Paradise Education Center

The school itself is great, but we have had very bad luck with the past 2 teachers we have had. The office staff and aides are great.
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding comments 1) School not having special needs programs My oldest child started kindergarten fours years above grade level. There is a gifted program, first few years the school focuses on the child being able to function well in a school setting. There are plenty of opportunities for your gifted child and are expanding. There are resources for those who are behind like my youngest child who is now working at grade level 2) Limiting your ability to volunteer to your ability to pay. The school has sent at least 2 notices this year any parent help. Only thing the school requires is if you will be working in the classroom you need to be fingerprinted. That makes sense to me. I love PEC they are a good solid academic school and have a heart for the children otherwise we would be sending our children to private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

We love PEC! I have a 1st grader and 6th grader in the school. My 6th grader did not attend PEC previously and came from a top school in Arizona and we have found that the curriculum is very equal. There is alot of homework that needs to be done every night.(6th grade) I think that the agenda the students were told to purchase needs to be used. It should be encouraged that the students use them every day. Only 1 teacher requests they use it. I know there is the web pages, but I don't think that the students should have to use them, it should be for the parents to verfiy what the students are doing. Overall I am very happy with the school and think it is great!
—Submitted by Kori Garcia, a parent

The specials are actually relevant and exceptionally taught. The teachers are strict and the students know it and act accordingly. We're at PEC to stay!
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school for a child with special needs. They do not have the programs or resources to help exceptional students(special needs children)succeed. You will receive a better education and experience for your exceptional student in the Dysart District.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has only been at Paradise for a couple of months now. I think Paradise may be a shining star when compared to Dysart schools, but is still far behind, academically speaking, when compared to schools in other areas. Even many half-day programs have children learning more. If your child is reading before kindergarten, expect to be disappointed as your child will continue slowly while the others play catch-up. Also, most schools are hurting for volunteers, and children benefit from having parents who are actively involved at their schools, but at Paradise your ability to volunteer is based upon your ability to pay. Also, requesting gifted testing for a child is like pulling teeth, and teachers aren't made aware of the program's availability.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely impressed with this school. Two of my kids have been there for 4 years, and a third will start next year. We are definately and Eagles family. Great Staff and administration. I highly reccomend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school. You get extra help in what's needed and has awesome teachers. Highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to Paradise for two years this will be his 3rd year. His very happy. The teachers are great. I have seen my son progress every year. I really recommend this school to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The teachers seem to be great and happy to be there! My son loves it as well. There is a great community atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at Paradise for five years. In that time, I've seen their class sizes increase by one or two students, hardly a comparison to the unmanageable behemoth of district school classes. True, they haven't had an art program in the past couple of years, but the students have regular PE, music, and technology classes. The teachers work together, especially at the 7th/8th grade level. If a parent doesn't know what's going on with a child at this school, then it's because the parent isn't paying attention. Regular progress reports, weekly paper communication, and updated teacher websites are the norm here. Academic achievements and test scores are up, and more extracurricular activities are added every year. PEC's biggest problem is having to turn away kids because of lack of space. Sorry, can't have my kids' spaces; there's no way mine are going back to district schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I was upset (and so was my daughter) to leave this school when we moved out of state. The teachers and staff at PEC were excellent. She had the best experience while she attended this school for a little over 6 months. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent

I love this school . My daughter has been going to PEC for two in half years she went from Peoria Elementary and was getting F & D . She is now making A & B. She loves school now . Now my son is now going to PEC He is so happy to go here at Peoria school he was at the point of being scared to ask to go to the rest room . I think my children will excel with this school. PEC works with the students I don't give this school a ten I give it a twelve.
—Submitted by stephnie, a parent

I absolutely love this school. The public schools in our area are horrid, so I was thrilled to get my daughter into this school. Teachers are great, staff is great, completely happy with this school and the quality education my daughter is getting. I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent

I have three students who go to this school. I have a second, seventh and eighth grade. They have been attending for three years. My oldest was failing at another local public school but finished on the honor roll at this school. The teacher's are concerned about the academics being taught and work in teams to teach the students. I think this teamwork among teachers help give my children the best curriculum to learn and grow. My children seem happy at this school, get good grades and have many friends. The staff and parents are involved and friendly. I feel that my opinion is valued and my children's education is a top priority. The only minus is that there isn't enough specials to choose for the 7th and 8th graders. Overall it's a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

PEC staff are always willing to listen and they make a genuine effort to listen and try to help. They strive to improve the learning environment. Sure they have had some teachers I have had problems but nothing major and they work very hard at trying to resolve your concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

I love PEC. My oldest has been there for 4 years now and my youngest will going into 3rd grade. I agree that the school is getting bigger but, I don't feel that my sons' education has diminished at all. I look forward to the high school getting established. If those who aren't happy with PEC think that it is better in the Dysart School District be my guest and go. Just remember when you give your place up...there is a good probability that you won't be able to come back. There are hundreds of families who are desperate to get out of the district. When in doubt, compare all the overall testing standards. PEC blows away the public school system. We are a PEC family and proud of it!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school, but becoming very large. One positive about charters is the ability to give students more attention. This is being lost in the numbers.
—Submitted by a staff

This school is very nice. They have a great variety of programs both, academically and extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel PEC has excellent parent involvement. My wife assist in the classroom about once a month. My son has ADHD and they have helped him through evaluation and a specific education program. The teachers have been consistent in the discipline program and we have instituted the same program at home. We receive weekly updates via homework and are free to talk to the teacher or administration at any time. When we have talked to them they have treated us with respect and cordially. The principal is very friendly and truly is concerned for the children. The class sizes are smaller than at the public schools. And even with the swift growth, they have added classes and hired qualified teachers. They have even quickly got rid of teachers who were not following the standards. I do not believe my children would receive higher quality at a public school than here.
—Submitted by a parent