This school is ranked #1 in the state for testing right now!…read more After moving to Mesa and looking at the public school reviews, I was bound and determined to find a better school for my kids to attend, even if it meant I had to drive! Luckily, I found East Valley Academy not too far from my new home. That was four years ago and I have to say that I couldn't imagine my kids attending another school. This school offers what we all want for our children that public schools don't offer. It's small, yes, and that is a huge bonus. Kid to teacher ratio is outstanding! The two classes for all grades is another advantage over other schools. These kids learn together and help each other! They also devote more time to learning the basics. They do plays and take field trips often and they have holiday parties that you can even bake for! My son was reading after only two months in kindergarten and now is reading at a 6th grade level in 3rd grade. My daughter ranked top 3% in the nation for her math skills on the state test in 3rd grade and she just recently tested into Algebra 1 for 7th grade that she will obtain high school credit for! If you are looking for a great education that does not teach the Common Core, then look no further! Check out their stats and I'll see you there next year!

I can't say enough good things about East Valley Academy. I'll start with a little background…read moreinformation to show the difference in quality. My daughter went to K and 1st grade at a public school in the Paradise Valley school district. We had problem after problem, such as bullying, and her 1st grade teacher lying to me and brushing off inconsistencies I noticed in my daughter's learning. She got A's, but I could tell she wasn't really learning much. My daughter is very smart but defiant. I was spending an extraordinary amount of time supplementing her education. I talked to other parents who had to do the same but seemed resigned to their fate. She didn't have a love of learning. However, during her last two years with East Valley Academy (EVA) everything has turned around. She learned more in the first two months than she did in the previous two years at her public school. EVA focuses on phonics based reading and Saxon math, not Common Core. They took her down to the building blocks of phonics she'd never learned and built her reading up from there. She went from a Kindergarten reading level to a 3rd grade reading level in her first year there (2nd grade). Her math became much more proficient as well, and she was doing well in every subject. Ms. Stoeppelmann also identified her ADD before I could. Both teachers were very responsive and thorough when giving feedback about her attention span, moods, organization, etc., while trying to find the right medication. This showed me how well they know each of their students. Most importantly for me, though, is that she now has a love of learning. I truly can't see her having this level of success at any other school. She has even scored high on more difficult tests than most high school students take. EVA has even positively affected our home life. I've always been an involved parent, but am no longer spending hours after school patching all the holes in learning that her last school was leaving, which led to many disagreements and friction between my daughter and myself. This school is small. Very small. Don't let that deter you. It operates similarly to a little red schoolhouse. It's not fancy, but the size allows for individual attention for each student in a way that the teachers can really get to know their learning styles and be able to work with them. Ms. Stoeppelmann and Mr. Ryan are excellent teachers, with years of experience, who have such finesse with conveying the information that the kids thoroughly learn it. That is crucial to me. The perks of this school are many. There is a sense of community among parents and kids, which also eliminates bullying. If something does arise it's easily resolved with the parents and teachers. This sense of community also opens the door for celebration of the different cultures of the students. The lunch break is longer so the kids have some real free time to recharge and focus better while in class. EVA also takes many field trips as well with plenty of parent chaperones. This school isn't the easy way out. My daughter works hard to get her good grades, and I've worked with her and the school to keep her success going. But for every bit of effort I put in, the teachers put in at least twice as much. Unlike the public school the dialogue between families and teachers is open. To me these are what make the difference between every other school and this one. EVA is there solely to teach kids and help them reach their potential. They care about these kids.

Classical Christian Education where the schooling is focused on learning while helping grow in…read morefaith. We absolutely love everything about Redeemer. The class size, the community, office staff and most importantly the teachers. The majority of the elementary teachers have been there for almost 20yrs, that says a lot. The experience and love that they have for their students really shows. My kids love going to school.

I love teaching kindergarten at Redeemer Christian School because…read morethe small class size gives me the flexibility to focus attention where it is needed most with each student. I am able to adapt lessons as needed to reach each student where they are at. I work to prepare each student for their first grade experience as they continue in the classical approach to education. I also love that RCS uses a faith-based approach in almost all lessons, not just Bible. Faith is weaved into social studies, science, phonics, recitation, and more. It is truly a blessing to watch Kindergarteners make the connections from their Bible lessons into real life applications and grow in their faith.

A Community That Truly Cares…read more Cambridge Academy has been one of the greatest parts of my daughter's childhood. This is not just a school, it is a caring community that knows its students, invests in them, and gives them real opportunities to lead. Our daughter has grown here in ways that go far beyond academics. She has participated in weekly improv and art clubs, performed in the talent show every year, walked the recycled materials catwalk, and even led the morning pledge. Cambridge builds confidence through hands-on experiences and caring guidance. The staff is exceptional. The leadership team creates an environment where kids feel safe, supported, celebrated, and genuinely cared for. Teachers know their students personally and champion their growth. Cambridge also brings families together through winter performances, literary and international nights, and community events like Trunk or Treat and parent child activities. These traditions make every family feel included. Our five years at Cambridge have been overwhelmingly positive. Our daughter loves her teachers and knows them all. Her confidence, curiosity, and leadership are a direct reflection of the environment Cambridge has created. Cambridge Academy is more than a school to us, it is family.

This school seems like a great option at first they seem welcoming and friendly but ultimately if…read moreyou raise any concern they will say one thing to your face but completely do nothing and cover their tracks. Their kindergarten teachers were allowing students to give the teachers shoulder massages which is not an acceptable or an appropriate practice. The principal will quickly throw her staff "under the bus" but then will immediately back-pedal and cover for them almost immediately after. The term "lazy" was used to describe our child's teacher. After these concerns our child's teacher didn't have the professionalism or accountability to talk to us either in any way to ease our concerns because there is no genuine concern. We moved on from this school and it's the best decision we've made being that our daughter had to catch up on a few things at her new school which is something we worried about due to the lack of structure at Cambridge and their "You Tube video" curriculum. Our child has grown exponentially in just a few weeks at her new school. The negative reviews are spot on at Cambridge, if you can find them. There has been reviews stating that they get removed to keep up their "good image." Warning to parents ‐ they will manipulate and there is no genuine concern for your child at Cambridge. Stay away from this school!

I have chosen to not post a review about SDA to stay positive and let that horrible time in my…read morefamily's life go, but seeing this article in our local paper is too much. This school is focused so solely on high achievement that they will do everything possible to push out children who do not perform. My daughter went here with minimal issue, other than adjusting to the old school dictation-style teaching and an isolated situation where a stessed teacher used questionable methods to discipline the entire class for being disruptive. My son has ADHD and was put into detentions and in-school suspension over the allowable number of times per year by state law while he was in grades K-4. He was excluded from activities and field trips, put last in his kindergarten graduation despite it being alphabetical (his name should've been read 3rd - he was th only child not listed in order) and I was constantly told how I should consider medication (again - at 5 years old). They were oblivious to handling a 504 plan. My son was so deflated by his first 5 years of school that he dreaded every day. I have spoken with numerous parents who went through similar situations at this school. The goal is obviously to overwhelm the student and their parents into removal so they don't have to deal with the situation. My son is thriving now in the great public schools in NE Mesa, but still looks back on his time at SDA with trauma. On the positive side, telling his painful experience at SDA did help with legislation to prevent schools from issuing unnecessary suspension to elementary age children. This school may be wonderful for some children, but they do not "give unconditional love" for children with ADHD. If your child is trying to find their way through this complicated journey, this is NOT the school for you.

My son attended the school about six years ago. He started in preschool for two years. We had great…read moreexperiences and then he moved into kindergarten. He was continuously being punished by his teacher for being "fidgety". She would not allow him to play at recess time. She told me he was fidgeting with his pencil and tapping on the desk and distracting other kids and for that she had A five year old miss out on several recesses. He then began crying every day, saying that he hated school and didn't want to go. This is not how a five year old should feel about school. He was very excited to begin school before he was in her class. Every other day she had some complaint about my son. I felt like she was picking on him and punishing him by taking away play time. I really have no reason why she was doing to my child. I'm sure he's not the first five year old to be fidgety and to punish him by not allowing him to get some physical movement and activity seems counterproductive. We never had we had this issue in his preschool at this exact same school for the two years prior, when they were accepting my payments. My son is a very happy kid, very sweet demeanor. Would never disrespect anyone on purpose. Can we have a teacher that knows how to deal with a fidgety five-year-old? First, I asked to meet with the teacher, And the administration said that's not an option. So I wrote her a letter using professional language to advocate for my child about my concerns and I attached research articles about methods of teaching children with ADD. She was extremely offended. I've then asked to meet with administration, and they offered no interest in solutions for ways of helping us plan a more positive learning environment. They were completely on the defense about the kindergarten teacher. I hated to even leave my son in that school for one semester. As soon as I found a suitable replacement, we removed him from the school immediately. He had a very positive experience at his new kindergarten. The educational team told me our son was doing well and he was a kindergartner, and still learning how to adjust to school environment. He is now a healthy and happy kid. Maybe other peoples experiences are different. It broke my heart that my son had a negative experience at such a young age. He has never had an experience like this since then. I do not think SDA cares about children outside of the academic environment. Children are a little human beings and a teacher's actions can scar them emotionally for life. Best decision I ever made was to remove him.

We've had a great experience at BASIS Mesa. The academics are strong and challenging, and the…read moreteachers are kind and genuinely care about the kids. The front office staff is always helpful and responsive, which makes a big difference. There's a strong sense of community here, the booster club is amazing, and there are fun activities and events that bring families together. My child comes home excited about what they're learning, which says a lot. Overall, a great school with a good balance of rigor and support.

I was very disappointed today! My 3 kids started at basis mesa first year, I made the lunch,…read morestopped by the front office, ask them to have my kids pick it up for lunch. They did not tell my kids to pick it up. One of my son's friend brought him the lunch that saw my son's name otherwise, my son wouldn't even know about it! How did I know? I picked my kids up at 5 pm, ask what they had for lunch, thinking that all 3 of my kids enjoy and thrilled about the lunch I personally made and drop off for them, but they didn't even know about it! My other son and daughter didn't even know it existed! They were hungry all day! 7 to 5 pm with no food! I never encountered such bad experiences with front office staff until I came to this school, basis mesa! Many times I stopped by their office, staff was not friendly at all! Especially the one with thick lips! I was furious when found out my kids didn't know I dropped off lunch for them today!

I went here when I was a kid and I want my kid to go here when she's in elementary. I have very…read moregood memories of this place. I loved the Ho downs and how I got to participate in plays and extracurricular activities. I recommend this school to everyone. They really had a great impact on my childhood .

From the owner: Our school is a charter school that is also a "public school". It has been open since 1996 and…read morebelieves in "basic education" and "performing arts".

Absolutely horrible school. Within a week of enrollment, I'd already had so many issues with…read moreadministration I went ahead and enrolled her in another school for the following year. As soon as I heard they had an open spot for the remainder of the year, I pulled her out. The issues: Told the school she would have a watch to text and call me and her father, only when she sent me an audio clip of a teacher yelling at her and I took it to the principal did they have a problem with it-- because they realize they are now being held accountable. During enrollment, I wasn't pleased to hear that because of Covid, parents aren't allowed entry for pretty much any reason. I later found out (when I finally got in to go to a PTA meeting), that all these parents in the PTA are on campus all the time volunteering. When leaving from that meeting, I found my daughter not playing at recess but hiding in a corner because she was cold. Why wasn't there a teacher helping her? I would visit and wave to her at recess some days and the teachers always side eyed me and made me feel terrible for coming at my daughter's request bc she didn't like being in school. Once while watching recess, I saw a maybe 5 yr old screaming and crying being dragged by two grown adults. I was in such shock, I still feel like I hallucinated it. During drop off, if you get there right at 7:30, the teachers will be looking you in the eye, watching your kid get out and lock the gate so you have to take the kid into the office to get into school. The playground is mainly unshaded and sand. Please spare yourself and child of this school and go somewhere else. There are amazing charter and select schools nearby with much better staff, facilities, and policies.

My son went to kinder u at Adams which we loved. I was excited for him to get into kindergarten but…read moreunfortunately things didn't go as planned. If your child has an IEP DO NOT SEND THEM TO ADAMS. The principal does not care and showed little interest to help my son along with his teacher. They did a poor job and I'm happy I have found a new school and staff that actually cares about my sons needs.

I would not recommend the school. I had a teacher who wrote a false character of defamation letter…read moreabout myself when I was going through child custody battle . Never met the teacher , school district did nothing about it.

Great school and staff!! Highly recommended. My daughter…read morewent to the school from kindergarten to 6th grade. She had an amazing experience and had wonderful teachers.

My teacher didn't like me because I wasn't Mormon and she said if I wanted to be Christian I had to…read moreclip down to red and get a write up (which i did) mind you I was in first grade. Also they made us pay five bucks every Friday to were a regular shirt. In conclusion I don't recommend this school.

My husband and I can't express just how grateful we are for ALA Charter Schools. ALA has proved to…read moreus since day one of registering our Kindergardener, that our children are our future. The education of our children should be and is a priority, and they have made it their priority. We weren't sure how this school year was going to be, given the circumstances of COVID-19 but it has been above our expectations. The teachers and staff at ALA Mesa have been amazing, and our son absolutely loves his teacher. Most of all we are so grateful for how the school has handled this pandemic, making it possible for our son to attend in a safe environment. This is our first year at ALA Mesa, and we are very happy to be apart of the ALA family.

We have attended FCS for over 20 years, graduated two of our sons with the third one graduating…read morethis year. This is not just a school with high academic standards, amazing fine arts programs and winning sports programs, it is a ministry! The mission of this school is creating and training disciples! We have seen a large majority of graduates go out into the world prepared to face the enemy, strong and courageous in their faith but, most of all they are hope! I would absolutely recommend this school over ANY public school that does not focus on Jesus. #TeamESA..

We love Faith Christian School! We have 4 children there now, and they are in elementary, middle,…read moreand high school. We have been with the school 5 years now. We were in their wonderful homeschool program before we started attending there full time. We have one child also in their special education program and he is thriving! They care not just about their education, but about discipleship, and helping build future Christian leaders. We have participated in several sports, and have been impressed with the Christ like attitudes that we have seen. We highly recommend this school. It is a wonderful size too, where the kids know the teachers and don't get lost in the crowd.