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GreatSchools Rating

A Ball Charter School - Dobson Academy

Charter | K-8 | 589 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 8 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

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Parent involvement

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The Principal's point of view

Avatar

Taime Bengochea, March 26, 2013

Dobson is a fantastic small school. We have about 550 students with an average class size of 25. We offer art, music, PE, technology and library as special area classes. All of classroom teachers are certified and Highly Qualified.

47 reviews of this school


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Posted March 26, 2013

My child has been attending Dobson academy for over 3 years now and we love it! The teachers and staff are excellent and always willing to answer any questions I have. I love that they offer a variety of after school activities as well as before and afterschool care and healthy choices for lunch.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2013

I do not recommend this school. Classes overcrowded and no resources for children with special needs.


Posted March 22, 2013

My child is in Junior High at Dobson Academy. I love the smaller environment compared to other Junior Highs. The staff is caring, supportive and active in helping students to succeed. My child is really looking forward to the Junior High field trip to Catalina.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2013

I love this school! I have worked at other schools, and this schools administration supports the staff and students. There are resources available that are not available to those in school districts. There is a close knit feel at this school! The curriculum is well rounded and supports all types of learner!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 21, 2013

This school is a wonderful example of a generalist school. It does everything well, but doesn't specialize in one area at the expense of the others, as do some other charter schools. The staff is committed and skilled, and the administration is caring and active. The whole atmosphere is upbeat and fun. My kids love this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 21, 2013

Dobson Academy is a wonderful supportive enviroment for any type of student. Teachers work hard to challenge students while making learning fun. Students get to participate in fun activities like gardening, in a hands on way.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 21, 2013

Dobson Academy has met the needs of my two children. Both were high ability students who needed to be challenged and supported to achieve their best. I had good communication with teachers for the 7 years my children attended school at Dobson Academy. I would recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2012

My daughter attended Dobson Academy from 1st through 6th grade; my son K through 8th. Both have had excellent & positive experiences there with teachers and staff. Absolutely love the new principal as well as the warm and welcoming front office staff. If the traffic during drop off & pick up is such an issue for so many K-6 parents, I would suggest dropping off by 8am & not picking up until 3:15-3:20pm (the line moves much faster by then). Kids don't mind a little more time with their friends after school and it's always worked for me! It has been a great school for my kids & I'm happy with the choice to send them there :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2012

Dobson Academy is an AMAZING school! My daughter's reading skills have skyrocketed this past year! The staff is caring and very hardworking and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this school to everyone! They have extra programs after school too: spirit line, sports, running club, spanish, band, lego clubs, cheer, etc... Lots of options to choose from. Lunch salad bar is a great addition! This schools lays a great foundation!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 14, 2012

This is our first year at Dobson. I like the Singapore math program. There is a new principal who has institutes some changes that are for the good but there is a side to her I just don't know about. The front office person can be standoffish. Most of the time I call the school i get a voicemail, why isn't the phone being answered? Still not sure if we'll return next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 27, 2012

My son's first year here and we love it, his teacher is awesome and so are the office people there is a good feel about the school. We love the uniform it makes life much easier. .
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2011

Love this school! This will be our fourth year. My youngest is entering 2nd grade this year. Her K and 1st grade teachers were wonderful and have really fostered a love of learning. They were creative and fun, but also challenged her to do her best. My oldest is going into 5th grade and looking forward to another great year. Love the small community setting, the uniforms have made it easier for my tween, and there is a sense of pride at this school with staff and students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2011

I am so pleased with the way everything runs at Dobson Academy, from administration, teachers, PTO, school schedules, activities parent involvement, volunteering, before and after school programs, summer programs and list would go on and on. The teachers recognized my son was advanced in his academics and have let him migrate from his current class to the grade level above for advanced learning in math, reading and spelling! I would recommend this charter to anyone! This is an excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 15, 2010

This school is fantastic! My child has leanred so much here. The teachers are great and the principal is the best! He is very involved. I can honestly say I see him everyday on campus! How many people can say that about there school?! I wouldn't send my children anywhere else! Thanks Dobson Academy for all your hard work! :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2010

I absolutely love this school! The teachers and staff are wonderful, and the principal is the most involved I've ever seen. I can't say enough good about Dobson Academy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 25, 2009

Dobson Academy is great send more kids here. Parents, if you know nothing about this then go to the web site it's awesome just like the school!
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 26, 2008

My kids have been going here since kindergarten. My oldest child is in 6th grade and loves it. My youngest child is in 1st grade and is also loves it. Dobson helped my youngest child needed to go to special ed and he now is more confident about reading and writing. Dobson Academy has changed my children they love goingto school because even though they have uniform they can still express whothey are.With writing papers in school. Thank you Dobson for all that you have done for my family.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 14, 2008

The teachers and staff make this school an excellent environment for learning. I have 2 children here and they both are very happy and excelling in their learning.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 18, 2008

This school is awesome!! I do believe that this school is the best school I could have put my son in. He has ADD and is a little much to handle sometimes but the teachers at Dobson nurture and help him grow with every step. He entered first grade this year and has loved every minute at this school. He feels comfortable with himself and surroundings much in part do to the wonderful teachers he has, Ms. Walker and Ms O. We love the uniforms too and it helps our son focus. We are looking forward to many years at Dobson.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 22, 2008

My children have attended Dobson Academy since 1999, we have been extremely pleased with the teachers, special Ed dept, Principal and all the parent volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
93%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

69 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
94%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
79%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

74 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
93%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
83%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
87%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
89%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
90%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
97%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
85%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
87%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
95%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
63%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
77%

2009

 
 
62%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

24 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
96%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Highly Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 58% 45%
Hispanic 17% 41%
Black 13% 6%
Asian 9% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 3% 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 19%N/A51%
English language learners 0%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Oops! We currently do not have any teacher information for this school. We rely on the state Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and in some cases school administrators such as registrars and principals for this data.

What makes a great teacher? Study after study shows the single most important factor determining the quality of the education a child receives is the quality of his teacher. Here are some characteristics to look for »
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2207 North Dobson Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
Website: Click here
Phone: (480) 855-6325

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