The best Elementary Schools WEST of Phoenix are? (Avondale, Surprise: renting, HOA)

[ScooterDad]

I’m a first time poster, long time reader of this forum.

We are seriously considering a move Arizona this fall, more specifically the WEST side of Phoenix. I’ve just started researching the different areas, and reading all the posts about them. We are still in the early stages of breaking it all down, but seem drawn thus far to the Surprise, Avondale, Buckeye, and Goodyear areas. Estrella Mountain Ranch seems to really jump out at us, as we have a very young family of kids.

That being said, our kids are just about to come of age to start up their schooling. This fall we’ll have a first time Kindergarten student kid and a first time Pre-Schooler.

So I thought it wise to focus on the areas with the best Elementary Schools first, and go from there.

Can anyone in the “know” on that subject share their thoughts and opinions of the schools in those areas?

I have researched the numbers/rankings, but don’t feel that tells the whole story.

Thanks!

Best,
ScooterDad

[juniper888]

Start with greatschools.net, check the ratings, and also check the demographics, if that's important to you. Then when you find a good district, or school, check the district website for boundary maps. This will tell you exactly where you need to live in order to be in that district.

[Finger Laker]

the litchfield elementary school district is really good - some standouts within the district would be palm valley elementary, litchfield elementary and verrado elementary

i'm not as familiar with the schools in my own backyard (live in goodyear, but outside the LESD boundaries) - most of them seem OK though

i have heard some gripes about avondale though

[intmd8r]

Litchfield Elementary is very good; we live within that school district. My husband has done school programs there and has nothing but exemplary comments about it compared to other schools he has visited.

[nwlv]

I used to work for Carol Peck at the Alhambra ESD. She was National Superintendent of the Year before. They named a school after her. A very high concentration of hispanics. Far superior to many other districts. Alhambra Traditional School is in a league of its own.

[Ponderosa]

Estrella has two elem schools. One is rated excelling by the state system, the other not as high, but I don't know what for sure. Both have same demographics - affluent parents with spoiled kids , curriculum, funding etc - so it may just be growing pains at the fairly new Westar where Estrella Mountain is more established. The high school in Estrella is also rated excelling.

[heat seekers]

I just moved to Estrella Mountain ranch last June and I have a son in 5th grade as well as a two yr old daughter. My son goes to Westar. I feel it is a very good school. His teacher has been great at communicating with us. I love this community (I am not wealthy by any means) they have a lot of community activities here. The two lakes are beautiful and have walking trails around them but you can not swim in them. They do have boats you can take out and go fishing or sailing for free if you pay your membership ($100 a year) as well as a club house that has a fitness center, kids center, pool with waterslide and play area. I love being out of town and we feel very safe here. There's a church, gas station/store, safety center and two elementary schools and the highschool. They are also building a Bashas. We are about a 15-20 min drive from the other stores.

[military spouse]

Litchfield Elementary is a good school. We ended up switching our daughter to a private school, but I would still highly recommend LES. I kind of wish we had stuck it out (we moved her for social/religious reasons). LES is excelling and it is in a great area!!

[ScooterDad]

Thank you to all who responded to my post.

Reading your opinions and suggestions has been quite helpful!

Best Regards,

ScooterDad

[heat seekers]

I had typed that wrong in my last post. Our membership was $100 one time fee for transfering the residents cards into our names, but we are renting out here and I know the owners pay the HOA dues. Not sure what those are.