devoted 11 years of my life to this school--more than a decade building relationships, creating a…read morethriving drama program from the ground up, and believing deeply in the mission of education. All four of my children attended this school. I loved it. I gave it my all. That's why what I'm about to say is not easy, but it is necessary: DO NOT.... DO NOT WORK HERE. DO NOT send your children here. The school I once believed in is no longer a place I can stand behind. The leadership, particularly under Dr. Musser, and the ongoing revolving door of "Heads of School"--many of whom act more like puppets than leaders--have created an increasingly toxic and unstable environment. I honestly wish there was someway to hold them accountable for the many many good teachers, they have hurt. In just the past two months, there have already been two turnovers for the upcoming "Head of school". That level of inconsistency trickles down and deeply affects staff morale, student experience, and the integrity of the institution. Despite the red flags, I stayed for far longer than I should have because of the incredible students. But dedication to the kids can only carry you so far when leadership continuously undermines the core values of education. The teacher turnover rate speaks volumes. I urge anyone considering employment or enrollment here to do your homework: * Look into the school's compliance with charter school laws--especially regarding special education services. * Ask questions about teacher retention and leadership turnover. * Speak to former staff if possible. The stories are there, if you're willing to listen. I used to defend the school because of the hard-working teachers and my own emotional investment. But I can no longer look the other way. When bad things happen and no one is held accountable, silence becomes complicity. The environment has become not just dysfunctional--but harmful. Please look deeper. Don't be fooled by appearances... let me be clear. This is a wolf in sheep's clothing. This is not a healthy place for students or staff. The leadership is not just ineffective--it's dangerous.

Our time at Candeo Peoria was brief, and I cannot recommend this school based on our experience. At…read morefirst, everything seemed positive--the school environment felt safe, the uniform policy was well-implemented, and the principal, Mr. Davenport, was welcoming. However, things quickly went downhill. My daughter, a seventh grader, had a distressing experience with her Latin teacher, Ms. Moline, on just the second day of school. She was publicly criticized for not completing her homework and was reprimanded for her lack of organization. This was particularly upsetting because it was only her second day, and she had started several weeks late due to her acceptance date. Furthermore, she had no prior experience in sixth-grade Latin, which is a prerequisite for the class. There was no clear communication from the school or the teacher about how new students were expected to handle these assignments, and the instructions given were vague. When I met with Ms. Moline and Mr. Davenport to discuss these concerns, I was disappointed by the lack of resolution. Mr. Davenport seemed to excuse Ms. Moline's behavior rather than address it directly, and Ms. Moline herself was unsympathetic and unapologetic. Her demeanor was stern and unfriendly, which added to our discomfort, and it became apparent that many students share a similar view of her. I believe kindness and compassion are essential qualities for any educator. Additionally, my children were burdened with over three hours of homework each night, which disrupted a healthy school-life balance, especially given their extracurricular activities. I also noticed that the school's approach felt outdated; there was minimal use of technology, and their classical education model prioritized Latin--a language that is not widely used in the U.S. I would prefer my children learn Spanish, which is more practical and can fulfill high school or college language requirements. Ultimately, the lack of care and understanding of our concerns led us to conclude that Candeo Peoria was not the right fit for our family. We have returned to homeschooling through ASU Prep, which offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college while also maintaining a healthy school-life balance. In conclusion, while Candeo Peoria has some positives, our experience did not meet our expectations, and we have found a better fit elsewhere.

My 3 1/2 year-old grandson attends the traditional academy at Bel Air for their preschool/pre-K. He…read morehas been going there half days since November 1. The teachers, especially Miss Troy are amazing. He will continue there in the fall. We did an extensive search and I'm so happy with the decision. Good job.

My review is for Copper Creek Elementary School located in the Deer Valley Unified School District…read moreat the following address: 7071 West Hillcrest Blvd, Glendale AZ 85310. Website: http://coppercreek.dvusd.org I have two children with special needs issues. I came into the school with documentation for both from developmental preschools nearby that had either worked with them and had them tested by state representation or they had previously qualified for the Deer Valley School District's developmental delay preschool. This had no effect on them entering Kindergarden. And what I mean by this is that the school didn't do anything with the documentation, they certainly didn't implement any protocols or testing from the get go. I wish they had. They had to do their own assessment that took at times FOREVER to do. But policy is policy. I'd rather a more proactive approach. (Per AZ state law you can expedite this process, I did not, I wish I had for both children.) That being said, although the few frustrations I had with that, which were purely procedural, my time at the school was outstanding. The staff and teachers are amazing! (Mary, the front office secretary is on the ball! I hope she is still there with them!) Especially for the special needs department. I heard good things going in and I was not disappointed. I was with the school for 7 years. Some teachers are fantastic, (many of them have been at the school for years!) others were so so, but I'm generalizing over 7 years. The school switched Principals the end of 2013. I was not fond of the replacement Principal, however she was only there for the last end of the school year. Replacement was remedied with Mrs. McNeill in 2014-15 school year. She's fantastic. I have only good things to say about her leadership. In all, every public school is going to be reactionary instead of proactive. If you have a child with some behavior issues, I highly recommend this school because the staff here are in my opinion, fantastic. I felt respected as a member of the IEP team, they listened to my concerns and we all worked to help my children be the most successful. And THEY did go far, and I'm absolutely certain it was because of everyone's hard work. This location is land locked. So the school boundaries make the attendance in the class rooms reasonably sized. I lived out of the school zone and attended under a variance the full 7 years my children attended there. Never had a problem with getting the variance. I can't see that anyone else would if they applied for one. (It's pretty easy, the spring before the school year you are having your child attend, contact the office and they will help get you the paperwork.) The down side of this is that your child will not ride the bus. We left the school this school year 2016-17 because we moved to another location still in the same district but closer to Las Brisas, which from what I've been told is very much like Copper Creek. I'm sure at some point I'll be reviewing that one too. Some teachers from Copper Creek moved to Las Brisas, but that's not why we moved. After 7 years picking kids up, we decided to have them go to the new school they were zoned for and have them ride the bus. So far they are doing well at the new school. But I miss the relationships I had at Copper Creek. Around the corner from Copper Creek Elementary, is Hillcrest Middle School. Students who attend the Elementary school K-6 then attend Hillcrest. And then attend Mountain Ridge High School after that. All the schools are within the same block of each other. But they have the release times staggered so there usually isn't too much overlap. Its a pretty sweet setup if you ask me. Middle school aged kids, can literally walk down the street and pick up their Elementary aged siblings. Wish I lived closer, would have loved to have taken advantage of that. In all, my experience there was a VERY positive one. Will miss Copper Creek dearly!

Highly unimpressed with the leadership here at this school. Principal is rude and condescending to…read moreconcerned parents, and if parents try to advocate for their child, the principal will interrupt, belittle, and then start crying when things don't go her way (not an exaggeration btw). Children with special needs such as ADHD or autism are overlooked and/or looked down upon. Communication is extremely poor. If something happens between children, you may not hear about it for a week or so, and when you try to ask them why they are delaying telling you about certain behaviors or incidents, they will put the blame back on you saying "well why does it matter when I tell you?" Principal seems to care little to nothing about what parents think, or how the children feel. How can you trust a place that doesn't communicate with you about your child, and then when you try to communicate with them they shut you down, make you feel like you're inconveniencing them, or refuse to talk to you all together?

I love Challenge! Everyone here has been incredibly welcoming to me since the day I stepped on…read morestaff. It is a dream to be apart of a school that puts kids FIRST!

Absolutely the worst place to send your child. Incompetent…read moreand god awful staff? Yep! Horrible Principal (Gina Garcia)? Yep! Staff lies to the parents? Check! Insane amount of bullying from staff to Parents and children? Yup! The only good thing about is place is my child is no longer going here! I would not send my enemy here! Would leave negative stars if it was possible!!

I loved when goofy ahh uncle came out and did a performance touched so many young livesread more

The Bathrooms are a constant mess, some teachers don't discipline students as they should and I've…read morealso heard that one of the bus drivers does NOTHING to stop students from throwing things, swearing, yelling slurs, making jokes about being sexual assaulted, standing up, and even calling him rude names!

The teachers there are really kind and they work hard to educate the students. The lunch foods are…read moregood compared to different schools. The kids there are kind and thoughtful of other students. Overall this school is one of the greatest middles schools in arizona in my opinion.

Our family has enjoyed NCS throughout our student's high school years. The Christian worldview is…read moresomething we looked for and we are blessed to have found it! The teachers care tremendously about students and offer academically challenging classes, but they also offer office hours and tutoring help if needed. We love that the teachers PRAY with students for their protection, etc. Amazing mission trips are also offered through the school and community outreach (yes, NCS offers National Honor Society recognition). Additionally, there are fun clubs and varsity sports. NCS goes ALL OUT for Homecoming (parade, big show at the game, dance, etc.). Prom too. Several Honors and dual-enrollment classes offered. Our student attended a highly rigorous, private school (the academic rigor was fine, but culture was not) and public AZ schools (weak academically, but culture worked) prior to NCS. We have found our home here at NCS!! A great balance of Christian values, KIND students/teachers, and active clubs with strong sports. You can see they foster the growth of students to be critical thinkers and strong community-minded leaders with Christian ethics. So blessed!

Good young teachers. Atypical curriculum. ABIDE + CONFORM to their policy, or you are out. JESUS…read moreWOULD FLIP TABLES here! They throw out a lot of "community" talk, but the reality is, they expect CONFORMITY to their clique mean girl culture. The school policy and image are a PRIOROITY, that's why you see so many good reviews. The policy parents sign, states they can't make negative remarks about the school. WHITE WASHED TOMBS. reminds me of Matthew 15:8-9 and Isaiah 29:13. it is NOT CHRISTian. From the superintendent to the Elementary staff, Mr. Dowdle, Mrs. NICHE, and their minions at the front office.

This school is still struggling like all other Arizona schools but the staff really do try…read more School's performance letter grade was a "B" for last year. And its still a fairly new campus. They are rising up. I don't hear many good things on the principal & to tell you the truth she might want to change careers. Maybe a district super attendant position with no parent/student or human contact? She is above calling back or emailing a concerned parent. BUT the assistant principal, Ms. Chapman, does make up for the principals lacking. She is prompt & courteous. And I thought for a long time she was the principal as she is so involved. She truly loves her job. Many teachers are younger and thus less experienced but they are bright & excited to teach. Many AZ schools are doing this I hear to to pay less for their faculty. Is it true? Not sure. Anyways, one thing this school does & I LOvE them for it is play the national anthem every morning! Nothing like enjoying my days off & being filled with patriotic pride from my kids school down the street. The population is primarily Hispanic. Though many parents don't speak English they are very involved. All school concerts are always a hit. Family orientated for sure. The front office girls deserve an award. All indoor campus is also nice. Again, those front office rock stars, such as Grace, are the gatekeepers at the front of the school & protect our babies as they monitor who enters the building. Hence, you better sign in & get visitor badges before they buzz you in. Thank you Tres Rios! Go Pumas!

I came from San Bernardino California where I was going to school at Wilma Amina Carter high it was…read moretraumatic experience but I move here to Arizona and went to school here at Barry Goldwater where teachers had such high spirits and positivity I had an English teacher that read books to us with different voices to make us really get the personality of the characters I had an math teacher that never gave up on me and I was an F student til I came to her class and I had a history teacher that made history exciting to me and a cooking teacher who's methods I still use til this day! I love it and recommend to every parent searching for a school for their kids to go to ignore the bad ratings this is the purest one ! #classof2016

For the positives of this school, one of the best things I did was choir. Choir was amazing, it got…read moreme really experienced with finding true genuine people. Some of the only genuine people in the schools were in clubs. Fun people, with personalities. Most of my friends were in choir, and overall it was a wonderful time. A fun teacher as well, and an enjoying experience to walk into everyday. It made the school experience fun, and it made me feel at home knowing I was part of a family. The cafeteria food was absolutely amazing! Literally so good for school food, it was also nice being able to sit outside. Used to sit outside with my buddies and listen to music. My favorite food was the orange chicken! Stadium events, football games, anything club related was always enjoyable. Definitely recommend, the school has very fun activities as well. The main issue with all schools is a balance between drama/friends and education. I don't think a single school doesn't have issues with drama and fights. For this school though, it seemed to have been much worse. Fights and a lot of smoking going on all the time. Their was maybe one student in a class that distracted everyone that was there to learn. Sometimes more...school threats also happened a few times a year. Nothing bad ever happened but still, troubled teenagers are ruthless sometimes and it was an issue. For staff, I never had any issues with any of the staff there. I knew a lot of them, since my sister went to Barry as well. Our experiences are similar, it's not great and it's not bad, it's simply okay. If you do have a young teenager or any teenager going there, beware of the issues with drugs, and drama. Motivate them into a club and, help them find something their passionate in. School is for learning, not fighting and drama!! It's very important to also get troubled kids to talk with the school counselors. They helped a lot, and they supported me through the rough battles of my teenage years. Their is support! :)