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GreatSchools Rating

Pathfinder Academy

Charter | K-8 | 97 students

Small School Environment with Successful, Proven Curricula
 
 

Living in Mesa

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $156,000. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $780.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted December 7, 2011

This little unassuming school is amazing! Thanks to them all of my kids blew the AIM's tests out of the water with near perfect scores. You can't find a better school.Maybe the Mesa school district should take some lessons from them on how to have a good school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 19, 2011

i was a student at this amazing school from third grade all the way through eighth grade, today i went to take college placements tests for classes i will be taking throughout high school, thanks to this school i scored a 100% in the English and will probably be placed in the honors 101 class a 84% in reading and will be in the highest class, should i have got the next bracket up it would have been an exemption from reading all together, and a 61% in math, not as good, but high enough to make them tell me to go back and take the next level test, which is pre-calculus level, and i say its all thanks to this wonderful school and the amazing teachers working there, i would highly recommend this school to anyone and everyone who wants to learn and cares about their academics


Posted August 26, 2008

Both of my sons are now at Pathfinders and I have had so much fun seeing the amazing teaching first hand! I have been able to attend classes and observe as well as volunteer regularly. I have never seen a school teach such wonderful lessons and still cater to the needs of each child. I have to say that it may be small, but it packs a powerful punch. It is unconventional in appearance, but so what? If it does wonderful things, it is still wonderful! I couldn't be more happy with Pathfinders!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 2, 2007

I have had four children attend Pathfinder Academy. I have found it to be exceptional in preparing them for higher educational experiences, academically and socially. The small classrooms, caring administration and teachers (who go the extra mile) and secure and safe environment have made for an ideal educational experience. My children can't wait to go to school each day and always return home smiling and happy. I can't speak highly enough of Pathfinder Academy!
—Submitted by Jill Homer, a parent


Posted September 14, 2006

I have 4 children attending Pathfinder, and we love this school. Smaller classes, individual learning levels, and a focus on basic academics, are what drew us here. It's obvious that the teachers really love what they do! I also read that the AZ Dept of Education lists Pathfinder as one of Arizona's top schools, with a rating of 'highly performing.' Just last year, 92% of all students met or exceeded the AIMS requirements. And my kindergartener was reading by December, also. Reader's Theater, a computer lab, arts and crafts days, and PE games, are just some of the high-lights my kids talk about, everyday.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 14, 2006

Very pleased with this school. The principal and teachers are wonderful. I was apprehensive about the location at first but when I met the staff and saw children having fun while learning, I was sold. Very nice combination of high academic standards and fun!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 3, 2005

Pathfinders is one of the best schools in the valley. There is a lot of focus on academic achievment. Excellent teachers. Very high end school.
—Submitted by an administrator


Posted July 14, 2005

My daughter attended this school last year and I counld not have been more pleased. This school is wonderful. She learned so much and has grown socially. The teachers are awesome and very caring toward the students. I just can't say enough, it is great.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2005

This school us unconventional in appearance, however, my son loves it. He was in the kindergarten class last year and learned more than we could have ever expected. He was reading by December and by the end of the school year he was taking (and getting 100%) spelling tests and doing math. I have talked to many of the other mothers/fathers at this school and I have not found one that has had a problem with this school or teachers. Anyone who would say otherwise will never be satisfied anywhere.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 30, 2005

This is a very small school that is held in the principals home which has been modified to accomodate classes. Recess is held in the backyard and there is no lunch room. Children are packed into the small classrooms. Don't expect solutions to problems that you or your child might have as we experienced complete disregard for our concerns. Thankfully we are returning our child to public school next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 23, 2004

I would highly recommend this school. It is a no frills school but given the option to continue a second year or go back to public schools, my 7 year old daughter hands down choose pathfinder. The Kindergarten and 1st grade are much more than you will ever get in a public school. I wasn't as pleased with the 2nd grade program/teacher, but after talking to the principal, I know that will get better. Don't let the location keep you from observing the teachers in action, I pulled up and left the first time I drove there. I am so glad I decided to go back and actually see what goes on inside.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

19 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

19 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
87%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

15 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
60%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
73%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
82%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Highly Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 94% 45%
Unspecified 6% N/A
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Asian N/A 3%
Black N/A 6%
Hispanic N/A 41%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 0%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
Music teacher(s)
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Rated as an "excelling" school by the AZ Department of ED (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:50am
School end time
  • 3:00pm
School Leader's name
  • Susan Stradling
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (480) 986-9858

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • None
Girls sports
  • None

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • None
Music
  • None
Performing arts
  • None
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
More from this school
  • "Back to Basics" Works Pathfinder Academy has been a public charter school since 1998. Our "back to basics" teaching approach has been proven to give students the tools for academic success. In our small school atmosphere, with multilevel classrooms and dedicated teachers, we can meet individual needs of our students. For more information about the Pathfinder difference, please call our office or visit our website at www.sequoiapathfinder.org
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
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Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2542 N. 76th Place
Mesa, AZ 85207
Website: Click here
Phone: (480) 986-7071

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