Starshine Academy

BUT WHAT YOU CAN BRING & GIVE TO THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO MAKE IT BETTER AND KEEP THEM WANTING MORE OF IT...THROUGH EDUCATING AND EXPLORING IS WHERE YOU SHOULD TRUELY WANT TO BE. AND IF IT'S MEANT TO HAPPEN....IT ALL STARTS TO COME TOGETHER LITTLE BY LITTLE. BUT NOT WHAT WOULD MAKE THE PROPERTY PRETTY FIRST! JUST SAYING.............! I HAVE FINALLY SPOKEN/VENTED. T Y.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of a team of teachers who go above and beyond for their kiddos. The faculty and staff at Starshine Academy truly care about making your child's experience at school a positive one. I encourage you to stop in and take a tour of our campus!
—Submitted by a teacher

StarShine opened in one of the toughest neighborhoods this year, and their mission is to reach all students, and help all students find their unique brilliance. They are a small community school focused on getting to know all the students and their parents, and connect to the community to make a difference.
—Submitted by a teacher

Starshine has a unique mission for our very unique students and that is to teach the whole child. We integrate music, art, gardening, and technology into our everyday core curriculum. We recognize that all students don't perform well with traditional testing methods and provide opportunities for our students to demonstrate learning in ways that maximize their strengths while working to improve their deficits. I am proud to work for an organization that is committed to teaching the whole child. Come check us out! :-)
—Submitted by a teacher

This is Ms. Shoop, Superintendent of the StarShine Schools. I have been in education for the past 25 years and can tell you that StarShine is one of the best schools. The school doesn't just focus on test scores, they focus on the whole child through individualized education plans, an ambassador program, executive protocol, school garden, technology in every classroom, art, music, radio program, scientifically based curriculum and outstanding, dedicated teachers. Come and see for yourself. Visitors are always welcome! We just moved to our new campus - 3535 E. McDowell, Phoenix
—Submitted by a teacher

Just want to say how much I love Starshine. I love everything about this school from teachers to staff and the awesome feeling of belonging. My child is excelling for the first time in his life. So glad we found you Starshine, keep shining.
—Submitted by a parent

All you who are reading this, will your child get to go to AUSTRALIA? Do I hear...WHAAAT! Mine will! Ms Smith's class is making the trip to Austraila. The class is working on EVERYTHING and they are excited let me tell you. They areFund raising, practicing and following the StarShine Principals, learning not only about AUSTRALIA but all the neighboring countries. Hands on learning if I ever seen it. Shout out to Ms Smith and her wonderful class which deserves this trip.
—Submitted by a parent

Kindergarten and First Grade at Starshine is what makes me happy. The whole school is amazing though, it truly is. I have kids in KG and First grade and they are doing so well, my KG is reading, my first grader is excelling in all subjects, it is remarkable. Starshine is a school to be proud of in all areas. The teachers really care are so dedicated. Thank you Starshine and all of your staff for helping create tomorrows future in such an amazing way.
—Submitted by a parent

Starshine Academy is different than the other schools where I have worked. We are a small community school where everybody actually does know your name. The children are greeted each morning as they enter campus by one of the teachers, The whole school K-12 start the day out together in a gathering of the community for a little yoga (balance, breathing, and focus), the announcements and the pledge. This community start is carried throughout the days, weeks, and months. The students join together for a school wide YEAR LONG food drive. The upper grade students lead events for the younger children showing true leadership. The teachers at StarShine are among the best I have worked with. They are very attentive to the needs of the students and very passionate about the ideas that StarShine stands for. Come check us out!
—Submitted by a teacher

StarShine Academy strives to transform educational outcomes for k-12 students, teachers and staff, parents and our community. Our Kindergarten teacher and his class have stepped up to this principle in a big way! Our Kindergartners are encouraging and leading our entire school in setting and achieving personal goals and creating good for our community through StarShine s Year-Long Food Drive, now in its fourth year. We stress the fact that setting one small goal individually combines with the efforts of everyone else into a much larger contribution. By the beginning of November, StarShine Academy had donated over 590 pounds of food this year to a local Food bank. I am proud of our student s success, willingness to participate, and the positive contribution they make to our entire community.
—Submitted by a teacher

The school has wonderful teachers who really care about their students. It is a very small school, but it is full of inspirational people!
—Submitted by a teacher

This is Trish McCarty, founder of StarShine. The reason you don't see test scores is because our schools are small and cannot be reported accurately to protect the identity of children at the school. I have tried several times to get GreatSchools to post something but can never get their attention. Maybe you can help. The kids are learning about 1.5 times the average child. And they have many more problems to overcome so they are amazing.
—Submitted by a teacher

I'm so glad I was hired at Starshine. They gave me a chance when no other school would even give me an interview. I now have my substitute certificate and love teaching the kids. The school helps the kids that can't go to school anywhere else because of issues with the other schools. Thanks to Trish and Jan for giving me another chance, too.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is an outstanding school. The teachers and staff really go the extra mile to see that every student receives what they need. I love the emphasis they place on not only the children's academic education, but their outlook on life and instilling morals and values in the children. I recommend this school to anyone and everyone who will listen. I don't want to send my daughter anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

In this space, it allows a voice from people who may have another agenda, rather than one that supports the needs of each and every child. We have had some teachers that could not adjust to the rigid requirements that the school has for all staff to help every single child to exceed all expectations and master requirements for graduation AND university entrance. Please try to attend a graduation and listen to the students' speeches, and talk to the alumni there supporting the graduates. You will hear amazing success stories of many having not only graduated college but are doing wonderful work. StarShine does not fit a command and control lecture-only teacher. It expects teachers to educe the best of each student at all times, that includes expecting manners and integrity.

Parents, please look closely at the atmosphere and opportunities your child will have at Starshine. I have taught there and the people all have great intentions and try extremly hard, but the lack of discipline and inconsistant boundaries set by administration are dangerous. Some children to flourish in this setting, most coast through and are unprepared academically and socially. I don't think any graduates have ever attended a University. This may be the school for your child if all others have failed, but please do your research before enrolling.
—Submitted by a parent

I have toured many schools and seen none like StarShine Academy. The staff is dynamic, kind and caring. The students are educated in gardening, leadership, international studies, music, art and the best cirriculum- using the best technology. This is not the best school for my children, it is THE school for my children. After having them attend just one year - I couldn't imagine them going anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Starshine is a wonderful school to be a part of. It is a place that kids can come to school and learn individually at their own pace while also feeling safe at school. Not only do we follow the Arizona State Standards, we also teach the students life skills that will help them lead more successful lives.
—Submitted by a teacher

I currently have a student at Starshine Academy. When I brought her hear last year for Kindergarten, I had a lot of expectations for her first year of education. My daughter also needed to be in a setting that kept focused on task to keep her from getting into things. In Mr. Dan's kindergarten, she was put in the setting that she needed so much. She learned how to focus her energy in a positive way. When she entered the school year, she was not even close to reading. By the end of the year, she was bringing home books every day that she read to my wife and I. Starshine Academy is an awesome school and I am so glad I chose them for my daughter's education!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school teaches Love and acceptance for all people. They incorporate values which are lost in most public school, courtesy, respect; acknowledgement of outer s uniqueness...