Desert Heights Charter School

Desert Heights is a major disappointment. The prepatory academy does not have adequate guidance counslers to help kids prepare for school, the rules are made up as they go along and expect parents to just accept what they say. And because we told them that we were sending out kids to a different school we were basically told in no uncertain terms that they were not welcome back there by the school superintendant. There has been teacher turnover and what original teachers do remain have a hard time controlling their classes from what I have seen. Especially during the last week of school where a fourth grade teacher showed " the boy in the striped pajamas" as the kids "FUN MOVIE", and the school preceded to say that it was OK to do such. the prepatory academy was more interested in wearing uniforms and blazers instead of education.
—Submitted by a parent

This "School" is horrid.BEWARE!!! Teachers that don't care and don't listen. A Principal that only talks to you through emails and a superintendent that takes money from the Elementary and gives it all to the "precious" Prep part of this school.The more money you give them the "better" you are to them. Kindergarten was great but half-way through First grade everything went down hill. My daughter actually came home and told me "my teacher doesn't care about the class" that's pretty bad for a 7-yr-old to say. If you want to know the truth read the real ratings (1-2 stars) not the ones the school gets their staff to put on sites. Yes we got emails telling parents to give good ratings on websites!!! The Prep part of this school was ASKED TO LEAVE where the school was and now miles away because they were forced to move because of the behavior of the students. There are better choices in Glendale don't give this school anymore money.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher and a parent. I work with a large group of professional individuals who partner with the parents of our children to help them succeed academically, emotionally, and physically in a safe environment. I am grateful for the parents and their ongoing support in our schools volunteering day after day. We are a successful school because of the close relationships we have with our peers as well as our parents. It is the ongoing fundraisers and family nights that help us raise money to improve our classrooms and support our specialty classes. My child is excelling and it is because of the efforts of our staff. THANK YOU TEACHERS AND THANK YOU PARENTS!
—Submitted by a teacher

I agree with a previous post that they seem to only care about the money. However is it better than public schools. I say NO.. My kids now attend public school and is it perfect no but when there is an issue it gets resolved. I think that no matter where you go you must be involved. Desert heights likes to hire all their friends and family and if you don't fit into that qualification they disregard your opinion or issues. Years ago they had a great school going then the past 3 years the school has become greedy about getting money from the state. Its obvious ownership has changed here. There are teachers and staff that get involved in the teenage drama and its pretty pathetic. I do not RECOMMEND this place if you have a child older than 4th grade. The 5th through 11th on a different campus together.
—Submitted by a parent

The review from Jan 2013 is my sentiment too. I have been here for 4 years and while the environment is better than a public school there is still a lot of things that could be better if they cared about developing relationships with parents other then for money. There have been several times I have had concerns with methods used in the class rooms where students are shamed for not completing homework or for asking questions in class, only to have my concerns treated like I also have no right to question their methods. but as I said it is still better than most public schools. lesser of two evils...
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Desert Heights for 7 years. They started in preschool, and I now have one in 3rd grade at the elementary campus, and one in 5th grade at the preparatory campus. I love Desert Heights! The teachers are exceptional, and the administration always wants to do what's best for the children. I love the community of Desert Heights, and enjoy seeing so many proactive parents on campus. My children are thriving, and I can't imagine any other school that's as dedicated at Desert Heights.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration of this school has made up their own rules. When parents voice upset with a policy, immediately there is another policy put in place to restrict parents from voicing concerns. The administration creates an environment of conflict for parents with custodial issues and disregards parental concerns, unless it is of the parent they favor. When I have voiced my concerns about my child, there is never a remedy for fixing the problem, only excuses as to how they are doing their best, and yet the problem occurs again. The administration has recently begun a policy of trespassing parents from events because they don't like to be questioned about their policies they scramble to create and scramble to change.
—Submitted by a parent

I am writing this comment to address concerns a parent is expressing regarding 4th grade math and their child's grades. I have met with a couple of 4th grade parents regarding their concerns for the difficulty level of the 4th grade math. Although we have moved to Common Core Standards, which are more difficult we are offering support for our struggling students in tutoring after school as well as providing interventions for students 30 minutes a day. Beginning in semester 2 we are creating individual learning goals for students who are struggling and meeting on a continual basis to evaluate progress. I am always willing to meet with parents to discuss these issues and come up with ways to support our students and staff. Respectfully, Ms. Fjell, Principal
—Submitted by a teacher

This is our 2nd year at this school. I am really considering moving to a different school. My child has dropped from getting all A's in math to getting the equivalent of F's. There is a very big problem with the 4th grade math program. It is not just one teacher either because I have spoken with several other parents whose children are in different classes and they are facing the same problems in math. I am surprised that the admin. has not addressed this problem. Instead it seems that more pressure is being put on the teachers. My child tells me that her math teacher is stressed out all the time and constantly yells at the students. I don't know whether the stick out this year, or move my child now. Very concerned.
—Submitted by a parent

I was new to the Charter last year and we are now at the Prep this year, we absolutely love it! We loved the Charter and we now love the Prep! The teachers are amazing! The administration is amazing! Overall just FABULOUS! I have never seen my child happier and that makes me happy! My gifted child is allowed to shine here, he's making straight A's and doing so awesome. The public school system really shafted us and we will forever be grateful in our hearts for the Desert Heights Community!! P.S. I love how they ENCOURAGE and ENJOY parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent

When my company moved to a new facilitty we decided to move our child to our home school which is an "A" rated school. This decision was also based on commuting issues in the morning. It is a public school and did not know much about the difference except for the obvious that class size in a public school is much larger than a charter school! Due to the good rating of our home school we thought everything will be fine. Our child stayed in this public school for 2 quarters to finish the school year but without much thought put into it, we decided to ask our child about moving back to Desert Heights Charter School. Our child opened up saying that she is REALLY ECSTATIC and haven't seen her HAPPIER about going back to her old school! As supportive parents, very proactive to our children receiving quality education, we returned to DHCS. We have been and are happy with the teachers our child has had from Kindergarten to the present. Catholic school our older child went to can't equal the level of professionalism and credentials DCHS teachers have, and their administration being wonderful and always helpful. WE LOVE DHCS!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 4th year at this school. I have one student on the charter side, and two at the prep. We love this school. The teachers are great and the administration is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

I have three kids at this school and I couldn't ever imagine leaving the school. I can honestly say that the teachers at this school actually care about their students. There are actually lots of extra curricular activities at all grade levels. At the prep, my child has spanish, dance, technology, and art. I am glad that they provided the prep students with so many choices this year. The administration takes a really strong stance against bullying. There is strong parent involvemet at both campuses.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children that have attended Desert Heights since they were two. I have one starting at the Prep campus and she is super excited to have have Dance, Spanish, and Technology classes as a 6th grader. My gifted son went on several Science related field trips and completed very cool projects that have kept him engaged in school. As a mom, I love that the school focuses on integrity of character and social awareness along with individualizing academics. After nine years here, I can't see us ever leaving, especially since there is high school. We love DHCS!!
—Submitted by a parent

Desert Heights Charter school is amazing!! My kids love it here. They feel safe, wanted, and most important, cared about by the teachers and staff. We have been with Desert Heights since Pre-K and have had a great experience in ALL of the grades. Awesome afterschool activities, Music, Art, and Library teachers are great! We love the monthly flag ceremonies and I LOVE that I can help out in the classrooms if I want to. It is very rare that you find a school that LOVES having the parents be a part of their childs school. I would recommend Desert Heights to anyone that is wanting a warm, family friendly environment for their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son who is an incoming second grade at the charter. I would like to share that her Aftercare / Summer Camp teacher is WAY BETTER than his regular teacher. ugh. Way to go Mrs. P. We alwaysappreciate everything she does. Above and beyond we parents are expecting!
—Submitted by a parent

It was a big let down to have to withdraw my son from this school they do not work with you if there are any struggles with learning disabailities the teachers do not seem to want to help unless your child is doing well. I really struggled with getting teachers to communicate with me my concerns for my son. My other child did not have any learning disabilities but seems to have fallen behind from where he was at his old school. If your child struggles he will not get the help needed to succeed and the school is not so great with communication with the parents. Please look around at other schools before you look into this one!
—Submitted by a parent

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