New Horizon School for the Performing Arts

At all cost avoid sending your children to New Horizon School. My children no longer attend New Horizon and are now doing wonderful. The principal does not care about these children and only sees dollar signs and numbers. Most of the teachers are wonderful but the turn around in staff is ridiculous. I have personally heard the principal scream at students and staff. It's a wonder they have anybody at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school makes me wonder if The Arizona Department of ED even cares this school exists! If Nurse Ratched had an evil twin, she would be the owner of this school. The teachers are amazing (if they had the chance to stay longer than a year (most leave during the school year). And the support staff is awesome. The lack of consideration and compassion in the owners/principal is appalling, not to mention shady at best. Don't just take your kids here because it's within walking distance of your house. If you have even the slightest love or care for your children, keep driving and find an actual school!

I feel very blessed to have found this school for my daughter. We lived in Avondale and drove into Mesa everyday for school then on to my job in Scottsdale for the entire 2010/11 school year. I found it to be so worth the sacrafices that would be made for her to attend New Horizons. I searched out performing art schools and was very drawn to this one. The outside appearance is not at all what I expected nor wanted it to be like, though that too has gotten hold of my heart it tells of the character and commitment to the vision it carries. What I found was the heart, vision and integerty of this school surpassed my expectations. The rewards of academics and the performing arts offered stand alone. It's more than a school it's an environment that enables children to thrive. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder have taken a vision and have devoted their whole lives to it. The teachers and staff are very devoted as well. Needless to say we have relocated this year and Mesa will be our new home.
—Submitted by a parent

New Horizon is a blessing. In one year my kids have advanced over 2 grade levels in reading. they began the year far below where they should have been, and have now surpassed where they need to be. Math has also has improved dramatically! Yes, it's true that there can be staff turn over, however I am glad that if a teacher is not performing up to standard, following curriculum, or teaching in unapproved ways that they are asked to leave. This is my children's education, and I for one am glad that their teachers are held accountable for doing their jobs. The performing arts (music, dance, violin, etc.) is a bonus. The kids love to perform, and it has raised their self-esteem by leaps and bounds. The best part about New Horizon is that my kids feel safe. there are no bullies, and even the cliches for the upper grades are discouraged. These kids come out of this school not only as better students, but better people. I wish every student could experience the individualized attention and concern that New Horizon provides.
—Submitted by a parent

My nephew goes to New Horizon and we are very close and see each other almost every day. He loves New Horizon and is so happy. He plays the Violin - Wow the teacher is also the administrator and very talented. I am amazed when I go to the concerts. My Nephew also loves to sing so the plays and productions are prefect. His grades are better, and I love the teachers. He not only has a head teacher but two paraprofessional helpers for reading and math. They divide into groups and really help each student on their level. My nephew told me he loves the friends and no bullies like at his other school he was attending in Mesa. The school is very friendly and easy to talk to the staff or administration.

I am a grandparent and my grand child goes to New Horizon. My grandson was so unhappy at his other school. We researched many many schools, and after visiting the campus with my daughter we thought this would be a good fit for him. He has enjoyed the school and really likes his teacher. He likes having so many experiences at the school. The education he is getting is superior to the other Mesa school he was attending. He actually likes to go to school. I have been to several of the school events. They are outstanding. The plays are wonderful. My hat goes off to the performing arts teachers who can work with K-6th graders and make the dancing, singing, and acting so professionals. Sometimes I have to remember these are just kids. We as a family are very happy and so is my grandson and that is what is important.

This school is going down hill and it is like a rock sinking fast. The directors do not care about the students if they did they would hire better teachers and get rid of students that cause problems. The staff is direspectful to the parents and the whole school is on title one just so the school can get money. THIS SCHOOL IS A JOKE. My family members have been in this school for a few years and it seems the school cannot make up their mind in what direction they want to go and the only ones they are hurting are the students.

You want your child to want to go to school? Send them to New Horizon. My children are so excited everyday to go to New Horizon. I have had all of my children attend New Horizon. I do not like the local public school. My children were in a public school & struggling. At New Horizon I love paraprofessionals working in the classroom with smaller groups of students. I also like the curriculum. I find that most children need a variety. New Horizon has a great AR reading program, Math Facts, Read Naturally, Sound Reading, and I was talking to a teacher and they just got a program called Study Island to improve math skills. I love the staff, the programs, the plays are like watching a Broadway show, very professionally done. The Principal is very kind and understanding. The Vice Principal is fun and works with the students. Great School!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, great teachers, great atmosphere wonderful learning environment. I dirve almost 45 minutes to bring my son here
—Submitted by a parent

I went to New Horizon for 1 and a half years. I loved my teachers and would recommend them for sure but they no longer teach at this particular school. As for the school itself, it's low quality. I got in trouble several times for things that I didn't even do. That's unusual seeing as, I've never gotten detention in my life. As for the performing arts, I don't know if Kids Next Door is still there but it was an 'alright' group. We went to disneyland once a year and performed at the retirement homes. Where as, at the school I am currently attending, we have performed for the Phoenix Suns, DiamondBacks, California Adventure & Disneyland, and ranked number three in the world for best performing group as we went against 50 other countries. If you want to be a performer, New Horizon is a good starter school.
—Submitted by a student

I have 7 grandchildren. All have attended new horizon . 3 have graduated and 4 still attend. I like the idea that there is only 1 class per grade. It keeps the school small and personal. The teachers and paraprofessionals know every student on campus and treats them like there own. Now school is perfect because we all are not a perfect people. This school at least strives to keep our children safe while they learn in a less stressful environment. My grandchildren like it and are doing very well.They are excited to go to school and that is a big plus. Don't let your child get lost in the shuffle.

My son enjoys this school very much which is a big plus since he does not like school very much. It's small close-knit community makes me feel safe when he is in school. The performing arts program has helped him break out of his shyness. The staff is great and easy to talk to.
—Submitted by a parent

A well rounded school. Great staff. The Kinds Next Door performing group is a professional performing group that performs at Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm every year. The programs at the school are stellar.
—Submitted by a parent

I had 2 children in the school. They flourished under the program. I am sorry that the follow up school Heritage Academy undid all the good that New Horizon instilled!
—Submitted by a parent

The dance & musiic staff are fantastic but the conflicts with the directors is not worth the trouble
—Submitted by a parent

This is my childs second year here at NHSPA and I have been overall happy with the experience so far. There has been a high turn over of staff and I am concern with the ability of some of the teacher not having the education or the ability to teach their students. The schools has added afterschool sports program and there is after school care available through either the Boys and Girls Club or YMCA which have buses to pick up the students. I hope that in the near future that the teacher problems are corrected.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former NHSPA teacher I would not recommend this school to anyone! Teacher turnover is extremely high and staff morale is low. I must say that the dance program is definitely outstanding! The campus is not very secure. There were no after school sports programs or childcare. Prospective students and parents should research this school carefully before enrolling.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child has been there for the last 3 years. I've notices a high teacher turn over. This school has several small issues that need to be corrected.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically our kids have done very well at this school. The performing arts program has given them tremendouse self esteem. We are disappointed in the high teacher turnover rate.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and staff provide indivualized attention to students. Great music/dance/theater program. Lots of energy, positive atmosphere and great academics. Wish we could have taken the school with us when we moved out of state!
—Submitted by a parent