Arizona School for the Arts

Two of my daughters graduated from ASA and went on to the honors college at ASU well prepared for college because of the high standard of education they received over the 6 years they attended ASA. Both girls qualified for full scholarships because of their hard work. There IS a lot of homework, but honors students at other high school have the same workload. ASA is a college prep so students need to be prepared to work hard. My daughters found life long friends at ASA and we are grateful that we had the opportunity to send our children to this great school. One of the wonderful opportunities that ASA gives to its seniors is the chance to serve the community by volunteering 35 hours as the foundation for their senior project. This for me was the icing on the cake. Thanks ASA.
—Submitted by a parent

Elitist school pretending to be open to the community. So glad to be leaving. Look at the upper grades. There is a continual mass exodus of quality students. Do not let your child attend this school unless you love stress.
—Submitted by a parent

That same seventh grade math teacher is still there, but now relies on internet math sites to instruct her classes. Spoken to other frustrated parents who agree that she is out of her depth and strongly advise me to find a tutor. The old adage applies...you are only as strong as your weakest link. If ASA wants to solicit itself as an elite school of choice then they need to make sure EVERY teacher meets that lofty aspiration.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in his second year at ASA and so far, it has been an exceptional experience for him. The teaching staff is engaged, communicative, caring and really good at what they do. They have a reasonable number of kids in their classes and provide a extraordinary amount of tutoring during lunch if necessary. So, every child has the opportunity to succeed if they want to. My child wasn't a "performing arts" kid but is loving his instrument and choir (although he wouldn't ever admit it). The student body, during those challenging middle school years, is accepting, kind and cares deeply about school. It is a great place to learn, grow and challenge yourself. You are certainly not boxed in!
—Submitted by a parent

Pretty good school! Good arts program and gives students performance opportunities! Good for people who want to continue arts as a career.

My child is starting his 4th year at ASA and I couldn't disagree more with the negative reviews of the administration. We went through 3 schools before coming here and I am also an educator. This is the ONLY school where I have been treated with respect as a parent and feel like both the teachers and the administration have my child's success and well being at heart. My experience with the fundraising was that it was no different from what I experienced elsewhere, it is symptomatic of the times we live in. ASA has been the best educational experience for us. My child is highly intelligent and the academics are challenging without having to segregate him into a "gifted class" (yup,been there, done that.....).
—Submitted by a parent

This upcoming school year will be my 5th at Arizona School for the Arts and I have seen a lot of change go through the school (good and bad) but overall I have been very happy with the education the school provides. As a student ambassador and ASA community member, I find that along with great teachers, a wonderful school community, and performing arts education second to none, the people at ASA (teachers, administrators and students) strive to be the best they can be and that really shines from all who are privileged to attend the school. Although growth has come over the past few years, it has been one of my personal goals to strive to uphold the ASA community and what that entails on a day to day basis. ASA, while a great school, is not for everyone and that is understandable, but I encourage anyone who has a passion for learning and performing arts to at least come and take a tour of the school. At least apply because more often than not, people have a great experience here.

Just found this site and reviewing the comments. We have been in this school for three years with our youngest and five years with our oldest and have nothing but amazing things to say. All of our experiences from 5th grade through now going into the 11th grade have been amazing. Every teacher, staff member and administrator has the children's best interests in mind. They teach them to look at their own skills carefully, ask questions and grow. Both my children have grown so much at ASA in this environment where personal responsibility is REALLY a focus. I'm very grateful for ASA helping my child to become the confident, questioning student he is today. And am even more grateful they don't throw worksheets at him, but allow him to analyze what he knows and doesn't know and go from there. It's been a great choice for us, but it's not a fit for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Arrogant, impersonal, administration......They are sure, not what they claim to be : A "caring" school that believes in individuality... All they care about is to raise money and shine in public through their great students that are handpicked, and come together in that school for the Arts.. If your student is loud and had a sharp elbow and can push herself to the front rows, or you can afford to go to all their fund raising events and be heavily involved, you sure will get the benefits and all the attention ,.. The only good thing I can say about that school is the great liberal, open minded hand selected students that find their way to that school, .. because of the name of the school .and a few great teachers that have already left.. There are still a few good ones left, like every other school .But the head of school & principal & vice principal are so busy with raising money and advertise for themselves that don't care about individual students .
—Submitted by a parent

I am so grateful for ASA and their wonderful environment. I have had children at this school since 2005. Some years are better than others, but overall it is a great place for your child to get a great education. The teachers are caring and dedicated and the experience is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a student at ASA for four years. My opinion of the school has steadily declined over time. Although ASA constantly vaunts their "outstanding academics," many of their classes are not challenging in the slightest; in fact, I often feel limited in my classes. The administration is extremely condescending and never listens to input from the students or parents. They seem more focused on boosting their public image than cultivating student happiness. They spend most of their time making and enforcing bureaucratic rules. Don't confuse the administration with the teachers; many of the teachers are wonderful and helpful. However, the majority of ASA's best teachers have left in the last few years. The teachers ASA has been hiring in their place tend to be of lower quality. I have had a good experience at ASA, but it's mostly because of my classmates. I've had the privilege of going to class with many brilliant peers, and that in itself has taught and motivated me. ASA's probably one of the best options for schools in Arizona, but it has many problems. It succeeds because of its great students, not its often mediocre programs. The administration would do well to remember that.

This school has been wonderful ever since y son started. He is in 8th grade and will be their for High School. He started in 6th grade. The education is tops!!!. The art program is the best ever. The kids are wonderful. Focused on their life to make something of them selfs. Teacher are so wonderful and love helping and getting the kids off to a wondrful start in their life journey
—Submitted by a parent

I am a four year student of Arizona School for The Arts, and I have to say that this school is not what is used to be. Many teachers who have been working there for years and have made ASA the school that people know it to be have left or are now leaving and the new teachers, I feel, are not the quality of the old. The administration at ASA is very hard to contact and treats students like "you are lucky to be here" instead of a friendly "we are lucky to have you". They spend a great amount of time correcting the dress code and building the new building instead of making students feel like they are part of a community. There has been a huge exodus of students since I have left middle school and I feel there will be many more. I know I have said some strong negative points, but this is how I feel about ASA. Though ASA has flaws just like any school. Its acting and music program is very strong! They help you become great musicians and excellent actors.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is really privileged to attend ASA. The school embodies excellence, from the development of every student's artistic side to becoming a well-rounded individual. My child who has been known to be very shy gave a very confident project presentation today. I am very proud of what she has become since she came to ASA in the beginning of the school year. Her teachers are admirable people who guide her through every step of the way. Thank you very much for your hard work ASA teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Aside from 7th grade math teacher that was out of her depth, my student has loved ASA. Teacher grade teams are great and communicate quickly when they spot a deficiency or areas to work on. ASA pushes their students to achieve great things in a nurturing atmosphere. The arts program is outstanding!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two current middle school students. Both children love their school. Overall it is really friendly. I find the teachers to be really on board with the kids, they know each child well and are rooting for them. Neither of my children are academic superstars, but so far they are coping really well, and don't seem to have any problems with the academics. They can't imagine going to any other school. The arts program is FABULOUS! The school strikes a perfect balance between achievement, life learning skills and fun. I couldn't wish for a better environment for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

ASA is a school that is worth going to. Yes it is hard, yes it pushes your limits, yes you feel like you are going to dies sometimes. I am a senior and I have been here since sixth grade and every year I have grown. The academics prepare you for what is coming ahead in college, so the dreaded presentations and all nighters that happen are WORTH IT.The theater department is fantastic, the teachers are amazing. The only problem I have, is that I feel the school is turning more conservative and less liberal than it used to be for the school, which is said, because the liberal environment is what drew me to the school in the first place, where I could be myself and explore politics, plays, musicals, etc. without feeling restricted.

My son has attended ASA for two years now. He could not be happier here. In previous schools he was bullied or teased because of his out of the box thinking and ADHD. He has deficits in social interactions because he comes from a family of Aspies. The school and teachers have been able to work with him to help him make friends in appropriate ways. The teachers nurture his love of math and science and he has learned so much more than I ever did in school! The training in voice, piano and strings has contributed to his cheerful disposition and love of learning. 7th grade was especially tough, but my son cheerfully did most of his homework independently, even if it took 2 or 3 hours. I am a single parent and an elementary teacher who does not have much time to volunteer or money to contribute. The teachers and administration have always been supportive of me, even offering free tickets to events I could not afford. My younger child cannot wait to leave the kill and drill of elementary and be challenged at ASA. The only minor request I have is making German an option in HS.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student who has been attending ASA for four years, I feel that it has greatly gone downhill. I feel like I have not been challenged at all this year and it is my first year of high school. In middle school, teachers stress the difference between high school and middle school, but I have found high school a lot easier than middle school. I wish the administration would take a better look at the students' opinions on some of the teachers even after they've been hired.

I have been going to Arizona School for the Arts for a year now, and I love it! The teachers are always very helpful nice and like socializing with us.My life has changed in the past year. I feel that everyone deserves the education that I get at ASA.