Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona

I felt compelled to write this review because I am very grateful to GLAAZ for all they have done for my daughter. We came to GLAAZ because we wanted a school that would set our daughter apart when it came time to apply for college and we feel the individual support and rigorous instruction will do just that. My daughter is thriving in the all-girl environment which limits distraction and helps to build strong relationships. I highly reccomend this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent

The Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona is in its third year of an impressive turnaround with strong principal leadership, National Board Certified teachers, a partnership with Teach for America, and state of the art technology in every classroom. A Title 1 school, GLAAZ provides opportunities for capable young women to begin taking college classes AT NO COST as early as 9th grade. My daughter is thriving and will have completed three college classes by the end of this semester.
—Submitted by a parent

This review is for the current school.... Girls Leadership Academy - Well to start this is an all GIRLS College Prepatatory that opened in 2011 with the Principal being from the distinguished Madison school district, a smaller class setting vs. the traditional overcrowded highschool. Each girl gets personal attention and is offered rigerous class courses that will prepare them for College. The teachers are truly accredited , and outstanding when it comes to offering time to students. Its more of a modern approach to a girls school without the pressures of a co-ed setting. Though they do require a simple uniform, it varies to suit each student.The Girls can focus on their work and all in all the school is very laid back and familiar, all the girls get along with each other quite well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at C.Y.A. and really loved my school up until this year. The principal and the staff are very unsupportive of the students when it comes to extra curricular activities. I'm on the volleyball team and the principal and the teachers have never shown up to a single game. I find this contradictory to what they say. Last year we had several teachers who would come and show their support. I would have hoped to have a different experience this year.
—Submitted by a student

The first week of school I came back to school to find that things have changed. I have attended this school for all of my high school years and have loved every minute of it. Until I came this year. None of the teachers that have been there for me for all these years are still teaching there. There is a whole new staff with only 2 returning teachers. This doesn't make any sense. We spend so much time getting to know the teachers through our mentor program and then the principal replaces the whole staff. I'm really disappointed.
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a student who attends CYA, after reading the above comments I felt the need to tell the other side of the story. CYA s new principal is doing a great job. He has turned the school around and is holding staff, students and parents accountable for making students successful. No longer can students fail to attend class, fail to study and disrupt the learning of others. The students and teachers are being provided atmosphere where learning can happen. I am sorry that the parents who wrote the above comments were not willing to work with the school administration and hold their children accountable. Monday was the first day of school and it was great. The staff was prepared and ready to receive our children. Thank you Mr. Bressler and staff .
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school but I'm frustrated as a parent. She came home from school yesterday and was scheduled in a science class that she passed last year and was also not scheduled for an English class when this is her senior year. They don't seem to be very organized.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a student at Crittenton Youth Academy. He enjoys the atmosphere and the sports program which is a savior for him. If there is any negatives about the school it would be the inconsistencies of the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

omg i love this school. they acctual help you succed in your grades while keeping a one on one teacher ratio
—Submitted by a student

Crittenton Youth Academy offers kids a healthy, challenging and safe place to learn and grow. The school is focused on academic achievement and treats every student as if they were their own child. Every student is looked at as an individual, with individual needs, plans, goals. The teachers build respecful relationships with the students and truly care about their well-being and success. They have a fabulous campus and faculty, a service learning program, free tutors and staff mentors. CYA also provides organized sports, which is rare in charter school environments. Another great advantage over other charter schools is that they are nationally accredited, which means every teacher is certified in the subject matter they are teaching. I highly recommend CYA for any student, parent or counselor looking for a place where kids can excel.

The current staff do a great job of creating a safe learning environment.

As a teacher of Crittenton Youth Academy, my first priority is the success of students. I strive for nothing less than the personal and academic excellence each student is capable of achieving. Students learn in varying different ways, and it is a joy to help students discover their preferred style of learning. I want students to be creative and learn through group projects, presentations, art, drama, video clips, and traditional learning (lecture) - a healthy well-rounded combination which suits a variety of learning styles. Most importantly, I love my students. I administer gentle but firm discipline, and guide students into making appropriate, healthy choices. My students know I care about them. Your child will feel safe and nurtured at CYA. All teachers and administrative staff follow the same philosophy. That is why I choose to work at Crittenton Youth Academy. . Diane Strong, Social Studies Teacher
—Submitted by a teacher

Education and safety is number one priotery, teacher and staff are certified and very profesional!.
—Submitted by a parent

Crittenton Youth Academy helps young people prepare for the future with a high quality education and skills necessary to succeed in today s environment. They truly care!

Crittenton Youth Academy is a small environment that is able to meet a student's needs. They know every student has the potential to succeed and are willing to take the time to foster that potential. Great school with caring teachers and staff.