Ernest Stapleton Elementary School

3100 Stapleton Avenue Northeast

School District

Rio Rancho Public Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Rio Rancho Public Schools

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 September 20, 2023

My daughter had been going here since kindergarten! We have never had an issue. All her teachers have been amazing as well as staff.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2022

2022 is the last year we will be with ESES, and it's bittersweet. I'm excited for my kiddos' futures, but so sad we won't see the teachers daily. My youngest is a 5th grader this year and we moved here when she was in preschool and my son was in 5th. Initially, the size of the school and the overall coolness of RRPS was a shock. My son compared the building to a prison, having to be buzzed in and out to use the loo during recesses. Coming from a wee primary just across from our home to this massive, hulking behemoth took some getting used to. But it's because the staff and faculty are so dedicated to the students and willing to engage families that we remained through the years. My children both got an excellent education with the opportunity for growth and challenge for each of them. My oldest move onto a very rigorous school for 6-12 and ESES made sure he was ready for that transition. ESES focuses more on how to think than what to think and that's rather a necessary part of education. Thanks, ESE, for being everything a primary school ought to be for all kids who go through the doors.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2015

This is our first year at this school and initially I felt like this was a good move. If I could give 5 stars to just my kids teachers I would. The teachers have been amazing and communicate well. As for the administration they are HORRIBLE! They are like a pack of wolves who look for anything at all to call and complain and put in your kids " file". We have been called and accused of dropping our kids off late when there is still 10 minutes until tardy. The principal sides with administration even when they are in the wrong. I have always been involved in my kids school, but not this year. I have NEVER felt so unwelcome. I had set up an appt to talk with the school counselor about an issue that involved my child. Showed up to the school and the counselor was no where to be found, waited 30 min then went home. Very unorganized, unwelcoming school.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2014

I felt the need to post after seeing all these negative reviews. We moved here from Pennsylvania in 2012 where my son started 3rd grade. Although the classrooms are over crowded, both his 3rd and 4th grade teachers took the initiative to challenge him by assigning him advanced homework or recommending more challenging books for him. I have been very impressed with the staff at Stapleton and both principle and assistant principles are awesome! So friendly and gets to know kids by their names. The front desk ladies attitudes can definitely use some work! Other than overcrowded classrooms and the front office attitudes, I have NO complaints about this school and I'm very happy here.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

Stapleton is very crowded, and unfortunately that affects every aspect of the education offered there (hence, the three star rating). The teachers were excellent, but under a lot of pressure. For example, my son's 3rd grade class had 27 kids in it, two of whom seemed emotionally disturbed (according to my son's almost daily descriptions of their behavior). In one over-crowded class, the school waited until the second semester to hire another teacher. The school does offer extra-curriculars like sports, cheer, science fair, and the spelling bee, but good luck finding out about them in time to join (space is limited). Communication has always been an issue. Recess is also crowded--not enough equipment for the number of kids playing on it. One great thing about Stapleton are the diverse music clubs--chorus, show choir, percussion, guitar, band, and orchestra. The school dances are fun and very popular with families, with many middle and high school siblings returning to visit their old teachers (who also go to the dances). The overcrowding isn't the school's fault, and I think they do the best they can, but it's still an issue that the school district needs to address.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2013

Where do I begin? We were in complete culture shock when we moved to New Mexico in 2010. We were disappointed in many things about this school. It is much different than the one we came from. I never got the warm fuzzy feeling of an elementary school. Leadership seems to be lacking. As referenced before, there doesn't seem to be much of a relationship between staff/parents. I always got the feeling of being an "outsider" when I would visit. Our children learned very little at this school. We feel that it is due to the diverse socioeconomic families they are catering to. We were not impressed with the acadmics. They were not challenged enough with homework, projects, book reports, etc. There appeared to be no real consequence for children with behvioral problems. One of our children had 2 disruptive and clearly emotionally challenged students in his class and our son's needs (as well as the rest of the class) were put on the back burner. The "problem" students take priority. Very sad, but very true. Overall, we felt our children were being short changed. Had to move them to a private school where they are excelling.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2012

Second year with this school. First year was a huge transition, second year got much better. I agree with the other posts, parents do not feel welcome. This school works more with the average student and puts no effort into the students who need to be challenged.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2011

I completely agree with the person who says that the admin sides with the teacher. They also side with the bully because they said they were sorry makes it ok. When my child punches them in the nose next time and says sorry then that'll be ok then? Too many parents of students work there and they sided with them until I showed concrete proof they were in the wrong and said i'd contact a lawyer. There parent pick up/drop off is a joke. Enchanted hills has a better success rate in just about every area. Good riddance.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2011

The school has programs to assist students in need for reading, etc....and is wonderful if you don't have any teacher issues. The administration sides with the teacher, even when they are in the wrong and treats you badly if you voice your opinion. the office staff is rude and make you feel unwanted unless you are a family member or part of the PTA.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2007

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