GreatSchools Rating
In the know: Get our expert advice on schools
Share with friends! Post your opinion of Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix on Facebook.
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
This school provide's a safe enviroment inside the school buildings as well as outside and if something was'nt deamed safe it was soon made safe by the school. I have been to this school for a while now; the staff are all friendly in a professional manner, Excellent school, excellent parent feedback - couldn't be any better!
—Submitted by a parent
I have two kids in this school. The teachers are very supportive and provide the right balance between education and play. I found the teaching very good and to a high standard. The special educational needs department has a specially equipped with many materials. This is a mixed school and is very multi cultural and you are able to lean a lot about the different cultures and faiths in here in the US which allows kids to get a broader and more open minded view of kids and other peoples faith and cultures. Great School, Great Teachers with High Standards of Education.
—Submitted by a parent
I've been here for four years and really, I'm glad I have had the opportunity to attend such a school. The teachers are helpful in that they get to spend lots of time with their students; although it might get on some people's nerves, but they are only wishing the best for you. The education is great and improving - I am a senior and get to witness the younger students receive plenty of new programs to help them succeed. To be honest, I'm a bit jealous. Anyway, not only are we polishing SSA - Phoenix on the inside, but the appearance as well. The school's been painted to a more appropriate color, we've gotten newer, safer fences, and we are working on doing more. I hope this review will change your mind and give us a chance.
I have known this school for two years and school is just doing great job. There is a diversity of students and teachers are so patient and dedicated to educate. I love the vision of the school which is STEM focused education. I feel lucky that we have this type of school in our neighborhood..
—Submitted by a parent
This is THE worst school I have ever seen. My 5 year old is not Muslim or Middle Eastern so she was made to feel like an outsider. She was YELLED AT by some inept teacher on the second day of school and was terrified to go back. The administration blamed MY CHILD for this, saying she was too immature to be in their school! The school called me and told me that I have to come get her immediately, and we had to withdraw her after only 4 days because of the teacher s inability and unwillingness to help out with the traumatic experience my daughter had there. They ate lunch outside where it's 112 degrees outside! There's supposed to be a school uniform, unless you're Muslim, and then I guess you can wear whatever you want (the girls' robes cover everything). The best thing I EVER did was pull my daughter out of there!!! I ve never seen so much incompetence in one school, and that was the adults ! (I use that term loosely) SSA I hope you read this, as I'm sure you know who my daughter was. FYI she is now doing AWESOME in her new school!!
—Submitted by a parent
WORST SCHOOL EVER! I have never seen such a bad school in my whole life!!! There is no discipline! The students pretty much just run the school! The teachers get no support from administration! Especially the head of discipline Mr. Bill. He doesn't know how to work with students!!! If you love your child do NOT send them here!!!!!!!!!
This is the worst school ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please if you are anglo, hispanic or any other ethnicity that is not muslim, turkish or russian do not even attempt to enroll your kid at this terrible school. I have had numerous meetings, emails and phone calls to the administration regarding the way that they handle the bulling issues and I have not received any response at all. Your child will get emotionally damage in the worse way that you can ever imagine. I'm not exagerating at all. I can't wait untill the school year is over to move my son to a different school. The behavior is horrible and they don't do anything to make the parents feel that their kids are going to a safe place where the only focus would be to learn academically. They have to be concern about who or how they will be threaten, punch, spit, kick and the list goes on and on by other students. Is your desition as a parent to make the best desition and I have to admit that i have mistaken by enrolling my child at Sonoran Science Academy. The teachers try their best to support their students however they don't receive support from administration.
—Submitted by a parent
I have been to many, many schools, and by far this is the best school i have ever been to. There are teachers here who care and support you, if you have problems they talk you through them. No matter what, the teachers will always help you and be very kind. I have been at Sonoran Science Academy for 4 years now (3-7). They have a great education system and have some fun too. They make sure you learn the subject no matter how hard it is to complete. Also, its college prep school. I plan on going to this school until I'm in 12th grade. This school may not be the richest, but its how you feel when you get here for about a month, you start to feel comfortable.... i love you sonoran science academy phoenix! <3
Very bad shool !! Not recomending at all! Most teachers are muslims with bad english ! Its supported from middle east ,as family business ! Sameone making good money on our children .
—Submitted by a parent
The School is grate if your middle eastern or Russian, The principle and vice principle struggle with English which interferes with academics as well as communicating with parents who do not speak turkish or Russian I was unhappy with the performance of the 7-8 grade and 6th grade teacher's there was no discipline and really no structure. As a parent who is seeking the best edu for my children I would ABSOLUTELY avoid Sonoran Science Academy metro/phoenix
—Submitted by a parent
To be honest i think that this school is a good school because it is a college prep school and the school prepares you to go to college. I also think that this school is a good school because it is a public charter school which focuses on math,science and english. Also, this school helps students pass the AIMS tests by giving out tutorings after schools.
The school is great because 1. Place a strong emphasis on basic curriculum including Science, Math, History, Geography, English and the Arts 2. Value the importance of multicultural education 3. Constantly seek ways to enrich the curriculum by offering more curriculums that supplement a strong academic program 4. Believe that all children can learn if properly taught 5. Make every effort to help students develop proper skills for college, work force or everyday living.
—Submitted by a parent
My children attend SSA Ahwatukee Campus. The teachers are great! But the children do have an enormous amount of homework sent home for the week. My daughter is in 2nd grade and has 3 pages of homework a night a total of 12 pages from Mon-Thur night. My son in K, has a couple things to do a night. All this homework time is at least 2 hours a night. I think they are going a little far with it by being in school from 8-3 on top of homework nightly. Plus the catered school lunches seem to often be gross or cold when supposed to be hot. OH and after school programs you have to pay for!
—Submitted by a parent
As a student in SSA, I like how the teachers focus on each student's learning in the class. Teachers are always helpful and do their best to help the student understand the topic. However, there aren't many activities for us students, such as sports clubs for girls.. In general, it's a good school..
—Submitted by a student
The School is very strong in math and science, and the teachers are highly qualified, but the district is expanding, and many of the student's teachers will move to new schools, or some teachers will be fired because they do not meet the performance expectations set by the district, and the constant changing of teachers can be very confusing and delay the learning. The most impressive traits present in this school include not only the qualifications of math and science teachers, but also the fact that almost all teachers will give up their nights or weekends for any student wishing for tutoring
—Submitted by a student
The school is the best. Teachers help the students when they need help. Merhaba every teacher their is. We are #1.
—Submitted by a student
The best in the school. We make a differendce in the world=) go eagles Merhaba
—Submitted by a parent
I don't believe there is a language barrier. The students develop an ear for any accents the teachers may have and I believe the teachers with the accents are in fact the better teachers. I also love the exposure my son has to other cultures
—Submitted by a parent
This school is awesome...Now i have all a's!! yi love the new 6th grade teacher he is real nice! i think i am going to stay here until im in 12th grade!! go sonoran eagles! u rock coach haight! (i think that's how you spell it..) Xd
—Submitted by a student
The school is great but, the outside cement playground needs to be changed.Also, the Spanish is not so good either, my child has been here for 3 years and hasn't learned even the Spanish basics. In other ways, it is very good in math and science.
—Submitted by a parent
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.
34 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.
34 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.
19 students were tested at this school in 2009.
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.
26 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.
26 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.
26 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.
26 students were tested at this school in 2009.
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.
30 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.
30 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.
30 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.
24 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.
24 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.
24 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.
27 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.
27 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.
27 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.
26 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.
26 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.
26 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.
21 students were tested at this school in 2009.
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.
25 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.
24 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Science was 42% in 2012.
25 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
The state average for Writing was 70% in 2012.
24 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
2011
2010
2009
In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.
Source: Arizona Department of Education
GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 10
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 40% | 45% | ||
| Hispanic | 35% | 41% | ||
| Black | 18% | 6% | ||
| Unspecified | 7% | N/A | ||
| American Indian or Alaska Native | N/A | 6% | ||
| Asian | N/A | 3% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program | 47% | N/A | 51% |
| English language learners | 2% | N/A | 14% |
| Language | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100% | 12% |
Tips for understanding school culture
Apply
Tell parents
more about
your school
Visit
4837 E. McDowell Road
Phoenix,
AZ 85008
Website: Click here
Phone: (602) 244-9855
To start a new list, click OK. Otherwise click Cancel.
Brunson-Lee Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ
Griffith Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ
Balsz School
Phoenix, AZ
St. Theresa Catholic School
Phoenix, AZ
Great Hearts Academies - Archway Veritas
Phoenix, AZ
Tavan Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ
About GreatSchools
Our mission is to inspire and support families to champion their children's education - at school, at home and in their community. We are a national non-profit with offices in San Francisco, Milwaukee, Washington D.C. and Indianapolis.
Find the great schools in Arizona
GreatSchools, Inc. 160 Spear Street, Suite 1020, San Francisco, CA 94105
©1998-2013 GreatSchools Inc. All Rights Reserved. GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
Thank you! You will begin to receive newsletters from us shortly.
Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to complete your registration.
Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to submit your review.
Please click on the link in the verification email we just sent you to complete your change of email address.
Whoops! It looks like we still need to verify your email. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the e-mail? Click the button below and we'll send you a new one.
Thanks for registering. Welcome to GreatSchools, the largest online community committed to improving educational outcomes through parental involvement.
Thanks for verifying your updated email address.
Oops! You haven't verified your email address yet. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the email? Click the button below to receive a new one.
Oops! That email verification link has expired. Please click the button below to receive a new one.
Join GreatSchools to participate in the parent community and other discussions on our site.
Your review has been posted to GreatSchools.
Share with friends! Post your opinion of Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix on Facebook.
Welcome to GreatSchools!
For principals and school officials, we offer a special Enhanced School Profile (ESP) which allows you to update and add information about your school, as well as respond to reviews. If you are a school official, click Continue to start.
Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your comment to be posted to our site. While you're here, we'd like to invite you to fill out a survey on your school's programs, activities, and extracurriculars. It only takes a few minutes and will help parents get a full picture of your school.
Continue to compare the schools you have already selected or Edit schools to change your selection.
Get started now! You have successfully registered and can now start updating your Official School Profile. The information you provide is extremely valuable in helping parents and students learn more about your school, so thanks for taking the time!
Thank you for registering as a school leader. We just need to verify your email address. We've sent you an email - please click on the link in that message to get started editing your school's information!

