Black Mountain Elementary School

33606 N 60TH ST

School District

Cave Creek Unified District
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Cave Creek 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 18, 2021

BMES is an excellent school with an extremely dedicated, enthusiastic and effective principal. The teachers and all of the support staff are professional, devoted and fun. The Arts program offers dance and drama on top of art and music. There are many clubs for the kids to join in the school such as drama, dance, chorus and band. The before/after school program is also excellent. We have moved multiple times for husband's job and with our kids being age 8, 14 & 19 we have experienced many elementary schools, and this one is by far the best. We moved here when our 14 year old was in 5th grade and he was welcomed, joined the drama club and got a leading role in the school play (which is performed at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center adjacent to BMES). We saw him blossom from a relatively shy young man to a theater star in one year. He also was nominated and featured in an art show and presented with a wonderful gift of art supplies. Our daughter started Kinder there and has enjoyed her time there and has had absolutely wonderful teachers (she is now in 2nd grade). She was recently diagnosed with a small learning disability and is in an IEP. We couldn't be more pleased and impressed with the additional help she is receiving and are already seeing tremendous improvement and confidence on her part. The PTO is also the best I have experienced having volunteered at many schools. I have never seen such a dedicated PTO President and board as well as volunteers. I can't wait until it is safe again for parents to volunteer there again. It's a really great place to volunteer and meet other parents.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2021

My daughter is completing her Kindergarten year at BMES. Her teacher, Ann Mortimer is AMAZING. She works so hard for the kids and has been a wonderful partner to parents, keeping us informed via email and notes home each day. My daughter started early (at age 4 and turned 5 one month later). She could read the "early reader" or "step 1" books when she started Kindergarten. She's now able to read beginner chapter books! BMES has a focus on the Arts. My daughter has "specials" every day; once per week of each of the following: Dance, P.E., Art, Music, Drama. They have library once per week, they get two recess breaks per day and they are frequently out of their desks doing activities to keep young brains engaged.Principal Owsley is also incredible. All the kids know him - he is very involved in making sure school is a fun a safe place.Another thing that I love about BMES is the focus that they have on being KIND. This is character-building from the start. Of course, kindness starts at home, but it certainly helps to have it reinforced during the school day. We are so happy with our BMES experience, especially during this strange pandemic year.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2020

This is a true Elementary School. Many schools are K-8 and over populated to cut down on budget. We love this school for so many reasons. Moved just to be at this school.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2017

This school is the best! The staff is amazing and I am thrilled with the education my kids receive. My children are challenged but supported. My children are given academic rigor mixed with amazing arts experiences. Can't believe this is a public school!
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2017

Love the principal and also the teachers that my child has in kindergarten.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2017

Love this school. Parents, teachers, staff all a wonderful supportive community.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2017

Overall the teachers are nice, the faculty is also really nice but this school is not a professional environment. It's more like a social club with way too much parental involvement.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2016

Black Mountain is an amazing school! While most schools narrow the curriculum, Black Mountain provides opportunities often not found in Arizona Schools. From Drama to Dance and everything in between, Black Mountain students receive an amazing education! They have been rated a High Performing Reward School as well as an A school by the Arizona Department of Education. They have also received the designation of A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Education Foundation. The teachers are the best around and make a huge difference to students both high and low. The students at Black Mountain are greeted with a smile every day and given many opportunities to excel. The last reviewer clearly does not know what they are saying.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2016

Fantastic staff, the teachers are dedicated and caring. Principal is hands on and great with the children. The school is a family oriented school with PTO planning fun family events where our children make great memories. I am so proud to be part of this community.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2016

I have taught elementary school for 18+ years in another community and my children attend BMES. I choose BMES for them after researching and visiting the school when my oldest was entering kindergarten. Over the last 3 years I have been continuously impressed with BLACK MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY! The teacher and staff are dedicated, friendly, focused on education. The curriculum is rigerous, as well as focused on developing the whole child: academically, socially and emotionally. BMES has a wonderful community feel and I am thrilled that my children are a part of it!
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2016

We love BMES! Especially with the addition of Drama and Dance. Mr. Owsley is an advocate for the his students and is always looking for ways to enrich the curriculum. We love how hands on he is as a principal.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2016

There are many reasons we come out of district to attend Black Mountain. The administration and teachers are top notch and provide support and a caring and positive educational environment second to none. Our exceptional principal and teachers go out of their way to ensure all of the students are reaching their full potential. Parents are very welcoming and friendly and the PTO is very active in providing positive support. It's more than school, it's a fantastic community where we are proud have our children be a part of and grow up in. There are many positive attributes that Black Mountain provides students and parents, but above all, for my family, when it comes to the education of our children, it provides peace of mind.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2016

My family has been at Black Mountain Elementary school for many years. We love our school and the amazing parents and students that make up our community. Our PTO is top notch and many parents are very active as volunteers at the school. My family has never had a teacher complaint. In fact, my kids have adored all of their teachers. True. Our Pricipal is fair and kind, consistent and ever present. Our front office staff is exceptional. We have Drama, dance, improv, Spanish, band, music, chorus, Odyssey of the Mind, and others. The community is warm and friendly. Our campus is newly remodeled, efficient and beautiful. I can't say enough. BMES is the place to be!
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2016

This school covers the state curriculum and rounds it out with arts-based specials and electives.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2015

From preschool on, my boys have had the best teachers a parent could ask for. They are caring, yet hold the kids accountable. Teacher's communicate often and let you know if they have any concerns about your child. There is a wonderful sense of community where parents say hello to other children as well as the other parents. We feel blessed be Black Mountain Bobcats!
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2015

This is my first year at BMES and as a parent of two young children, I can tell you that this school was a deciding factor in where my family decided to build our home a few years back. I enrolled my oldest in the pre-school at BMES and from day one, everything about this school just felt right. The office staff knows all of the 500 students by name, the teachers seem genuinely happy as they walk down the halls, and there is an overall sense of pride among the students. BMES is more than just a school, it is a community....a family. As a very involved parent in the school, I can tell you that when I walk down the halls, I have no doubt in my mind that my children are challenged, respected, and valued here each and every day. I couldn't have asked for a better early education experience for our family! We are proud to be a Bobcat Family!
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2015

All about the money , burnt out staff , not a teacher to be found in the school ...
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2014

My kids are in third and fifth grade and have attended BMES all years. The teachers and staff are amazing. The teachers established a tutoring session before and after school to help the students improve their understanding of the AIMS. My children wanted to go to these sessions which showed me that the teachers made a great impact on relating the importance of the AIMS and improving their overall knowledge to them. BMES is a top rated school for more than the A+ rating. The teachers, staff, and principal all try and do what is best for their students first. If there are any suggested improvements please push them up to the principal and PTO so we can try and make every child's experience amazing at BMES.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2014

Clearly the post written a few days ago is meant for the Black Mountain in Golden Valley and not this one. It says that there is a lot of turnover. This is not correct as most of the teachers have worked at Black Mountain for many many years. In fact, this school is so great that people come from all over to work here. I heard that with one opening, there are 60 applicants. The comment about the principal's inexperience is completely wrong. Mr. Owsley has many years of teaching experience and many more years of administrative experience in Cave Creek and another school district. He is an award winning principal at the district and state level. The kids, staff, and parents love him. The teaching staff is one of the best in the state and earned an A from the Arizona Department of Education and an A+ School of Excellence designation from the Arizona Education Foundation. This is a huge accomplishment as it is done through a thorough outside analysis by experts in education. This school is amazing and anyone that says otherwise is misinformed. I have had nothing but fabulous experiences at Black Mountain for the years that my children have been here.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2014

Wow. I was sad to read the last review by that parent who is so upset with the school and calling it a failing school district. I was so thrilled to hear that the State of AZ awarded Black Mountain the prestigious honor of an A+ School of Excellence, they EARNED it, and DESERVE it. I don't know what experience that parent or child has had, but they clearly have not tried to address their concerns. My kids have had issues and I addressed them and was satisfied with the outcome. It amazes me how easy it is for that parent who made the post below to criticize anonymously. They clearly did not address their concerns head on and I feel sorry for that parent, but more so for their child. It is easy to sit back and type harsh and hurtful words, but then again, that is what is so great about the USA, free speech.