Cambridge Academy East

Teachers can greatly range in quality at Cambridge. Currently my son is in 4th grade and I can say the teacher is not par with what has been our experience over the past 3 years. The size of the school can also be a negative as all the kids are bunched together on such a small property. I would have no problem sending my 5 year old here as they are very academically focused. For ages older then 7 or so, more complete options in the area are available.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started Kindergarten at CambridgeQC the first year they opened. He is in 3rd grade this year. We have had some growing pains but we have stayed because of the teachers! They are ll wonderful. I have found that talking to the administration directly is the best way to get your conserns answered. I love the small classes and my son is comfortable here. He would be devistated if we had to move him. Even though we have seen friends move on my son wants to stay and we are happy to keep him at CAQC. I'm sad to hear that others have had problems and I hope the school they move on to is a better fit.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! It never ceases to amaze me how some people can post reviews on this site without checking their facts. The previous post is a complete fabrication. The owners/founders (Both teachers w/ 40+ years experience between them) built 2 excelling schools with the help of their 2 daughters and daughter-in-law. All of whom have multiple degrees in education, 15+ years teaching experience, and are more than qualified for their positions. There are no teachers that are related to the owners. Cambridge is a public charter school overseen and funded by the AZ dept. of Education. So, there is definitely a system for checks and balances! Cambridge also has many special needs students that thrive everyday with the excellent services they provide. The school was founded in 1999 and has prepared many students for high school and college. The many families that have attended and currently attend Cambridge and recommend their schools to their family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers are more than thrilled with the curriculum, highly qualified and effective teachers, dedicated administration and caring environment that Cambridge offers!
—Submitted by a parent

Cambridge Academy East is better than ever this year! Academics and curriculum are challenging, but top notch . Communication has improved 100% due to their new web site, daily Facebook updates and email. They are even adding a strings program after Fall Break!! After school programs are great: Football, dance, chorus, piano, art .the list goes on. And, they purchased land to expand the campus for the Middle School program, which I m thrilled about. But most important, my kids love going to school.
—Submitted by a parent

I've enrolled my child at Cambridge Academy East Mesa, this is her first year. It is always scary to start a new school, meet new friends, etc. From day one my daughter felt welcomed, cared about and treated with respect! I have been so impressed with the quality of the administrative staff, the teachers and the inclusive atmosphere. I am so glad we found Cambridge
—Submitted by a parent

I have previously gone to this school for the years of 2007-2010. I was bullied everyday. My parents had notified the teacher, but nothing was done. I was still being teased. I had awful grades from the time I attended this school to the time I left. I moved to a school with a much lower rating and got much higher grades.

I was reading the latest post and I just want to reassure the parent, that this school is great. The pricipal is great. The teachers are amazing and I always get the feeling they love this school and they love our kids. In public school (which I suffered through until 6th grade), I always got the feeling the teachers were exhausted, over-worked, and way too tired to care about my kid. My son is actually very excited that school is starting up again. He is in 8th grade and excited to go to school. As a bonus, he actually learns so much more than he ever did in public school. Hang in there, I think you will find that it is worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

My first son is entering kindergarten this year and I am very nervous about him going to school. I chose Cambridge because I thought that there would be smaller class sizes and a shorter day. After we registered I found out that there are 21 students in his class(average for public is 22-25) and I thought there would be around 15. I was disappointed. I also found out that the time changed and dismissal was pushed back 45 minutes. My son still naps and I was counting on the early dismissal for him to still have time to nap. Although we have not even started yet I am disappointed. A plus is that I met the principal on several occasions and she was great. I did not even know she was the principal until after out second talk. She was very personable and easy to talk to about my concerns for my son. I am hopeful that the year proves to a great one or else we will move to a public school/
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been a student at the Queen Creek campus for 2yrs now and I would never imagine him anywhere else. The teachers they bring in are the best and if the teachers are not willing to accept the new curriculum that are coming down then they will find teachers that are. The main focus of the school are the children and that is how it should be. As for the front office, there is one very sweet, caring and over worked lady that sits behind the big desk and what people forget is, is that she is there to help our children. When one is sick they come to see her or when one gets hurt it is her that helps clean them up, so if she comes across a little rude remember she is being that mother figure for our kids when we can't be there to clean them up. Lastly for those people that want to find the negative in everything, where are you when the school needs volunteers? For Cambridge to continue to Excell more parents need to get involved. I have a fulltime job just like many but I will bend over backwards to make sure my child has the best education he can get even with my work schedule. The children should always come First and at Cambridge they do.
—Submitted by a parent

I have entrusted my two children (four years) with Cambridge's Mesa Campus. I feel for those parents giving less than five stars, unfortunately perception is reality to folks. I can say while I wish there more extracurricular activities I wouldn't trade their amazing teachers, class size, challenging curriculum and the parent involvement for them. My kids feel like they are part of family, no bulling, no cliques, no out cast. Thank you to Cambridge for providing my family with a great educational foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

I find it so disheartening to read some of the reviews that people post about this school. You will never find a school that is totally perfect, but I feel that Cambridge is the closest you will get. I help but notice all the effort that the staff and teachers put into making that school the best. Drive by on the weekends or evenings and you will see they are working. I have always been able to speak to the principals or teachers anytime I have asked.They have been more then willing to accomodate my needs and my child's.The staff has never been rude to me even when it has been hectic up front. I see them calling home for homework, lunches, taking care of injured and sick children and helping parents. Remember they are caring for 300 + children not just 1or 2. I agree with the last post! Look at yourself and your parenting skills before you criticize! Do you do your part as a parent to make their day run smoother?Do you make sure that they have what is needed for the school day? Maybe if parents did,teachers, staff and administration could focus on the educational aspect!They should make a site where teachers and administration of schools could post their reviews of parents!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter enrolled in Kindergarten at the Queen Creek location and another for the next year. I volunteer in the classroom every week. Those teachers work very hard and go above and beyond their job requirements for each and every child. As for the comment about the kindergarten classes, you should be thrilled they are willing to change the curriculum if the current one is not meeting your child's needs. Behavior of the children in the classroom is a clear reflection of what they are allowed to get away with at home. You should look at your parenting skills and see how you can improve in order to help your child. Many parents believe that it is the teachers' responsibility to fix their children.Teachers and staff give money, lunches, clothing and supplies to children that may be without. Is that part of their job or is that something you overlooked as part of your job. Get your children to school on time, homework completed, lunch packed and fully rested for school. I have nothing but praise for the front office staff and teachers!!! Their jobs are not easy, especially dealing with some of the disrespectful parents and visitors that they encounter on a daily basis!
—Submitted by a parent

I have never had a "bad" experience at a school, but i went to the school was treated like total you know what... the front office staff is so rude! Im so glad that my kid goes to a VERY awsome school out here in Queen Creek!! I will NEVER think twice about sending my kids to this school....

I can't believe how terrible our experience was here! We had looked forward to all the wonderful promises of the curriculum and staff, but was shocked at the reality. The entire kindergarten staff was changed 2011/2012, and the new teachers still have no idea what is going on. Our child's teacher admitted that the curriculum was new and there was no training. The behavior of the classroom was out of control, with children crying and/or wandering EVERY time we stopped in to check on her. I witnessed children being sat in a corner, and teachers using very negative behavior. We waited months for things to get better, but it didn't. At least eight other families have left from our classroom, and it isn't hard to see why the turnover is so high. What a disappointment this school is! My wife and I tried to speak to the admin, but they seemed to be more interested in the new junior high being built than in what is going on in kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow... It seems like the person who posted on February 3rd is very unhappy. I have not had the same experience at all! In fact, I have always just walked in and spoken with the principal on several occasions without needed an appointment! The pricipal was also my daughters coach for Girls on the Run and ran the race with them. All of the teachers are amazing and the school goes above and beyond in many areas. Maybe it takes going somewhere else to realize what a great school it is! We are not going anywhere!
—Submitted by a parent

For the past few years my daughter has attended the Cambridge QC loaction. The first year went well but I was never happy with how the adminstration handled things. This year has turned out to be an absolute nightmare and I can guarantee that my child will not be returning. The teacher turnover here is unbelievable and I have been talking with other parents and there are many of them removing thier kids from this school. Have fun trying to get in touch with the principle as she is never there and when you do finally talk to her she is rude and comes across like I am wasting her time.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was enrolled at the Queen Creek location for the first half of kindergarten. I moved near the East location mid-year and it was imperative to me that she continued her education at Cambridge. I can t give the teachers at both locations enough praise. Unfortunately, we were told about of the way through the school year, that due to a clerical error, my daughter was not old enough to be attending, and we were given the choice of immediately paying for full tuition, or removing her from classes. The administration had absolutely no concern for my daughters educational career, gave no alternatives, and no suggestions as to what my options would be in order to keep my daughter in school. The administration had absolutely no sympathy to the fact that the error was theirs. I was vocal about the fact that my daughter was several months younger that usual for starting kindergarten, and that I wanted her to be tested for admission to see if she was ready. She passed the admission tests with flying colors and was socially and academically very successful.The teachers were amazing, but the administration has absolutely zero compassion or accountability. Something to consider.
—Submitted by a parent

I just got home from Curriculum Night at the Queen Creek campus. What an AMAZING SCHOOL!!! I cannot tell you how much I love my children's teachers! Mrs. Meeusen, the Science teacher, is truly one of a kind. I love her and so do my children. Mrs. Needer is another teacher that is one of the very best! The principal, Mrs. Kaylee, is always doing things for the children. Everytime I walk into the building she is busy making the school perfect for the parents and children. Have you ever seen a principal putting up decorations and getting the children excited about school? She always takes time to say hello to all the children. Whenever I drop in or drive by, it seems as if they are always there working (I have seen cars at the school on Saturday and Sundays). Mrs. Kaylee could not have picked a better staff right down to the receptionist! I have become one of Cambridge Academy's biggest fan!! Thank you for putting education back into my childrens lives. I will always be greatful!! Thank you Principal Kaylee!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with Cambridge Academy. My son has been there for 3 years and we could not be happier. The education is top of the line with smaller classrooms where each student can really learn at their own pace. It is a smaller school so there are activities that the school doesn t offer, but I think for the size that Cambridge is there is a good selection of extracurricular activities. We tried out another school that was larger and as it turns out it is more important to my family to go to a school where our children can be challenged in academics, not computer club or the option for bus transportation. We returned to the school and cannot be happier. I think the communication is wonderful at the school. What I love about this school is that you really get to know your teacher and know where your kid is every day. You won t see a review where a parent is concerned about the quality of education for this school. It is simply one of the best schools in the East Valley. My son is excited to go to school every day and has a great sense of school spirit, if this is a school you are interested in call and check it out, you will be impressed by the curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at this school, I feel the need to address the parent posting on 5/24 because it is completely untrue. There is one leak on the field and it's not sewage, it's a sprinkler head that the kids keep breaking. The fundraisers are done by PTO and they have benefited the classrooms with Smartboards and your participation isn't required. The lunches have to be pre-ordered because they are purchased from another company and that's the companies policy. Before you sat to talk with the principal, did you make an appointment ahead of time or did you just come in and expect to be seen regardless of her prior commitments? Lastly, all staff at Cambridge embrace, nurture and encourage ALL students regardless of when they began. Please know what you're talking about before you post because it is hurtful and untrue.
—Submitted by a teacher