Desert Shadows Middle School

Only one of my sons went here for middle school. I absolutely loved the seventh grade program. Mrs. Olsen is incredible with her social studies program! The Gettysburg and White House Dinner reenactment were fabulous! It’s the 8^th grade program that left a bitter taste in my mouth. Maybe it’s the fact that Mrs. Kendrick the school principal retired and the school’s feel changed. But I don’t feel my son had any growth during the second year. I knew once Mr. Shappee left that there was no way my other son would go here. I saw major bullying at this school as well, among other issues. My son enjoyed seventh grade here, went to Costa Rica for 10 days which he will cherish forever but I really feel that PVUSD just isn’t what it could be or has been in years past. Sad really.

Both of my kids attended this middle school and it was excellent, many of the teachers were award winning teachers. The kids went to Catalina island on a school trip. Great memories.

Never again. Worst school I’ve been to in my life. In my middle school years I went here, got bullied endlessly, office never did anything about it. Don’t waste your time here.

I went to Middle School here back in the day. Although those were not the best years of my life all and all I would say DSMS is a great school. Overall I had very passionate, caring, and knowledgeable teachers who I still remember. I was very shy in those days, but now that I think back the school still got me very involved. I did orchestra, babysitters club, community service club, and a program where I aided for a teacher at the neighboring elementary school. Located in a good part of Phx/​Scottsdale, the school isn’t the prettiest place to look at but that doesn’t reflect on the school itself!

Have had two kids go through this school as well, with my son going there in 3 years. The teachers are very active with the students, and take the time and energy to get to know their students. Active PTO, and quite a few extra-​cirricular activities as well.