Esperero Canyon Middle School in Tucson

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Arizona Academic Standards Assessment data from Arizona Department of Education, and using 2025 Arizona Science Field Test data from Arizona Department of Education.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Arizona Department of Education.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Our daughter has been studying at this school since 2024, and we really love this place.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: May 28, 2025

My daughter started at Esperero remotely from home during COVID in 2020. When she returned to campus for 7th grade, she was struggling with major depression and anxiety. Mr. Wilton, one of the two amazing counselors at the school, along with her teachers and the principal, all rallied around her and supported us. I will forever be grateful for their care and compassion.

They say it takes a village, and I can attest (as Im sure other families can too) that Esperero not only provides a top-notch education, visual and performing arts programs, and extracurricular activities, but they truly are the whole package!

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 21, 2025

Unless youre a child of a ffo member you better be on your best behavior. The teachers and administrators have no control over the school and have no idea how to effectively discipline children as a violent child will get the same punishment as a child who does something like going to the bathroom at the wrong time. Several of the teachers talk down to the students and tell them they are going to be failures in life. They think it is funny to make jokes at individuals expenses. I am so happy that my childs time served here is complete.

Posted: May 21, 2025

Posted: January 14, 2025

my younger brothers go to this currently and i can say that them and their friend get in trouble for hear say and gossip that the principal Mary Setliff gets from students and proceeds to pick on them specifically and let other kids run the school and walk all over her and she proceeds to call all the time and say that my brothers are bad kids and dont do good in school but they cannot do so because they are always suspending them for no reason and it is difficult for them to do anything while constantly picked on by staff. Also Mary Setliff has spoken to me and treated me like i am not a grown adult and know what i am speaking about so i can only imagine how she is to students when adults arent around i personally dont think anyone like her should be in charge of children and she is very immature and not respectful. Also whenever you have any complaints and try to get to super intendents or upper school board members she gets scared and brings up where she came from like she deserves something special because she grew up im a good city and with upper privilege. i will be speaking with upper school board members because this is unfair and have heard this before from other students parents

Posted: January 14, 2025

Posted: November 10, 2024

I am currently an eighth grader, and my years have NOT been enjoyable AT ALL. First of all, the principal, contrary to popular belief, is not actually a good person, nor is she helpful. She never pays attention to the students ever, nor does she respond to my parents emails. Second of all, the students here are RUTHLESS and straight up evil. Theres millions of girls vaping in the bathrooms and doing drugs. The students bully me and many others just because they think its fun and it puts a smile on their face. All three of my years here have been miserable because of my peers especially. The bullying even becomes physical at times. Parents and guardians, I would not recommend sending your child here if they arent in the norm (full face of makeup everyday, trendy clothing, huge Stanley tumblr, etc.) because they will get bullied, just like me.

Posted: November 10, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

My child started middle school this year at ECMS. It has been a nightmare. There is ZERO communication from the teachers; don't bother to email them for help or with questions because they will proudly not respond. They also do not follow their school's policies and don't look to the administrators for help. I had high hopes for this district but I now I have a child who hates this middle school and an older child who hated the high school when she attended briefly. I am researching a new school and will be pulling my child out very soon.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: July 29, 2024

This school has been wonderful for my kids! There is no other Middle School I would've wanted them to attend.

The Principal is approachable and available at all times. She even gives out her cellphone number! She truly cares about the wellbeing of her students. Her background is extensive.

The Counselors are incredible. Mrs. Murphy is the State of AZ Counselor of the Year!! They know every student by name. They have created small groups to offer support to specialized groups that are struggling socially, emotionally or academically. The Counseling Canyon is a safe place for students to go when they need a quiet place to go to regroup. In addition, they have opportunities throughout the year for parents to come in and connect with them and others on special topics.

Many of the teachers have been at ECMS for more than 10 years. They have office hours for tutoring to provide additional help. What I really like is they are helping students bridge the gap from being in elementary school to going to High School. They are teaching the students how to be organized and take responsibility for their learning. They encourage the students to contact the teachers rather than the parent when they need to communicate.

The Arts at ECMS are phenomenal! Band and Choir both consistently win Exceptional awards at the State level. There is a new Orchestra department. And, Art is available for those not interested in music.

I feel my kids are safe on campus for many reasons. ECMS is fortunate to be the Hub for the Pima County Sheriff Student Resource Officer. So, we have a Sheriff on campus most of the time interacting with the students. They are learning to trust law enforcement and know they are also being watched at all times. I do not hear from my kids that there is violence or fighting on campus.

The FFO works tirelessly to provide additional resources to the teachers and students. The big fundraiser is a Silent Disco. My kids love wearing headphones and dancing during a PE class. It's fun and unique. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved on campus which is unique when it comes to Middle School. The leadership is inviting and welcoming.

Overall, I cannot say enough good things about Esperero. I like that about 50% of the students Open Enroll to attend. This means there is a diverse population of students. I like that my kids are friends with people from all backgrounds ethnically and economically. It's been a great experience or my family.

Posted: July 26, 2024

Terrible school. The only good thing about it is the principal. Teachers are not caring and dont do much to help their students succeed. There are only few teachers that really strive to help others. Lunch food is very bad quality and councilors do not give much help to the students. Unlike a therapist, anything you tell the councilors is told to your parents. Couldnt think of any school worse than this.

Posted: July 26, 2024

Posted: July 13, 2024

Not enough discipline in this school. Many students vape in the bathrooms and are experimenting with drugs. Students also constantly use their phones during class, which shouldnt be allowed. Teachers arent paying enough attention to the students, and the students get away with it. Phones are against the handbook rules, so the expectations should be enforced.
Lessons dont grasp students, arent structured towards students, and steers them away from the subject. Many wont pursue it because of this. There is very little hands on projects and students are getting poor results in their learning because of this.
Students are constantly bullied by one another, and counselors either dont get the story straight, wont deal with it, or target the wrong student. The principal is out of touch with students, and so are the lessons. Bullying and harassment is a larger problem than you would think at this school.
Therefore kids fight in school with little early staff intervention or knowledge of it. The bathrooms at this school have been destroyed by many students, which is not respectful or appropriate. Fart spray has been sprayed in the halls and classrooms, and impacts student health. To prevent this, perfume is no longer allowed, which is a terrible idea in a school full of sweaty teens.
Overall, this school has areas to improve on, and until the students are controlled and the curriculum improves, search for other middle schools nearby. Students should be lifted up by their peers and teachers not brought down as they are.

Posted: July 13, 2024

Posted: August 23, 2023

Experienced and caring teachers. I had one daughter go through Esperero Canyon Middle School a couple years ago and currently have a 6th grader there. Curriculum is top-notch. Individualized learning for all students especially Math, Social Studies, and Spanish - my kids were motivated in Math and take classes higher than grade level ie. Algebra I in 7th. Excellent gifted program in Social Studies. Education, guidance, and support by counselors throughout the year creates a positive and respectful social atmosphere. Noteworthy Arts program offering Band, Orchestra, Choir or Visual Art. Location is inspiring with views of Sabino Canyon. The teachers know the students and are exceptional with teaching this age group. I highly recommend Esperero Canyon Middle School. My older daughter is now flourishing at Catalina Foothills High School and my 6th grader is happy as can be :)

Posted: August 23, 2023

Posted: April 25, 2020

Amazing. Couldn't be happier. My children have thrived here.

Posted: April 25, 2020

The teachers may give a lot of home work, but it is meaningful and helps students practice essential skills.

Posted: April 25, 2020

All of the teachers at Esperero that my child has had are very skilled, caring and dedicated. Several hold the distinction of NBCT.

Posted: April 25, 2020

ECMS has an Eagle Pride Program that instills the core values of respect, responsibility and academic focus.

Posted: April 25, 2020

Very experienced and caring. The principal has decades of experience, was an award winning and very accomplished teacher. The principal cares so deeply about families and is available to us day or night. She is engaged with the community.

Posted: April 25, 2020

The special education teachers are dedicated and get to know families and interact with them. They advocate for their students. They are dedicated teachers who make an incredible difference. The gifted teacher is also so awesome!

Posted: April 25, 2020

Students who are mean to each other are dealt with swiftly, parents get involved. This school helps kids who display such behavior in the counseling department, which is really caring and skillful.

Posted: August 2, 2019

This is an extraordinary school. Where else can your middle schooler learn orchestra, band, choir, visual arts, Spanish, PE, algebra, geometry, global citizenship, coding--plus all of the after-school programs through Community Schools. Love it!

Posted: August 2, 2019

Posted: July 11, 2019

This school is an average school, and is nothing special.

Posted: July 11, 2019

Posted: July 2, 2019

Homework reinforces the work done during the school day. Students are often given time during school to complete assignments, and teachers are good about letting parents know when their student is struggling. Parents can log in to view their student's grades, missing assignments and progress.

Posted: July 2, 2019

The teachers are some of the best ones that my student has ever had. They are creative, interesting and dynamic. It's a powerful learning environment!

Posted: July 2, 2019

Esperero is like a busy chemistry lab. New ideas are percolating in every classroom, and school buzzes with excitement all day long. Students are encouraged to practice self-direction and self-regulation, which prepares them well for becoming independent thinkers in high school.

Posted: October 10, 2017

I'm an eighth grade student here at ECMS. I think the school has a wonderful learning environment and it is easy to make new friends, especially doing Community Schools after school clubs and trips. I think many of the teachers are great and very helpful when you are in need of it. One teacher I especially recommend is Mr. Dennis if you are in the 7th or 8th grade. He is one of the best teachers i have ever had hands down. He is funny, super smart, and he plays rock n roll! I have had only minor bullying issues - all have been taken care of. Also the school setting is beautiful!

Posted: October 10, 2017

Posted: February 11, 2016

TEACHERS ARE CARING AND AVAILABLE, THE PRINCIPAL IS INVOLVED. MY CHILD WAS IN THE GIFTED PROGRAM IN TUSD AND WAS NOT HAPPY, BUT HE LOVES ESPERERO BECAUSE HE IS ABLE TO TAKE ADVANCED CLASSES IN MATH AND SOCIAL STUDIES, AND REGULAR CLASSES IN OTHER SUBJECTS HE IS NOT AS STRONG IN. THE ONLY DOWN POINT SEEMS TO BE THE SPANISH TEACHER.

Posted: February 11, 2016

Posted: September 28, 2015

I am a student at ecms. I wish I could say that I love it but I can't. The teachers can be really big jerks ( most can, some are nice ) But the real awesome thing is the Principal is great. She is a wonderful person and will beyond to make you happy. I was here for 6&7 th grade and she has always been there. She's great. I'm in 8th grade now and its ok. The teachers really need to stop criticizing TUSD. I don't know why but they always say " this isn't TUSD " and stuff that makes them look bad. I came from a TUSD school and it was wonderful the teachers were great. Something that TUSD is doing better then Ecms. One last thing, how can this school say that they are a non bullying zone when the teachers are the ones that bully us.

Posted: September 28, 2015

Posted: May 2, 2015

My child was bullied at school and tried to defend himself. He was going to be suspended, but thank God, another student videoed the assault on his phone. The principal apologized, but the student who started the fight and bullied my child. NOTHING! NO PUNISHMENT!

Posted: February 18, 2015

It used to be a good school, but due to overcrowding and bullying, things are going downhill fast.

Posted: December 10, 2014

I'm a new student at Esperero Canyon Middle School. I've been since the first day. I liked the school at first it was fun and there's a variety of people to meet. After awhile I started getting unhappy about my school and I didn't like a few things. First of all we have to be there by 7:30 and I have to wake up at 6:00 in the morning. That's way too early and whenever I go to my first period class I'm about to fall asleep! I get enough sleep but it's just too early to start learning. Also some of the teachers are rude and not helping, some teachers are though. I don't like our principal she's so rude and mean, she doesn't care about her students, just herself. If you're a shy person like me it's hard doing school projects like presentations because we like do one every week it seems like in each academic class. It's so annoying and stressful. Overall it's an okay school but it doesn't make me happy. I met se nice people but this school is just stressful. I would like if the school would let school start at 8:30. Thanks- student

Posted: November 23, 2014

My granddaughter seems very happy at Esperero and is doing much better with school work.

Posted: November 5, 2014

I am a former student at ECMS. Gladly. The teachers are inattentive and get extremely infuriated if you sigh in a way they don't find pleasing. I was always being knocked around by my bigger peers, my books would fall then they'd kick them around...(etc) The teachers did not teach well in ANY way, shape or form. Which makes the entire experience feel like you're just 'getting by'. As if you aren't truly learning anything, but you get to say, "Hey guess what? I technically passed middle school!" Without having the slightest of a happy, educational and inspiring experience. Which is what school was meant for; to enlighten our youth. But schools are losing sight of that. So when some of my peers enter the workforce, they wont be able to function properly: no cooperating. no teamwork. no positivity. no motivation. THX ECMS, for letting me know what a depressing and sad attempt at an 'education system' looks like. I mean the least they can do is teach kids what "there/their/they're" to use. I mean, I learned homophones at ORE, another horrid school...

Posted: November 4, 2014

This school is over crowded. The teachers do not get back to you in a timely manner. They run their classrooms (in general) like farm, herding kids in and out with very little education and guidance. The lockers are disgusting and peers are very mean and not welcoming to new students.

Posted: April 5, 2014

I'm Nadine walker and I love esperero canyon middle school they teach you many things like to be kind and helpful. While you learn you will have so much fun with your teachers. You should know basics. I love the teachers and staff. My school could improve to be a little more brighter in ideas in dances and fun things!

Posted: March 11, 2014

Esperero Canyon has been an incredible experience for our boys. They have not only excelled academically, but these incredible teachers have taught them invaluable tools to progress independently to the next level and become self sufficient. They also have encouraged growth on personal and emotional levels. It is no wonder that the teacher of the year usually comes from ECMS. We built in District 16 so as not to be forced into 'private' schools to attain academic and developmental excellence, and they have not disappointed. The Principal, staff, and the parents' tremendous involvement, support, and concern for the overall well being of the students sets this school apart from the rest.

Posted: January 13, 2014

This school is a great place for kids to learn. I am so pleased at all of the programs offered. The school has great science and math classes, more nationally board certified teachers than any other school in the district, the best of instruction in the arts that a middle schooler could ever receive. The special education teachers are awesome and the principal understands both high achieving students and special education students, a rare find. The administration cares about my kids and knows them by name. We are so happy with this school. Cannot say enough good things about my children's experiences!!! It is getting better all of the time. They have tutoring and help for students!!!! A beautiful place where kids get a great education. PE is also awesome!!! My kid had a print out of his fitness statistics at age 12!!!!! Also so many computers and people who know how to teach using technology!!!!

Posted: May 20, 2013

An overcrowded promotion ceremony sends a mixed message about who in the community is valued. Last night, May 20, 2013, there were so many seats reserved for "parents who volunteer", I had to stand. It was bizarre. The teachers did not have seats and stood along the walls of the gym . I felt bad for them, but I was trapped too. If students are the stars of the night, in my opinion, the family membersof those students need to be shown respect.

Posted: March 7, 2013

I think the huge number of Open Enrollment students, particularly from the neighboring, Fruchtlender Elem., is encouraging a negative environment at ECMS, both socially and academically. Math classes, in particular, are being remediated because these TUSD kids cannot keep up. Socially, there is a very different vibe coming from the TUSD kids (ie: Fruchtlender) than what CFSD families promote. CFSD is a school district with families who value high achievement in ACADEMICS; not social climbing (laughable). Fruchtlender families need to go to Townsend where they belong. Superintendent Kamerzell has created this unhealthy learning environment with her emphasis on open enrollment. Fire Kamerzell first.

Posted: September 4, 2012

I am a student at Esperero Canyon Middle School. Last year, when I was in 6th grade I loved Esperero and I felt very welcome. This year, as a 7th grader, I haven't been as happy going to school everyday. Overall it is a good school and has taught me many things however, sometimes I feel the teachers are unfair. I feel I am getting a good education but I do not like the arts program. At Esperero I am taught things that I know will help me succeed in life but if I were principal I would change a few things. I do recommend Esperero.

Posted: June 23, 2012

Esperero has aspects that are positive and negative. I believe the location is wonderful, where kids would be able to take short field trips to Sabino Canyon if the Principal would arrange that. Some teachers are supportive and effective. However other teachers are unable to teach kids. My child when she finished 5th grade had a 6 on her Writing AIMS however in 6th grade it dropped to a 5 and now after 7th grade it has dropped to a 4, barely meeting the standards. This makes my child distraught because she strives to exceeds and realizes that despite her effort, her level of writing has decreased greatly. Moving on to the administrators. I find that the new Principal did not meet my standards. She is artificial and does not care about the students or parents. The Principal has brought unrest to Esperero, and it is difficult to explain the things that she has done that I find uncomprehendable. I wish that she was not in charge of the school, however my child enjoys the classes for the most part, and the atmosphere is far better than other options for middle schools.

Posted: March 15, 2012

My child is attending this school for the first time. I am very impressed with the teachers as well as the curriculum. My child loves it.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Crow Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tucson	AZ		6.3 mi
2	Austin Point	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tucson	AZ		9.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Foothills	Tucson	AZ	1.4 mi
2	Allegro	Tucson	AZ	9 mi
3	Old Spanish Trail/Harrison Area	Tucson	AZ	9.2 mi
4	Reid Park and Zoo Area	Tucson	AZ	9.3 mi
5	Artistic District	Tucson	AZ	9.4 mi

Esperero Canyon Middle School

Tucson, AZ 85750

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Esperero Canyon Middle School

Tucson, AZ 85750

School Ratings

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