I am a parent of a student entering 6th Grade at Arizona School for the Arts. I work in Education…read moreand I talk to Teachers, Curriculum Directors, and Principals from all over the West Coast. And,I am married to a former teacher at ASA. I am passionate about this school. I will admit, I was suspect. I thought the parents who were so ecstic over the education offered at ASA might be a little off. It couldn't be that good. Really? My son started school with all the aprehensions of a 5th Grade student who knew very little about music, was active in sports and was very sad about leaving his friends behind. We (even he) chose this school because they had a strong emphasis on education and we expected the school to offer my son the opportunity to learn in an environment that was strict, supportive and creative. We were not disappointed. ASA was all that - and MORE! The academic teachers are inventive, collaborative, and very supportive. The arts teachers are music professionals and perform with and for the students and move them along in the curriculum with such finesse it's like they have private music lessons every day. And, the year was a success. My son was delighted with all his classes, especially his music classes with Monica Sauer Anthony. What a surprise to find him begging us to play his clarinet every evening before we had dinner or before we participted in a famly event. He loved the Science Curriculum, the hands-on activity and his teacher's passion for education. He worked hard in Language Arts and Social Studies and really showed off his new found maturity and knowledge during Presentation Week. And the lessons he learned in Life Skills class were really applicable and life changing. Then the performances at the end of the year were very remarkable and telling. I saw kids excelling in their musical expertise and showing off this success with such poise and confidence that I couldn't believe these were the same kids I met just 10 months prior at our summer welcome parties. The school does have a rigorous application process that leaves you on edge just wondering if your son or daughter will be permitted entry into this prestigious, blue ribbon school. The school doesn't tolerate any bullying and supports all types of students. And, the school is near Downtown Phoenix, so there are issues with the campus being spread across some streets, but those are being addressed quickly as they are building and expanding into new facilities that will offer a number of benefits for the ever-growing school. This school is really a dream. It's an educational opportunity I would recommend to any parent. I think my son would write a similiar recommendation!

The bullying was out of hand here. If you are not a large contributor to the school, your child is…read moretreated poorly. We witnessed this with several kiddos.

This is an amazing school! My grandkids attend here and I am very impressed with what they learn,…read moreand how they are taught.

Great, friendly and engaged staff. The principal is very committed to the students and parents. Our…read morekid really likes the teachers and the environment. The parking situation is a bit tough but the staff always ensures the safety of the students.

Focuses on grades, but not much help there's no tutoring when you ask for tutoring they just tell…read moreyou to go on your computer and look. Not family oriented something I don't really like. Don't really bring the spirit at school. Really feels like a school that just focuses on grades not personable.

Fabulous school and staff! They care about kids here! Free afterschool programs and breakfast and…read morelunch for all kids.

Encanto is an excellent K-3 school with an award-winning dual language program. Many of the parents…read moreof gifted students enroll them in dual language for the extra challenge as well as the chance to develop fluency in English and Spanish. Arizona teacher of the year Michelle Doherty is a long-time member of the faculty. The school offers, music, art, PE, and gives special attention to making sure that all students are reading at grade level. My wife and both my children attended this school, and enjoyed the lovely campus with open areas and large classrooms. Please visit some time--your child will be glad you did!

If you want your child to have a good education, this is not the school to send them to. The…read moreteachers in upper grades do not clearly explain to the students what is expected of them. These are elementary children, not high school or college students. They seem to favor certain children here and make it hard for others. I know many parents who already have or will be sending their kids to different schools, as will I. They allow bullying with no consequence and now today, sexual harassment. When asked for a meeting with the culprit's family and school resource officer, I was told there is no resource officer and there will be no meeting, therefore leaving me unable to defend my child. Don't send your child to this school

My son attends the kindergarten program. We live in Maryvale and it is worth the commute. His…read moretuition was covered by scholarships. He loves it there especially his teacher. she is always inviting me to stay and observe. The times I have arrived by surprise she was always so patient and soft spoken with the children. The class size is small which gives my so the extra attention his IEP requires without making him feel like an outcast.