Great Hearts Academies - Mesa Prep

People are leaving this school in droves because the headmaster is unethical and the teachers have little or no experience (hired right out of college). The Exeter mathematics curriculum is a total joke. There are no resources for students like text books, examples, study guides or other materials the kids can rely on to study on their own. The teachers are encouraged to curve grades to make it appear that the kids are learning math. Most people leave after 8th grade and go to a public school for better choices of elective courses.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Mesa Prep since the very beginning. I have seen a very high teacher turn over along with many different administrators. We were very pleased the first two years but they were unable to meet my childs needs for high school. My children get good grades at this highly academic school. Unfortunately, now the comment that we hear most from staff about getting involved with larger public schools is that "we don't want to associate with those kinds of people". Many people who attend this school have entitlement issues. Now Mesa Prep has a very good education, but all the attitudes, groups and favorites can make it very difficult for a child to act like themselves. Most kids are trying to prove how much money they have even if they don't. I also don't appreciate the bad mouthing of past students that have left from faculity members. "They left because they don't care about their education" or "public schools only prepare you for a job out of high school, we prepare kids for college". Bad mouthing another school does not make me what to go to Mesa Prep, it actually does the opposite. Like I said from the beginning great education but lacks the extras.
--Submitted by a parent

OH. EM. GEE. Really, that's about all I've got. We could not be happier with our daughter's experience at Mesa Prep. People who are writing about cliques and bullying... I have no idea what school those people are talking about! An atmosphere of respect is cultivated actively. It is modeled by teachers and administrators and demanded of students. One of the things I love here is that the nerds ARE the popular kids! Each child has a chance to shine and stand out for their achievements, and they are acknowledged by their community for that. The academics are top-notch, and contrary to a previous poster, the classics are NOT outdated for the modern world! People have to learn HOW to think, and think critically, and evaluate for quality, truthfulness, and relevance. That is what is missing in this country today, and the Great Hearts schools are filling the need. As I told Mr. Wagner, "You couldn't PAY me to take my kid out of this school!"
--Submitted by a parent

Mesa Prep is the perfect fit for our student. He was not challenged at his previous school and he became lazy in his study habits. The first year at MPA was a wake up call! :o) He has grown so much thanks to the extra attention of the amazing teachers and staff. His grades have improved and he looks forward to participating in extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are average students and sometimes struggle with the curriculum and homework load; however, the education they are receiving at Mesa Prep is far better than what they got at the local public school and the skills they are learning will benefit them their entire lives.
--Submitted by a parent

The best school I've ever been to by far. I miss it more then you could imagine. You get close with the people there and it gives you a lot of great opportunities to do things you never knew you could do. This includes academics and athletics. The students that don't do well bring it on themselves. If you want to do well you can.

Mesa Prep has far exceeded our expectations for what a school community can do for a student. We have seen our child challenged, encouraged to grow, introduced to think outside of the traditional box of learning and provided repeated words of encouragement. We have seen our child grow not only academically but in character and his values strengthened. The students at the school are very supportive of each other. The teachers answer questions either in person, on the phone or over email. The administration is quite supportive. Our student has begun to feel more challenged but at the same time he feels respected for his thoughts and views.
--Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed with this school. A lot of parents are removing their kids and sending them to regular public schools next year.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a 6th grader who chose to go to Mesa Prep even though he knew the rigor was high. I have been very pleased with the results. He completes his homework without having to prod him like we did in his previous school. The teachers seem to understand that they are helping to shape young minds to become cognitive persons and that sometimes, the young person may have to fail in order to learn how to succeed. The students overall want to be there - compare that to other schools where they have to attend. And yes, my son has experienced the verbal bullying that goes on at Mesa Prep, but he had it worse at another excelling, top-rated school and has developed some excellent friendships. It's not a perfect school, but they do get it. And I hope they have continued success.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child is finishing up 6th grade and will continue with Mesa Prep in the fall. The homework is demanding and it took some getting used to. Our daughter really has stepped up to the challenge and has been getting excellent grades. She doesn't enjoy the homework but has gotten used to it and has been following a schedule. She is very involved in extra curricular sports/ activities so she has been able to make time for those as well. We are thrilled to see how much she is learning. Would love to see a day off once in awhile from the uniforms :)
--Submitted by a parent