Tesseract School

All the reviews of this school is right on in terms of the middle school. It's not a good place to send your child if they have ADHD . It's not a good school it's runned by the middle school director that does not know anything , she wants what's best for her teachers and not her student and or parents. If I were looking for a new school for my child I would run away from this one
—Submitted by a parent

As I watch my son finishing the 8th grade, I am filled with gratitude. Tesseract has partnered with us to raise our son from the age of 3. Through a cooperative and mutually respectful relationship, we have helped our son to become a mature, responsible, critical thinker who has excelled in all areas of life. Tesseract embodies the true meaning of education. My two younger children are on the same path , as they are being provided the most engaging and relevant education in Arizona.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Tesseract since he was 3 years old. In the past 3 years we have seen him grow from a toddler into a confident little boy who is fully prepared to enter Kindergarten. We are forever thankful that he has been able to attend this child-centered, nurturing school and we truly believe that it is the best school in the Valley and worth every penny that we pay in tuition. When your child asks every day "am I going to school today?" and is disappointed when it is not a school day, you know you have made the right choice.
—Submitted by a parent

if you are considering the middle school...ask why so many kids are leaving? no differentiated learning, educators leaving, lack of school direction, no school spirit, sad to see this change from lower to middle school. need to really reflect on what is going on top down, bottom up.
—Submitted by a parent

children in lower and middle school. disappointed in the middle school. they preach differentiated learning -not happening. many of the educators are excellent - others not so much, many don't have certificates to teach, or are in progress. the middle school director has promoted as a teacher in-house and i don't see her with the real vision & drive to BE director. i had faith in the director, but that as wavered as he always "supports educators 100%". the director is to direct the schools vision, but be a liaison with parents, students & teachers. he is just their for the teachers. many kids in my child's class are not returning. those that are seems to be going just because they don't like the options. board is made up of parents appointed by director or other board members. i used to be a cheerleader for this place, not anymore. kids in athletics, forget it. i like the all play and participate rule, but their is no encouragement in school spirit, winning attitude, etc. the kids get frustrated as athletic dept doesn't care. no competition allowed. sad as this place as potential but they are too worried about expansion, they won't need it.
—Submitted by a parent

You can be sure the parent who complained about what I said about the school was put up to it by the school or is heavily involved in the school herself. Differing opinions are squelched and respect is sadly lacking, an opinion I'd be happy to talk to her about.
—Submitted by a parent

I am absolutely perplexed about this parent's comment. This is not the upper school that my two children attend. My son and daughter come home every day and tell me about interesting things they learned at Tesseract that day. I have found, and they agree, that the teachers are very supportive and interested in hearing their opinions. In fact, we have found that the teachers are always available, even on the weekends, to speak or e-mail with my children about their approach to an assignment and if they are feeling stressed out. The class trips are amazing. Last year, my children went to China and Italy in the spring with their classmates. It's a unique school and the students are pushed to think outside of the box, but that's a good thing. I am sorry that the other parent had a bad experience, but we have been very pleased with Tesseract and the upper school, and I hear that from almost every parent I know. The head of school is a very sociable person who knows the kids by name and welcomes their opinion. So, I beg to differ on any of the information mentioned by that other parent. It's simply incorrect!
—Submitted by a parent

We can only speak of the upper school and I would suggest anyone considering it run away as fast as you can. The teachers are poor. The administration is beyond unprofessional and the principal is a joke. There seems to be an atmosphere of fear about openly criticizing the school because of a perceived retaliation against one's child grade-wise.
—Submitted by a parent

They are not interested in you unless you can afford to go here. If you are applying for scholarship or financial aid don't even bother. There are better schools out there that will welcome you with open arms.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Tesseract for the last two years. She was at an A+++ public school during kindergarten. While at the public school she learned inappropriate language and mannerisms more suited for a teenager. Within 1 month at Tesseract we had our 6 yr. old back! The school as a whole teaches the students compassion and caring for themselves, the community, the country and the world. The academic education is topnotch while the art and music programs are stellar! It is with GREAT sadness that we will be leaving Tesseract at the end of this year due to a move out of state. If we ever have the chance to move back we will join the Tesseract community once again.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our kids in the middle school for about a year and a half. We have been incredibly pleased with the culture of the school. We believe the school is providing what is needed to succeed in the 21st century. Most "top" schools are still chasing the goals of the 20th century through a hyper-focus on test scores, GPAs, and an academic rat race. However, Tesseract is looking forward towards the creative, community-oriented collaboration that will be required for success in the world our children will inhabit. It is difficult at times for us as parents as we are used to the "old-school" idea that more homework is better and, in essence, a child that is too happy must not be working hard enough. We have found at Tesseract that our children come home absolutely full of new things they have learned. Yet somehow they don't even realize they've been at school. As a summary, I would say that while most schools today focus on making "good soldiers" and are rated according to a common generic standard, Tesseract is focused on making generals. One cannot compare it with those other schools. It is unique.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The upper school is smaller than most, but growing. I think the small size is negligible given the size of the city we live in - and it is clearly an asset academically because the classes are very small and the students get an incredible amount of individual attention, a rarity at the high school level. In my observation, the academic level competes with other private high schools and seems to exceed that of public schools. Extracurricular activities in the arts and sports areas are abundant and there is a high participation level among students. There are no students labeled "average" at this school - all are viewed as unique and able to contribute significantly to the world around them. All are expected to develop into happy, whole, productive, successful, ethical adults. To me, this is an incredible gift to give children during the formative and often vulnerable adolescent years.
—Submitted by a parent

Tesseract School is exceptional. You won't find another middle or upper school remotely like it. Class sizes are small and the educators are present, available, and genuinely interested in the overall development of the students. All parents have a strong voice - and can speak with the principal directly, anytime. Surveys are sent out twice yearly to parents & students. Children are respected as individuals, and encouraged in all areas. My children became comfortable with public speaking within the first few months. They are now critical thinkers. They have ideas about themselves, others, and the environment that they confidently and intelligently express. Locks aren't needed on lockers because there is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect on this campus. Bullying is not tolerated, and it seems those who are in repeated violation of rules no longer attend the school. The minute you walk on campus you notice the atmosphere of trust and respect - there is virtually no serious or sexual misbehavior, drug use or violence - issues that are givens at other schools. The children are safe on campus - physically & emotionally, and they know it. For a parent, this is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student, I received and education far from what I thought I was getting. If you want your kid to be in advanced math or advanced anything once he or she gets to high school, don't send them to Tesseract. Send them to PCDS or some place that has more academic discipline. I did not go to PCDS, but my brother did and he is far ahead of where he should be academic wise. Even my parents regret sending me here. They believe this was a waist of money and time. In a nut shell, I think for the money you pay, this is a school far below average.

This is the second private school in the Valley that we've attended and we are very happy with the education our children are receiving. They are challenged daily to think outside the box while being taught traditional academics. The teachers and administrators are caring, thoughtful, highly educated and very professional. The families are warm and welcoming. My kids couldn't be happier and it clearly shows through the daily enthusiasm for school and knowledge that they share with my husband and I. There is no air of pretentious, but rather an air of warmth and family. If you are looking for a school that offers strong academics, educational responsibility for both students and faculty, a nurturing and team oriented environment, and a strong and wonderful familial community then this is the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Tesseract for 4 years, this being her fifth year. The high school might be a little small;however the early childhood program and lower school is amazing in every way. When I first came to visit the school, it was the administration that sold me. They nurture every child like they are there own. They have morning coffees during the year to discuss issues parents may have and open door policy with the teachers. As far as these controlling parents who donate alot,and there kids that get special attention,is not true. This is a PRIVATE school, fundraising is very important!! If you dont want to right a big check than simpily donate your time. These wealthy controlling people are the ones we elected to run are school. Nigel Taplin is a wonderfull soul. We are expanding,people because we have too.
—Submitted by a parent

Lower school is excellent. Had a bad experience in the middle school-- took my kids out. Overly authoritarian mid. school director. Too small an environment for that age.
—Submitted by a parent

outstanding faculty - completely student focused. Teachers get to know each student and in the middle and high school often serve in a very valuable mentoring relationship that extends beyond the classroom. Relevant curriculum and very innovative. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and they do. Very technologically advanced.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent with children at Tesseract for the past 11 years. I have never been disappointed with what the school offered even as it weathered various financial difficulties. At this point, I find the Lower School to be very good and nurturing but I am extremely displeased with the Middle/ Upper School. The issues are not with the educators themselves but more with the Administrators. The current Middle School Head seems to be in over his head. He is not responsive to the real academic issues and does not solve problems. New teachers are not adequately oriented to the school and culture and ultimately creates problems for the students. None of my children will be continuing there next year. Their focus on growth has been way to aggressive and they have lost sight of learning fundamentals. It is really sad as the philosophy used to be so tremendous.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred our daughter into Tesseract last year from one of the strongest public elementary schools in the State. Not only has she continued to thrive academically, Tesseract has given her exactly the right environment to develop into a well-rounded and caring young lady. The school administration and teachers are superb; and yet they continuously seek ways to improve. This fact is evidenced in many ways, from the way they teach, to the experiences they give the students, to the special guests they bring into the classroom. Tesseract treats each child as a special individual with specific needs and characteristics. We recommend Tesseract without reservation to all those who are looking to give their children precisely the beginning in life they will need for this very challenging twenty-first century.
—Submitted by a parent