Derfelt Herbert A Elementary School

The administrative team tends to be quite condescending.

Some of the teachers are fantastic, some - well, full disclosure - I question if they're simply filling vacancies, the competency or lack thereof is both blatant and riveting.

My little one has sustained a few, but significant in severity, injuries - all of which they admitted they didn't see what had transpired and I had to rely on my little one's recount to put the pieces together. One incident could have easily been an 'unconscious on impact' scenario without any supervisor even aware my child was down on the black top. I've been informed by other parent volunteers that the supervision at recess is sometimes left to one, with 5 kindergarten classes?! NOT acceptable. #CHAMPschool

Apparently it is acceptable for teachers to disregard requests for a meeting to discuss valid concerns and contradictory information they've provided - your child will receive praise on assignments they bring home, etc. behavior is exemplary per their standards and feedback, yet grades depict another story and are more than eyebrow raising - far from congruent with the daily feedback and positive commentary, both verbal and written on graded assignments.

If you enjoy amusement parks, buckle up and enjoy the complimentary emotional roller coaster. And if you enjoy the element of surprise - this school is for you :) One day you will proceed as usual only to discover without notice, policy/protocol has changed without explanation or again advance notice.

I now understand why our school district receives the wealth of negativity it does - I didn't experience this growing up in the Valley with the schools I attended however things do change - and not always for the best. It's quite disheartening.

Wishing you and your little one(s) a better experience and introduction to school than ours.

This is a great school. The staff are friendly and very well involved with all the students. I love Mr. Mingo and how he has a hand in all the events and activities. He's very involved with the students and they love him for that. Every school is what you make it but the field day events, walkathon, cookie fund raisers, field trips, picnics, and talent shows along with proven test scores and my son accelerating in the Gate program makes this a great school to me.

I really like this school. Mr. Bauder is a great teacher, and role model for his students. He truly cares about each one of his students. I am so grateful Mr. Bauder is at this school. He truly loves his job.

I have had children attending this school since before the current principal. He makes it very hard for parent involvment on any level. Most of the teachers are hired based on looks, rather than capability. For the most part, I think Mr. Mingo has ruined the school.

I'm sorry the other reviewer has had a bad experience at our school. I can't speak for everyone, but for myself, I do try to welcome parents in and make them feel comfortable. As teachers we strive everyday todo what's best for our students. If our administrator could keep his hands off our women teachers we'd be able to do so much more.

The teachers and the staff are very unfriendly. If they like you, they are very pleasant. Which require you to support the schools each time the school has some sort of function. That being said, the more you spend your money on the school. The more they will like you and be nice to you too.