Challenger Basic School

If you want your kids to sit all day long, doing worksheet after worksheet, after worksheet, then this is the school for you! There isn't any "hands-on" anything. Science mostly consists of: worksheets! The teachers are great, and work very hard. However, the principal can be downright cruel and rude to the staff. Students aren't allowed to work in cooperative groups, ever. Also, teachers will get in trouble if they're doing any activity that seems the least bit "artsy" if it's not "Art Day". The school doesn't offer any after-school activities, or a real music program. So, no band or orchestra or anything like that. Also, there isn't a cafeteria. So, children have to eat outside in the heat. I feel that the teachers are great, but they are restricted by what they can do, due to the rigid rules of the administration.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending this school for several years now and I can't say enough about the school and the teachers. Each one is superb at their job. The husband and wife the run the school hold the students and staff to extremely high expectations and will remove any of the staff or students who do not meet those expectations. My daughter has friends who have transferred out and they are always well ahead of the students in their new schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a Wonderful school. I attended the school in 2009 and I can say many good things. I attended this school 5 years ago and stopped because we moved to Utah. Then we came back and I went to the school. The teachers there still knew who we were and were very kind. The principals were the greatest. They were very kind. Things were changed after four years, they put up a portable and changed the paint. This school is good for all ages.

My Daughter has attended this school since K and I really cant say enough good things! From the small class sizes (although this is changing) to the committed and caring teachers, everything at this school has far exceeded my expectations. My daughter is learning far above grade level and is challenged to do her best every day. It has a small-town personal feel to it and I love that I can walk into the office and they know exactly who you are, who your child is and what class they are in. The only less than amazing thing I can say is this: If your family is not Morman (as mine isnt) it may be a little harder to connect with other parents since there is a huge Morman presence here and a bit of clique-ishness going on. Thats only a minor glitch, the school is awesome and parents are involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Once again, our kids have finished yet another FANTASTIC year at Challenger Basic School! This tiny school is Gilbert's best kept secret!!!! The entire staff is dynamite and appears to work incredibly well together to provide an outstanding education!
—Submitted by a parent

We finsihed Kindergarten here and it couldn't have been better. It's rare that education exceeds expectations, and Challenger has so far. Having a full time teacher and full time aid in Kindergarten makes all the difference. No complaints this year at all...can't wait for first grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I did a ton of research before choosing Challenger Basic and there is no doubt we will continue with them next year! The school has a lovely private 'campus' and top notch academics. My daughter transferred in the middle of the school year and both the staff and students helped her make a happy, seamless transition. There is no busing service, so the school tends to attract parents who are serious about getting a quality education for their children. For example, if homework isn't done, students may very well miss part of recess to complete it...as it should be! Plenty of fun to be had here as well: field trips, planned after school activities, Pizza Day, Field Days and Book Fairs. This school has it all!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has went to this school from K to 5th and I couldn't be any more pleased with the education she is getting. She loves it too.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is an excellent school but it was not the right fit for my son. First of all I would recommend that you send your child there from K because they have their 'own way' of teaching. Since my child started there in 2nd grade (new to AZ) he didn't have the 'system' down. That is just my advice to parents interested in this school. Otherwise it is a wonderful school. You also must be aware that the classes are smaller and you may find that your child is spending outside playtime catching up on class work. Since the school is small and limited if you child isn't keeping up then he/she will be missing out on those activities. I only became aware after some time and I was very upset BUT again the school is small so they just don't have the resources to give that extra help.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in 2nd and in K and both my children are excelling in all areas. The teachers are wonderful . I like the small classroom atmosphere. The children get the extra attention when needed. I will keep our children there during there elementary years.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with the quality of teachers and academics at Challenger. They encourage parental involvement but require fingerprinting/background check on all who wish to help in the classroom and on campus and encourage parents to do so. I'm very pleased with what my child has been learning and enjoy the small atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have thrived learning and using the curriculum Challenger Basic offers. I like how the curriculum has continuity throughout each grade level and that each teacher is held accountable to teach it. Parents are required to take an active part w/ their children's education by insuring that the daily homework which reinforces daily concepts is completed. I'm thrilled with the caliber of educated teachers and the administration that enforces the school's policies. I'd recommend this school to any parent that desires a well-rounded education with a smaller class size and high expectations for their children. The school campus reflects an ambience that is also carried over into each classroom. I'm so glad I found Challenger Basic School for my children. I'm definitely here for the duration of my children's elementary education.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I have no regrets leaving the public school environment for Challenger Basic School. I was educated in a small town school, similiar to Challenger, where the emphasis was placed on teachers being involved with each child's education on an individual basis. We did not have what the big city schools had to offer, but we learned to love to learn. I want this for my son. To find a school like this in the Phoenix Metro area, that has that small town, family oriented ambience, yet has all of today's more effective curriculum, modern teaching tools, and qualified educators--well, it's a diamond in the rough. I don't think a great school happens by chance. The leadership, staff, families, and students all just work well together. I highly recommend this charter school to anyone looking for a small school that delivers quality education in a big way.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very pretty and everything looks good on the outside. When you finally get to know what goes on inside it is enough to make you sick. The principal is so controlling with her teachers and the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My children went to this school for 2 years. At first it was great but I was really appalled at what happened the last year. This school has a good curriculum but terrible administration. Volunteers were discouraged. I would not recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough about how wonderful this facility is. Great hardworking teachers and highly caring administrative staff. Well kept campus, limited # of students. No over crowding. Highly recommend.
—Submitted by stephen gautreau, a parent

This school has wonderful teachers, a great curriculum and horrible administration. The teachers are the ones who care about the children, not the administration. They are more interested in playing the 'cover up what's not pretty' game and place blame on everyone but themselves. Parent involvement is not something they like very much and would rather you not be around, although they will lead you to believe otherwise. Parent concerns fall on deaf ears unless it has the potential to tarnish the schools ficticious image. I have a child at this school for the 3rd year. Things were great in the beginning but have continued to spiral downhill since, due to their lack of administrative skills, enrollment has declined every year. If you choose to visit this school, notice the lack of parent volunteers and aids for the larger classes. Keep your options open, you might happier somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not send my child to this school. The teacher he had was awful and was mean to him constantly. It got to be so bad that I pulled my child out in the middle of the year. I can't give this school anything less than a one, but if I could I would give it a zero.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child that attended this school for 3 years (1st - 3rd grade)and one who attended K and 1st as well. I believe that this school is okay for children who are accelerated in learning, however, if you have a child who may be needing extra assistance or learns with different modalities this is not an appropriate placement. As expectations are that each child keep up with the class and there is no room for slow/different learners. Academically, they use top notch materials. However, extracurricular is severely lacking. There is no form of arts, other than what the teacher can work into her lessons. There is a music program that is below standard as well. The learning and appreciation of music is not there. Parent involvement is average. Children eat OUTSIDE in the heat.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a sound foundation for your childs education, look no further. The administration and staff are extremely commited to providing the absolute best education hands down. This is my childs second year here and I cannot say enough about the strides he has made in reading and math. The campus is nice and small, very clean and has a great community feel.
—Submitted by a parent