Kyrene Aprende Middle School

My son is in 6th grade pod B (gifted) and it suits him perfectly! He is challenged on a daily basis by all of his teachers..the 4 core teachers are wonderful!!! Could not be happier....and neither could he!
—Submitted by a parent

Students are rude and disrespectful. Lots of drama and rumors that go on between students that teachers don't know about. Students are out of control. Kids wear inapporiate clothing.

Education is of the highest importance at this school. They are truly preparing their students for the future. My older son sailed through Corona Gifted where he left with 28 credit hours to start college. Speaking of college, he just completed his freshman year at ASU Barrett Honors College where he attends on a full scholarship thanks to Mrs Deer's 6th grade advanced Language Arts and Mrs Furman's 7th Grade Advanced Language Arts. They are the Best!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

our third and youngest daughter just finished an amazing 6th grade year at Aprende. Our older 2 have sailed with high honors through Corona thanks in large part to the excellent preparation they received at Aprende. As an active PTSO mom for 6 years, I've had the opportunity to get to know almost all of the teachers, administrators, and staff on a first name basis. I can't say enough wonderful things about them. Plus, the incredible array of activities beyond the classroom give the kids opportunities to grow personally and gain a wealth of hands on experiences. This includes but is not limited to yearbook, newspaper, NJHS, Stud Council, Peer Mediation & Tutors, sports teams, math clubs/competitions, and much, much more. The overnight trips to Prescott (6th grade), Grand Canyon (7th), Disneyland (music) are but a few offered. Art & FACS-fantastic, the music program- super talented teachers, etc. Everyone is committed to excellence despite limited budgets, economic challenges, and lack of state support. I can honestly say there is NOWHERE else I would want my kids for middle school than Aprende under Gerri Shaw's leadership. A well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award & A+ award!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has enjoyed a year of learning and growth at Aprende Middle School this year. He completed 6th grade at Aprende and is excited about entering 7th grade next year. My son has enjoyed warm connections with his teachers and has made many new friends. I would recommend Aprende Middle School to any parent who is looking for a solid middle school placement for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

Moving my children to the Kyrene District was the best decision I ever made when it comes to their education. Yes, there is a 20 minute commute but it is well worth it. My son attends Aprende and is in 7A. The curriculum is amazing and he has had many opportunities to learn things that I believe are not taught elsewhere. The STEM program is wonderful and he excels in that class. The teachers are very good at communication, Mrs. Starling sends out weekly newsletters so you are always in the loop of what your child is learning. A+!!
—Submitted by a parent

Aprende is simply great. My son is in Mrs. Furman's 7B class and in advanced Math & Language Arts Class. He is also a member of NJHS. Yes, its the great curriculum of the regular class, gifted class and wonderful opportunities of NJHS. But its more than just that. Its how the teachers nurture the kids to challenge themselves to reach their highest potentials and inspire them to be good citizens. On top of it all, the kids have so much fun. Thank you Aprende! You are truely A+!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has done awesome at this school. I am impressed with the grades and the communication with the teachers. The school is great academically and the students are also involved in sports, music, & other extra activities. Definitely an A+ school all around.
—Submitted by a parent

I HAVE A CHILD AT AMS AND THE TEACHERS ARE WONDERFUL. THEY MAKE SURE THAT EVERY STUDENT IS A SUCCESS AND REACH EVERY TYPE OF LEARNER IN THE WAY THAT BEST FITS THE STUDENT. NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND AT THIS SCHOOL. STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING ARE THE NUMBER 1 PRIORITY HERE!
—Submitted by a parent

Coming from a small charter school, we were terrified to send our son into the "real world" public school for 6th grade, but it has turned out to be a blessing. The teachers and principal helped make it a positive transition. They are very supportive to the kids and parents in a way that makes everyone feel safe while providing a challenging and fun curriculum. Our son is moving into 8th grade and we still feel confident that we made the right decision to move into the public school arena, thanks to this support. We rated the parent involvement with 3 stars, which is actually a compliment. It's not that parents are not helping out, it's about letting go and letting the kids learn some independence and autonomy. The parents help in all the right places and the PTSO does a great job of getting the parents involved at the right level. We're looking forward to our other kids moving on to Aprende. Great job!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 chiildren attend Aprende, and I have loved it every year...As a parent it is always a huge concern with transitioning to a new school for a 6th grader....My kids...2 boys and a girl have all had great experiences...My daughter is still there....I LOVE the teachers....the 6th grade teachers are amazing for that transition to occur....I highly reccommend Aprende....team building is wonderful, character counts is wonderful, and there are many opportunities as a paretn to get involved.....Love it:)
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children went to Aprende. I was very happy with all the attention they got from their teachers. The staff at this school is very caring. I feel they were ready for high school
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! My daughter started as an extremely shy 6th grader and has blossomed into an outgoing, confident, and happy kid. She has had amazing teachers and made lots of new friends. My older daughter also went to Aprende and was very well prepared for full honors courseload in high school. Both kids excelled academically and my youngest daughter can't wait to attend next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school! At an assembly yesterday it was announced Aprende is "one of the top 25 schools in Arizona". Also just saw this article about their A+ award: http://www.wranglernews.com/2011/05/02/aprende-school-celebrates-prestigious-a-recognition/ Go Aprende!
—Submitted by a parent

A+ Excelling School - Kyrene Aprende Middle School just recieved this prestigious award which represents teacher, student, and parent commitment to adacemic excellence. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I happen to go to this school and this has many opportunities. I got chosen to go to Washington DC for my great leadership, but I couldn't make it because my dad thought it cost so much. Maybe you might get the same award, and your parents will pay $2000 for something that will go on your college application. They also have something called peer mediation which I'm a peer mediator! I'm also in student council, and I got excepted to be a National Junior Honor Society. There's many more things this school has to offer. Aprende Jaguars Black and Gold!!!!

This is my son's last year at Aprende and we are white-knuckling it to the end. His Science teacher has pushed us over the edge and he is going to a charter school for high school. The cliques are off the hook and zero tolerance for bullying is on paper only. Aprende represents everything wrong with public education. His math teacher however is stellar. I am so grateful to her.....she is the best thing about this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school for a bit and i have to say that bascially all the girls dress inapproprately. its almost like there is no dress code here! Mostly everyone who goes here is rich and it is not very diverse. It is hard to make friends here at the school.But on a positive note the cliques arent as bad as most schools.

My son attended Aprende and is now at Corona. I feel that Aprende teachers greatly prepared him for high school. The English and Math teachers are especially exceptional, because they make sure to challenge those who need to be challenged! I didn't find that to be the case as much in the elementary school. I did have a few issues with ONE individual teacher but hopefully that teacher will not remain there as it seems their heart is not in education and being around kids. Great school, great teachers, and great administration!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm really not sure how this school is getting such good reviews, because I don't agree that the teachers go the extra mile at all . I guess relative to other schools in Arizona, it has a more expansive program. My family moved here a few years ago and my younger siblings are currently attending this school. Compared to some other schools in the area, the program seems to have more to offer, more extracurricular activities, etc. But I'm very disappointed by the way that they involve parents and family members in the child's education. In fact, it almost feels as if they would prefer for parents to never contact them. I tried talking to admins/teachers about advancing my siblings in math courses because they had taken them over the summer, and the response was a simple one sentence email with improper grammar and no salutations.