Paradise Honors Elementary

15533 West Paradise Lane

School District

Paragon Management Inc.
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

charter

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 December 18, 2024

Paradise Schools puts the students' best interests at the forefront of everything they do. They have a variety of after-school clubs in which students can participate. They host parent nights where parents do activities with their children. They just went to a 4 day school week, which gives families the opportunity for more family time and gives the students additional downtime and less stress, especially when they get into high school.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2024

Be aware bullying is not considered bullying until it’s super harmful and there has to be an “imbalance of power.” They super promote this and that teasing is considered just playing so don’t be surprised if your kid is constantly being made fun of and it’s just “kids teasing each other.”My other problem with this school is there isn’t much communication between the adults there. My son has an allergy and it was communicated with the teacher but other staff members somehow made a problem out of that. No point in going too far into detail but just know a lot was not necessary if there was better communication. We are in Phoenix and it’s hot at the beginning of the school year. The school only goes off heat warnings from maricopa county and has no care in the world to make a judgment call to keep kids indoors when it’s 106 degrees or higher. My kids displayed heat exhaustion signs during an outdoor lunch/recess (mind you it’s between 1230pm and 1 pm) and they tried to tell an adult but they were no where to be found. When I found this out I contacted to teachers and they arranged for my kids to sit inside for that time. I went to the office to address this and they said they can only make it a short arrangement because all the kids are hot, but they all need to be outside (where there isn’t sufficient shaded areas). I tried to tell her it’s frowned upon to have dogs out in that heat but they have no problem with these little kids out there. When the office person said that they tell their own child who she said displayed heat exhaustion signs to her and complained of the heat she told me she told him “everyone has to be outside so deal with it and go back outside.” She volunteered this info to me trying to convince me that it’s fine for the kids to be outside while I see that she gets to sit in air conditioning. Instead this tells me they will never care about the safety of the kids in the school with Arizona heat so I just ended the conversation and transferred my kids out of that school after the first week. This is as short as I can make this.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2024

This school didn’t fit our family values. If you are looking for school, that is focused on state testing. Than, this would be a great school for you. When we first started, the approach was more well-rounded in terms of curriculum and education. The teachers there seem to be unqualified. Most of them do not have teaching degrees. Which is not a make it or break it for us. The problem was is that they did not know how to manage classrooms or children. One of the teachers even alluded to my son, not being smart. This was said to him and the teacher admitted to what was said. Which I do respect her for taking ownership of her actions. But the damage is done to my son and his confidence. He has always been a good student. Always got A’s and B’s until this year. The students primarily learn on computers. The teacher seem to be more like babysitters. However, the principal, Mrs. Nelson seem to care and really try hard to make the children comfortable and welcomed. The students there are also a little rough around the edges. The school itself serves a middle-class community. But the children are very cruel to each other. Overall, I would say this was not a good fit for us. To be honest, the only reason I gave it to stars was because of the principal and her efforts to correct any issues that happened while my son was attending the school.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2022

I feel like Paradise has lost it's original focus - what is best for students. Three years ago my first child had a phenomenal experience in 2nd grade. They did so many fun and hands-on activities, and they could not wait to come home and tell me about their day. They never wanted to miss school and were always so excited to go each day. We had hoped that our second child would have a similar experience this year, but that is not the case. Our current 2nd grader has not enjoyed going to school at all, it is a fight every morning. They were so excited because their older sibling had told them so many things that they would get to do once they got to 2nd grade, so they have been disappointed to say the least. I wish they would bring back some of that joy, the students really need it after the last few years. I feel like the majority of the good teachers are leaving and it is absolutely heartbreaking. As much as it saddens me to say, this will be our last year at Paradise.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2021

After years at Paradise, we are considering leaving. We love the teachers, who have all been great, and there is a lot of good here, but a LOT of bad is tipping the scales.Leadership during the pandemic has been atrocious, and liability fears have killed common sense. Paradise has been weak and late in forming policy, plus the school was closed this year more than twice as long as local district schools, without any reason communicated to its constituents. Schoolwide communication is terrible and often relies on social media alone to disseminate key information—the school desperately needs a communications coordinator to right the ship.Paradise does not adequately nurture its gifted or “different” learners, doing the bare minimum and encouraging home supplementation. Much better gifted opportunities exist elsewhere.The parking lot is always a mess that could be improved any number of ways (staggered pickup, reorganizing the lot, encouraging pickup line over parking) yet isn’t.I didn’t fully realize what was wrong with Paradise until I experienced firsthand how other schools work. By seeing other schools actually put effort into these areas, and seeing how far Paradise lags behind, I have stopped believing Paradise cares about its kids.
Submitted by other on October 29, 2019

This is a tough write up. I have 2 kids that attended for 2 years but are polar opposites. 1 sits quietly, does all required work, doesnt offer to speak unless solicited. The other, is distracted, opinionated, defiant (not in a mean way, but looking for clarity in his questioning) So now the hard part, justifying my answers. My son (the rebel) was the detention KING. Seemed to get 2-3 a week...almost all year. So, did it work? Help? NOPE...but it didnt stop them from continuing & escalating (as you would if you were an under performing employee that an employer needs documentation to terminate. Suspensions followed shortly after. I get it, detention didnt work, lets REALLY TEACH HIM. So his grades took a hit. That was awesome, but for the state testing, he always managed to be in the top 10% . My "good child" had never got a single detention, & I asked her why is that. Her reply was,"Dad, they are sexist here." 6th grade, I'm thinking she may not know the meaning so I ask a little more. She demonstrated knowledge of the word sexist & that it was not used out of context. She further explained she sees girls doing things boys do (meaning actions & behaviors that get boys detentions) & they got no punishment. The funny thing was she, on her own chose to try an experiment. She did what ever her brother did in other classes to get detention (intentionally) without getting any detention. Its hard as a parent deciding who is right or wrong when it comes to your child or a teacher...but when an administrator tells you at "meet the parents" your son's teachers have been instructed to report ALL issues to them, makes it feel a LOT like your child is being singled out. You hear bully this bully that when it comes to kids with kids, my son told me he felt his teachers (just a few over the 6 semesters & class changes) are bullying him. (because while he will question authority, he knows there is a line in which I will NOT tolerate when interacting with an adult. No matter if he is right or wrong) I have pulled both my kids out & enrolled them in a different school...& found out shortly into the year, PHMS had PLENTY to say about him (setting the stage for a short rope & potential to progress for the worse) "smart, but cant sit still. Disruptive in class & doesnt follow instruction" Boy did I love that one.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2019

My child has been here since 4th grade, with only a couple hiccups by teachers. Majority of his teachers since 4th grade have been amazing. He obtains relatively A's and B's throughout the year and the staff works well with him. He is currently 8th grade, so he will stay until graduation
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2019

GRAND-DAUGHTER HAS BEEN A STUDENT FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND SHE IS EXCELLING TREMENDOUSLY..MAKING FRIENDS, HELPING OTHERS IN CLASS, DEVELOPING RESPECT AND DISCIPLINE WITH AND FROM HER TEACHERS..THE STAFF IS TREMENDOUS AND PROTECTIVE.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018

Our children are thriving here. The teachers and administration genuinely care about teachers teaching and students learning.
Submitted by other on December 05, 2016

Disrupts community for profit activities and is a very poor neighbor.Children in danger because of a lack of adult supervision and direction
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2016

My child is in kinder at pec and we are very happy with what we have seen so far from the school. Her teachers have been exceptional and we have seen her learn and grow so much this school year. The staff is always helpful as well and has great communication.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2016

This is truly a caring school. My children transitioned into PEC and they felt very welcomed as well as challenged by the teachers. Teachers are always open with communication and never treat me like my questions are bothersome.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2015

This school truly has the best interest of the student in mind. They grow well rounded, inquisitive thinkers who have a balance in their life between academics, extracurricular and social life. This the best school we have sent our kids to.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2015

We have been going to PEC for 2 years now. I have a 1st grader and one in Kinder. I have been impressed with how dedicated and hard working the teachers are, the facilities of the school are good, the front office and cafeteria and other support staff are friendly and professional. I feel like, so far the education that my children are getting is a good combination of academics in a kid friendly environment. I've been very pleased. I have no complaints about the school. The only thing I would change if possible is to have less children per class. Right now each class has about 28 students. But even with that fairly big number my children have learned and gained so much.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

Both of my children attended PEC. My son from kindergarten to 6th and my daughter from kindergarten until 4th. The school was great at first, but over the years it has gone down hill. The school allows late work and their discipline is just not there. There was a student that threatened to stab another student and he was given 6 days suspension. That is it. My children will no longer be attending this school. I want for them to be challenged and not feel threatened.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2013

My children have been going to this school since kindergarten. It has been a great experience. I still love the school but the quality seems to have gone down a bit since Mrs. Butler left. She made sure she was seen and her family was involved as well on events the school put on. I'm not even sure what the new principal of 2 years looks like. The education level is great, but the required homework at some grade levels seems excessive, but I'm not a homework person, nor can I help my child as the core education is crazy now. Even with my petty complaints, I feel my child is challenged and is recording a great education with a focus on no bullying. We had instances and is was addressed by the teacher promptly. Love our school.
Submitted by other on November 19, 2013

I love my school!!!! I am a student at Pec I am in 5th grade I have been here since kindergarten and I have had no problems with bullying or making friends. The teachers are really nice. At this school learning is fun!!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2013

My child attended this school last year but will not be returning for the upcoming school year. The classroom was unorganized and chaotic which made it difficult for my child to learn. My child had to deal with constant bullying and when I spoke with the principal regarding the situation I was given a generic answer and push out the door. My problem was never addressed. There is a charter school close by that has been very welcoming and has a strong bullying policy. My child will be going there next year.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2013

PEC is phenominal! I have smart kids and wanted them to be challenged on a daily basis, which they are! My kids are doing hands on activities like making rock formations, using baking products donated by parents and afterwards the kids can eat them! My fourth grader just took an extended day field trip to a few of Arizona's national parks, including Montezuma's Castle and Well. They ended their long day at Peter Piper Pizza. This is something that can't be done in the Dysart School District. There is just so much parental involvement at PEC, all to the kids benefit! And, somehow this school has tamed my "wild boys", which I never thought would happen! All the teachers are amazing, the front office staff is wonderful and kind, the counselor is the best I've ever seen, the elementary principal is great, and the school nurse is sweet and thoughtful. Everyone I've come to know on campus adores the kids and loves their job. The turnover of teachers, staff, and students is very low which is great if you're already in. But it's very difficult to get in. We were blessed, and I'm certainly grateful!
Submitted by other on April 10, 2013

Paradise Ed. Center is in the dark when caring for autistic children,someone needs to check the care these children are NOT getting...