Benchmark School

Our child started at Benchmark in September. We've been very impressed with the education and school. They try to make the learning real and really engage the children. They also keep parents in the loop by making you sign off on completed homework, quizzes, etc. periodically or when a grade is below a certain percentage. Lastly, they offer alot of afterschool progarms on-site. Overall, we feel it is a very safe, supportive and challenging environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Benchmark addresses special needs of students through its school nurse and physical therapist, who can help parents plan for transition to middle school for special needs children, more than might be expected in district schools. There is an emphasis on civility and a bully-free environment and I have always seen all the teachers behave well, something I cannot say about all the parents. There is less funding than is enjoyed by public schools. Expect to pay/volunteer more than a ps. The number of students in each classroom is high, compensated somewhat by teachers working together in teams. The teachers may be stressed more by some of the parents than the students, which has led to administration policies that descourage parents from informally communicating with them. Parents are required to help see homework projects are done.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started 4th grade at Benchmark this year. This being her first year at this school we have been so amazed at her progress and even moreso the dedication of each individual teacher to the needs of each and every student based on their specific skills and needs. She has made great friends and looks forward to school every day. The parent involvement is amazing and is very obvious how that contributes to the positive environment as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Benchmark this year and I can already see the difference. When we first dropped her off she would cry and beg us not to leave her. Two days later she gets up in the morning and sings about going to school. She has learned so much and comes home with such a positive attitude. She is a gifted child in the sense of how smart she is but Benchmark has taken her to another level. Just the little things like knowing how to spell her name, songs she sings adding and she even tries to read. I am amazed!
—Submitted by a parent

The best elementary school in Arizona. Period.
—Submitted by a student

We are impressed by the quality of education at Benchmark. It uses a very engaging and hands-on approach to learning. Last year we were attending a top rated public school, and the difference in quality of teachers and curriculum between the public school and Benchmark is clear. Last year my kids were bored with the 'teach to the average' approach. Now they are having fun while they learn at the right pace for their skills. My husband was skeptic about the school, but now he is the first one to admit the difference and compliment the school. Preshool program is fantastic. We highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Benchmark School is always looking for ways to improve. A beautiful multi-purpose art building which will be used for art and science is almost completed on the property. The kids are learning and having fun.
—Submitted by a parent

For a high-quality elementary school education, look no further than Benchmark School. Low teacher-student ratio, excellent curriculum, and beautiful physical facility are what you will find there.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel fortunate that we were able to get into Benchmark school, as we were high on the wait list. Most importantly, my kids love going to school and can't wait to get back this year. They love the principals, the teachers, and their friends. Academically, I think Benchmark is hard to beat. Benchmark has two 'excellent' music teachers, a dedicated art teacher and a fantastic gardening/outdoor educational program. There are an abundance of choices for after school extracurricular activities, and my kids even love going to the aftercare program for fun. Parental involvement has been quite extensive. The only things lacking, in my opinion, are an indoor multipurpose facility and a professional librarian.
—Submitted by a parent

We are entering our 5th year at Benchmark. My son is entering Kindergarten and my daughter 3rd grade. I am so thrilled with this school. Great academically and socially for both my kids who are very different. Great Pre K program last year, even with the change of teachers, who turned out to be awesome! You can't please everyone, but I would recommend Benchmark to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduated student of benchmark and I have to say that it is a unique school. I have been attending there since kindergarten, me and my family still new to america. I was very shy but my family was welcomed with open arms. Throughout my years in benchmark, I won awards and had tons of memories to cherish. I gained confidence I never knew I could have from friends and especially from my teachers. I learned things I wouldn't have learned from other schools. If I never went to benchmark I would never have been this prepared for the future. We did great projects and tons of writing and I miss it all. I understand things aren't as great as they once were, but benchmark gave me a kind of knowledge that I just can't seem to find elsewhere.
—Submitted by a student

Overall, the school is superior to district public schools. Teachers seem to care a lot, but sense change in last year. Used to do some great extra curricular student/teacher R&R opportunities - didn't happen this year. Principals? Not so sure about them. Quite aloof and basically non communicative. Sometimes seems that there is no leadership - that teachers can do their own thing. Reading and writing approach is excellent, altho some recent test score trends worrisome. Student body not really mixed ethnically, but terrific job at exposing kids to different cultures and entertainment - African choir. Initially was excited that school had Arts, Music and Spanish programs. At least in our early elementary experience, the Music program is a total joke, and Spanish approach/teaching methodology is very weak - very old school. Could just be a staffing issue instead of a curriculum approach issue. Hope for improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters have excelled at Benchmark. The teachers are incredible. Any parent wanting to learn more about a school will (or should) look at the tangibles like test scores, ratios and curriculum. Benchmark has the best of each category...hands down.
—Submitted by a parent

I am shocked at the negative reviews that I just read. I had very high expectations when my child started at Benchmark School and they have exceeded all of them! My daughter was reading chapter books in Kindergarten and was doing multiplication and division in first grade. She loves school and is excited to go back in the fall for second grade. The nice thing about Benchmark is that if you don't like it you can leave...there are lots of people on waiting lists that would be happy to take your spot! The teachers and administration are outstanding. I look forward to finding out what my kids will be learning next year! Thank you for your commitment to providing a world class education to our kids! You are very appreciated by me!
—Submitted by Robin Johnson, a parent

This school has been a wonderful experience for my child and she has flourished academically in ways she would never have in any other environment. The adminisration, however, is deploable and socially inept. Thank goodness they no longer are in the classroom so that the high quality staff they have had the sense to hire and the curriculum that has been implemented can enable the school to excel as it has. A school is only as strong as the top down and evenually the administrations' strong weaknesses will lead to this schools destruction.If they could accept reasonable and sincere feedback from parents and provide an atmosphere where parents and school work together, there might be hope, but I do not see the two directors 'allowing' this to happen.If your child is gifted and you require little or no contact with the front office,Benchmark is your school without a doubt!If not run!
—Submitted by a parent

The education at Benchmark is superior to any other school I have seen.My daughters have excelled, due to the excellent cirriculum. They loved attending school and have grown in class and after school activities. The staff and administration are kind, caring people who put the children first. I am thrilled that my girls attend Benchmark School.
—Submitted by a parent

The Benchmark Administration explains clearly to touring parents the commitment to the educational process that they expect of their students, parents and staff. If we as parents did not have the same expectations for our child then we would need to consider making another educational choice. Benchmark has fulfilled all our expectations. The staff and administration are always available if ever we have a question or concern.
—Submitted by a parent

I slept outdoors in front of Benchmark School two years ago to get my children into this fine school. Excellent curriculum, energetic teachers, and involved parents to our family this sums up Benchmark.
—Submitted by a parent

We had another successful year! (our 6th year)What an amazing place that my children love! The academics;reading,math,social studies, & science, are so far superior than my local school district. Our family could not imagine attending any other place! It is our educational paradise.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our son to Benchmark this year from one of the supposed 'best' public school districts in the valley. This was his very best school year ever. He was able to reach new highs in academics because of the way that the classes break down and we are so grateful that he has had this opportunity. I only wish I had been able to have both of my children in this school from Kindergarten on, it is such an awesome school!
—Submitted by Carol Reichenberger, a parent