Leading Edge Academy Gilbert

My three kids attended Leading Edge in Gilbert for the first time this school year. I have a K, 1st and 2nd grader. I found the teachers to be outstanding, they They have smaller classes sizes and communicate well with parents to help the kids achieve their highest potential. They use Spalding for their reading, writing and spelling curriculum which is an excellent phonics program. It has a family like atmosphere where the teachers seem to genuinely care for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Ran into an on going issue with the teacher CONSTANTLY punishing the entire class for a couple kids bad behavior. Tried talking to both the principal and the teacher and nothing was done or even acknowledged in changing the way the discipline was being administered. My child was constantly frustrated and upset. No encouragement and no help with subjects. No thanks!
—Submitted by a parent

Leading Edge is the best school I have ever been at. The teachers go above and beyond to help us thrive. They also build relationships with us and get to know us so they can see what we need to succeed. All the students get along great.

We are absolutely THRILLED with Leading Edge Academy. We have all boys in our family and they are thriving!! The teachers are amazing and go WAY above and beyond for their students. The Principal and administration is really committed and involved with each student. We love it
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at LEA and i am very unhappy. From the beginning I had small issues here and there. They claim to be big on commuincation and character but the staff has no character and the communication is HORRIBLE. I recently 10/05/2010 pulled my child from the school and had the police called on my during the process. On 10/04/2010 My child was not allowed to leave school grounds because of the rain and yet noone called me. Ny son asked to call home and the office staff claimed that they had already called and they spoke to me. Long story cut short, it was determined that noone called me, but they did call some other parent to pick up my child based on the fact they didn't even know who my child was! Who is Peter? Not my son!
—Submitted by a parent

Three of our five children attend or have attended Leading Edge Academy. We moved our children from large public schools and must admit that there was a bit of culture shock that had to be overcome. We have had very positive experiences with all staff members, administrators and educators. Parents need to be prepared to be more involved with the education process at LEA... There is a good amount of homework and expectations are high. High expectations result in kids who surpass expectations. School is supposed to develop the mind of a child this school does exactly that... Check out the state records on performance... You will consistently see LEA at the top of every category.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at Leading Edge Academy. When I moved to Gilbert I went to four different schools to find out which one I wanted my son to attend. Both my son and I were drawn to Leading Edge Academy. The principal gave us a tour and a description of the school. The student teacher ratio is awesome. My son is in Kindergarten this year and there are only 13 students in his class! The Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lawson is fantastic with children. She has a master s degree in education and truly loves working with kindergarteners. Parent involvement is highly encouraged. Positive behavior is encouraged with positive reinforcement. One of the primary things emphasized within the school is good character. My son loves being rewarded for being nice to his friends, cleaning up after himself, and following directions. Most importantly, my son LOVES going to school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended LEA for only one school year thus far and I must say that it is a very caring and loving enviroment! My children are honors students and feel as if they are amoung 'family' here. The administration knows you and your children by name and are as friendly as can be. The Principle has addressed and taken care of problems that I've brought to his attention immedialtely. I would love to see more extra-curricular activities and a choir director instead of an elementary music teacher instructing the choir which consists of middle school aged kids. It would sound much better w/proper instruction I'm sure! Overall---This school is an awesome alternative to the horrible public schools in Pinal Queen Creek!
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, administrative leadership is lacking at this school . Personal experience with the principal/director was often disappointing and unprofessional. A small school like this one can feel exclusive to new comers and nothing much was ever accomplished on our behalf to aleviate that issue. The principal did very little to help adequately integrate our child. While academic quality @ LEA is compelling, it may leave an 'newbie' out...or behind.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent!! Loving, compassionate instructors. Mrs. Newcom awesome principal. Instructors for K, 3rd, 4th and especially 5h grade are and inspiration and show their dedication to the students. As a parent I am deeply saddened that we have lost our principal and 5th grade teacher. Administrators (off campus) are inept.
—Submitted by a parent

My child's teachers, Mrs. Cornelius and Mr. Lung are among the best teachers I have ever met. They are 5 star in my book. They have outstanding performance. No comment on the other Middle school teacher. Leading Edge has done a great job educating my child. The principal is always friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been with Leading Edge Academy from the start. They have had a few growing pains over the years but seemed to be working through them until this year. Things just seemed out of sorts. Bullies have been an issue, there has been a high teacher turnover and still no extracurricular activities that won't put a huge hole in your pocket. We are considering changing schools. In our research of the districts in the area, our children seem to be behind...especially in math. I think they try really hard to do what they can on such a limited budget.
—Submitted by a parent

I had an 8th grader and a 10th grader enrolled at Leading Edge last year. They both received an excellent education. I was impressed not only by the educational standards, but I was impressed by the focus placed on teaching positive attitudes. I felt that both of my children received skills for future success. My oldest son is now enrolled in a good public school in another state, and he is getting A's and B's. My younger son is getting A's, B's, and one C.
—Submitted by a parent

Leading Edge Academy in one word is 'Awesome'. This is they first year my children have attended a charter school and in just the few short months they have excelled tremendously. All the staff members are very loving and caring and do everything they need to do so make sure each and 'every' student is successful. I never thought my 6th grader would bring home A's and B's on his report card but he did! The overall quality of the students and their attitude about school is outstanding and peer pressure is minimal. My Children Love to go to school now. Thank you to all of you at Leading Edge academy. I give you and A++++. Keep up the Great Work!!
—Submitted by Cynthia Haller, a parent

Leading Edge Academy is growing and getting better. The teachers and staff are doing the best job that they can.
—Submitted by a parent

My family had a very good experience with Leading Edge Academy. My daughter is receiving special education services and the staff was very willing to work to adapt and modify the curriculum to meet her needs. The teachers enjoyed teaching the subjects for which they were responsible and worked well with the students. Even though the school is very small(the high school program) there was a real sense of community. The staff was very willing to meet and work with us, including the principal. The program is going to be improved next year by the addition of more extracurricular activities. Overall I was sastified with the education my child received.
—Submitted by Susan Clow, a parent

This school is awesome for the grades that my daughter has been to k & 1. Her teachers have been superb and my daughter loves going there. The downside is that there are no extra circurricular activities, a decent playground for the younger children, or a formal school lunch program. The lunches are 3 days a week and from fast food restuarants. The other days are parent packed lunches. The up side is that they are working on building more outdoor facilities for the older children: basketball courts a ramada, etc. This school relies on Tons of parent involvement and chapperone/driving to/from seemingly monthly field trips. So if you are a dual-working parent it is tough to contribute to in-class time. The leadership seems to be a tad unorganized but has improved in the 2 years my daughter has attended.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of acdemic programs could certainly use major improvement. The availability of music,art, sports and other extracurricular activities is not there. The level of parent involvement needs to be more welcomed. Having all the kindergarten through 12th grade in one school campus is not an ideal healthy environment for children.
—Submitted by an administrator

We just moved to AZ and were looking for a school fo our daughter who just started Kindergarten. We found Leading Edge and are so glad that she's there. Her class is small, 15 kids, and the teacher is great. It is her first year teaching, but she's very enthusiastic and involved with the students. They love her and are enjoying thier back to basics curriculum. They are learning Spalding phonics and starting Saxton math. My daughter enjoys the music, phys ed and family oriented special events too. It's a warm and friendly school, with optional Christian Bible lessons. My daughter is safe and being taught more than just academics. The character traits that we encourage at home are reinforced and taught at school as well. The Kindergarten schedule is great too, all day Mon. and Wed, and half day Fri. Hot lunch too! We love this school!
—Submitted by Julie, a parent

Leading Edge Academy is the school name and their test scores in every grade exceeded the state and county test scores. They have class sizes of 20 students or less. They have outstanding teachers that use a 'hands on' curriculum to get the children involved in what they are learning. They use a Core Knowledge approach and it provides a deeper understanding of the material the students are learning. They offer optional chapel time for parents that elect to send their children to learn about character values from the Bible's perspective. The staff models the character values they teach and they communicate what they expect clearly to the students. The faculty and administration faculty have high expectations of each student and they meet the students where they are. The school partners with parents and encourages parental envolvement. They offer family oriented events throughout the year. They have arts oriented classes also.
—Submitted by Jim, a parent