Great Hearts Academies - Scottsdale Prep

SPA is a fantastic school! I am a high school student here and really enjoy it. True, it is not for everyone but for those of us who aren t having any problems, it is a great place. I am in several clubs, love the music and art programs plus I participate in a sport every season. Homework is not difficult. It does not take me or my friends 5 hours to do! What I love most are the teachers and the other students who are all interesting and really talented in so many ways. Outside of school I have other clubs and activities that I do and most weekends I am out with friends. The school isn't huge but most of us like that. There are about 150 students in high school now and 100 more will be freshman each year from now on so it is growing. The school college counselor is awesome and I have done some research into college choices and requirements and have found that SPA has more than prepared me for what is needed. Some friends that graduated from Veritas, another Great Hearts school, have said that college is easy for them because of the education they got in high school. That was great to hear and with classes like Latin and Humane Letters I have even more college options.

SPA is OK in 6-8, not great. SPA has a few great tchrs. They are VERY hit and miss. SPA hires young tchrs who are good students but untested, inexperienced tchrs. SPA has very high expectations, but not sufficient teaching quality to back them. Unresponsive admin. Expect "0" flexibility! From Gr.9 expect 4-5 hrs. hmwrk. No posted marks where parents can see progress. Quantity of work does not equal quality. SPA uses 'prestigious' in every speech, but have never had a graduating class. How do they know whether they are prestigious or not? That claim only comes with time and proof. Below is what I wish I knew PRIOR to sending my kids: start in 6 gr. or don't start no tech/comp or gym class no recess, One group meeting with the tchrs/year for 10 mins, timed! IF YOU TRANSFER, (most students leave SPA - grad class has about 18, down from 48+ -) you may only be given credit for either Hist. or Eng; not both(Humane Letters does not transfer) The HONS. designation does not transfer in some cases. You will have to make up PE, Most universities require a tech/computer credit which you will not have. The top public high school honors teachers are a much better choice - consistent
--Submitted by a parent

This is the right schol for students who do not want a social life and only care for their studies. I have attended SPA for 3 years now and i have no time to play sports because i would be going to sleep at 11 PM due to the homework load. SPA is a good school for the lower grades but as you get into 8th grade and high school the academic level if just unbearable. Beacause of stress and lack of a social life, this is my last year at SPA

If you want your student to enjoy school, this is not the place. Their social life will be NOTHING as they will spend all their time studying. My child did well but other kids really struggle. I have a friend whose child had to drop all extracurricular activities because she had to study until 11 each night. The curriculum is more busy work than anything. Latin - really?! Technology training is weak. The kids do not enjoy this school and there are still disciplinary problems even though some parents choose to be blind to this.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is attending Scottsdale Prep, and this is her first year as a sixth grader. I initially looked into the Great Hearts Schools because my daughter has often tested in the top of her grade, and I wanted a place that would giver her more than a basic education. This school is a step above anything else I found. Her homework load is large, and there are very high expectations on these students. I offered that my child try this school, and if she didn't want to stay past Christmas break, she could go to a local school... I believe the child must form their own commitment to this type of education . January is here, and she has decided she would never go to another type of school. Great Hearts has provided the type of atmosphere where the nerdy student is welcomed and praised, not ridiculed and singled out. We may be at Veritas, another Great Hearts school that is closer to us next year, but she may not want to change her school at all, making the long commute worth every mile. A note re: parents who complain about the disciplinary code, most of the parents and students have decided it to be suitable , children with disciplinary issues often leave, that doesn't bother me.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending Scottsdale Prep for 2.5 years. She and I are very pleased with the school. The curriculum at this school is rich and impressive. My child learned how to study and manage her time well. She writes amazingly, reads well and reasons like a college student. The text books are college level. She is 2 year ahead in math. The teachers are very caring and professional. My child has received nothing but nurturing and encouragement from her teachers. The Headmaster is firm but also very caring. She is in it for the children not for her personal interest. The kids are nice and wholesome. My child likes her friends better here than the ones from her last public school. The parent community is wonderful. All the moms there are very involved and cared about their children's education. We are asked to donate money to the school because it is funded less than public school. I don't mind contributing to the school because I know my child is getting the best private school education in AZ for less.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has gone to SPA for 3.5 years. Yes, it's academically challenging and yes, it doesn't have the vast elective offerings that public school has. However, the personal attention is incredible. Parents know each teacher, we have the opportunity to conference with our daughter's entire team of teachers and she is confident that she's getting the best education possible!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of SPA for 3 years now, we love it and so do our 2 children. The teachers and staff are wonderful, they are very hands on and have always been extremely quick to address any concerns that might arise.. They make us feel like part of the SPA family. Our children are leaps and bounds ahead of their peers when it comes to academics.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids go to SPA and our eldest has been there for the past 3.5 years. Is it demanding, absolutely, but the quality of the education is well worth it. Our kids love the school, the class size and the amazing lunch program. Being able to bring in such wonderful restaurants as Subway, Pei Wei, NYPD Pizza enables the kids to have healthy meals during the day. In addition to the the academics, the athletic and extracurricular programs have provided the kids an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities (Speech and Debate) along with competitive sports (football, golf and tennis) that they may not have had the chance to do in another school. I would highly recommend SPA to anyone that can survive the lottery and wait list...it is well worth it!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a Junior at Scottsdale Prep, and I couldn't love it more. Most people would say that high school is the time for feeling insecure and never fitting in. However, I have never felt more loved and respected in my entire life. The rules that may seem old fashioned teach us to respect our teachers and classmates, and create an environment where all can easily speak their minds. The staff is incredibly bright, but also can easily relay information to their students. They are not only my mentors, but also my friends. They make me want to go to school each day and see what more I can learn about the world. There is not one person in my grade that I do not consider to be my friend. Some people say that at first glance we look like we've grown up together, and in a way, we have. The group that I have been with seven hours everyday has made me the person that I am today. I can't say I haven't worked long nights, but it is definitely worth the work. I would not miss one football game, one school dance, or one coffeehouse for anything. I have realized that Scottsdale Prep is unlike any other school, where kids can grow in an environment free from fear, because all people are welcome.