and look at open enrollment at other schools in the area.. The mood on campus is depressing and the students can feel it. No parent input considered or cared for with administration.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2014

This is our first year at this school (just relocated to the area) and I hate to say that I feel my child is not learning a thing. The teachers do not communicate well and seem very worn out and tired of teaching. The mood on campus seems depressing and I will be looking for another option. Administration is lacking on communication as well. Not very inviting.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2014

Wonderful school! Very involved parents and caring teachers/staff. Couldn't be happier about the school and the education!
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2014

I have 3 kids that go to Norterra Canyon and we love this school! The administration, teachers and staff are wonderful and inviting. The school spirit is fantastic and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend all events. I can't say enough good things about the teachers at Norterra Canyon.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

Norterra Canyon has an excellent and involved principal and assistant principal who both care deeply about children and learning. The teachers are friendly and are highly skilled. There is a school garden and tortoise habitat that the kids enjoy. This school has a fantastic PTSA. Smart boards are in every classroom. When given an option to move schools my son was adamant that he wanted to stay at Norterra because the teachers care there.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

This school is in a great community, but the administration leaves much to be desired! The school is beautiful as far as maintenance goes. The teachers that I have had experience with at this school all seem unhappy and generally difficult to communicate with. I don't feel as though the principle really cares for the well being of my child but rather about the politics of her job. For example, my child had a really rough year (along with the majority of her fellow students) last year and I was advised by another few parents to request a specific teacher for the following year. These parents had made the same request and been granted their choice of teacher, I was told "this school does not accept requests for teachers." Now, if this was in fact true, I would understand, but I know it is inconsistent with what other parents have experienced. No child should be afraid to go to school in first grade! Mine was, and my intention was to try and "reset" his year. My concern with this school is the poor communication between the administration and parents and I know a lot of the other parents feel the same way. It is unfortunate because it is a beautiful school with much potential.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2013

this school is very good and clean school, am very happy with staff. they have a great system to update parents with all the school news. i have the kids at norterra for 3 years
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2012

Not a great experience at all. Maybe we just got unlucky- but am certainly not happy with my 1st grader's teacher. I expect the teacher to be nurturing, kind and patient when dealing with elementary school kids. The teacher here gets irritated very easily, admonishes the children on a regular basis and in the words of my little on- "extremely mean". When I asked my daughter what she thought about the school she said " Though my teacher is not very nice the kids are good." I will be moving her out the first opportunity I get.