Western Peaks Elementary School

18063 West Surprise Farms Loop South

School District

Dysart Unified District
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

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 November 10, 2024

My child is now in first grade and continuing to thrive both academically & socially. She had a wonderful kindergarten teacher which I feel is so very important for setting the stage for whether a child will look forward to attending school or not. Her first grade teachers have been wonderful as well. Any issues that have come up are quickly addressed and handled exceptionally well in my opinion. I’m so glad that we decided to enroll her at Western Peaks and look forward to a continuing involvement with out as PTSA and in helping my child and all the kids thrive and have a great educational experience that goes beyond just “book learning”. Their motto of being “Respectful, Responsible, & Kind” shows the ethics and care for our kids & families. We couldn’t be happier!
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2024

My son is with Mrs Christy Turchin preschool class for his second year. He has developmental delays. Mrs Christy is amazing. Ms Jessica, who he’s been with the last two years as well is also amazing. He has Ms Sarah and Ms Trish this year and he loves them. Their communication is awesome. And I really feel like that they love having him in class even though I know he is difficult. I’m so grateful to have him be with such a great group of teachers everyday.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2024

The staff is willing to do what is needed to provide a safe learning environment for students. We enjoy being able to see the teachers welcoming their students everyday.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2022

When I think of Western Peaks, the word that comes to mind is excellence. As our oldest approached school age we heavily debated between private school and Western Peaks. We couldn’t be happier with our choice. My husband and I were ecstatic to learn that the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence are a part of each day’s routine—this is very important to our family and sadly isn’t nearly as common in today's world as it was in our youth. We are very impressed with the quality of education, the level of communication between teachers, staff and parents, the core values instilled, and much more. Any time I’ve had a concern, it has been taken seriously and addressed immediately. As a parent I feel respected and heard. The front office ladies are always kind and cheerful on the phone and in person. Principal Brown is actively involved in the schools operations ranging from school functions, testing, email newsletters, school dismissal and so, so much more. Last year, our son had Mrs. Christy and Mrs. Camacho who were amazing. I knew that at any moment I could bring up a concern and it would be addressed. This year, our son has the privilege of being a student to Mrs. McCarty who I can’t speak highly enough of. I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time in her classroom and am amazed at the way she is able to kindly and effectively lead the class. The simple phrases, routines and gestures she uses enable her to command the classroom and maintain the focus and function of (I believe) 22 Kindergartners—something which must take the patience of a saint. My jaw just about hit the floor the first time I saw her interact with her class. Our son is academically advanced, and he is also a high energy child. I feared that he would finish his work early and move on to distract his classmates. Mrs. McCarty is wonderful enough to supplement his curriculum with problems and exercises that challenge him and keep him on task. I see these extra problems on the backs of his worksheets. I applaud her for her awareness of his strengths and her willingness to provide him with additional work to keep him engaged. I could go on and on about why we love Western Peaks, but the bottom line is that this school is outstanding and deserves recognition. Thank you for teaching our children and future generation to be “Respectful, Responsible, and Kind”. Go Falcons!-The Leyton’s
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2022

I have a mix feelings about WPES when it comes to kids learnings. I lived in the community for 5 months and two of my kids are enrolled on campus. One of my kids is a super A student and the other child is struggling. I'm sure not the struggling child is due to her teacher, school, or me that haven't done enough for her.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2021

Western Peaks Elementary is such an awesome school, teachers are very caring, patient and always keep parents up to date through email on a weekly basis. The PTA does an amazing job putting on events/activities for the school. I'm grateful for this because parents are able to enjoy fun quality time with their kids and create fun memories. I would highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2021

Since day one, I was impressed with the front office staff! The ladies are amazing, they all made super easy our enrollment process when we moved here from the East Coast. Mrs. Diaz always has a smile on her face and is the most helpful person ever! My daughter was a Western Peaks student from 1st to 6th grade. She had wonderful teachers: Mrs. Platzbecker 1st grade, Mrs. Epperson 2nd grade, Mrs. Yandell 3rd grade, Mrs. Vasquez 4th grade, Mr. Painter 5th grade, Mr. Fussell, and Mrs. Douglass both 6th grade, just to name a few. Unfortunately, bullying was present at some point, and it was managed the best way possible with the help of Mrs. Armes, the Social Worker on site. The Principal Mrs. Brown is also very easy to approach, and what amazes me to this day is that although my daughter isn't at WP because of the boundaries changes ( Middle School now is at Cimarron Springs ), Mrs. Brown still remembers her name and so does Mrs. Diaz! We were a very happy part of the Falcon Family, and will always treasure the years spent at Western Peaks!
Submitted by teacher on December 07, 2021

I believe Western Peaks Elementary is a great place to be! The administration is extremely positive and they do everything they can to ensure each child's needs are being met. They have the utmost patience and have a great deal of love for each student. They enjoy rewarding students for good behavior by having weekly, monthly and quarterly drawings from the "Falcon Wings" that students have earned. Our students all strive to be respectful, responsible and kind. This is our motto and teachers encourage students to be exemplary citizens. This school has excellent challenging curriculum. Kindergarten students are already reading and we are only half way through the year! We are a K - 4th grade school and offer many extracurricular activities you cannot find at other elementary schools. Our school offers many unique clubs such as a Reading club, Basketball Club, Robotics Club, Running Club and more! We also have a strong PTSA which offers even more family friendly events throughout the year. I encourage you to visit!
Submitted by teacher on November 19, 2021

I am supported by administration and an experienced team of teachers who I would also describe as leaders. The teachers on my team work together to help meet the needs of the entire grade level. PTSA is amazing and involved. They have donated directly to each classroom with raised funds.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2021

My son attended Western Peaks for three years. The overall experience was excellent! All of his teachers were amazing! They took the time to really get to know him, not just as a student, but as an individual. They also built great rapport with students and families. The administration is also outstanding! They are highly active around campus and build rapport with students and families. Everyone on campus really seemed to know the children well and it’s clear they have a true love for the kids and what they do. I love that they teach students the expectations to be respectful, responsible and kind. If you spend any time on campus, you will see that the kids take ownership of these expectations, and the PBIS program has really turned around the school for the better. There is a clear sense of family at Western Peaks, and they live up to their motto of Falcon Family!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2021

Both of my children attended Western Peaks and I was very pleased with the school. The teachers, staff, and administration were very welcoming, caring, and supportive throughout their entire academic career at Western Peaks. In addition, my children thoroughly enjoyed the extracurricular activities offered, and the PTSA is fabulous! The school focuses on teaching students to be respectful, responsible, and kind. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend this school.
Submitted by student on August 27, 2020

As a student at this school almost a former student (Thank god) I do not recommend putting your child in this school. I would like to inform you of all that this school lacks. It first lacks leadership in the admin team, they are terrible at cooperating. The teachers are terrible, especially the Iexplore teacher. I cannot speak for the disabled classes. The food in this school is often left out to mold and get cold and served to students. One time a friend of mine was served a raw biscuit. Which can obviously lead to sickness? The work is overwhelming and can degrade your child's mental health. Out of this entire school, I would recommend the Innovation Academy program (5th - 8th only) As I've been apart of it for 3 years, the teachers in the program are really great and they want you to learn unlike the main campus teachers. Almost every corner you look you will find a bug somewhere, one year there were even ants on the roof. For the love of god do not put your child in this school unless you plan for them to go to Innovation Academy.
Submitted by student on August 27, 2020

As a soon-to-be former student of this school (thank god) I have to say that this school is a nightmare 90% of the time. The approach taken to bullying is abysmal, the leadership is terrible as there is never any actions taken by the principal, vice principal, and admins. The food is often left cold and can sometimes lead to sickness as has happened to me. I cannot say anything about the teaching of the kids with mental issues. Students in the innovation academy program are often put under a lot of stress to the point where it can affect ones mental health. Almost everywhere is left unsanitary with bugs seen in most of the corners. The only saving grace is some of the teachers that work here, some of them are kind and will gladly help you with any problems you may have, those teachers are also very effective at helping us learn the material that is being taught.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2019

Disappointing. The teacher and the principal should put the needs of the student above their own.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2018

HORRIBLE! Once upon a time it was not bad... then they brought in new admin and Pych... It went down hill from there! For the teachers that have left, may you find a place that can genuinely appreciate your talents and heart! Thank you for your effective positive impact on our students while you were there! It is you that help make that difference!
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2017

Disappointed in how teachers treat students, how noisy classrooms are, and how children are not learning standards for their grade.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2017

I recommend not putting your kids in this school. Teachers lack basic communication skills and bullying is a problem whether its a district policy or not, it constantly occurs at Western Peaks. Teachers can barely maintain doing their basic job duties that is expected of them and if you complain about a teacher, the principal, Stacy Brown, will defend the teacher every time and then the teachers all gossip to each other in front of students expressing their frustration about a parent 'tattling' on them (their words) and so it only causes problems for the kids. They are then known to have parents that complain so watch out if you get those kids in your class. There are sooo many parents that were given no choice but to change schools mid way through the year. Their solution is to get rid of the problem by switching schools instead of trying to fix it, even the Director of Student Services, Karen Winterstein tried to get us to switch. I refuse to pull my kids from all their friends just because the teachers want to be bullies. No wonder the school doesn't care about bullies. I would suggest putting your kids in a charter or private school before sending them here.
Submitted by other on January 24, 2017

Both my kids go here and I am satisfied with the school. They use a lot of technology and the teachers are accessible and friendly. The office staff was awesome and helpful.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2016

My kids have gone to Western Peaks from K-2 and we have had a Good overall experience. My kids enjoy going to school and seem to be learning and applying information well. I haven't had any issues with Administration or other kids. Prior to enrolling my kids in 2013, I read old reviews and was certainly skeptical. I even began the process of enrolling my kids into A-rated Canyon Ridge but we liked Western Peaks right away and our kids really loved it. When Canyon Ridge called and said they had availability we declined and stayed at Western Peaks. I even had a Canyon Ridge teacher once tell me that the school focuses heavily on the exams that give the schools high grades and they want to continue to keep their own kids at Western Peaks! I couldn't believe it.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2015

There is no funding in the school, and no teachers. Kinder and pre-K Schedules in convenient for working parents.