Copper Canyon Elementary School

17650 North 54th Street

School District

Paradise Valley Unified District
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 July 09, 2024

First and foremost, sad to see the 1 star review and read the comments they left. Not sure what they are even talking about because this school has been amazing. Everything from the principal to the teachers and staff have been great! I have 4 kids and have them enrolled here and cannot complain about anything. I also know first had how great of a school this is. My sister and brother both went here back in 1990's-2000 and I also have 4 cousins who attended and they can all attest that the school was the best back then too. I recommend this school for the teaching, safety, family engagement, support and education they receive. My children are learning and growing and love Copper Canyon.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2022

From the start the principal was cold holding no empathy or compassion for my children who I clearly stated are going through major life changes. If schools want to see our youth succeed they need to learn to be empathetic and compassionate! Coming from the most caring, compassionate, empathetic, professional elementary school to Copper Canyon a top ranked school was far from a positive experience. Very poor experience for my young children! Using great school’s website lead me far from the truth of what Copper Canyon had to offer. My 10 year old received a message for her and her friend who also left the school to go end their life’s. Our experience was far from what children should be at the ages of elementary aged children. Heartbreaking experience to say the least!
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2021

I have three children at this school, one who is a typical learner and two on IEPS. We have found that even in the pandemic, that all of the teachers have gone above and beyond to provide a quality education for my kids, regardless of thier needs and abilities. I have had many interactions with teachers and administration and have always been impressed with my interactions with the staff. Highly recommend
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2021

My experience with the school was less than spectacular. It seems that they are rated highly only because they favor children who have parents who can afford tutors to keep them above average. The principal also seems to like to discriminate against people who come into the school outside of the district, even though the district approved the student to be there because they have low enrollment. Apparently if you’re not rich because you don’t live in that neighborhood they look down on you and will not do anything to help your child if they need it. My child had difficulty reading and was very behind and the school refused to do anything to try and help him get up to speed. They did not offer a reading specialist for him because they said that they were not able to do that for him. They also said that they are not like other poor schools where they get more funding for these types of resources, and therefore cannot do anything to help a child who needs additional help. As it turned out later, my child was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD, but unlike Copper Canyon the school he is at now actually had him on a 504 plan, and then when that didn’t help him they tested him for special education which he now qualifies for. Something Copper Canyon not once wanted to do for my child, and did everything they could to avoid giving my child those additional resources. To the point of insulting me because I was of lower income and not from their neighborhood. Those were literally the principals words to me. She is very stuck up and snobbish. Don’t go to this school unless you are a rich. They only cater to families with money who can pay for outside tutors so they don’t have to.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2016

This school only caters to married couple families. Often times I find that their extra-curricular activities, like the science fair, revolve around work schedules for families that have stay-at-home moms. I am a single mother and I had a very hard time trying to get my child not to be mad at me because I was not able to make it to her school events that were scheduled during business hours. I have a full time job that supports both of us and I don't think that I should be ashamed of that. I don't feel that my child or I should have to be emotionally distressed because this school does not understand that the world does not revolve around married couples with children. I am proud to be a single mother and feel that these types of events should be scheduled during a time that EVERYONE can make it to... not just the mothers or fathers of married couples. The crossing guard is also very rude and likes to yell at people.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2015

Amazing principle teachers and staff. I always feel very welcome as soon as I walk through the front door!
Submitted by other on May 13, 2015

As a former student (Grades 3-6), I feel the school was mediocre at best. A few good teachers does not offset the plethora of bad ones I encountered during my stay. Some were extremely disorganized, (to the point of papers literally being thrown on the floor for students to collect), some were incredibly mean-spirited (one teacher would visibly roll her eyes at me whenever I asked a question), and some were simply too old to be teaching. (quite a few were over 60 years old, and it showed in their behavior) The principal means well, and clearly cares about the children, but is too nice for his own good. A lack of discipline meant that bullies harassed others without fear of consequence. As is par for the course, the duty aids were extremely toxic to everyone around them, and would yell at students regardless of whether they had done anything to deserve it. Overall, better than most schools in Arizona, but that isn't saying much.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2015

We are a family that moved from Minnesota this last fall. Copper Canyon has been a fabulous school for us. The staff was tremendous in making us feel welcome, teaching us the "ropes" and helping us support our two girls through the transition. I like the fact that this school holds to some older fashioned notions such as respect, accountability and order- but also accounts for the needs of individual students and families. In every place of education, business or social encounter-the more you show respect and get to know people-the more personal experience you create. Not every teacher ( at any school) will be a perfect fit for every kid, but we have been pleased with our experience at this school.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2014

This school has been wonderful as our daughter has transitioned into Kindergarten. After having a tough time acclimating to a more structured environment, our daughter's teacher worked with us to establish a plan to ensure her success with the new challenge. She is now doing wonderfully and loves to attend this school. The faculty and staff really engage the children in a variety of learning approaches, and the administration is approachable and friendly. We are very happy with our choice to attend Copper Canyon.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

Copper Canyon Elementary school is a fantastic school. Mrs. Dara, Health Assistant to Nurse West is great to the kids and they really love her. She also mentors the kids who are in the Coyote Patrol Program. She works with the students and teaches them the value of working at the school and responsibility. She is a real asset to Copper Canyon.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

This school used to be the worst school ever but then a littler miracle happened and the miracle is named Alan Potts !
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2013

The staff is well known for being cold, and not just to the new family's. The academics at Copper Canyon aren't any better than the surrounding schools. If you don't mind the chill in the air at Copper Canyon you'll be just fine!
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2013

I like this school for our daughter, she seems to fit in nicely and has learned so much. I didn't give this school 5 starts because I feel the staff is unwelcoming. At least toward new faces. I have seen them react to someone they know verses someone they don't. I personally experienced this myself and didn't think much of it until I noticed a trend and it just became really annoying. Some of the parents are very involved which is really nice. But some parents can be really pushy and rude, its so inappropriate. I see the same parents over and over in some of the classrooms, and from listening to the parents who didn't get a chance to become involved, its just disappointed that the teacher picked the same people all the time. There should be a rotation for all parents to have a chance to help out with something. We have confindence in our daughter that she is having a great time with or without us. The best part of this school is the after care program. The staff is beyond nice and always so involved with the kids.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2013

This school is just alright in my opinion, theres more to a school than test scores, which frankly your gonna have decent scores here due to its location. There are a few bright stars here but over all the school has a very private feel to it, sometimes i think they forget this is a public school. Lots of in your face favoritism here from the teachers and office staff. I watched in the office one morning loads of kids coming in late and the office staff literally picking off certain kids for tardy slips and letting the others that walked in behind go right on by to class. They should have all been lined up for tardy slips! Silly me, I forgot it depends who you are at this school. I was pleased when new leadership was announced, I thought the previous principal was a bit full of himself. I hope the new principal does not get bullied by some of these parents, although when I got a slip about picking teachers next year, I am starting to think "same old, same, old". Why would a principal turn this into a popularity contest among teachers. Its ludicrous! Please, this has nothing to do with teaching styles and everything to do with who the parents are friends with.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2012

A lot has changed in the past year at Copper Canyon, but the change is mostly good. The parents are now required to sign in at the front office to enter the school. Some parents are very upset about their inability to come into the school through a side door and roam the halls freely. These parents miss being able to chat with their friends in halls and peeking in on their children through the window in the doors. However, my children feel much more secure now that all the doors are locked. The teachers, staff and aides are extremely friendly and you can see how much they adore the children. The only unhappiness I have seen by the staff is when certain parents complain for the umpteenth time to them about locked doors and the library being closed before school. I can see how frustrating it is to have to listen to the same negativity over and over. Copper Canyon is a wonderful school. My children love the teachers, staff and principal. The parents are still extremely involved and while we have a new principal, he cares just as much as our previous one. All that matters to me is that my kids are happy, and they love this school!
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2012

Copper Canyon went thru a big change when our beloved Principal left suddenly. We are a close community and the change left us all a little bewildered. The start of school year brought Mr. Shappee, our new principal, and with that some changes to our routines. The kids have adjusted well to the changes, and accepted them! A handful of parents are still struggling to accept the new changes, and have chosen to stand on their principles. The majority of the parents have embraced the changes, and are very supportive of the PTA and staff, which ultimately supports all the kids at CCES. Mr. Shappee has been a wonderful addition to our school. He really does have the best interest of the students and staff in mind. The staff is as warm to you as you are to them. I know they have struggled with the negativity from some of the parents, and hope that they know we support them, and appreciate their dedication to making our school a success! Thank you CCES staff.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2011

Our family is very happy and impressed with Copper Canyon in many ways. The parent involvement is great and it makes a big difference in class and other activities. The teachers are able to focus on the most important parts of teaching. The principal and staff are loved by kids and parents. They get to know the families personally, are very accessible and strive to meet the needs of each child individually. The principal is loved by the kids and when needed disciplines with respect instead of fear. The families at Copper Canyon are child focused and I love the fact that my kids are surrounded by other kids that are happy, well behaved, respectful kids. They are exposed to great role models everyday which makes parenting them that much easier.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2011

I have been a parent of Copper Canyon for 8 years! My daughter just graduated last year and now my son is starting kindergarten. His teacher Mrs. MacDonald is such an amazing teacher and person. My son talks about her all the time and all the amazing things he has discovered every day he goes to school. It is such a blessing to know how warm of an environment he gets to experience everyday. From the principal to the aides to the teacher this school is the best around. We can not wait to enroll our 2 year old! (we just pray he gets Mrs. MacDonald to welcome him with open arms!) Looking forward to a full 17 years when all said and done!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2011

I have been a parent at Copper Canyon for 9 years and 2 children. I have had noting but great experiences. I have never experienced anything negative, just positive teachers, staff, principal and families. The education and ratings are also great for a public school. They go above and beyond for the families and students!!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2011

I am very happy with Copper Canyon! My children have been going there for three years and they have excelled so much academically and socially because of the instructive and caring environment at Copper Canyon. You always "connect" more with some teachers compared to others, but ALL of the teachers my children have had have been professional, kind, caring, and good at their craft. The support staff is also excellent. My children have been involved in both extra reading and speech programs at Copper Canyon. The instruction in these areas has been exceptional. In addition, I can't say enough about the principal. Somehow he manages to be both firm and kind. The students love him and greet him happily when he walks by in the hallway. At the same time they respect his authority. He cares about all aspects of Copper Canyon. I have seen him 1) mop the cafeteria floor, 2) help students with reading, 3) install a bookcase in the library, and 4) help students get savely into their parents' cars at the end of the day. I can't imagine a more caring principal and a better school!