Desert Heights Charter School

Desert Heights is a school serving children from 2 years old thru 11th grade (11th grade for the 2012-2013 school year). This community has grown because of the support of it's parents, students, and staff. Without that amazing support, no school could possibly experience the growth that Desert Heights has seen. Every school experiences it's growing pains, every program encounters challenges in making EVERY student, parent happy. Desert Heights is truly a community that is committed to their students and families in giving them the best school experience possible. You can't make everyone happy, but I can honestly say that IF a question/concern is presented, it is most definitly addressed. This school is about the students and their successes. EVERY student has the opportunity to achieve and exceed their potential, however, it is still ultimately the responsibility of the parent to support their child AND the school to ensure that their child reach their full potential. I know that my children are receiving the best education possible, and I am very proud to be one of the parents that support this program. If you are looking for a fabulous school, Desert Heights is the one!
--Submitted by a parent

I am familiar with this school, it funny to read the comments posted on here. I elected with remove my child from this school several years back. At the same time, I removed my son, about 10 other families also remove their children. Though several years have pasted, I still keep in touch with a majority of the families, we've developed a close knit friendship. I would say about 8 out of the 10 children that were withdrawn, at their new school it was "highly suggested" their children be held back. The main reason, these children were held back is because they did not receive the foundational skills necessary to progress to the next "grade level". It has been about 5 years, and all or our children are doing exceptionally well. Looking back, removing my child was a true blessing. It also, make true dedicated teachers stand out when you see. My advise to anyone, even thinking about placing their children's future in the hands of this school: DON"T!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, too many teachers leave or they hire newbies. Faculty doesn't listen to concers. The parking is horrible and attendants are aggressive to say the least. There are lots of choiced out there, olook at those.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has gone to DH since preschool and now is at DHPA and our family has been extremely happy with this program. Have we had our bumps in the road, absoutely but anything that I have brought to the teachers and administration we have all worked through it together as a team because that's what it's about. Working together to make my child successful. If you don't bring the concerns to their attention to help resolve it then they don't know. I feel the Prep Academy is helping our students be accountable and responsible for their actions and behaviors and are getting them ready for a college atmosphere. So it might not feel warm and fuzzy to our kids all the time but most of them understand the reasoning behind it. The students, teachers and administration all make a great effort to make everyone feel welcome and that everyone is part of the Desert Height's family. It amazes me to see the dedication of the staff there that works long hours and will be out at the sporting events supporting OUR students in everything they do. That's what makes the family...everyone does truly care about ALL of the students! This is why my family has chosen DH for our children's education!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm torn as a parent. I've had children that have grown with the school from the Charter to the Prep Academy. I've been thru several of the staffing changes. While I believe some of the teachers are truly great and have the interest of learning at heart ... I don't think they are allowed to. If you are not part of the 'family' then your child is an outsider. In the beginning I was treated with respect, then it grew to a disrespect not only as a parent, but as an adult myself. In the end I was encouraged to move my child to another environment. It's sad when the administrative staff acts worse than the high school students. They overwork the support staff who love the children. Please consider all your options before moving your children into this growing environment. I think money is the only thing they are concerned with. Be prepared for hours of homework at home.
--Submitted by a parent

My children enjoy the small school. That's Positive, The Negative. The children are not being well served. I will need to pull them out before the end of the year or they will be so far behind they will never catch up. A few teachers that have a solid reputation for really caring and teaching the children. It is evident the children are behind. Once out of that school the , The student simply will not be equipped to handle basic fundamentals. The the staff, including the Principal and administration are rude and uncaring. Miss Annie who seems friendly enough to an adult, yells at the kids. This behavior is disrespectful, and sends the wrong message to any child that the way to be heard is by yelling. This I have witnessed first hand. If the parent of that child was there that day I am positive there would have been fireworks. After speaking to my child about what we witnessed that day, it is evident this behavior is encouraged and displayed infront of the Principal her self. Parents are viewed as adversaries unless you are in the family Check this school out throughly before you buy into the small family feel and smiling faces, Not angry, just very disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child who not only went to the DH Preschool, the Charter School, and now the Prep Academy, I can honestly attest to the fact that this school system is an excellent program to put your kids in. Of course there are minor concerns like how a (very new) teacher can base a two week grade on test scores alone--which I might add, was completely resolved to the betterment of the teacher's teaching strategies, students' success, and parents' expectations on how to better assist their kids. The administrative teams on each campus are focused on the children; programs, sports, field trips, etc. are focused on the growth of the children; academics are focused on preparing the children for future success; and the staff truly show genuine care for the children. Really, what more do you want? This school and all it entails can not raise your children, too. I am happy with my child's education in this school system, her growth as a HOWLER, her academic success, and the bonds she has forged with such great teachers and students.
--Submitted by a parent

Many teachers have been changed out just this year in the high-school! Don't believe the staff posting as parents... Lot's of students have left, my kids knew at least 10 kids in their grade that were 'encouraged' to leave. Put your kids in a school that is more concerned about the kids, not just the state money they get.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been at this school collectively for 4 years. My oldest's first two years were great then something happened in 3rd grade the teacher was awful, Mr. Jiles would not listen to my concerns and requests, he just became unconcerned. My little one has had three good years but with Mr. Jiles new attitude of abusing his new position which he should never have been given, the school has gone downhill. I will be pulling my children by the end of the year to never return to a school where parents concerns are ignored and the superintendent lacks the knowledge to know how to provide a GOOD education for children.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a pretty awesome school that not only puts an emphasis on learning but also has sports that teaches them how to work as a team and I love all the staff at Desert Heights! The Preschool and the Charter School were the best years of my childrens lives and I hope the Prep will pull it together and make the same experience for my children there as well!
--Submitted by a parent