Research Dennis Chavez Elementary School public Schools in Santa Fe, New Mexico

“Classrooms are overcrowded with 20 - 23 students per class. Parents were told they could not help in classrooms, Teacher 'barked' at students, all of them, when a few misbehaved. Counselor was very helpful & concerned. Principal took time to speak with us. Duty teachers at lunch and on the playground should be aware of what the children are doing, listen to them. Don't tell a 6 year old to 'handle it'.”

“My son is a gifted student with special learning needs. He's attended other elem. schools in NM, but Dennis Chavez is the best by far! The entire staff at this school is like a family. They are 100% supportive of the kids on an individual level. The parents are wonderful and very involved. My neighbor's son is in an expensive private school that had a chess competition last week. Their school lost to Dennis Chavez, who took 1st place! The teachers are wonderful, and the curriculum challenging. This school is well-supported financially because of doting parents and a hard-working PTA. Also, a large variety of races and ethnic backgrounds in this school--asian, middle-east, african-american, caucasian. My son's best friend is from India. Prepare for homework if you attend this school. Parents are required to be involved in homework assignments. New additions added to the building and playground are excellent.”

“I have 2 children in this school - teachers are good. Do the teachers speak up for our kids? There is no sense of pride about the children's accomplishments - varsity chess club won 1st in the league it was briefly mentioned & where did all the trophies go? Kids should feel the school supports them. New math this year & they shorten school time? Check surrounding states - no Wed 12:30 or the number of inservice days.”

“It is refreshing having a grade level that works so well together, third grade. Because of their plannning that they do together every week ensures that my child is receiving the same education that the other third graders are getting. My child has enjoyed the hands science that the school is using. Thank you DCE teachers!”

“Excellent school with one of the best, most-organized principals in the district. A school where parents are involved in a good way -- helping their students excel in the classroom without micromanaging the school.”

“I have been pleasantly surprised at how good of school Dennis Chaves is. Every teacher we have encountered in grades k-2 have been fantastic. The class sizes are manageable and the kindergarten classes have 2 full time teachers in each class. The parents are active at this school and it is a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Field trips depend on the grade and class, so not every child goes on one. Music is only 1 semester, and the art program is parent volunteered. Kids have library, PE and computer lab weekly. The administration is helpful and friendly. There are several extra curricular clubs for kids to join, although it is sometimes difficult to get them into them, first come first serve. The PTA puts on several fun events throughout the year for the kids and family. The playground is large and fun and the kids get out 3 xper day.”

“Excellent School probably the best in Albuquerque and certainly much better than any other schools that I have seen in Virginia. Kinder garden is great and teachers really dedicate to their students . Most of the class could read by the end of the year. Great environment for kids.”

“I am very grateful for DCE. I believe the principal does what she can so that her students get the best education possible. My daughter is in 4th grade and has one of the best teachers I have ever known. Mrs. Pace, uses innovative teaching techniques that keep the children engaged and interested. She's patient, kind, and keeps each child's indivudualality in mind.”

“DCE has many good teachers, but many of the excellent teachers have left in recent years due to an unreasonable principal. She lacks a collaborative style that encourages teachers to work outside of the box. Test scores are good, but in 2003 the school was listed as one of the top over-crowded schools (ABQ Journal). The reason is the prinicpal wants to keep teachers and takes in upwards of 200 transfer students each year. Some kinder. classes have as many as 23 kids. The extra-cir. activities are great; however they are limited to a very small number of children. As many as 50 kids were turned away from working on the yearbook. Excellent PTA and great opportunities for parental involvement in and out of the classroom. The library is lackluster and militant with education assistents (not librarians) working there. PE and computer once a week; art around 1-2 times a month;”

“best Elementary school in the city district. Involved parents; mostly excellent teachers (a few duds) Strong principal not always open to parent input, but fights for her school. If your child is in the upper grades expect to be in a portable. Art and music instruction not full-time. PE once a week.”

“I loved going to your school. I would have to say that my faviorte teacher there was Mrs. Foote. She is very nice to the students and she has very creative ways in teaching. She also made us work very hard. But altogether I think that the school is a very fun and safe place to be at to learn.”

“I believe the teachers are over worked and need teacher assistants or less kids per teacher ratio. That way kids can learn better and have more one on one help. Duty teachers on recess need to be more aware of whats going on with the children. When a child comes up to the teacher with a problem, they need to talk to them not just tell them to deal with the problem and send them on their way. Children need to know that they can talk and look up to teachers and parents. If they can't talk to the teachers, they feel they shouldn't tell the parents as well because they would get shut down again. That's not the way it is suppose to be. I want my child to know they can depend on me and tell me everything. As they should also be able to tell teachers about problems.”

“Our school has a very involved PTA that uses its money to provide many improvements for the school, the students and teachers. We have two children attending DCE now and have been quite happy with the teachers and the education provided our children. We feel we have one of the best schools in the city right here in our neighborhood.”

“A picturesque campus but thats about it. Too crowded to be taught adequately. Curriculum not challenging but that is more the fault of APS not this particular school.”

“Good for the kids, challenging for the parents.”