Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics

I appreciate the passion and support the art departments convey to the students. When it comes to the academic departments, the teachers are no better or worse than other schools, sadly. My youngest son excels in the environment, whereas my older son seems to encounter the same issues as one encounters at other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

If jumping through hoops is your thing, or if your kid needs lots of discipline, you'll be thrilled! ACAA participates in the draconian S.T.A.R.S. program, and issues kids a "no" for forgetting a pencil, having an improper marker (not an Expo) in their backpack, as well as for more serious infractions. If a students earns a no, they answer five questions with a paragraph each (and a paragraph doesn't count unless it has five complete sentences), then write an essay using prompt questions about why they didn't have an Expo marker (or whatever). ACAA holds binder checks to see what it is students have forgotten so they can issue nos where appropriate. If a student receives two nos in one week, they must attend "tutoring" on Friday, which consists of teachers passing out worksheets and students completing them. They offer busing, but of course NOT on Fridays, so if you have a job, you have to change your work schedule to get your child to school and back. Only 1 art show this year, you have to pay for each ticket to get in, and you can't call the school with a credit card, you must call box office. They expect a lot from students and parents, and don't give much back.
—Submitted by a parent

This school not only has fantastic perfroming arts but also academics. This year both the middle and high school received A grades

Thank God for this school that we made the right choice where we can enroll our very intellectual son who became sick and has to pull out from his class at that time and be taken cared of at home and hospital.When he was ready to come back he was not given a chance to get credit for the remainder of the quarter he will attend for.We decided to bring him to another school that will give credit for his attendance,it was ACCA. The faculty were awesome and the principal and assistant I guess(she was).They were all very accomodating and understanding. Now, my son is graduating on time(!) Despite all his excused absences from other school, he was able to recuperate. God is so good, He routed us to the right school with a heart for students like my son.Front desk employees were all awesome esp. Ann and Andrea, more power to you both.
—Submitted by a parent

Oh please...no bathroom privileges! My children have been attending this school for four years and will gaduate in a couple of months; we were blessed to have found ACAA! My kids are average students but it was the opportunity for the arts that drew them and kept them on track academically. If your child has a passion for the arts, feed it! My children will both pursue their dreams by attending colleges of music and design and they will be far ahead of their contemporaries when they arrive in the fall. ACAA is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started at this school this year. I have to say that, while there are certain things I'm not thrilled with (the bathroom issue being one of them), for us, this was the best move ever. At his regular public school, my son was not doing well academically or socially. He has been flourishing at ACAA. His grades have gone up to all As and Bs, and he loves being part of the voice and drama departments. If your children are the creative type, I highly recommend moving them to a school where they can be themselves. It was the best thing I have done for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

If I could have chosen no stars; I would have. This is not a good school, they treat the children inhumanely. There is one bathroom for four hundred students, kept under lock and key by the staff. The kids are there from 8 - 4 and not allowed to use the restroom. They get one bathroom pass a semester. All four hundred children are supposed to use it during the five minute break when they go from class to class, but if they are tardy for using the restroom get detention. Oh, it's also locked during lunch!!! The teachers are really oddballs too. Unless you want your child treated like they belong in Sheriff Joe's jail - don't send them here!
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible experience for my children. The staff withholds bathroom privileges and also uses the bathroom as rewards. My child brought home information from some of her teachers saying that she could earn use of the bathroom by writing essays and they get a free pass on their birthday. My children only lasted a month before we took them out. The art classes are just OK, The classes are over crowded and most of the teachers seem very unhappy. Not sure how they got a 9 rating?
—Submitted by a parent

Our Daughter has been going here for a year-and-a-half now, and she loves it. I wish I had a school like this when I was her age! Conventional schools, no matter how hard they try, must discourage the individual and condition them to fit in. They become copies of copies---paupers to their education. ACAA understands that we're all supposed to be different and have our own, unique personalities and ideas. Innovation over imitation. Most schools and parents consider the arts a waste of time and school budgets. ACAA understands how critical the arts are to building and authenticating confidence and self-esteem. But without the arts...there can be no culture. That s not an easy path as a school or student in today s monitery-driven environments. The teachers at ACAA know the arts, academics and teaching experientially are esential to shaping children. Teaching by way of innovation, not imitation. ACAA encourages students to see through their own eyes and develop their own definitions for success. That s why we are looking forward to the next 5-1/2 years that our daughter will be attending ACAA. It s the most fun that she has ever had working her little tail off.
—Submitted by a parent

This school had amazing arts programs, yet i left in less than a month the academics were so bad.

I am a current student here. I USED to love it. Now, it's difficult to get around; and our school is too small to pack over 435 students. I always have to wait in the cafeteria before going to class, and it gets so claustrophobic I feel as though I cannot breathe. I have to push past people in order to get where I'm going without being late. Middle school has assigned seating, which obviously I'm not a fan of, or anyone else. I like our classes, I always have. But I would rather prefer to be in a school that I can freely move around in, not a small space.

This school used to be the BEST school I had ever been to. That was a couple years ago. Sincee then, many good teachers have been fired, laid off, or they just quit. The arts here are really good. I have taken every art here besides percussion. This year a LOT changed, and almost every student who was here before this year does not like the changes. Too many students are here for the Friday-less school week instead of the arts like the original intention for the school. The school is way over populated for an old office building. They are starting to make the rules stricter like REQUIRING a school science fair project which most of us haven't done since 4th grade. They also recently started summer reading which most of the students didnt do until the week school got back. This year may possibly be my last year here. I may be willing to give up no fridays in order to have a better school experience.

If your child needs to be in a school that is in constant lock down, and the only redeeming quality if free Arts classes, this school would suffice. Otherwise AI would stay far away, and go to a school that is truly offering academics and quality, caring, educators.
—Submitted by a parent

My first child graduated in 2010 with the 28 credits, and age of 17. My second child is going to graduate this coming 2012, age of 17 also, and with 28 credits. Teachers do care, and they do teach, the best arts ever. Kids are very happy there and they do come out as better students, better people then any other public school ( I work for one ). Someone was saying kids are disrespectful, well that is a parents job to do, teach them how to respect, home edjucation, teachers are there to teach.
—Submitted by a parent

though every school has its troubles i have had the lest negative experiences with ACAA I have sent two of my kids there and plan on the others going there too. I have not always been happy with the teachers but do feel i am listened to when i voice my concerns to the school board. even with some bumps in the road if you are and involved parent you will get results at ACAA.
—Submitted by a parent

ACAA is not only the best choice for my son but it is the best choice for any student who not only wants an excellent education but knowledge, experience and advancement in the fields of Visual and Performing Arts. It is a safe, nurturing, professional environment in which students can advance academically ( including advancing into college credited classes) and Performing arts such as Dance, Drama , Vocal, Piano, etc and Visual art. why pay for outside vocal, drama etc lessons when students here at ACAA ( a charter school *FREE*) get those classes every day !! Plus the Mon-Thurs schedule is great Yes like all other schools there is detention and thanks to Mr. Lalley's Star policy and strict guidelines for behavior and such , the school has a fantastic track record of eliminating the causes of improper behavior.. in other words, they are on top of it!! they keep the school as it is meant to be and class body of students that WANT to be there as oppose to those schools who have students that would rather be anywhere but there..I cannot recommend this school enough!!! NOW only if I can convince them to expend to the lower grades so my younger son doesn't have to wait!!
—Submitted by a parent

Well the truth is TRC is part of the same school as ACAA they have the same governing board! This is true because I know the Chairman of the Board. I loves ACAA when my children first started there, but things change!
—Submitted by a parent

I actually disagree STRONGLY with the last comment. TRC is NOT part of ACAA. They are a resource school that rents a room from ACAA. Like ALL the previous posters said, this school is wonderful!!! The staff are all great, they care deeply about my child. My child LOVES, LOVES, LOVES it there! GREAT school!
—Submitted by a parent

This IS a GREAT school! I am very pleased that we made the decision to allow our son to transfer to this school. He has grown and matured, and his grades are better than ever. There is a mutual respect between staff and students that I did not see at his previous school. Even though this is a performing arts school, academics are the top priority of administration. When my son first approached me to attend ACAA, I was against the idea but made him promise to look into the school. The more I investigated the more I liked what I saw. They are a fully accredited, excelling school and recently was awarded the "2010 Spotlight on Success" award from the state superintendent.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is best of the best. it is tuition free and my son who is a freshman loves his math and piano classes he talks about them all the time! The school has the most amazing arts programs and they also care about their students.
—Submitted by a parent