Paragon Science Academy Elementary School

Paragon Science Academy is just a name. The academics are poor, and teachers are not qualified and have no experience for teaching. Also, becuase the high population, the teachers work with only advanced students. The behavior in the school envirment is a big issue to discuss,bullying, inapropriot language, inapropriate actions, and ruffhousing in the upper grades (3rd, 4th) grade. Also, teachers and the two principals ignoring parent's concerns but not all of parents this is abig ? ???? In addition, the school is missing a huge amount of basics, such as a proffessional nurse, proffessional music teacher , cafateria, safe playground, and proffesional P.E teacher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is happy and excited about school.He is a 1st grader and doing very well in class.Great school!!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, the previous post offends me. The information is inaccurate and abusive toward the teachers who work so hard for our kids. Yes, we have had 3 principals in as many years, this has little to do with the gifted program which has developed under the supportive guidance of our current Gifted Program Coordinator. She has always had her door open to address any questions or concerns I have. The program is different from last year, but there were problems with students missing academic content with that model. Now, she is in the classroom to work with the GATE students, as well as the other students in the advanced classes regularly. She also started after school programs so that our children could participate in the Odyssey of the Mind. Plus she is fundraising in order to send students to a GATE camp experience. The students love her and her credentials make her far more than adequately suited for the position. I wonder if the previous parent realizes that she soon with have her doctorate degree and how much time she puts into planning for her students. Any school has its shortcomings, but at Paragon I feel my gifted child has exceptional educational opportunities
--Submitted by a parent

The school made big promises for gifted students and has failed miserably to live upto them. The GATE program is a huge failure. There is so much confusion regarding what the Gifted Prog is trying to accomplish and who the gifted kids are that the children benefit nothing from the program. The class sizes are too big. Despite a placement test, it seems that advanced and non-advanced and gifted children are all placed in the same class. Cutting costs at any rate is the new moto of the school. The teachers are lacking adeqaute qualifications to provide the quality of education promised. They had three Principals in three years!! No continuity in administartion policies. Unless they get their act together, I would not recommend this school to a parent of an advanced or gifted kid.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a shame because this school started out really strong. They had a clearly defined, advanced curriculum and a good method of teaching kids by abilities instead of by age. Unfortunately the lack of consistent direction from the administrative staff lead to issues between teachers and parents, teachers and teachers, teachers and admins and it really affected the ability of the kids to learn. The loss of the Gifted Coordinator was the first major blow and then the loss of the first and second principals really caused more confusion. By the end of the third year over half the teachers were gone, the administration was completely new and most of the curriculum was lost or not arrived. I think this school has the vision to be strong but without consistent and trained staff on the curriculum no one understands the policies especially the students. We had teachers who gave hours of homework, others who gave none, some teachers allowed water and break time, others did not. This is not even getting into the religious time in some of the rooms. Really sad potential is there. Maybe in a few years when they can get back trained staff.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not fit for your child if your child has special needs. I have tried to address special needs of my child with teacher and school administration. They were never supportive. I have moved my child to a public school. They are very supportive. My child was enrolled in this school from the beginning when they started. They are more and more disorganized as the years ago. in the last 4 years, they are 4 different principals. So there is no continuity. Also there is constant turn over of teachers every years. I have seen all good teachers leave.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 5th grader. We have been so happy with the school this year that my child will definitely move to Middle school campus on Chandler blvd. My child is taking Algebra 1 in 5th grade with only 9 other students in the class. This is way advanced compared to other schools and the class size is unbelievably low!!! I don't want my child to go to another school and repeat the same courses!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a student at PSA and in middle school. This is my 3rd year at Paragon, and I would say they have a good curriculum except for science. Yes, I admit that they are disorganized, but trust me- they are INCREDIBLY busy. They try very hard for the school to have great students, and they are so proud with many of the middle school students. All of the teachers LOVE to teach, and thats all they can think about. Please do not blame the admin. for brushing off problems as they have many goals for the kids at the school to excel and cannot solve every issue.

This school has many many issues. They are full of empty and broken promises. Teachers are quitting mid year, as a parent it makes me wonder and question the things going on at this school! This school is good for parents who can put up with the disorganization, and chaos.
--Submitted by a parent

Paragon Science Academy has everything we need for my children who are attending 1st, 5th and 9th grade. The school administration is very accessible and the staff is very dedicated. Clubs are enriched this year and there is a good quality. Each student is considered for his/her Math level and given the chance to have the challenge. The amount of homework is reasonable.
--Submitted by a parent