Canyon Del Oro High School

This school was looking rundown before the renovation that began a year or two ago, but looks much better now. I do like most of the teachers, but I am not sure of others. Communication is poor and classes have too many students per teacher--making it very hard to judge how well the teachers are doing. Some kids do fine in this environment while others are left behind--like my child. I had to go pay a math tutor to get my child extra help because the math tutoring at school is suffering from too many kids and my child is only able to ask one question per session and the same happens in class. Unfortunately, BASIS is the only Charter High School nearby and Pusch Ridge $$$ the only private High School. Too bad, I know a lot of people who went to this School in the 1980's and did well.
—Submitted by a parent

The new International Baccalaureate program at Canyon Del Oro has proven to be extremely challenging for my child. He has seven challenging courses and is learning for the first time how to manage his time, which will benefit him greatly once he is in college. The IB teachers and counselor have been supportive and have responded immediately to my questions and concerns. It is difficult implementing a new program and I feel the teachers and administrators at CDO are open to feedback from parents and students. With a few minor adjustments , the International Baccalaureate program will be successful and will attract high achieving students from across the city. Most of the Phoenix Schools that offer an IB program have spent years perfecting their programs. I do feel that freshman students that are interested in the IB program should receive introductory seminars/classes on time management and research skills so when they enter the IB program as juniors, students are well prepared for success.
—Submitted by a parent

The new International Baccalaureate program is a disorganized joke. This program is no where near as great as the programs offered in Phoenix High Schools. The administration is impotent. The security staff discriminates against white students because they are mostly Hispanic. This is found throughout the campus but certainly in handling behavior, dress code, etc. The administration doesn't communicate with parents. Teachers are not required to post grades in a timely manner and don't care about student success. The only exception is Chris Yetman who is excellent in the math program.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from CDO in 1991; therefore, I have nostalgic affinity.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. My children love attending it. The teachers do an excellent job teaching using 21st Century Skills!
—Submitted by a parent

Great place on all levels to learn/grow!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm very pleased with CDO High School. The quality of (most) teachers seems very high. The class choices as well as the extra-curricular activities are almost overwhelming. The safety of the school seems good, and the students who attend seem to be top-notch. I highly recommend this high school.
—Submitted by a parent

It has an excellent academic program (including AP courses)that is an excellent training ground for college. In addition, it also forsters a tremendous sense of community through an array of extra-curricular activities. My daughter's educational/psycho-social needs are definitely being met!
—Submitted by Richard Vamos, a parent

I went to this school from 91-95 and my younger brothers went there from 96-00 and we all enjoyed our teachers. Not only did they push us to excell but then explained why when we did not. All and all I would recomend this school
—Submitted by a former student

Pretty good school. Lot of security
—Submitted by justin silver, a student

Each child is encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled as the smart or dumb kids. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. The principal is kind and knows each child by name. She is a great example of a leader and I will miss seeing her everyday as my daughter graduates this year.
—Submitted by a parent

CDO is a good school, it's a great place to get a good education, have fun and be safe.
—Submitted by a student