Desert Star Community School

Desert Star has many pros and cons. If your main interest is knowing that school will be fun place for your kids. This is a good school. There does seem to be a lot of emphasis on extracurricular activities such as knitting, gardening, field trips, painting and drawing, mixed with a bit of music. However, it is lacking in the basic curriculum in regards to reading, writing, and math. There are no text books for each child and most of the work that is handed out is hand-printed. In two years, my child has not had one spelling test nor has spelling been taught as a class in and of itself. There also seems to be a lack of clear organization and direction. I would have to honestly say that if one's priority is in learning the basic educational curriculum, then this will not be the school for you. However, if one's priority is that your child thinks that school is fun and that people are nice and, if that is good enough for you, you will more than likely like this school very much.
--Submitted by a parent

This wonderful school utilizes experiental learning to inspire a great love of education in it's students.
--Submitted by a parent

Desert Star School has a community of people like no where else that I know of. We are a village, a family, a tribe that supports each other and our children in every way. D.S. teaches environmentalism & stewardship of the Earth, multiculturalism, non-violent communication, emotional intelligence, encompassing the needs of the whole child through creativity, music and academics. I am so proud of our little school. We've worked very hard to create something special that is unique and caters to the needs of children today. The faculty are people I completely trust and believe in. They come from their hearts, sincerely there for the children and the parents. I have made my best friends at Desert Star and so has my daughter. She loves going to school and learning....that is the joy of Desert Star!
--Submitted by a parent

We love Desert Star for it's dedication to 'whole child' learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The best teachers, administratrs, parents, kids and cirruculium in Cottonwood!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We are a dedicated and close staff who believe in each other and in Waldorf education. Our parent body is very involved and committed to each child and the school. And we have the most awesome view of the Sedona mountains
--Submitted by a parent

Waldorf education, small class size. Teachers who care about students and students who care about each other. Great arts focus! My sons love to go to school each day
--Submitted by a parent

Our sons love to go to school every day and are happy, what more could a Dad wish for? Their love of art and music helps balance them as human beings and the focus on caring for self, others and the environment is great!
--Submitted by a parent

Such a terrific Waldorf charter school!! I teach art classes to each grade, 2-5 weekly at this treasure of a school and I look forward to each day spent with this fine group of children and staff. These children love art, music, gardening, knitting and still have time and love for academics presented in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner. I have taught at private Waldorf and some of the top private schools and this little school nestled in rural Cornville deserves some Kudos!!
--Submitted by a teacher

It has the best focus on teaching children to become stewards of the environment and to be kind to each other. They also get to do music and art and take nature hikes which is so missing in the 'regular' schools!
--Submitted by a parent