Sunset Mesa Schools

Posted: February 14, 2022

A couple of parents were unhappy with COVID requirements in our state and opted to drop negative reviews everywhere they could to voice their frustration, so I felt like the right thing to do is give a more objectively honest and moderate review. We have 2 children enrolled in Sunset Mesa. We are a military family making ends meet to afford to send our kids to the best schools we can afford to due to the lack of funding and general poor management of the public school system here in central NM (and the state overall, but I digress). For context, we are products of east coast public school systems and are not affluent by any means, nor are we part of the "private school circuit" as this is our first experience with private schools.

Honest Review:
Academics- We could NOT be any happier with how are children are thriving in this environment. They are being challenged and encouraged, and the grade level classrooms offer differentiation to meet the kids where they are which is what we were searching for (and unable to find in the public school system here). My mother is an elementary public school teacher in another much wealthier state (who was pretty offended we were electing to go private) and she was blown away by where my younger elementary children are compared to the students she teaches in upper elementary. Class sizes seem to range to 12-14 students and they adjust the staff every year to accommodate the number of students enrolled in order to keep those class sizes small. This was especially helpful during COVID.
Campus- The campus is open and kid friendly, and reminds me of a smaller version of a college campus. The playgrounds could use some updated equipment and we all hate the parking lot that's too small for the size and influx of vehicles but that's out of their control based on their location.
Safety- Positive discipline and respect are some of the cornerstones of this school and that was one of the things that drew us. It's got the values and positive aspects of parochial schools but it's obviously secular.
**COVID Safety: I feel compelled to address this only based on the other reviews by the disgruntled parent. With 2 children in school full-time, Sunset Mesa's policies kept my home COVID free for now 2 years, which was comforting to us with now 2 younger babies in the home. I'd characterize their communication as good, and policies erred on the side of caution for self-quarantine and testing during the pandemic.

Posted: February 14, 2022

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Posted: August 13, 2021

Posted: August 13, 2021

Sunset Mesa did not have online learning during the pandemic in 2020 and we removed our child. It seems as though they didn't want to adjust their tuition. We re-enrolled our kids, hoping Sunset Mesa's policies would change for the upcoming year. One week before school starts we receive an email that masks will be optional indoors for unvaccinated elementary students. A parent asked Alan Mask what it would take for him to reconsider his decision and he said that it would take more parents complaining, which goes to show that Sunset Mesa is weighing their bottom line against your child's well being. Delta variant cases are increasing as we speak, but Sunset Mesa wants your money! Sunset Mesa is a business, and your child's well being comes second!

Posted: August 13, 2021

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Posted: February 1, 2021

Our kids started here this year and we've been nothing but impressed. Overall, the academics are rigorous enough to keep our preschool/kindergarten kiddos engaged and advancing, but not unreasonable. The teachers and staff have been very caring and I've been impressed with their COVID safe practices and stances that have allowed them to remain successfully open without the state shutting them down as a non-essential business. My kids come home happy every day with their experience at Sunset Mesa. We live in a relatively good public school district and debated pulling them to attend next year in public, but if it's not broken, don't fix it. My kids overwhelmingly want to attend. The only thing I can see is that the school is a little worn, the playground equipment is older. But I also think the school has prioritized the quality of educators they've got on staff and after hiring additional teachers to meet the demand and COVID compliance to allow them to open on time and stay open this year, I'd say that's the better stewardship of our dollars. Mr Mask and the school administration has been great with communicating and we really have no complaints.

Posted: February 1, 2021

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Posted: January 5, 2018

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Posted: January 5, 2018

This school invests in the students and trains their staff on a continuing basis. They care about each child, spending time on placement with each teacher as well as considering the class dynamics. Our children were accepted by the schools they wanted to attend and have flourished in middle and high school due to the strong academic foundation provided by this school.

Posted: December 24, 2014

We have a large family so, when making a school decision for our children, the decision weighed heavily upon us because we were deciding for several children with various talents and learning styles. We did very thorough research, visited dozens of schools, spent time in classrooms and spoke with current parents, teachers and students at a variety of schools around the city. When we found Sunset Mesa, we knew we'd found "our" school. We currently have three children enrolled in the school and next year we will have four. Our children are loved, treasured and feel safe. The other students are intelligent, kind and come from supportive families. The teachers are approachable and nurturing. Class size is smaller than you'll find almost anywhere. And, most importantly to us, it is emphasized that just as important as their education is the development of kids' social skills, behavior and positive attitudes. Paying private school tuition for several children is not something that fits easily into our budget. However, like many of the other families at the school, we have made education our priority and we feel like every dollar that we spend on Sunset Mesa tuition is well spent.

Posted: May 23, 2014

I am a mother of two and both my children have been taught by superb teachers throughout their schooling. The standard of excellence is apparent among all the classes. Students are nurtured, encouraged, and supported. Their curiosity to learn is fostered in a fun but challenging environment. My kids have had experiential learning opportunities and differentiated instruction. The enrichment teachers are passionate about their subjects, as well as the classroom teachers. In my opinion, this elementary school is worth the investment into my children's love of learning!!

Posted: April 30, 2014

This school encourages and rewards parents to post all these positive comments. I would suggest you check out the school yourself. Notice the grounds are not well kept. Many of the teachers are not certified. Ask about ages. The kids are often held back a year, in pre-first or preschool so they are a year older and thus test better. My kids went to school here, I must tell you I spent a great deal of time re-teaching the course work at home because they were so busy with their musicals. It seemed like most the kids had private tutors to keep up with the work that wasn't taught well. They teach by memorizing! There are many good schools in Albuquerque, this one is not worth the money!

Posted: February 27, 2014

We have kids in elementary and preschool and could not be more pleased with the quality of the academic instruction here. We are maybe even more pleased with the "positive discipline" that both campuses practice and which we have adopted in our home. Our kids are very different from one another, but Sunset Mesa has worked to find ways to reach them both. They are both happy to go to school, empowered and confident as a result of all they have learned, and keenly aware of what it means to be a part of a community. We absolutely love Sunset Mesa. Nonetheless, because we are not wealthy, we tried an Albuquerque public school -- one very highly rated on this site -- for a little over a semester. We came away from that experience absolutely convinced that Sunset Mesa is worth every (sometimes scraped together!) penny.

Posted: February 6, 2014

Sunset Mesa is by far the best school in Albuquerque! The owners are there everyday and treat everyone like family! We are proud to be part of the Sunset Mesa Family!

Posted: January 27, 2014

Wow, wow!! We love Sunset Mesa, from the director, office staff, to teachers, parents and students. In 2013 we joined SSM and what a fantastic experience! After a long move from Michigan we worried about finding the right school for our 4 year old boy and sunset has provided us not only with an excellent place where our son goes to obtain academic achievement but a school where we feel like family. every day my sons jumps out of bed asking if it is school day and I don't blame him, for feeling this way. SSM is a place where he goes to learn not only through textbooks but also real hands on experiences. I cannot believe how much he has achieved in the last few months. Is absolutely amazing to see how everyone takes the time to know you and your kids, you are not just a number but a specific individual. Here everyone is given detailed attention, from the quiet one to the rowdy one. I feel they work with every family to bring each child to their potential. This is a school with academic success, social interaction and excellent expectations. Discipline is followed by responsiveness,supervision and age appropriate problem solving. Thanks SSM, looking forward to the next 5 years.

Posted: January 19, 2014

My son is a senior in high school this year. He currently attends a fabulous, local private school. As we prepare for college plans I have been thinking about the wonderful academic opportunities he has had. This all started at Sunset Mesa where we nervously enrolled him for preschool. From the beginning, Sunset Mesa was remarkable. The preschool teachers were kind, well-trained, structured, and fun! We then moved to the other campus to enjoy kindergarten through fifth grade. Again, the teachers were excellent, the opportunities were endless and the friends my son made at Sunset Mesa are still his best friends today. They all come from wonderful families who agreed that the investment of small class sizes, like minded-students, and an enriching curriculum were worth it. The owners of this school are incredibly kind and generous. THANK YOU Sunset Mesa for giving my son a solid academic foundation, confidence, and for instilling a love for learning. We will always be thankful to you.

Posted: October 1, 2013

This school is truly the worst school experience our family has ever had. There are some great teachers here, BUT the administration, board members and attitudes are elitist, judgemental, out of touch and dismissive. This may sound like a biased review, but it is not. It is an educated review. We had our currently bright and successful daughter enrolled there and left in horror less than a year later. Communication is abysmal. The majority of serious complaints are dismissed as "not being onboard with our program". Over the years I continue to hear horror stories of the damage that this school environment inflicts upon otherwise bright and driven children. I personally know of several professional successful families who left this school and were left trying to repair their children's subsequent apprehension about school for years after. When we moved out of state to an excellent school district, we found that the neighborhood public schools FAR exceeded the education, support and results of this private school. Imagine they are a self-hyped monopoly in a district that struggles with funding, because that is what they are. That makes the board and admin elitist. Unfounded. Beware.

Posted: August 21, 2013

Sunset Mesa is a stellar school. I have had two daughters graduate from SMS and my third child is now in 2nd grade at SMS, this is his 6th year attending. He tested in the top 4% Nationally on his standardized tests last year thanks to the top notch teachers and staff at Sunset Mesa. I have had the blessing of two of my three children getting the gift of time and having the opportunity of attending pre-first grade. A true bonus that most schools don't offer. The teachers are amazing and the school community is one I am proud to be apart off. SMS offers many enrichment classes; my son's favorite is Spanish. I give Sunset Mesa two thumbs up and would highly recommend the school to others in the community. The best elementary school in the state by far! The owners love and care about each and every student. Class sizes are small and each student is given individualized attention.

Posted: February 13, 2013

Success in private middle school placement varies significantly year-to-year. High teacher turnover rate. In attentive administration that can be erratic in decision making. If you need to see an administrator, be sure to make an appointment as they may not be present. Overall, teachers work hard to educate the children. Rumor is that tuition is negotiable.

Posted: January 14, 2013

My son graduated from the sunset mesa program last year. This year he is a sixth grader at Albuquerque Academy. He was a first draft choice for Academy and I was told his scores were excellent. He was placed in advanced classes across the board and into 7th grade math at the beginning of term and then later tested for 8th grade math. Academy's first report card was the type of card every parent wishes for their child, and it made me so grateful to Sunset Mesa School. SMS equipped him with all the tools he needed to succeed in a challenging academic enviorment, from strong math skills and writing a proper paper to knowing how to work effectively in a group including time management skills. My son is a regular kid... he has my genes, so I know he didn't inherit a tremendous intelligence, but he has developed a strong love of reading, science, math and learning. All of which I attribute to SMS. While he was there I knew it was a great school, but now that he's moved on I can see that they went above and beyond my expectations. I strongly recommend Sunset mesa School for any child!!

Posted: October 22, 2012

I have been a parent for 6 years at SMS. I currently have 3 children attending the school, from preschool on up. I am continually impressed by the teachers dedication to their students. The principal and administration have strong leadership qualities. My children are well-cared for and are always being challenged academically by the pace and curriculum of the school. I am sure that my children are receiving a strong foundation for the future.

Posted: May 23, 2012

Sunset Mesa is a great school. Wonderful students, faculty, staff and families. My daughter received the best education available in Albuquerque, period. The best time spent from pre-school through 5th grade. I was shocked to see any negative comments at all for this school. All of them must be written by one disgruntled person or someone just out to slam this school for warped reasons. I would not give those comments a second thought. Anyone interested in providing their child the best possible education in ABQ should just go and see for themselves. Seeing is believing. And their success record stands for itself.

Posted: May 10, 2012

My child did not have a positive experience at this school. The factors that I've attributed to this were, in part, the very cold and highhanded administration, teachers who behave as if they have to pander to the "elite" parents to the detriment of the others, mostly entitled kids, and subpar faciltiies. I was paying for my child to receive a top notch education that would meet her individual needs. I did not receive this. I am glad that my family is done with this school. If I had to do it all over again, I'd look at the competition, including the other private or parochial schools, or even my local public school. On another note, I am saddened, but not surprised, that an earlier parent reviewer made the statement that all of the "negative complaints are unfounded, most likely (made by) parents who had kids with learning or behavior issues." Wow! These reviews are made by individuals who speak of their INDIVIDUAL experiences! How can someone claim that another's personal experiences are unfounded. This attitude prevailed for our duration at this school. Buyer beware!

Posted: April 23, 2012

I came across this website by accident, but I thought I'd leave my observations for prospective parents. First, kids who push, hit, kick, bite, etc, are asked to leave, sometimes very abruptly. And, usually the parents are understandably very upset about it and I imagine that the staff looks pretty cold and callus in their eyes. Second, the school is academically challenging and if your child can't keep up, or is disruptive to the class, they may be asked to leave. But usually, you'll see this coming after being called in for endless meetings with the staff. I've seen some parents call it quits just to avoid the meetings. Remember that a lot of the parents are PhD scientists and engineers at the labs or doctors, lawyers, etc. and some of the teachers are naturally a bit intimidated by this and it can make them seem a little cold but they warm up pretty quick if you take the initiative to talk to them. The public schools in the area have superior facilities, but have nearly twice the student to teacher ratio. And no child falls through the cracks here, unlike in some public schools. I'm happy with my choice.

Posted: April 9, 2012

I think Sunset Mesa is a great school. As a fifth grade student, I feel like school's my second home. So, it's great to have a friendly environment with great academics. The only bad things I have to say about my school is that there's some favoritism going on. Sure that's great for the kids who are the favorites, but for kids like me, it's really not fair to not get the part you wanted in the school play, or something like that, just because you're not a favorite.

Posted: March 18, 2012

We have had 3 children in this school, and been involved with it for 5 years, preschool and elementary. All the complaints I am reading are unfounded, most likely by parents whose kids had behavior or learning issues. One of our kids struggled academically coming here from a public school, and was offered tutoring by an outside source and his teacher. With the exception of one teacher, I felt my kids were very loved by their teachers. We are a family that struggles to keep our kids in private schools financially and feel no discrimination, and the school even helped us through a period of unemployment so that we wouldn't have to pull our kids. It is a closed campus, but all you have to do is ask and you can meet with anyone there and get involved. Most parents are wonderful, even to us "poor" parents. Kids will be asked to leave if they have behavior issues or can't handle the rigorous academics and I wonder if the parents here who are complaining are parents of those kids. I appreciate the fact that there are no serious behavior issues at this school due to that policy. My kids are very safe and loved at this school and thriving academically.

Posted: February 6, 2012

It is unfortunate to read some of the negative comments here. My experience at Sunset Mesa has been outstanding. The faculty and staff have always been extremely open and supportive to me and my "non-Anglo" children. Academically, you could not ask for more. Sunset Mesa students continually place in the top 1% nationally on standardized tests. That speaks volumes about the quality of education. My children are in the best care at this school.

Posted: February 1, 2012

This school has good teachers, but a cold and callus administration. IT is highly religious, and do not seem to be able to tolerate non-anglo intact families. Diversity is lacking, as is empathy and genuine care for children's well being. They kicked my child out in the middle of the year without a reasonable explanation other than that he "needed to change within the next few days". How lacking is their understanding of children that they expect them to "change" in a few days? This is a school that is highly prejudiced and ignorant about the needs of children. I would not recommend wasting your time nor money here. I am regretful for having trusted them to care for my child.

Posted: September 21, 2011

We moved to Albuquerque for just 1 year, and one of the highlights of living there was having our children attend Sunset Mesa Schools. Our boys attend PreK and PreSchool, and they loved every moment of it. I cannot praise this school enough. They welcomed our children to their wonderfully nurturing environment, they taught them with genuine care for their needs. The boys had fun every day, with an exellent outdoor play area. I recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a solid start to their child's education and social development, you won't do better!

Posted: June 25, 2011

My child is currently enrolled at Sunset Mesa in the Preschool. I am having the same negative issues as some of the parents who have shared their concerns on this site. I came across this website as I was searching for a new preschool for my child. I too have issues with the staff being cold and unwelcoming. I also feel that sending my child to this school is more of a popularity contest with the parents than an actual school. In my experience, my child's teacher will not speak to me unless we are in a parent teacher meeting, but I see her speaking every morning to a select group of parents. It is not important to have a friendship with my child's teacher, but her conduct comes across as rude and uninterested. A simple "hello" in the morning would do. My concern is that my child gets this treatment at school by the teacher and staff as well. The staff as a whole seems very clickish and unwelcoming. Academically, I am not impressed. I feel that, after doing some research, there are several other schools in Albuquerque that are far better then Sunset Mesa. My child is very unhappy here and does not want to go to school in the morning. We are pulling our child.

Posted: June 18, 2011

After reading the reviews of this school, I am convinced that the good reviews are from staff members. The montessori pre-school staff in my experience were cold, mean and did not teach the correct montessori curriculum. My child would cry everyday when I left and became very withdrawn and would come home saying the most cruel things. My child was bullied by other children and when I TRIED to speak with the teacher, I was brushed off. The teachers were not interested with my concerns as a parent and acted bothered when I tried to bring the bullying up. The environment as a whole is cold and unwelcoming. After removing my child from Sunset Mesa a positive change in behavior was noticeable. I had a horrible experience at Sunset Mesa. If you are considering this school, I would advise observing a class for at least a week to get a feel. But BEWARE!

Posted: May 12, 2011

You will not find a more supportive administration and professional teachers, combined with nice, respectful children, anywhere in Albuquerque. The school lives by its word, and the children earn confidence by meeting high (but attainable) expectations. The parent community is outstanding as well. The parents support the school's values, and expect appropriate behavior from their children. And, we greatly appreciate that the parent community is comprised of people who are genuine, hard-working, and down-to-earth, not elitist, who treat each other with respect as well. The children thrive on the structure and the values imported by all. Our children LOVE their school, and we all feel a sense of pride to be part of Sunset Mesa.

Posted: May 11, 2011

As a parent of children who have experienced preschool and elementary grades, I can recommend both highly! The preschool was filled with compassionate, encouraging teachers. My youngest received an incredible amount of support to ensure that he was ready for kindergarten. We received lots of feedback to make sure we( parents/teachers) were working together to get him ready! We still go back to the preschool and say hi to our friends there. I was afraid the north campus wouldn't be able to compare with south but it has been extraordinary as well. All children have such unique strengths and weaknesses and the staff recognizes and supports these. The principal is knowledgeable about community resources and aps resources available to Albuquerque kids. This school has the academics and community spirit one would expect of an excellent private school. They also know when they don't have resources for a child's needs and help parents access those resources. I am a better parent because of this school and my children will definitely be better people from the experiences there.

Posted: May 11, 2011

We have had two children that started at this school in the 3yr old class. This school is superb in every aspect. The children have a wonderful experience, academics are without equal, proper behavior is taught and expected, and the results are not matched by anyone within the city of Albuquerque. You overlook this school at your own risk.

Posted: May 10, 2011

My family has attended Sunset Mesa Schools for 28 out of the past 40 years. I attended starting in 1971, and now I get a chance to share my experience with my children. My Spanish teacher in 1971 is the mother of the current owners of the school. I have always felt like Sunset Mesa prepared me and now my children for life which only begins with academic success. My wife and I feel like the teachers, staff and administration care about our children and are dedicated to their success. In fact, many of them have spent hours before and after school to help them. A few years ago, a group of teachers knew our son so well that they helped us spot an illness that was vital to having diagnosed early. When trying to decide on a school for your child, tour the school and talk to current parents. These are the people who know the school and will give you an honest review of its attributes.

Posted: May 10, 2011

My family is so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school and community! I have two children that attend both the North and South Campuses, and they absolutely LOVE Sunset Mesa. The teachers work hard to meet the needs of every student, and I have appreciated the positive, nurturing, energetic attitudes of the teachers my children have had throughout their Sunset Mesa experience. The class sizes are great as well. I have watched my children grow more than I could have imagined due to the Sunset Mesa environment, the dedication of the staff and teachers, and the challenging academic programs that this school has to offer.

Posted: May 10, 2011

I have taught school for over 25 years. I have taught in 3 different states and in 7 differents schools, including Sunset Mesa. Sunset Mesa is by far the best school I have ever been a part of. Everyone on staff is highly qualified and dedicated to the students. The families that attend Sunset Mesa are committed to their children receiving the best education possible and I know they get that at Sunset Mesa. I consider it a priviledge to be part of such a fine and upstanding school.

Posted: May 10, 2011

Our daughter is in 6th grade and attended Sunset Mesa for kindergarten through 5th grades. She has done exceptionally well in 6th grade and was prepared for the many changes that occur in middle school. Sunset Mesa gave her this foundation. She loves school and loves learning. Again, Sunset Mesa nurtured this love. While at Sunset Mesa, our daughter was challenged academically, given many opportunities to speak publicly, and encouraged in both school and extra-curricular activities. The teachers were interested in her and did an amazing job of teaching her. I would recommend Sunset Mesa to all parents. It was the best education for our daughter.

Posted: May 9, 2011

Excellent preschool and elementary school campuses with caring teachers, hands-on administrators, and strong commitment to nurturing young children academically and socially.

Posted: May 9, 2011

We have attended Sunset Mesa Preschool and Elementary school for the past few years. We have found the entire school leadership at both campuses exceptional. We have never met an unhappy teacher or key leader at the school. Our child looks forward to going to school and participating in school events and enrichment classes. The energy at the school is high and the commitment to positive communication among child piers is refreshing. Combine the above attributes with an involved parent community and I believe you will have a hard time finding a better preschool or elementary school environment in Albuquerque.

Posted: May 9, 2011

I looked at every school in town for the right schools for my children. When I visited the Sunset Mesa Preschool and observed kind and attentive teachers, instructing the most adorable kids, and noticed that the playground was designed with so much to offer, mixed with clean and organized classrooms, I knew it was the spot for my little one. We have been thrilled that our child has not only had an enriched academic experience but also has had GET FIT, a unique physical educational class for toddlers, a music class, and the opportunity to learn to garden. Our older child has had quite a year on the North campus . We experienced a classroom with 14 students and had a dynamic teacher who has recognized and accomodated all academic needs. In addition, my child has taken part in the school musical, and loves the after school programs. Thank you Sunset Mesa for loving my children and for setting the the perfect educational foundation.

Posted: May 9, 2011

We have attended Sunset Mesa for the past three years and ABSOLULTELY LOVE IT! Sunset Mesa is a nuturing enviroment for children where they can grow and learn. The school places emphasis on family values and on becoming a model citizen. The teachers and staff are warm and caring. We have only had WONDERFUL experiences at the school. We would recommend Sunset Mesa to any parent who wants their child to learn in a positive environment.

Posted: May 9, 2011

Sunset Mesa is a gem! Our children have been at the school for 7 years and have had wonderful, smart, engaged teachers every year. The administration at both the preschool and elementary school have always been receptive to our comments though we have rarely had need to contact them. More often, they contact us with information, suggestions, etc. They really know the kids and their personalities, and they know us. We are thrilled with every aspect of our experience at Sunset Mesa.

Posted: May 9, 2011

I am a past student of Sunset Mesa and a current student of the Albuquerque Academy. From the 2 years of age, Sunset Mesa has prepared me to be a successful student both academically and socially. In my forth year at one of the most difficult schools in the southwest, I have gotten all As and Bs. I am a repeat class officer and in the Community Service Honor Society. It is social, study and learning skills I learned from teachers at Sunset Mesa that has made this possible. I have loved this school and its teachers nearly my entire life. I still go back to say hi and catch up with these amazing people. I recommend this school to your children because it has not only helped me feel prepared academically, but it has prepared me for success in life.

Posted: May 9, 2011

As a current teacher and staff member for the past 10 years I hope I add a unique perspective. I have never worked with more caring and professional individuals. Mary Helen is an amazing director. She challenges the teachers to be the best they can be while loving the children and spending countless hours supporting parents. Turnover among the teachers is non-existent. Teachers, in general, teach because they feel called to teaching. Teachers want to make a difference in the lives of children. No where have I seen this more true than at Sunset Mesa. Many of the teachers have been teaching for decades and many have multiple college degrees. The teachers that I work with start their day several hours before school starts, leave well after the children and spend hours on the weekend making the education of each child engaging, enriching and differentiated in order to reach all of their student s unique learning needs. If you are looking for a school for your children I hope you talk to Sunset Mesa.

Posted: April 19, 2011

Sunset Mesa came highly recommended to me and at my first tour I was impressed. The Director said all the things a concerned parent wants to hear about a school. I placed my child in the preschool program and the first year I was happy except for the fact that the teacher was very cold and distant. The second year of preschool my child started acting strangely and would cry when I would drop her off at school. My child would also tell me that a certain kid would constantly bully her and when I asked the teacher about it, she assured me that nothing was going on. At my parent teacher conference, I was told that my child was not developing properly and that she to be moved into a different class immediately. The teacher also made reference to my child as bothering her because my child hugged her a lot. When explaining this to me, the teacher kicked her leg like kicking an animal away. I was never made aware that there was ever any concern with my child. The teacher made false accusations about my child's development which is scary. I removed her and she is excelling in a very nurturing environment. I would never recommend this school.

Posted: April 9, 2011

I would highly recommend NOT sending your child/children here. The teacher was cold and would not say hello to me EVER when I dropped my child off. She made accusations about the development of my child which were false. My child was bullied and developed a stutter while she was in attendance at this school which was diagnosed by her doctor as stressed induced. Once I pulled my child the stutter stopped. The staff is cold and unwelcoming and I strongly feel that the best interest of my child was not addressed at all. Before you make a decision about this school, ask about all the children that have been pulled for the pre-school and ask WHY!! I know several parents who have pulled their children from this pre-school because of similar problems. The attendance records are the lowest this school has ever seen. Do not believe it is because parents are opting out of private schools due to the economy, which is what the staff at Sunset Mesa will tell you if you ask. Non-private pre-schools are just as expensive. Sending my child to this school was the biggest mistake I have ever made. I would not suggest this school to anyone.

Posted: April 7, 2011

Staff turnover is a key concern. As a previous teacher, I agree with the reviews about the adminstration. Very welcoming at first, but not receptive to parent or teacher feedback. Teacher turnover is not a concern for the owners - having cooperative staff members who play by their rules, without concern for teacher effectiveness is their goal.