Cactus Shadows High School

"Looking back, I had an amazing time at Cactus Shadows (and in the Cave Creek Unified School District). CSHS has an amazing group of students who all care about each other and there is a strong community feel. All of the events put on by student council and the football games were amazing. I feel like a few areas the school can improve upon is acquiring (and advocating) for more technology use in classrooms like many other surrounding districts (Peoria Unified, Paradise Valley Unified and Scottsdale Unified). The school implemented a "No Phone Zone" policy in the 2017-2018 school year that only makes it feel like they are advocating for LESS technology use which is NOT preparing students for the future. That aside, some teachers prefer to only handout outdated packets to teach, while others (overall a majority of them) are engaging with the class and truly care about helping you succeed. At the end of the day: Dispute the high class sizes, the teachers do their best to individually help you and truly care about your success. The administration is willing to listen to students and consider their input. The school has a good (although it could be better) selection of courses and has a really good CTE program. You won't regret sending your student to Cactus Shadows or any school in the Cave Creek Unified School District. My overall experience in the district has been outstanding and I'm very happy I had the chance to attend their schools and Cactus Shadows in particular."

"From what I've experienced the teachers, administrators, and all on campus love and care about the students. The students are pretty awesome too."

"This school has lots of meaning to it. CSHS isn't a school just to learn and to make friends with. I'm only a freshman at Cactus Shadows and everyone there feels like family to me. I could say hi to anyone and they would say hi back. I could ask for help by anyone on caps and they'd help even if they were working on something. They are maybe struck on phones but that doesn't beg me one inch. The teachers are amazing, and the spirt days are some much fun! I am so happy to spend my three years at Cactus Shadows High School! My favorite teachers are Ms. Kairis, and Mrs. Neill! :p"

"Year after year the school never fails to disappoint the few things we can look forward to or enjoy about the school. Many new rules are enforced what seems like every day such as the students not being able to have their phone visible at all regardless if they are using them and students also must not only have an id on them but they are charged against their will and recieve a referral for simply forgetting a small plastic card. Every year the incoming seniors will typically have something to look forward to for their years attended at the school but no longer now students are stripped of those few simple rewards. The new senior class was stripped of their right to a decent parking spot as the upper class men now it is a free for all just to park (after paying the ridiculous fee to receive a parking pass). Seniors will now also no longer receive a shorter schedule as a reward and will now stay the whole 6 periods regardless if they have enough credits to graduate. If you are looking at attending this school or enrolling your kids save your self years of trouble and reconsider a new district"

"Horrible school seniors can't park in the senior lot anymore, they have to wear ids like prisoners, they are unable to use their phones on campus whatsoever, and they combined lunches from all grades there are 2,200 students at the school with only 500 seats for inside seating so the rest are stuck outside in the heat."