Country Gardens Charter School

Hmm I attend this school, so I recommend that one should not send their child(ren) here. There is favoritism among staff members, and they make you do things that "help build responsibility" (more like child labor) such as moving hay, picking up trash for standing while eating lunch, also known as "lunch detention", and working in business that make money for the school. During my time here I've only met about 2 teachers that genuinely cared about me academically. I wish I could move school honestly I do but I like my friends here and it is also too late for me since I'm in High School and most of my credits won't transfer to another High School. In all seriousness if your child(ren) attend here get them out before they get into High School.

My son was denied his medication and called names such as fat, and ignorant as well by his teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

If there was a negative star rating...that is what I would rate this school. I have been trying to get my child enrolled with a school since August. My family is currently homeless and we were desperate to find something soon. This school said that they could help us, but they've caused nothing but problems. They told us to have the old school transfer doc's to them so they could "process the application". So, we did. Then when we followed up with CGCS they told us that they never received doc's from old school. Then they told us they had all the doc's. Then they told us they lost all of our information. My family and I were so upset that we went to the district. THE DISTRICT told me and my family that CGCS was not a good school and suggested to find another school. So we did. My children are not going any where near CGCS. They are not friendly and they are not helpful AT ALL.

This school, is in over its head. Indeed the classrooms are filthy, animals are left to roam, and there disciplinary actions are different depending on the student, if you are a favorite its hard for you to get in trouble. People that do go there over 90% leave there before highschool! Doesn't that say something? Being a student there, a few high schoolers have told me to get out while i can! One girl was going to leave this year, and The Principal Called her mom and CONVINCED her not to leave, so the student is stuck here when she hates it! The business just is never organized and is constantly having children make things work right. I would not recommend this school to anyone. Their policies change constantly and its pathetic. I wish my Parents would listen to me when i said i hate it! I mean if i stay there for High School it will be the worst time ever! FOR YOUR CHILD'S SAKE DO NOT SEND THEM THERE!! - A student but hopefully will be a former one next year!

This school like any other has it's ups and downs. Anyone can make a negative comment on ANY school. But here is my OPINION of the school. I've been atending this school for 3 years now and I have made the best friends I could ever have, I have learned things no other school is capable in offering. For example; I have a Food Handlers Card, and am certified as a PEER MEDIATOR. Now what school offers you that to put on a resimay? Also, this school offers a different way to learn, instead of large text books we do it hands on. I've been to Yellowstone TWICE.!! I've seen with my eyes how Old Faithful sprays every few hours. I can tell you how a Fin is formed because I was there to see and climb one. By going on these wonderful trips the information sticks to you. No one that has gone on these trips can tell you, they dont learn anything. Not only does this school do that but it builds character too. This school changes every year to learn from there mistakes. They used to put two grades in a classroom. But now they have changed that and every grade has there own class. I sometimes dont completely agree with the staff. But I would never regret attending this school.

I love this school and so does my child. More actual learning takes place than at the public school in Laveen. Not only the trditional"book learning" but also how to be a sucess in life, how to stand for what you believe without stomping on others rights to do the same. Lots of homework, but it is meningful work not just busy work. The centers are great and the extra curricular trips are an amazing chance of a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended country gardens for four years, those four years were the worst 4 years of my learning career, all I learned was how to move hay, math and how to cook food for other students. This school is massively child labor based. This school also has an issue with favoriting. For example there was a child name marco I almost got into a fight with, they threated to expell me but weren't going to a single thing to him. This schools busses are utter garbage. Bad seats bad motors just all around a pile of garbage. All in all id say this school and its teachers are garbage.

I had been attending cgcs for 5 years,and recently moved and the bus doesn't go that far anymore. I LOVE cgcs the teachers & staff there,they are all very nice if I could I love to go back. It is one of the best schools. I will say this though people either love it or don't. Yes there are mice and other kinds of wild animals there but it's on a FARM!,but I can assure your child will not be in danger by the wild animals.Some of the wild animals/not wild animals are amazing you may not be able to see some unless you are in a zoo,such as(Great horned owls,peacocks,chickens and more.)

I would never send my child here. I worked here briefly, and was astounded and disgusted with its practices. There are mice and rate everywhere (within the classrooms) little to no classroom discipline, and I could not find one sign that standards were being met, or even that they were being used. A staff member "hangs out" with the students after school at random locales. Parents are not allowed in classrooms, and what is most disturbing THE TEACHERS WHO TEACH THERE SEND THEIR KIDS ELSEWHERE! That says the most about a school to me, when the people who work there won't send their children there. None of their school buses pass DOT regulations, and may of the teachers do not possess teaching certificates. If you take a good look at the employees, most of them are related to Mrs. Burge! The ones, who make the most, are related to her or to those who she has employed since the beginning.

This school is a joke they have policies that contradict their own policies yea confusing huh? well that tells you how much thought they put into their own policies!!!! staff hugging touching and kissing infront of student when their own policies prohibit students from engaging in this. I am a firm believer of practice what you preach!!! that fat chick kim is a joke thinks she is the queen of the world and yells at students for the dumbest things..wish parents got to see this side of the school. really have never seen a school so disorganized like this one calling wrong parents when their kids did something wrong.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree. this school is the worst school . PARENTS if you care about your kids, look into what credentials, and license these so called teachers have. NONE... Teachers are not Highly qualified I worked there and yes, there are mice everywhere, teachers have to clean the restrooms because there is no cleaning staff. IT is all about the money, why do you think they travel? Parents are not involved in their children's education because the principal there doesn't allow them. There is alot wrong with this school. The parent that stated that its hands on, YEAH! taking care of pigs and horses, the philosophy of that principal is low standards for the students. She thinks that our kids will end up having a career taking care of pigs! A great school has highly qualified teachers and cares about the students future and have high expectations of the kids future.

CGCS is very hands-on. You learn things you just absolutely cannot learn at a normal school..no matter what people say. CGCS has literally changed my personal life and I'm thankful for it. 99% of people get along there and the animals are amazing.<3 The trips are a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience. I love the staff...They really care. What else could you ask for?? I learn WAY more at CGCS than I ever did at the "smart" public schools. Woo hoo CGCS keep up the good work!!

Unqualified and uncertified teachers, rude and unprofessional office staff. No nurse (ill children are just kept in the classroom until they have a temperature of 102.5 which is potientially dangerous), no cafeteria (students eat outside in summer heat, rain or cold) No certified food handling staff. No intercom system for announcements or classroom emegencies. Rat infested, poorly maintained classrooms, weeds and overgrown grounds, no discipline matrix for students, teaching methods not grounded in research. Everything seems to be about money for the Superintendent. This is possibly the worst school in Arizona.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a complete joke. Most of the students are social misfits, and I am not trying to be cruel. I went to a library, and stated my child went there (they laughed and said I m sorry). I was so embarrassed. People should definitely rally to get this school closed for many reason: Lack of credentialed teachers (non-experienced), Lack of supplies, verbal abuse from staff, kissing family members, and etc. Yes, they do travel, however they are not learning .Its amazing about their test scores, however I do believe there is some coaching going on Well I can ramble about this place, however I have better things to do.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a mother of three very smart and inquisitive boys, I wanted to find a school for them that they could stay in until college and would meet all their needs. My husband and I both did a in depth investigation into many schools, we ran across cgcs's web site and became very interested. We did alot of research and talked with school staff and made the decision to try the school this year. I have never once regretted this decision, I have watched all three of my boys bloom and become a part of a wonderfully made family and staff that not only care for their students but also builds individual learning. My boys love this school and we intend to be apart of the cgcs family all the way through. Thanks to all the wonderful staff that make this school possible.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome!!! Don't listen to any of the bad reviews, those are more than likely just parents whose students got in trouble or suspended and are mad....this school offers free tutoring, great curriculum, TOP 10% IN THE STATE TEST SCORES, amazing hands-on education, and NO TUITION!!! The teachers are dedicated and communicative, I am greatly satisfied, and will continue to send my children here!!! They are receiving a top-notch education!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Country Gardens Charter School is the most amazing school that I have ever been to. With this school I have learned so much they have great teachers, and great academic programs. I have learned not only in the classrooms but on the trips that the schools take all over the united states I have learned history up close and personal. They also take trips to Costa Rica I went there in the last year of high school and it was the most amazing place to go to i learned so much. The number one thing that i learned when i went there was what type of person that i want to be in life, it showed me to not take life for granted. And let me tell you I am one of those types that needs hands on and if your looking for that this is the school for you.

My daughter went to this school last year. May I just say that it was the most horrible school ever, people should work together to close it down. Look at some of the students reviews, they do not evan have right grammer or evan capitals (thats what they teach them). Of course the students love it they do not have to do anything the whole year. My daughter was on the principles list flying by and she evan told me it was to easy. The teachers kiss in public and the principle is not evan there two times a year. In my oppinion this school should be shut down immedeintly!
—Submitted by a parent

No books. Nothing to refer back to, nothing to help the child review, it's no wonder test scores are so low. Yes the kids love it. What kid doesn't like to get dirty and not be challenged? I would gladly pay for my kids' books - great ones at that. We need higher standards, greater parental involvement (insist on it!), more physical activity, greater focus on a child's strengths, and far better communication between the school and the families. CGCSAZ is greatly underestimating what it can as of the students and the parents. Stop screwing around and start making demands. Otherwise, say out loud that you just want to be mediocre and move on. Frankly, we expect more ... of everything. And we're willing to help you get there.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school my daughter could have attended
—Submitted by a parent