Self Development Charter School

Our children have attended Self Development Charter School for several years, and we are completely thrilled with their education. The teachers and staff help to ensure our children are receiving a wonderful education. Not only do they offer an accelerated curriculum, but also an incredible enrichment program. Our children are excited to be participating with in the violin program implemented for all students in their class. Our children are also continually challenged which helps them not to become 'bored.' The curriculum offers a perfect balance for our children. When all classroom work is complete, they are given enrichment activities to compliment the already excellent curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

We are at our second year here and feel like home there. My daughter is in first grade here and loves the school. She at times gets board with the homework (a bit easy), but loves the daily school routines. If you child does not enjoy 'learning', this may not be the school for them.
—Submitted by a parent

We really do love this school. Both my daughters go there and have for 3 years. I had a very difficult child who was removed from 2 different schools due to behavioral problems and they have taken the extra time to work with and dicipline her. My other child came from a public school in Mesa and could not even read coming from Kindergarden and they turned it around in 3 months. I highly recommend giving them a try, yes they are focused on education but fun is never overlooked.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter enjoys going to school- and loves being challenged. It is lacking a music education program that the public schools offer.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Self Development for the past four years and I find the teachers to be very patient and helpful. The class sizes are small and if a child needs additional help they are pulled out in a small group or by themselves and receive the help. When my son was at a regular Mesa elementary if a child didn't understand the attitute was Oh well we will hold them back and they will get it next year. I also had to hound them about getting extra help and tutoring even though they offered it weekly...it was like a secret. At Self Development I never have to ask they see that the child needs help and they provide it. The teachers remain in contact with the parents and provide weekly report cards, nothing is a surprise at the end of the quarter.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended for a number of years and did well. My son was advanced when we started at Self Development and remains so in the public school system. The environment at Self Development is extremely restrictive, with the focus on being quiet, which doesn't work well with the younger kids. Recess is their only outlet, and was often times restricted - balls were not allowed. When we transferred, my son was amazed at how much fun school could be. He continues to excel and is a role model and leader in the public school system. My only regret is not pulling him from Self Development School earlier.
—Submitted by a parent

Literally one of the best schools in the state in terms of how much they teach students each year - especially in math.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been going to this school for 2 years now and we have been having problems the whole time. They don't seem to care when a student is having difficulties. They just give them a bad grade and keep moving on. Teachers should be there to help thier students but that hasn't been the case with my daughter. The principal is no help at all but I do love the assistant principal. I am currently looking at removing my daughter from this school. Don't let the high test scores at this school fool you unless your child is great at everything and doesn't require any help from thier teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our daughter here since last year and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The staff is wonderful and very open with communication. My daughter had the choice of going back this year or going to public school and she wanted to continue here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have several children who attend the charter school. I think there is a huge focus on academics. I am not confident that the learning environment is fun. I don't think the children enjoy going. There seem to be some excellent teachers, and some not so great ones. But bottom line my children learn and learn much more then the average public school student. I do not recommend this school for children who are behind, or not excelling for their level.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is overrated. My son has been in preschool here for 3 years. I send him because it is convenient. I hope to have better feelings once he's in first grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school! We drive 18 miles each way to take our son to this school. The staff is great, the atmosphere is safe, and the learning model is individualized to each student's needs.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an excellent academic program. The atmosphere at the school is very child centered, and the staff are warm and welcoming. The school has many extracurricular activities such as a sports clinic,orchestra program, poetry club,and geography club. My children have been attending for 4 years and their individual needs are being met. I have a special needs child and couldn't be happier with the progress we have made. The schools should be concerned about test scores when our students are being measured in that way all over Arizona. These test scores determine whether our students and teachers are mastering the Arizona standards, which ultimately decides which type of diploma they receive in high school. If the state is worried about our test scores, then the schools should be concerned also.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was an extreme disappointment. My child has gone to Self Development preschool and looked forward to attending the charter school. What a let down. I talked with the principal but got lethargic replies. The principal at Self Development seemed more concerned with test scores, and less concerned for my child education.
—Submitted by a parent

Had a child here from 2nd to 6th grade. School very focused on the test scores and how to keep them to keep them high. Although there are claims that the school is a grade level above public schools it has yet to be seen on any subjects other than math.
—Submitted by a parent

Self Development Charter is a great school! Their academic program is amazing! My son has excelled tremendously. I like the style of learning Self Development has to offer. They have made learning fun for my son. I am glad they push the children to a higher standard and prepare them for the future. If your child is willing to work hard, then I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by Nervana White, a parent

School is 'Excelling', however, push the students too much. Students are given an inappropriate amount of homework for their age group. Staff are more concerned about 'grades' and 'test scores' than about the children actually learning and developing the love of learning. Not an environment for any student that has any special needs whether academically, physically, or mentally. I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is purely academic school and probably one of the best in Arizona.
—Submitted by a parent

Academics are the main focus here. The children are challenged, but they keep learning fun. I'm impressed. I know friends that say the after school program could be improved; they get enough play time but could have a few more activities for the kids. They do give them time to do homework though.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school. My son is already reading and is only 5 months into Kindergarden
—Submitted by a parent