Camelback Desert School/Cave Creek School District (Scottsdale, Paradise Valley: environment, apartments)

[alwaysmoving]

I'm looking for info on Camelback Desert School in Scottsdale and the Cave Creek school district. We will be moving back to AZ next summer and my son will be starting kindergarten. I've heard and read all the horrible things about AZ schools. I was so glad we left AZ before my kids started school, but we need to come back for my husband's businesses. Anyone have any specific experience with either of the two I mentioned? I'd rather not drop so much money on private schools, but we only intend to be in AZ 2 - 3 years and then move to the east coast. I don't want my kids to be behind because they attended public schools here. The elementary school my son would attend is new, Horseshoe Trails.

Thanks.

[Idaho]

New is good, whatever school district you're considering.
As an AZ public schools teacher, I have seen/experienced this scenario: When a new school is opened, the district has put millions into it already. The seasoned teachers scramble to be "selected" to go to the new school, because that ALWAYS means state-of-the-arts equipment (like "smartboards" instead of chalkboards), and new textbooks, and new classroom furnishings. A new, fresh environment is just as exciting for the teachers to be part of, as it is for the students and families. Your son will probably have a very nice beginning to his educational career these few years you'll be in AZ. Welcome back. I hope the move goes smoothly.

[azgrace]

My son goes to CDS in Paradise Valley. The school is great, but is not new. The facilities are fine; but most importantly the teachers and staff care about the kids. It is almost a family type atmosphere, something other schools in the area do not always have. My son has gone to another private school where the atmosphere was much more about the parents than the kids. and much more about squeezing the most number of kids in the room to max revenue.

[gigi927]

I just moved out of the Cave Creek School District to Austin, TX. While my one child did not attend Horseshoe Trails, one of my close friend/neighbor's child did and so did my former babysitter's child. Both were/are very happy with Horseshoe Trails. Very good extra programs like horseback riding, etc. It's a nice, brand new school. Most of the communities around Horseshoe Trails are really good family neighborhoods with concerned parents. There are negatives within the CCUSD as there are with any school, but I think Horseshoe Trails is a good choice. Good luck to you.

[tennishol]

Dear concerned mom, There are great public schools in Scottsdale.You didn't say what age your child was.The following elem. schools in Scottsdale are all great and they take open enrollment(but not all year long): Kiva, Hopi, Cohise, Zuni, Copper Ridge, Sequoya, Cherokee, Laguna, Cheyenne, Aztec, Anasazi, Desert Canyon, Navajo, Hohokam, Pima.The following elem. schools in Scottsdale have high ESL(English as a Second Language) student populations: Tavan, Tonoalea, Yavapai, and ANLC. The middle schools (mostly for 6-8th grades) are all great except Supai probably still has a very high ESL student population.Coronado H.S. gets the least money from the district since it is located in the less rich area.You should know that there was a hugh sex scandal involving male students(no teachers) harming and harrassing female students at a public middle school last year in the Cave Creek School District(so watch out if you consider moving there).The Arcadia area, McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, Central Scottsdale, and north Scottsdale are nice areas.There is currently a glut of apartments in Scottsdale that were turned into condos(very expensive not usually worth the price). Good luck.