Benchmark School

I am curretly going to this school. I have only been there for about 7 monthes and I've been on 8 Feild Trips! WOOHOO! But anyway my teacher is SOOOO nice, Their names are, Mr.Brask,Mrs,Rheinfelder,Mrs,Willaby, and Mrs Spencer. I have never been to a better school in my life. They teach Singapore math which is making me way more smarter since I came from a public school. I needed help with my Math, My teacher actully told me that she would tutor me after school. In her own time, no extra pay. SUCH NICE TEACHERS! They don't have a cafatirea though. U get to eat in the class and you have to make your own lunch or order it from the school. I have made MANY MANY friends here unlike my old public schools. This is the best school.

This is, hands down, one of the best schools in the entire Phoenix area. The curriculum is challenging and inspiring. The science lab (very nice!) is being run by one of their best teachers, Mrs. Norlander. The kids just love her and she allows lots of hands on learning. I'm so glad to see the change in 3rd grade teachers this year - glad Mrs. J is gone. Teachers groups in kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade and 5th grade this year are absolutely the best. There are 2 teachers per classroom. My kids come home happy and excited about what they learned every day. There is homework and the teachers expect a lot from the students - we are happy in this type of environment but it might not suit all. The curriculum includes lots of specialty units like Roman Festivals, Pioneer Day, Civil War Day, etc. - kids are challenged to do lots of in- class presentations - great to get that skill built early! Thanks to all the teachers and admin. for all your hard work and creating such a great school! (FYI - not every school is perfect - this school has a few minor flaws but the good outweighs any of those minor annoyances.)
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter and son go to this school. My daughter started in Kindergarden then left for another school in second grade to another "Excelling" school. The other school was nice and had 'hug' days but academically did not challenge my daughter the way she needed to be challenged. We came back to Benchmark for 3rd grade. She loves it there! The teachers believe in educating the kids and keeps the bar high because they know these kids can do the work and do it well.
--Submitted by a parent

As a TEACHER/PARENT of Benchmark I am dismayed by the comment about the teachers of Benchmark. I am currently certified to teach in two states and have a degree in psychology in addition to a teaching certificate. I also have a Master's degree in education. I also take classes, at my own expense and as required by the state. Your child s teacher is an important ally and useful resource when it comes to raising your child. Go for the we attitude instead of the me attitude and work with your child's teacher to help your child have a great school year.Obviously some parents (not all) at our school have the "me" attitude. I certainly don't have the 'me" attitude when I spend hundreds of hours each year planning interesting lessons to engage students when I could be spending it with my own children and family. I guess my hours of planning are a waste since the parents do all the work. To that parent: Spend less time gossiping in the parking lot and reflect more on yourself and your child. Concerned about turnover, think about it. Are you the reason some teachers leave? I know I think of career changes after dealing with some parents.
--Submitted by a teacher

Our daughters have spent the past 6 years at Benchmark, and this school is top notch in every way. The academic education they received at Benchmark has surpassed all our expectations. Our 3 girls are avid readers, math whizzes and well-versed in both historical and current events. The curriculum is challenging and interesting. We can't say enough positive things about the teachers and the administrators; they clearly love teaching and working with children. Our experience at Benchmark has been overwhelmingly positive, and our girls love learning. Sadly, we are relocating to another state and have left the school. We can only hope to find another school that will inspire and support our kids' love of learning as much as Benchmark has. A big "THANK YOU" for a quality education!
--Submitted by a parent

This is to address the review about all teachers not being certified. I know that when they are audited, they have to show that all teachers are certified. I know first hand that these private schools you pay an arm and a leg for do not staff all certified teachers. My 3 kids have/are going through this school. My oldest has moved on to middle school with 4 other Benchmark students. All five of them tested into advanced math and one tested 2 grade levels ahead. Also out of 150 students in English, 5 were recommended to follow the advanced track. 4 of the 5 were former Benchmark. If this does show what kind of product Benchmark produces, I don't know what does. The kids are well prepared and transition easily to a new school. As with any school, you may have a teacher you don't see eye to eye with or an issue with admin. No school is 100% perfect, but Benchmark comes pretty close. We've been more than thrilled with it!
--Submitted by a parent

The best way to know about your child's success at their elementary school, is after they move on to middle. Our kids have moved on and are thriving in all honors programs, with all A's. They have excellent social skills, they are better prepared than most of their classmates, and are on track for top honors in high school, AP programs and academic scholarships. Hopefully Benchmark's parents know how lucky they are. Thank you Benchmark.
--Submitted by a parent

Benchmark is flat out THE best public elementary school in Arizona. What the school leadership has built here is a hidden gem. The curriculum is top notch with Singapore Math leading the way and the reading\language arts has the emphasis on phonics over whole word nonsense. The science lab out shines every elementary school in the area but you cannot beat the 15 to 1 student to teacher ratio (STR). Students are ability grouped to make sure those that need help get it and those who excel are pushed. No child at either end of the ability spectrum is left behind. This setup makes Benchmark not only unique (no other public school comes close to this STR) but truly a superior choice for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

Benchmark provides a balance of academics, life experiences and school comradery in an environment that children enjoy and excel in.
--Submitted by a parent

Charter schools and the teachers there make all the difference!