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GreatSchools Rating

Milestones Charter School

Charter | K-8 | 283 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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72 reviews of this school


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Posted April 17, 2013

I love Milestones! I find it sad that someone is so confused about what really happens at this school. The cultural arts fee is $140 and has been for many of the years my kids have attended. Their paperwork states clearly that it is for on campus activities throughout the school year and I have attended some and they are very good. To say that there are activities for girls and not boys is ludicrous. This is not the place to spew your anger towards someone. I find it sad that someone is willing to undermine the reputation of a fine school because they are dissatisfied due to their own issues. Maybe it's a good thing that Milestones is not a good fit for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 17, 2013

For the woman whose son is going to a new school after three years at Milestones, you and I have very different memories of what happened in the parking lot. Calmly telling someone that turning into oncoming traffic would be unsafe is not threatening. Honking your horn excessively is harassment. The cultural arts fee is not just or field trips. These funds are also used to bring plays, musical performances, and other educationally appropriate venues to the school. There have been at least ten of these assemblies during the current school year. Milestones sponsors countless after school clubs and activities for girls AND boys; science club, math club, art club, yoga, basketball, and many others. Information about these activities is sent home all the time. We get at least one or two notices each week in our child s Friday Folder. This information is also posted on the wall in the main office. My daughter has attended Milestones for 7 years. She has received an exemplary education. I do, occasionally, work in the office. There are other members of the faculty and staff with children who attend Milestones. These students, if anything, are held to a higher standard of discipline.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 15, 2013

My son has been at Milestone for 3 years now & this will be his last there. My son gets assigned computer work, yet there hasn't been ANY computer classes or access to any computers. They charge roughly $150-200 for the "cultural arts fee" this is supposed to be for field trips, however in 3 years my son has had only 1 field trip. I have witnessed the kids bullying in front of school faculty, & that person ignores it. They do have clubs for girls, but nothing at all for boys. Children of faculty receive special treatment & are not held accountable for their actions.Faculty members don't listen to students when issues occur. I was even harassed by a male that works in the office when he threatened me in the parking lot (I honked my cars' horn at him). Save your childs self-esteem & your sanity.. DON'T ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND THIS HORRIBLE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 23, 2013

My son is currently in kindergarten at Milestones and this is his 3rd year there. His curriculum has him learning a 1st grade level. He loves this school, his teacher is awesome, and all the staff knows every kid as an individual. He is very advanced compared to many kids his age and Milestones is perfect for him. The only thing I would feel more comfortable about is if they had a nurse on campus. I recommend this school to everyone I talk to. My second son will enter the preschool next fall and I cannot wait!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2012

I attended Milestones for five years. The first three years were (though still below my standards) better than the final four semesters. Initially, I had a teacher that made efforts to challenge students who were above the standards for the grade level. The same was true for the following year; the year after that, however, things spiraled downward FAST. Though I adored my teacher that year, I was (at best) moderately challenged academically. The next year, despite excelling in a math class, all the kids in my grade were forced to repeat the same class I had taken the preceding year. My final year at Milestones, there were ZERO standards. I made a game out of seeing how little I could do. And the teachers and administration did NOTHING. In fact, the only grade that suffered was my effort grade. If your child is approaching or far below grade level and you would like him or her to pass a year or two of school with flying colors, I highly suggest that you transfer him or her here. However, if you seek an education at or above your student's grade level, I highly suggest that you continue your search. In conclusion, my educational experience was lackluster, at best.


Posted May 9, 2012

This school is great. My child has had a wonderful experience and his AIMS tests scores prove that he is getting an excellent education. Administration and staff are always helpful and they know my child. I know this school is responsive to bullies and any issues are dealt with appropriately.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 10, 2012

We love this school.My son is in preschool and way ahead of other preschoolers from other schools.They teach a child ahead according to the child's learning skills.We love Ms Jean and Ms Tiffany from PreK.They're very involved with the parents and stay involved with the children on a one to one basis.We're happy with our son's progress so far........
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2012

I love this School my son's teacher is great. The class sizes are small so the teacher has more one on one time with the kids. Remember we as parents still need to work with our kids. It is not all the teachers responsiblty, If any thing we need to teach our kids more manners.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 8, 2011

This school is horrible! They lack basis nessesities like a library and computer lab. The principal has a BAD attitude problem and lacks proper communication when it comes to discussing issues with anything. My child cried every day when it was time to go to school. I pulled her out and now my child attends a nearby public school and if growing by leaps and bounds emotionally and academically. I would never reccomend this place to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 23, 2011

The school isnt doing much for the kids at all. There is no teacher cooperation with parents. There us not much extra curricular activities for the kids. They are way behind in therir accademics. I wouldnt suggest tis school for kids from grade 1 onwards.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 22, 2011

I came to Milestones after teaching in a public school for several years. I needed to find a way out of letting politics run my school and get to a place where I have the freedom to teach the way students really learn. I have found that in this school. I love the entire staff and most of all I love that we are growing leaders in our students. WE as teachers are free to make choices about a child's education and do what is appropriate for each child to learn. As much as one-size fits all education is convenient to fund and easy to train teachers on, it does not benefit the children that need so much more academically. Both to catch them up or equally importantly to advance the children further than expected. At Milestones, I believe we are able to provide a different learning experience for each child and the kids thrive on that. I love teaching here and will never go back to district education again.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted June 21, 2011

Milestones Charter School is both good and bad like all schools. The success of your child does not fall on the shoulders of the staff at the school but yours as a parent. It is your responsibility to work closely with your childs teachers to assure positive growth. A lack of computers and library books does not make the school unsuccessful, most children have access to computers at home and there are public libraries where you have thousands of books to choose from. I found as a parent I simply had to ask and my child received more challenging work, also as a parent when he was slacking I pushed him to do better. The staff has always been polite and courteous however the dress attire puzzled me the children had a dress code, why didn't the staff,? I agree that the play area is in desperate need of work my suggestion is to take the $$ for Jean money and hire a professional ladscaper next year. My oldest son fell behind in public school and caught back up at Milestones he entered high school ready and confident. My youngest son will start middle school in an advance placement program at our local public school. My children excelled yours can too get involved.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 28, 2010

My child went to this school because the principal made it sound wonderful!!! Well it was just the opposite, she was bullied all the time!! The teachers didnt take care of it or anything! So the last week of school I pulled her out and when she went back on the last day to get her things the assistant principal/masth teacher got up in her face, and the 7 grade teacher acused her of lying!!! Never again will I refer it to anyone!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 29, 2010

This school has a lot going for it and is a better choice than most public schools. However, it tolerates verbal harassment and abuse and has therfore created a very unkind undercurrent of this behavior that runs rampant in the school.Despite the great reviews (sometimes submitted by the administration pretending to be parents) it is not a school for excelling students. They will tell you each child works at his/her own level, but in reality they all have the same work and the same deadlines and they are geared very much towards the lower standards. It is well suited to children who are a bit slower/behind then those at grade level or ahead. Parents are not welcome at the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 2, 2010

Milestones is pleasantly diverse culturally. They are very community minded. They attempt to understand the difference in their students and teach them at their strengths and encourage them to excel. Their number one goal is to give the students a safe environment/community. The next goal is to give individualized teaching yet still be in groups/classroom settings. To give an excelling student challenges to succeed, an average student chances to excel, and a challenged student the necessary help to achieve. They try very hard to work with the students and not kick them to the curb if they don t excel to overachieving standards. They keep the whole student in mind and not just tests scores.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 12, 2010

I am a student here and it is very cool. I excel in math and other subjects so fast it's crazy.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 9, 2010

My 2 kids have been at Milestones for about 2 years now. Overall, we really love the teachers and the other kids/parents. The only downsides: the playground is terrible (wood chips are so disintigrated that the kids are really playing in inches of dirt, not chips. The classrooms are never properly cleaned (and I'm not a neat-freak). Administration is pretty laid-back, a little too much for my taste. I was very disappointed to learn that my daughter was watching movies in her PreK class. That was definitly not on their daily itenerary. Having infant care available on site was invaluable.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 9, 2009

When I attended this school I would get good grades but mostly because the work was too easy for me. I didn't feel challenged enough. I also didn't feel welcome in the school. Most students were harsh and others were liars. The teachers didn't discipline students that seemed like a handful. The school lacked a computer room and the library had a little selection of book for children over the age of 9. The school does have a few good points to it. Students are encouraged to be creative. I would say this school is good for average and young students but not much for excelling students.


Posted March 4, 2009

My daughter is in kindergarten this year and my husband and I are really happy with the school and impressed by her teachers. There is a strong focus on literacy in her classroom and we continue to be amazed with her ever growing reading and writing abilities. Milestones is a really nurturing and caring community where kids come first.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 4, 2009

I am both a teacher and a parent at Milestones. Our curriculum exceeds state standards and our children have fun learning. What more could you ask for? We have built a strong community filled with trust, love, and support. Our staff is dedicated to our students' academic and social success. We work a lot in small groups and learning centers in the elementary school. The children get a great deal of individualized attention. We offer wonderful 'specials' classes: Spanish, Art, Music, PE. I hope to see you on the next tour of our school!
—Submitted by a teacher


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.

About these ratings

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 test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
71%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

34 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
97%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
89%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
60%

2009

 
 
63%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

28 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
86%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
100%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

44 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
100%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
96%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
100%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

11 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

11 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
80%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

11 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
93%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
56%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

23 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
100%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Performing Plus".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Highly Performing".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Highly Performing".

About the tests


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.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

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 »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 79% 45%
Hispanic 8% 41%
Black 7% 6%
Unspecified 5% N/A
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Asian N/A 3%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 0%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Oops! We currently do not have any teacher information for this school. We rely on the state Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and in some cases school administrators such as registrars and principals for this data.

What makes a great teacher? Study after study shows the single most important factor determining the quality of the education a child receives is the quality of his teacher. Here are some characteristics to look for »
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4707 East Robert E Lee Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Website: Click here
Phone: (602) 404-1009

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