Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus

This is a very structured school, the parents are amazing and the principal is very nice. The staff and teachers are very kind. The kids are vey well behaved. Very good academically they make sure students understand the things they are studying. Very structured I recommend putting your kids in here. My kids love it

I have two children who attended CTA LIberty. Sadly, we had to move and only made it to third grade with my oldest. We most definitely miss CTA. My children were ahead of the majority of the children in their new school. Their new school has been rated top notch as well. Yes, CTA is challenging, but your child will definitely be on top if you put forth the effort. Active parent participation is necessary for your child's success. We miss CTA very much! We wish CTA Liberty was here. The teachers are very organized and the school has their act together. The principal is very caring and knows how to run a top notch school.
—Submitted by a parent

All 3 of my kids started here and my oldest 2 are now doing well at Basis Chandler, the AIMS isn't even an issue for them and much of this can be attributed to their 5-6 years at CTA Liberty. There is good discipline and most teachers are very good and careing and the principle listens, there are some teachers that are a little less "enthusiastic" but the vast majority are very helpful. They aslo have a good reading program.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had my children in this school for two years. Their writing and math skills have improved dramatically (we came from an online school). It was tough to get in, the principal was very helpful and accepting, but a teacher got it in her mind that we were not "CTA material". She was very diplomatic about it, but that was the jist of her attitude. Thankfully the principal pulled through and let my kids attend. The academics are incredible, I am constantly amazed by the challenging projects they are assigned, but they also get plenty of guidance, so they can be successful *if* they work hard and are pretty organized. One of my children has struggled, since he is not so organized or disciplined, but we stuck it out (it was tempting to transfer him to a less challenging school). I am glad we did, as he is improving. As far as homework, expect from 1-2 hours, depending on grade level and on how "on task" your child (and you!) can be. If you have a daydreamer and you can't help them stay on task, expect long, harrowing evenings. Having said that my child who can stay on task is done in under one hour. The math curriculum is great (Saxon), and the "Spalding" writing delivers.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school and staff. Very supportive of the students. I am amazed at the level of learning that our Kindergarten is coming up with and excelling at. Phonograms, math, book reports, book reading groups. The fact that they teach them 1st grade lessons while in Kindergarten, then starting 1st grade doing 2nd grade work really shows you how intelligent kids are and that they can do more than we imagine. Very safe school and very great parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter who attended CTA- Liberty from Kindergarten through 6th grade. She maintained A's and B's; however, since moving on to a Gilbert Junior High her AIMS scores have skyrocketed. I was shocked that with all of the accelerated learning, testing and countless hours of homework at CTA didn't pay off in the end. I have a much happier and far more successful student now that she is working in a more positive environment. My son also attends CTA, but after seeing the results I am actively looking to move him. (her AIMS scores went from mid range meets to higher end of excelling). She is so much happier. If your child is interested in nothing other than school, this is the school for you. If you have children than participate in any extra curricular activities look elsewhere. I have also dealt with some fantastic teachers and 2 that haven't been worth the stay. I believe in accountability for all. Teachers have our children for a majority of the day; therefore, I feel it is imperative that they display the same character traits that they demand of the children. Integrity is far more important for kids to learn than any textbook lesson.
—Submitted by a parent

2 of my kids attended Liberty during 2010-2011. We were happy with the school and with the teachers of our kids. My son was in the kinder class and his teacher provided challenging homework and reading materials to meet his needs. During the school break, she even encouraged her students to write something to her and she wrote and sent post cards to her students (even when she was on vacation with her family). My daughter 1st grade teacher was very great too, strict but care for her students. The front office ladies were very strict on following the school rules, but I found they are very helpful and friendly later on. The principle is a hardworking lady and down to earth. After the 1st year, my kids can read one level higher. This year we moved them to another school because the Liberty is not on the way to work for us. My kids and I really miss this school because they studied hard and had fun too. Parents, if you wants your kids for academically success, this is the school, also your kids need to be well prepared and your time. If you want more play time for your kids and you, this is NOT the school for your kids. The discipline helps students focus and not to distract others
—Submitted by a parent

We have had children at this school for 4 years now and could not be happier. Both children are reading, comprehending, and writing well above their grade. The challenging math is attainable yet pushes them. The homework load is more than most elementary schools and parents need to be prepared to dedicate some time every night checking and helping your student. It is nice to see that a school has taken some courage to hold parents accountable which only helps our children succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had children at this school for the past 6 years, and have nothing but positive feedback for this school. We have never had a bad teacher, but only teachers who teach with integrity, who discipline fairly, and create a positive learning environment. This is a school where parental involvement is a must, and homework does get heavier each school year. I feel my kids are learning in a fairly sheltered school environment, which I think is important in this day and age. I know my opinion is just one, but I would have no hesitation in recommending this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent

This is only our first year at Liberty so I cannot speak about everything. We love it so far, it's not our home school and we travel a bit to get here, but we wanted to send our daughter to a CTA school. The teachers and staff are great. Teacher communication is excellent, I always have questions for the teacher and she is prompt with her replies. This school is structured and strict on discipline....code of conduct, uniforms, homework and that's no secret, but the quality of education is high and indisputable. Most parents complaining here are unhappy about the school's strict discipline policies. Parents need to do enough homework upfront to decide if it's a good fit for their kids before enrolling or else go to a school which was more lenient standards (and there's no dearth of such schools in AZ) My KG daughter who is usually a very disciplined kid was benched once during recess (in 3 digit temperature). I felt sorry for her, but she learnt a lesson and we as parents had a talk with her about discipline. We can't believe how much she's learning already. As said by others, CTA may not work for all but If your focus is good education then this school may be for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Here is my update to "Posted October 25, 2010". It was very interesting to know that the same worst teacher ever got the same problem in this school year. She started hating and teasing one boy, like my son a few years ago, but the principal did nothing to stop that. And this is a great school with such a good rating? Forget about it. Just remember that your son or daughter can easily become a scapegoat and the teacher will hate him or her for nothing, just because... The fact is - the next boy just left this school, but this teacher, let's cal her H, is still there. So be careful placing your children into this school. They will learn what the real humiliation is.
—Submitted by a parent

There are both as great and worst teachers in this school. I don't want to provide the names since it will be looking more personal. The greatest teachers are always the best. As for the rest... If you or your child are from another country, or your child didn't get into the favorite list of these so called teachers they will try to mentally destroy your child using any possible and impossible ways including every day notices, moving your child's chair to the door (luckily not out from the class at all), your child will be "benched" on the metal bench on the terrible summer sun for 15-20 minutes at noon while other kids are playing. Nobody except just a few real teachers is interested to tech your child to write. We made a mistake that we didn't leave this school right away as soon as all that started.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! Small enuf not to get lost in. Better then a preivate school
—Submitted by a parent

CTA Liberty is an excellent school. The teachers, staff and volunteers make this school an excellent environment for learning. It's not an easy school academically but it prepares the kids for Jr. High and High School.
—Submitted by a parent

The first year my child and I were at this school voting for the education board was by the entire parent registared. The second year the education board was voted in by the PTO, which by the way only voted for PTO members. Seems a little bias!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at this school and we are very happy. The teachers, PTO and staff are great and very organized.
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with my childrens performance. Awesome teachers and facality make CTA the greatest learning enviorment.
—Submitted by a parent

This school excels beyond what I thought was possible. Since the new principle came on board the school is more ameliorant than before. No doubt the school s tough and has high standards, as it should; it s an institute of learning. Everyone on the staff from the principle down to the cafeteria cashier maintains a consistent standard of excellence. It s a real pleasure as a parent to see the transfiguration form other public schools to schools like CTA Liberty, and to see children excel beyond what is the normal average in such a short period of time. My K student was able to read and write fluently within the first nine months. Nothing short of a miracle.
—Submitted by a parent

I despise this school! The faculty is very strict, and does not ease up in the least bit for the littlest things, such as your hair is too long, and, tuck your shirt in, and, tie your shoes. Overall I do not like this school at all!
—Submitted by a student

We absolutely love this school. Academics are key but not everything. They have a rotating schedule of 'specials' classes(music, computer, PE) which is great. I think there is a bit more homework but to see how much progress my kinder has made in 8 short weeks is amazing. The teachers are very accommodating and will help out those that are struggling. The administration are will to listen and act on parents suggestions or grievances. Parent involvement is high and is required (6 hours min) but parents are always welcome in the classroom. If you are looking for a school with sound academics, a nurturing environment for learning then Liberty is for you.
—Submitted by a parent