Desert Heights Elementary School

13948 Mount Bismark Street

School District

Washoe County
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Washoe 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 12, 2015

I love desert heights! My son came over from Silverlake where although the teachers and Mrs Dickson at that time as principal cared deeply, he wasn't getting the best education he could there as a special needs child. Mrs. Gray and teachers care greatly and go above and beyond for for each of there students. The principles and staff are wonderful and my son loves going to school again. He has grown by leaps and bounds academically at this school. I am saddened that it has gotten negative reviews due to personal reasons that are petty or because the whole nation uses a core standard for education. This is a wonderful school and they care very much for the pupils here. I have never had my child go to a school where they try so hard and are genuine.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

My children only went here for a few years, but the school was one of their best. The teachers and the Principal, at that time were awesome.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2013

Ms. Mesina and her class helper are great. My son has learned so much from her class and she is exceptionally kind. My son is now ready for kindergarten. My son can now write every letter in the alphabet because Ms. Mesina has worked with him.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2013

TThe teachers at this school have always been helpful and devoted to their students. I have a problem with the principals decision to keep the playgroud locked after school hours and throughout school breaks.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2013

The office staff are extremely pleasant, as is the principal.The special ed department is the best I've encountered. More specifically Mrs. Metzger,an amazing human being. She's a true asset.She helped my autistic son become communicative through sign language and helped him learn to speak. He can now identify all his letters,colors,shapes,numbers-100 and knows songs and nursery rhymes, he even socializes with children. All of this in approximately 7 months time. From non verbal and multiple meltdowns to the wonderful little smart boy he is today. The environment in her classroom is full of fun and energy but still structured enough to help a special needs child thrive to the fullest. She and her aid, Ms. Heather are phenomenal people and I am very grateful to have had them in my life. Even after we moved and our son encountered problems with his new classroom Mrs. Metzger went above and beyond the duties of any teacher, let alone a former teacher, to ensure I had every opportunity afforded to me to make sure my child was put into a new school better suited and more safe for my son. Bravo for setting such an excellent example of what a school should be like.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2011

I have four children attending this school. Mrs. Daniels (pre-k) is exceptional and many of the teachers are passionate about teaching and it shows in my children's learning and their ability to partner with us as parents. However, too much emphasis was placed on the students with regard to the CRT's. For example, my child, who has a reading disorder became unduly stressed days before the test stating that he would be "held back" should he not do well. His teacher even admitted she "told all the students this" to "help them understand how important the test is". Discipline does not support the district mission statement and administration did not partner with us with respect to our children's learning needs. Also, two teachers out of the four returned phone-calls while the other two did not. If your children attend this school, make certain you know your rights and responsibilities as a parent and assert them effectively or lest you'll end up feeling powerless and walked on while your child pays the price.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2009

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Submitted by parent on February 04, 2008

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