Valley Academy - Reid Traditional Schools

I feel blessed to live in a state that offers choice schools! I send my kids to this traditional school, so they will have a better education than I had. I have had 3 children at Valley for the past 9 years and plan on being there for another 9 years with a kindergartener starting in the fall. I found that the phonics based Spalding program helped my son learn to read after being diagnosed with speech delay. He tested out of his IEP by 3rd grade thanks for great teachers who helped him along the way. I think that the high academic standards in comparison to other AZ schools make Valley stand out, but our family stayed because of the awesome extras like sports, clubs, Spanish, and computers. The teachers and administration have an open door policy and allow for lots of chances for parents to be involved. Parents and teachers work together which make Valley different from most public district schools. Parents play a role in curriculum and most "extra" activities like Turkey Trots, spirit day ice-cream, talent shows, and much more. I didn't come for the uniforms, but it proved to win me over when my children were in 7th and 8th grades. Yikes!
—Submitted by a parent

We absolutely LOVE Valley Academy! The teachers and administration could not be more kind, compassionate and caring! I have visited many other schools in the valley over the past few years and have not seen the quality of education nor staff dedication that we find at Valley Academy. Valley is truly a shining star and I am proud to say that we are part of the Valley Academy family! Thank you to the great staff and administration for caring so deeply for our children!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has attended this for two years, going on three. She transferred from another school considered "excelling" and was doing wonderfully but we moved a bit further away and have friends whose kids are also at Valley Academy. Our daughter needed help with Math but her teacher did not bring it to our attention until her A went to almost an F. It happened so quickly I didn't even know it was possible. Apparently the teacher just expected her to figure it out even though she obviously needed tutoring -- something Valley does NOT offer. I was stuck scrambling trying to get help for my daughter and finally the teacher gave in and said she would tutor her a few mornings a week. It helped but we ran into the same problem the following year. We had to meet with the teacher a few extra times including the VP to get it worked out. If your child needs tutoring you have to pressure them to help you or they won't. The teacher "compassion" award is lacking at this school but maybe they need more time to fish out the cranky ones and get teacher who love what they do and the children they do it for. On the plus side, I love the fact they have a uniform code. It's simple.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Valley since 1st grade. He's in 5th grade now and thrives at this school! He gets all A s, is not afraid to speak in front of his class, does his homework well, and is learning to be responsible for his work and his actions. The teachers have been wonderful every year though some are more strict about the dress code. My daughter also went to Valley from 5th through 8th grade. She had a little trouble adjusting academically but persevered and even made honor roll after a few years. She is now in high school in an MYP program getting almost all A s! Valley Academy prepared her very well for high school! Even though we have been frustrated a time or two by administration, my son will continue with this excellent education and behavioral standards school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with Valley so far, my boys just started this year and have adjusted really well. They are in Kindergarten and Preschool and they are doing great. This school is very much geared for academic excellence and they expect the children to pay attention and be able to adjust their behavior for the learning environment. This might sound scary to parents, but don't be scared, the kids learn quickly to pay attention and respect the teacher. I was nervous that my boys wouldn't sit still in class because they came from a daycare setting, but I was surprised by how quickly they learned the rules and what's expected of them. There is homework, even in Kindergarten, but again don't be discouraged. My son loves doing his homework and I love helping him, it's a good time to just be with him and see what he's been learning. I've heard that the homework gets more intense as the grades progress, but maybe because he's learning all of these homework skills early he'll be more prepared as the years go on. Hope this review is helpful to any parents considering this school, I'm really glad I chose this school for my two boys. :)
—Submitted by a parent

I'm at student here at Valley. This is my first year at this school, it's very advanced and I'm disappointed about he schools musical involvement. I my advance band class the are about 15 people there. I think they should go back to beginner band Some of them. Everybody that goes to this school is very jumpy and not very mature, also I have problems with keeping myself together so when it gets very over-whelming I break down, almost everyday I've walked home crying because of all the stress and expectations. there is no room for mistakes. I don't have very much help, the teachers are very strict, and very controlling. It's a great learning environment but very difficult. I'm at a 9th grade reading level and I'm reading some of the books the 6th graders are reading and I have to have a dictionary by me to understand half the words in most of these books.I dislike this school, but if you are looking for a challenge this is a great school to go to. I am looking for a different school to go to because its very difficult for me and I was a stright A student before to this school.

This was my daughter first year at Valle academy and we are really happy and impressed with all the work the teachers have done. We are excited for this coming school year.
—Submitted by a parent

The grading practices here are scary. My son came home last night with 20 questions from a civil war test - he's in grade 2. He only got one wrong but she graded him 63%. Why? Because he wrote out the answer (a, b, c, test) instead of circling it. Give me a break! If you like that kind of perfection and constant drill type grading where there's no big picture thinking....go for this school. If not, consider otherwise. They will also take points off a math test for spelling or other non math reasons. I'll be moving my kids out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The carriculam is advance and teachers are hard working , hard to find just kind of school in united states
—Submitted by a parent

it is the best school..my son feels so much comfortable and happy there and shows eagerness to learn more..he gained so much in terms of confidence and knowledge.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school; competent administrative staff; awesome teaching staff; our children's accomplishments go above and beyond our expectations.

While there are some positives about Valley Academy, I was very disappointed. The leadership lacks experience, depth and professional maturity, which unfortunately leads to bad decision making and role modeling for the children. Politics within the administration at this school hinders the leadership's ability to effectively deliver focused attention on their primary goals.
—Submitted by a parent

My child performed in the spring drama play at Valley Academy and I was very impressed with what the staff put into this production. My child's homeroom teacher also took the time to come and watch her perform. Thoughtful, dedicated and caring teachers are what make this school great!
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely happy with this school. My child is currently in Kindergarten and he has learned so much. I thought he might resist some of the teaching because he already knew how to write. His handwriting is so much nicer now. He can also read very well. In order for your child to do well, parent(s) have to be involved. The school also requires volunteer time which in the beginning I thought was a chore, but I grew to love it and I've met very nice staff and parents along the way. Although I am tired, I have no regrets, and my child loves the school, his teachers and his classmates. They are very big on respect. There is also a school uniform which is great for parents. Administration is always highly visible on campus which is another thing that I love.
—Submitted by a parent

Valley Academy is an A+ all around school that goes back to the basics to teach children how to read, write, calculate math and excel. They have been rated 10 (on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest) for AIMS scores and academics. My child is getting a great education from this charter school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child started going to this school this year and we are very pleased with their academy program. The teachers, staff and the admin staff are v friendly, welcoming and helpful. The teaching is well organized and the teachers are very be well prepared to teach the daily lesson. The diversity is in fantastic. My only gripe is it would be nice to see more options in the after school program e,g, chess, yoga, etc. If your focus is traditional education this school is it.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children attended VA for kindergarten and 1st grade. The Administration was interested in grades and those that don't score high aren't welcome. I must agree that the new building is like a windowless prison. The majority of the teachers are talented but there are only a few that understand special needs kids. If you have a busy child, prepare to meet a great deal of resistance
—Submitted by a parent

We left Valley Academy and it was a hard choice. My children received a wonderful education there, but it was very intense. I was trying to find a way to balance an excellent education but still have time for family, church, and maybe fun too. I am an educator myself and fully embraced the idea of an excellent, accelarated curriculum for my children. Yet I later realized that these things come with a sacrafice. The sacrafice of family time was too great. My daughter was stressed. I would stress over the homework time. Although my kids had A's and could do the work, it was robbing us of peaceful, quiet time at home. So I searched and found a public school with a traditional education near our home. My children still get Saxon math, Spalding language and high expectations. We are happy and feel more balanced now.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children now at Valley Academy and have been personally involved there since 2005. No school is perfect, but concerning Valley's education, their desire to excel for the benefit of the students, and the parental involvement allowed there, I've seen no better. There are multiple opportunities to volunteer and make your voice heard, if you're willing to put in the time. Sitting on the sidelines and complaining is always easier, but not productive. My suggestion to parents considering Valley is to come see for themselves, and do the same at other schools. VA will speak for itself.
—Submitted by a parent

The April writer who complained about the school grounds and computers should take a new look this year. There is a computer lab with brand new computers. The grounds have 3 well equiped play areas, basket ball courts, and lots of green grass areas. Wow! all this and excellent test scores and happy students - what more could anyone ask for?