Edu-Prize

I had heard amazing things about this school, and was very excited to take the orientation. One thing my husband and I have loved about charter schools is the parental/family involvement. My oldest is headed for junior high and we are looking at several schools in the area. The moment i showed up for the orientation, I was turned away because I had my newborn baby with me. Apparently children are not allowed in the orientation. This was a first of any school i have ever been to, and it was extremely discouraging. Needless to say, i was just glad to know this before enrolling my child. We are very excited to be sending her to Mesa Prep/ Mesa Arts/ Franklin...anywhere but here.

Edu-Prize has many very caring teachers that are highly trained. I often hear the superintendent say that she is doing something that the "parents" have requested... but we have NEVER been given a parent survey to ASK us what we want! For example, at the parent meeting, she said that the parents want their teacher for two years, which is great, and we love this, but they decided to do LOOPING for some of the grades, and as a parent, I don't want this! I want my teacher to know her subject well, and if she has to keep changing grades, how does this better serve my child? If she is going to say that she is listening to parents, then we ought to have taken a survey. THere are plenty of websites that the school could use to set up an easy survey to ask parents what we would like. Me and many of my friends with kids here do not want the looping, but we are looking forward to the after school junior high sports program for my son.
--Submitted by a parent

Love Edu-Prize school! This is my oldest child s fourth year attending Edu-Prize and my youngest child s second year. I can t say enough about the caring staff at Edu-Prize. The teachers and principal are fantastic! The teaching is hands-on and child-centered. I love how the teachers teach using differentiated instruction, meeting each of my child s needs at their level. The school is also implementing some exciting new changes for next year!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school- I love the teachers and programs. My son is challenged but also accomodated in areas that he needs extra help.
--Submitted by a parent

Edu-Prize is an excellent school! My two children are receiving a high quality education from dedicated, hard working teachers. They are taught at the appropriate level and challenged/accomodated as needed. I am very pleased as a parent that I don't have to ASK teachers to do this for my children, they just do! The curriculum is outstanding. My children are engaging in a hands-on, science-based curriculum and are learning to be critical thinkers. The founders of this school, Dr. Robershotte and Joanna Curtis, started something amazing over 17 years ago and it jsut keeps getting better!
--Submitted by a parent

Having started in K, my son is now in the 4th grade at Edu-Prize. He has always been in the PM Tops program and this year, was in their pilot Iclassroom, where he uses an iPad 2 to compliment his learning. He loves it! We have been very fortunate to get wonderful teachers each and every year, which is why we stay at Edu-Prize. Their Tops program (he goes 11-4 each day) is a great way to have a small intimate grouping within a larger school. His education has been encompassing and his teachers have been proactive in identifying the needs of each child in the classroom. The Principal is involved and open. The school is open to change and welcomes change that will benefit the education of the kids in light of changing standards, which is probably one reason the school rates so well year after year. The one thing that I wish would be improved would be PTN communication as far as what they are using fundraising dollars for, which might motivate more parents to care more about fundraising. Another wish would be for an expansion of Spanish, now taught only through Rosetta Stone during some computer labs. We have been very happy and highly recommend it!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at Edu-Prize in Kindergarten and is now in 2nd grade. My son just started Edu-prize in Kindergarten this year. I LOVE this school! Both of my children are challenged and helped when needed. The teachers treat the children with the love and attention that they would there own children. My favorite part of the school is all the hands on learning! The Cottages, which are special sections taught each quarter, are dynamic and fascinating to the children. My daughter had the Bird Cottage last quarter and is still begging to own a bird. She would come home telling me all kinds of facts about birds. Now, she is in Sweet Shop, which teaches about food. Unlike what the name implies, it is all about how to eat healthy and even has cooking classes on Fridays! Wow, what a wonderful way to learn! They have a Science Class with its own Science Teacher even from 1st grade. There are 3 Tech Labs with Computers, where they learn Typing, Spanish and additional Math and Reading. Even the Kindergarteners are on computers twice a week and get science and PE. My children love this school! Take the tour and you will be hooked too!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in first grade. Her kindergarten teacher was very good. This year her teacher is outstanding! The curriculum is set up in a way to accommodate students of varying academic levels. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of math, reading, and writing, the school focuses on encouraging the children to be people of character (honesty, integrity, citizenship, etc.). The founder (Dr. Robershotte), the principal, and all the faculty are truly passionate about teaching and the students. Another huge bonus is that there is a ton of parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending Edu-Prize, one in 2nd and one in Kinder. I have been amazed at how hard the teachers work and how much my kids learn each day. Everyday my kids hop in the car and have something they can't wait to tell me they learned. I'm pleased with the communcation I have received and anytime I have questions/concerns the teachers quickly respond. Some previous comments made suggested there is no spanish/music taught at the school, but I'm certain my kids have specials that incorporate these activities into their schedules, although not sure of the frequency.
--Submitted by a parent

I am an Edu-Prize parent and can say enough about how wonderful this school has been. My kids have been attending since Kindergarden and are now in Middle school. I agree that like all schools it has its struggles (what school doesn't) but for the quality of education, impressive test scores and outstanding teachers this has been the best school for my children. As for the principal, she is the BEST in my book. She is always there to hear me out if I have a concern or and issue regarding my children and is so willing to do everything she can to help.
--Submitted by a parent