Irving Elementary School

I find it odd and an amazing coincidence that both 5 star reviews written by a "Teacher" and "Parent" were written on the exact same day, both eloquently about the leadership and school. As a parent I can tell you from experience this school is in bad shape, I volunteer and help out as much as I can but many people from the principal down have a lot of work to do. Instead of coming home and telling me about their day my kids come home crying about school. Issues are never addressed, problems never solved, and nothing ever fixed. I am leaving this school year with my little ones and finding a better school for them, which shouldn't be difficult. If you choose Irving and have issues, you were warned.

I am very saddened by the previous review written about an outstanding school and leader. Being the mother of a daughter who has attended Irving Elementary School for five years, I could not be happier! She is determined and ready to take the next step into junior high. We owe this confidence and self-esteem to the staff at Irving Elementary School and their leader, Penny Briney. The environment provided my daughter was nothing but nurturing, supportive and fair. As these qualities of not only a school but also a leader are important to all of us as parents, my daughter's situation being a little different we were embraced with a village of caring and helpful solutions and strategies to work through the difficulties and progress as a learner daily. We truly owe this growth and the "I can do this" feeling to this school and the principal!

I have been a teacher at Irving for 26 years and there are many reasons I choose to stay and feel it is an amazing school. In regard to the prior review, the transitions of the staff this year are teachers who have retired, are experiencing major life transitions, and/or have opportunities to further themselves professionally. The administration is exceptional and works with staff meticulously to master and improve the components of their craft. The principal is supportive, patient, and thorough in dealing with staff, parents, and students. We have a significant number of students on open enrollment due to the qualities of the school, staff, and innovative progression of educational strategies exhibited on the campus. I brag about Irving constantly and HAVE had one of my own sons attend the school. I can't imagine being anywhere else.

Speaking as a former teacher here, and parent who's children NEVER went to Irving I would not recommend the school to teachers looking for a new placement or parents looking for a good school. The principal and her "minions" have driven away most of the good teachers left at this school. When you have over a dozen teachers leaving in a year, this would be a clear indication of a problem. The parent below that comment about the principal "who cares nothing for her students" hit the nail on the head, the problem is, she doesn't care for her staff either. Hopefully in time, they will get rid of the leadership here and Irving can be a great school once again. In the meantime, if you can, I would take your kids to a different Mesa school.