Fountain Hills Charter School

We are so happy to have found FHCS! At our son s previous school he would always fight because he did not want to go to school. Since he has started at FHCS he loves school! He gets ready for school without a fight. When we ask him how his day is, his response is always, Awesome! and then he goes into all of the things he learned during the day. He starts his Tuesday and Wednesday mornings learning how to play electric guitar in the before-school band program that is available for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. He comes home singing the songs he learned in music class. He loves learning sign language and his class did a special presentation where they said the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language. He comes home teaching us how to do the various signs. His teachers hold high expectations of him, and he is given the extra support where he needs it. He is really motivated to do his best and has made tremendous growth. When asked about his teachers he beams and says, I love my awesome teachers! We are so thankful for the change this school has made in our lives. Our son comes home with a smile on his face and a positive attitude towards school and learning.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2 in the Fountain Hills Charter School and I love it almost as well as my children do. It is an incredible school. My husband and I s first introduction to this school was a personal tour by the school s founder. His commitment and dedication to the programs he created many years ago was overwhelming and very refreshing. He new every student by their name and as we toured each classroom it was obvious the students cared as much for him as he cared for them. And the teachers, they are the best! They welcome parents and students with open arms. They are caring and they know their student well. The students in the whole school get to know each other, too. If you like to be challenged and have high goals and expectations; as well as an interest on being involved with their education, you'll love this school. The staff and students are like a great big family. They have a great spirit and they care for the community. This school offers enrichment everywhere and your kids will love! Parent of two
--Submitted by a parent

FHCS is an outstanding place for students to learn and grow. The focus is on the whole child, not just on the information contained in AIMS. The teachers are truly dedicated professionals. My son, who previously cried before going to school each morning, cried instead on the last day of school last year. He did not want it to end and to have to take a summer off. The music program is amazing! Both of my kids are learning and growing with respect for others and their community. My son's AIMS scores were amazing this year and finally, we have found a professional staff that is willing to work with his unique learning style and abilities. I highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

This school does have good teachers, as all schools do. Unfortunately, the leadership, meaning above and beyond the principal, is severely lacking. With poorly guided leadership even the most wonderful teachers are not able to perform at the top of their game. There seems to be more focus on socializing than on academics. Many children who attend this school leave without their basic skills; reading, writing and arithmetic. If you don't find these skills important in daily life, then I encourage you to send your children to this school. If you would like your child to learn and develop on these skills I suggest you try the public school system or a private school instead.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been enrolled at this school for the past 5 years. The teachers go above and beyond to ensure the children are learning up to their fullest potential. Communication between teachers, administration and the parents is outstanding. They take time to maek each child feel welcome and special. Each classroom has an assistant for most of the day. The class sizes are smaller and the children definitely benefit from this.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children attended the preschool at the FHCS this year and had previously never been exposed to the Montessori style of learning - our children have learned much more than we ever expected and have taken to this learning style wonderfully. I think the school staff is very supportive and I love the principal, Ms. Karyn.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been blessed with good and loyal teachers who consider their jobs to be a public service rather than a step on the ladder of their career. The school campus is beautiful and the vision of the administration was once inspirational. Once an excelling school, FHCS has recently dropped to Highly Performing category. Now, under a new administrator, I once again have hope of bringing this school back up to its original standards.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I chose this community to relocate after touring Fountain Hills Charter School. Our children do not have a history of doing well on standardized test. Prior to moving them to this school they were beginning to not like school at all. That has changed and we are very pleased with our decision to move to this community and be part of this wonderful school. Our children look forward to going to school and they have improved greatly on their standardizing testing. I give a great deal of credit to the teachers and also the administrator for encouraging us and giving positive direction in being a partner in our children's education. This schools PTO is the greatest!
--Submitted by a parent

My 3 children have been going to the Charter school since they were 3 years old. Always in the top 3% of the country in their testing, they have excelled in all areas of their life including superior abilities in premier sports teams. I attribute much of their performance and excellence to their second home...The Charter School.
--Submitted by a parent

Great academic program, but very poor when it comes to emotional growth. The mentoring program is wonderful! If you are not an upper class family or stay at home parent you are almost always left 'out of the loop' when it comes to updates with the school.
--Submitted by a parent