Learning Foundation - Alta Mesa

I love the school. I have an 8th grader and the class was too large so the principal divided the class and my daughter got the best teacher we have ever had. She loves her teacher and says he is so much fun, and her grades have improved so much. I am really involved and at the school so much and everyone is so nice.
—Submitted by a parent

Nikki Triggs is a dear friend of mine today. I had the pleasure of meeting her 12 years ago. Both my boys have been taught by her and her staff. We now live too far to attend, but my heart was touched and we were lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her & to gain a new family friend!
—Submitted by a parent

I think we as parents want things a certain way and forget that what we want isn't always conducive to a learning environment. I think we also forget that the kids we have at home aren't always the kids they get at school. I try to be objective when my child chooses poorly and gets in trouble at school. Have I butt heads with the principal? Sure. But when she offers a face-to-face conference it is clear to me that she is fair and looking for resolutions that suit all parties. I couldn't imagine doing what she does. I think it's one thing to be unhappy with the school, but it's quite another to personally attack someone. The great thing about education is that we have choices. We aren't always going to love everything and we don't have to. There are plenty of schools. My advice to those who hate it so much? Make an adult decision and move on. It is disappointing to know that my child attends school with children who have such unhappiness in their lives. I appreciate all the extra hours and care my child's teacher puts in for her and her classmates.No school is perfect and to expect that, is ridiculous.Education really is a thankless job and I hope they know some us appreciate them!
—Submitted by a parent

We do not care for the school, especially the Principal. She is overbearing and definitely has her favorites. Her Leadership and ethics are questionable. We are changing schools next year at our kids request. please double check before you enroll your child in this school also it is in a strip mall and children go to the office with no security, their playground is a joke and some kids are left out of perfomances.
—Submitted by a parent

It surprises me to read the comments first off about the Principle. If it wasn't for Triggs and all the help her and the teachers had given me I wouldn't of Graduated on time and I can admit I wasn't a easy teenager to handle sometimes and they still treated me EQUAL along with everyone else who are students at LFPA. This school cares about the kids and everyone's education non like the other schools I went to like Red Mountain where you can say they DO have their FAVORITES. I wanted to give a HUGE shout out for this school helping me before, during, and after school to get my High School Diploma on time and allowing me the summer before I graduated to come in and study for hours at a time to pass my aims and to get further in my education.. Thank you guys so much!

I am truly surprised about the negative comments about the teachers and the principal. My daughter has been a student here for 3 years and is excited about the future of the school. She loves the dance, music, theatre and all the other options available. As a parent I love the fact that the classrooms are smaller than the public sector and they offer movement based classes on a daily basis. I have had nothing but positive interactions with the administration and teachers. Yes, they have to get creative with performances but these are VERY expensive to put on. No school has unlimited funds to rent out performance locations, upgrade buildings at every whim or cater to every parent Want I am excited about the future as my daughter plans on staying here for another 6 years (all the way through graduation)
—Submitted by a parent

This is the first year my daughter has gone here and she loves it. She gets to dance in school and we had so much fun at the last performance. It was outside and we had a BBQ and Santa came to take pictures with all the kids. I have met so many other families and our kids play together on weekends. It's so different from the big school we used to and love the "family" feel of it.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the worst schools ever and I mean it. They barley got a playground if you can even call it that they dippers the side walk a nd put fence and wood chips with a barely usable play area. Teachers seem to not enjoy there job. The principal is just a whole different comment on her and needs a major adjustment and it's in the mite of a strip mall everything is breaking down and the school barley has enough money to do anything and everything is out dated and the performances are horrible they need a knew director and try not to cram so many people on the stage and work on neatness over is a horrible school. If could I would have gave it 0 stars

Wow! I was shocked to read the review about the principal. My kids have gone to this school for 3 years and the same teachers are still there, so I don't think there is much validity other than an angry, bitter person. We had a family night at Peter Piper last month and the principal was there even playing games with my kids. I am so involved in the school I keep up on all the Great Schools posts and am saddened when I see bitter people, because I know if they were rational- the school, the principal and the district owners would do anything to try and fix things for an unhappy parent. So would the teachers and all the teachers my kids have had have been there the entire time
—Submitted by a parent

I was fortunate to be involved in the Learning Foundation Alta Mesa Accreditation by Advanced and North Central Association. The caring teachers and principal give 150% to this wonderful school. One of the NCA team members said it is the best he has seen. The entire staff and the principal have a cohesiveness and work ethic that is hard found in the schools I have known. All the parents and students that were involved in the meetings I attended are very pleased that they and their children are a part of this school. Thank you principal and staff.

Worst school ever. It would not be that bad if it weren't for the shrewdness and ignorance of the principal. The owners of the school obiously have their favorites and allow this woman to get away with anything. The best teachers have left due to the principal and the only reason why this school is still standing is because of the new people that sign up that have no idea what they are getting into. PLEASE refrain from signing up for this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My niece and nephew LOVE THIS SCHOOL. They have attended there since it opened about 6 years ago.The teachers and Principal are very dedicated and caring. Their mom loves the small safe environment and we enjoying watching the kids in the school performances. The kids love the great choices of electives to choose from, especially ceramics. We have so many beautiful pieces of art they have created. We highly recommend this school to everyone!

I love this school! I've gone here for many many years since I was in grade school. Everyone is so friendly here! I just love this school not only did we learn but we also had fun and great times! Even the school in the woods trip was such a great time the principal even came and we all had a great time! I just love it here!

LOVE THIS SCHOOL!!! We relocated to Mesa last summer and I researched private school in-depth. My son was enrolled in the Public School system and was lost in the crowd. This school has not only been the best place for my son academically but also socially. He now has the self esteem and confidence to hold his head high!!! The staff is very professional and friendly, they have the ability to teach, mentor and guide the students to succeed. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school!!!! My childrens teachers are awesome. They go way and above what a public teacher would do. They stay after school and before school has long has it takes. They are always there. They give up what they are doing to teach these kids. The staff there is very helpful also. They are always nice and polite ever time I walk through the door!!!! The prinicpal is always willing to help and is very on top of issue also!!! I would recomend this school to anyone!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. We switched from a public school 2 years ago, and chose to go the charter school route and we couldn't have picked a better place for our kids. They love their teachers, and classmates. Our kids seem to be doing much better now that they are happy. There AIMS scores have improved significantly and they just seem to be thriving on the whole environment. Thank you Alta Mesa!
—Submitted by a parent

I thought this schol would offer small classes, close community atmosphere, and a great place for my kids to excel. It doesnt. The teachers are lazy. Lessons plans and papers from the internet are being sused. The kids raise their hands to go to the bathroom. No more lining up and going as a class. I bet a lot of kids hold off potting. The kids are in and out of the doors unattended or escorted. Its a strip mall! The lunches are over priced, but who cares. No one makes sure they eat anyway. They have "Reading program" i painted on the doors.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow, I'm really surprised by some of the reviews. I brought my children here from a top rated school district. I wanted smaller class sizes, where they could get more one on one attention. I love the "family" feel, that nearly everyone knows my children by name, and will take a moment to check in and let me know where they're succeeding, or where they may be struggling. The staff couldn't be more helpful if they tried. The teachers are top notch. Oh and guess what? My children absolutely thrive in the smaller environment, where they're more than just another body filling a chair - they're actual people.
—Submitted by a parent

An over-all HORRIBLE school. The teacher is lazy with a capital L. The principal is a shrew and the idea of "performing arts" seems to have been lost. If you are looking for an alternative school -- that about sums up this school. Tried to leave mid-year that's how horrid it is. The parents singing it's praises must come from super bad neighborhoods and subpar schools if they think this is great.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a new teacher at LFPA Alta Mesa. There is very strong leadership and teacher collaboration. The teachers are very committed to their students, and it shows through not only in the classrooms, but also in the staff meetings. The teachers discuss better ways to help struggling students and have even spent their own time creating a "student lounge" for the older students to have a more welcoming atmosphere. I am very pleased to join the LFPA Alta Mesa teaching staff!
—Submitted by a teacher