Sandpiper Elementary School

6724 East Hearn Road

School District

Paradise Valley Unified District
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 January 09, 2023

Sandpiper is a highly rated school (officially A rated as of this comment) - it lags slightly behind the highest rated PV school, but that is expected with language immersion schools!Our child is thriving here, and enjoys going to school to see friends and classmates. The school uses positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) to teach students emotional and behavioral strategies. It’s fun hearing this discussed in morning announcements in Spanish and English! Our child is not completely fluent as of third grade, but can answer questions correctly with a good accent, and can understand most basic conversations.This school also focuses on learning about different cultures of Spanish speaking countries, which is a big highlight for my child.Homework can be a fun challenge when it is in Spanish if a parent doesn’t speak the language, but there are translation resources available. In general this school has enough homework to enforce learning while giving plenty of time for outside activities.The classes are small and teachers have been great, and seem invested in age-appropriate teaching techniques and using technology when appropriate to learn up-to-date skills (e.g. typing was introduced in 2nd grade.) The parents are also very invested, and there is a great community feel.Overall, we recommend this if you’re interested in having your children obtain fluency in Spanish while also learning a lot and actually enjoying going to school!
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2022

We started this school with very high hopes for our children. Spanish immersion sounded so appealing. Our experience in kindergarten was very good. Past that I do not believe the teachers were using any type of curriculum and it was more of a 'free for all.' Teaching reading and writing was not required and after kindergarten the Spanish education seemed to fall off the radar. After we moved our children to a different PV school we were beyond shocked how far ahead the other children were in all academic areas. Many teachers seemed very unhappy and the 'mean girl' factor among the students was alarming. I guarantee any of the surrounding schools will be a better fit for every type of learner. The only plus side? Class sizes are very small because so many parents have pulled their children from this school.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2019

Wonderful four years into the school and not at all thinking about a change
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2018

This is our 10th year at this school. While we have seen many changes over the years in staff and programs and size, we still feel this has been the best choice for all three of our children who have had very different needs. And the oldest 2 have gone on to be very successful in middle and high school. The school is slowly transitioning to offer only the partial Spanish immersion program, starting this year in kinder and then moving up one grade at a time. The immersion program has been a work in progress but I feel it is really well established at this time. The model of this program is based off of the other 2 closest Spanish Immersion Programs in Phoenix as well as the programming across the country, especially Utah which has a long standing immersion program history. A few parents are unhappy with math being taught in Spanish but that has been shown to be the best way to do so in the younger elementary grades because it is concrete and easier to understand in a foreign language. The after school program is part of the district Community Ed program and does have some issues with timely communication for enrollment and is limited in size. Many other quality programs now pickup and drop off at Sandpiper, Whiz Kids, YMCA, Boys and Girls club are a few. While the school grows, you can maintain the strong community feel if you jump in and take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities and reach out to others. We will be sad to leave after next year when our oldest moves on to middle school. I had one daughter who was in 2nd grade when the immersion started so she did not participate. My younger two participated in the immersion successfully. The Honors/gifted teacher is amazing! They have a full time resource teacher and a full time resource aide as well as a part time reading specialist.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2018

We've been at Sandpiper for 5 years now (since Kindergarten). It started out great and has been declining with each year. More and more kids that have been there since Kindergarten are leaving. They are converting the school to a completely Spanish Immersion school within the next 2 years so all new students will not have a choice of programs. The program is not effective in my opinion. They are teaching the wrong subjects in Spanish. They are teaching math and science in Spanish but not reading or writing. The kids can't even read the instructions for their math homework. It has really lost that small school feel and that home like atmosphere for the kids.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2018

We've been at Sandpiper from the start, and it seems to be getting progressively worse with each passing year. Finding homework online is ridiculous, paying for after school care is way too complicated, and the Spanish immersion program seems to be a failure at this point. Our child isn't any closer to understanding, reading, writing or Speaking Spanish than he was the first day of kindergarten, and because he doesn't understand the homework, it seems like learning the subjects taught in Spanish ( like Math or Science) aren't sinking in either. We're seriously considering switching schools.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2014

The FLITE program, Spanish emersion is amazing. Great community from the PTO to the Arizona Dad's club.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2013

We really love this school. The principal is awesome! From what we have seen, the administration is more involved with the students than the administration at our former private school. This is our first year, and so far we have been very impressed.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

Sandpiper is a great school! Mr. Jeras - the principal - is very involved with the students. He visits the class rooms throughout the day. Knows kids by their name. Teachers are great too and so is nurse King! We love the small school atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

My daughter goes to this school she is very happy and excited about learning education . Principal and Teachers are really into helping kids improve in studies. Sandpiper elementary school ROCKS*
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

Sandpiper really is a GREAT SCHOOL. We are districted to Sandpiper, but live near two other good schools that we researched before we settled on Sandpiper. So glad we did. It is a small school within a great community and I have loved participating at the school as so many other parents do. I have a 2nd grader and incoming Kindergartener, and both boys are ecstatic to start school again because they are both so comfortable at Sandpiper. The teachers we have had in the last two years were top notch and the principal is a great influence. I believe the Make Your Day has taught my child to take responsibility for their actions and to strive for good behavior. I highly recommend Sandpiper to any parents that want a small, local school feel within this sprawling metropolis with so many school choices.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2012

My daughter moved from different school has started her second grade in sandpiper this year we noticed a huge difference. Honestly our experience has been 100% very happy. The teachers and principal are amazing... every, single one love the way they encourages the children. It is a great feeling to know my child is truly cared and is very safe. My daughter enjoys going to school each day. She is learning soo much and I can see that progress. Kids are friendly, kind and very respectful. We don't see any bullies or rude kids or parents. People here come across very decent and educated. We are glad we chosen the right school for our daughter . We are truly blessed. Looking forward to register my son next year. I would highly recommend sandpiper elementary school to any parents who are looking for good school.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2012

I completely disagree with the last review. I just came to Sandpiper from a neighboring school and am thrilled with the Special Education/Resource teachers. I have two children who need extra help and I believe by the end of the school year they will be up to grade level. I also love the small community feel and find that the kids seem HAPPY at this school. The principal is very funny and my children are really having a good experience at this school.
Submitted by other on July 10, 2012

Lacks resources for special Ed. Special Ed teacher- lacks experience we miss K.G.! She was awesome ! Please stay with SUSD. Not PVUSD. Unless your kid is " typical". Go here...if you suspect anything else don't count on this place to give them a proper education. They seem it as inconvenience. Lack all needed essentials as a human needs that can't be bought or taught in college .just plain lack of understanding each child is a individual
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2011

Sandpiper is a caring, supportive community. The teachers and staff are truly dedicated to the success of each child. The teachers have consistently provided appropriate learning opportunities based on the ability level of each of my 3 children. Sandpiper is committed to developing well-rounded students by focusing on academics as well as citizenship. My kids love going to school everyday!
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2011

This is a wonderful, small school where everybody helps children succeed. Teachers listen to concerns, push for excellence, and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all students. Both our children attend Sandpiper and love it!
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2011

I am extremely impressed with this school! It has been referred to as a "hidden gem" and I completely agree. The educators and level of instruction are just as good, if not better, than what private school parents are paying thousands of dollars for each year. The environment is very welcoming to both students and parents, too. Walk through the school and you'll see nothing but happy students!