I personally went to Heritage Academy for a couple years as a student at this location in Mesa. I…read morethink that this truly was the best school I ever went to as a kid. I learned a lot from this school that no public school would be willing to teach. They offer all different types of languages, I learned Latin in 7th grade. Also, they offer amazing electives as well as spontaneous field trips. I probably never would have seen the Grand Canyon if I did not go to this school.. I'm very grateful to have gotten the opportunity to go to this school and I'm definitely hoping my kids can do the same thing!

I came to Heritage Academy Mesa for 1 year and absolutely despised it with my entire heart. Sure…read morethere's fridays off and "hot lunches" that your parents may order for you, but I want to tell you about my and other "scholars*" experiences. Scholars is the name that the teachers call the students at Heritage Academy by. I will give you all the reasons why this year was terrible and will not use their writing style (CRED's)* Creds stands for Claim, Reason, Evidence, Discussion, and teachers will use Harvard Keyword Outlines alongside it because this is a review and I'm lazy. Remember that this is completely biased and won't be everyone's experience at this school. And also take into account that this is for the Mesa campus, as it is very tiny and squished. Also, I will not be using my real name for my own safety (this is not my direct account). I would like to talk about the staff and "scholars", both the good and the bad, and the beliefs pushed onto "scholars" by sending your child here. I would like to start with the fact that many of the staff and "scholars" are Mormon (LDS) and your child will have this influence if you send your child here. (I'm not trying to say it's bad or anything I'm just an Ex and I prefer not to hear about it) staff will not hesitate to say where they were married in one of their temples, but often doesn't go beyond it. But some do mention church on other occasions. Also, "scholars" tend to be homophobic/ transphobic and that may affect your child. Although some staff will go easy on you when in class, some are hardcore (I will not name anyone for their privacy). Overall the staff also will push patriotic beliefs on "scholars" and is a highly christian based school. For your information and child safety, teachers also can use "scholar" bathrooms. Although there have been no incidents that I have heard of, once there was a teacher watching corn (adults know what I mean) and accidently broadcasted it to that class by accident. The teacher was fired luckly, but thought I'd mention that. Also, that was not my experience for some context and happened in the previous school year. That concludes the staff/ "scholar background paragraph. There have been incidents of sexual harassment by some of the more tiresome "scholars", and then continue to say that what you said wasn't scholarly, (the experience of sexual harassment was not mine and the students that harrassed the other one were thankfully suspended). The principal*, when I said I would like this (person they were interviewing) should replace my teacher because the person being interviewed was better at teaching the subject, slapped me (gently) on the arm, which made me EXTREMELY uncomfortable (she likely did because she thought I was joking) *This Person will no longer be principal for the 2026-2027 school year* A similar experience happened when I made a dark poem and wrote it on my assignment to get myself to stop laughing during class when she wanted us to shut up. About a week later, she talked to me publicly about it (before class when everyone was talking) and touched my arm out of concern- which made me very uncomfortable, even if she was concerned about me. In general, most of the staff make me uncomfortable just by sitting in a room with them. Now, about the rules and standards of this school. That dress code is one of the most strict I have seen.(I haven't been to many schools, but I have heard of similar schools having less strict dress codes that I will not be naming). As I have almost been dress coded on a "Dollars 4 Duds"* day Dollars for Duds is a day scheduled by Heritage where you can bring cash in exchange for wearing normal clothes- with a strict dress code 'but at least its something' now continuing what I was attempting to say for a semi- cropped top that you could see some of my stomach when lifting up my arms, and it wasn't noticed towards late in the day. I also couldn't wear anything over 4 inches above the knee, which was a huge challenge for me, even if my clothes are pretty modest (other than the crop top). Which is why I kind of think its a scam to look normal at this school. Also on the "no profanity" rule, teachers either don't blink an eye (except for some) or have terrible hearing because I have never seen someone get a Log Entry for swearing. PDA is also challenging to deal with, as you can't hug, kiss, or really do anything.Now to the English program, that is tedious. The English program at this school is extremely advanced and will constantly have you on your toes with CRED's and Harvard Keyword Outlines, SO's Sentence Openers, SV's Strong Verbs, which are all DU's Dress Ups which are only stressful once it's implemented. Now these Rules and standards are incredibly challenging to deal with. Except for swearing because of reason stated - which is incredibly hilarious. Now for the random things I have complaints about. "Hot Lunches" are kind of a scam. Especially because of

4 of my 5 kids go to Self Development Academy (1 is currently in Preschool and 3 in higher grade…read morelevels). We've had positive experiences since our kids started here in the 2's and 3's on the preschool side. My 6 other nieces and nephews also attend this school and we've all had a great experience with SDP and SDA. This school has high rankings in academics but also has a wonderful team who all have your children's best interest at heart. Dr. Majeed, Miss Vernetta, all the teachers Miss Mickey, Miss Amber, Miss Haschke, Miss Oliver, Miss Jenn C., even all the front desk staff (Lonnie, Deena, Brittni), and especially the principal Jenn Salvatori have all been wonderful and helpful with our kids! There was recently an issue with another child was being very rude/disrespectful a couple of times and I reported it right away since my child was upset and crying. I'm happy to report that the resolution was swift. I was also kept updated about how it was being addressed both with the students and internally among their staff/teachers. SDA stresses the importance of the 4 R's Respect, Responsibility, Readiness, and Resiliency as well as academics with opportunities to advance. SDA was also very accommodating when we had to go to online school during COVID and truly care about your child's well being. My kids feel safe here, trust their teachers and administration, and have honestly thrived at this school since being here. I feel blessed to have this school so close to home and to trust my kids with a school that provides such solid support.

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.

I went there and it was just perfect they had everything I was having the time of my liferead more

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.

my high schooler loves this school! we are so happy that when we moved across country we found…read moreFaith. the school curriculum is good and challenging for my daughter. the school has girls volleyball and basketball and my daughter loves playing with her classmates in a very supportive environment. i cannot say enough about how great and dedicated the teachers are and how awesome the kids are at this school (I can only speak to the high school). my daughter was at the school a week and got invited to two different get togethers. the kids are supportive, encouraging and Christlike to each other. my daughters class has great kids, great parents, and very little drama. I am so thankful that we are so blessed to have her have a great high school environment where she's being educated in regular classes and also a great solid Christian education. the spring trips are so fun and educational.

My child struggled with the traditional classroom from K-3, and he tested into a self-contained…read moregifted program through the public school district. In 4th and 5th, he continued to struggle to fit into the box imposed by the traditional classroom. We discovered Lumos before he entered 6th grade and it's the best choice we ever made. He is like a different kid and has blossomed over the last few years, finally getting good grades, feeling empowered to be himself, and even confidently performing on stage! The environment is warm and welcoming, and the teachers care about each student's success and help them find where they'll shine.

"My children began attending Lumos a couple of years ago after being homeschooled during the…read moreCOVID-19 pandemic. Both of my kids are adopted out of foster care and have unique special needs--one with more emotional challenges and the other with academic ones. Lumos has created an environment where they can both thrive, emotionally and academically. While I supplement their education with additional math tutoring at Mathnasium, I am grateful for how Lumos supports my children in developing healthy self-esteem and becoming the best versions of themselves. Although the school has undergone changes over the years, we have remained committed to our vision for our kids' success and continue to be happy with our experience at Lumos."

This private Christian school has been a true blessing to my wife and I. We found this little…read moreschool when they first opened their doors. It was a small building with wonderful teachers and staff that have big hearts. Now it continues to grow and develop with a "family" feel where parents are encouraged to help and volunteer in order to provide the best education possible. The time spent helping each child is rewarding, but to see the children develop a love for Jesus, watch the school grow academically, and grow with FCA family is way better than anything I could have imagined or hoped for. God bless the staff, children, and families. Thank you for staying on the right path and not falling into the norm at other public and private schools. If you are looking for a great place to send your children to school that will excel their education, I "HIGHLY" recommend talking with the staff at Freedom Christian Academy.

As long as this school is hear, we will too. Want to be near family out of town but, we know that…read morewe'd never find a better school! kids are highly excelling & it's because the teachers & staff are the best that there is! We love it there & I love who my children have become.

I absolutely love ALA Gilbert North! I looked at several schools before choosing ALA and I am SO…read morehappy that I did. The teachers and faculty truly care about each students success and education. Not only is their curriculum top notch but they also teach students how to be respectful, have integrity and how to be accountable for themselves. They are teaching the students valuable lessons that will continue with each student as they press on toward their futures. If there was ever a concern with my child's education or his well being at the school it was quickly addressed and resolved. I am so thankful my child will continue to receive his education at ALA! In response to other comments, I would have to disagree with some. I am not rich and I am not Mormon and my son is treated equally along with others students who are religiously and culturally diverse. The students at ALA are sent home with a lot of homework as does any other charter school. I do not mind the amount of homework because as my son finishes this school year, he is already learning at the next grade level as well as his other classmates. My son may not be experiencing other issues within the school as he is still in elementary. I am a realist, at any school there will be bullying, there will be students who do not act appropriately, there will be students who will break the rules and bring inappropriate things to school ("vapes and drugs"). As this happens, students will make their own decisions on how to behave whether it be good or bad. I would love to know if there are ANY schools in the area who do not experience this, because even at a private religious school these things are going on. I know ALA has a ZERO tolerance policy and follows it. Hopefully other parents are realizing this and may consider speaking to their children more rather than blame the school for everything. As I stated before, I love ALA and their values. I will continue to enroll my child at this school despite the negative reviews.

Absolutely awful experience going to this school! I was going to this school, and one of my PE…read moreteachers got so angry, that the PE teacher threw a hockey stick, hit someone, and threw a hockey puck and almost hit me (we were supposed to be doing floor hockey and the PE teacher was not fired from this and the office decided to hide it and to deny all of it). Another thing is that there is still no leadership coming from the students and staff. Another example of this is if you are not white or Mormon, you are going to feel like you are not included and everyone is going to shun you out. Also, my friend got targeted by the staff all because of him being Christian, not Mormon. He kicked something in the hallway accidentally, and it hit a teacher's foot, and then he had to go to Ms. Huso's office, when the teacher said that the thing that he accidentally kicked hit the teacher's head. Ms. Huso even looked at the footage of the camera's in the school, and it clearly showed that it didn't hit the teacher in the head. Yet, Ms. Huso thought so, so she gave him detention anyway. Most of the safety and discrimination concerns was because of Ms. Huso too, which she doesn't care about your safety if you aren't Mormon or white. My parents tried talking to her, and she tried to avoid everything that I've mentioned, and she doesn't care about your safety either. Although, the elementary school for ALA Gilbert North is incredible at putting safety first. If you are on the waitlist or you are trying to get into the highschool for ALA Gilbert North, it's not worth it. ALA Gilbert North Highschool needs to improve on caring more about student's safety no matter what race, or religion their in, which also makes me mention that the school needs to work on to have absolutely no discrimination that any student or staff should be dealing with in the first place.