Paradise Education Center

PEC is phenominal! I have smart kids and wanted them to be challenged on a daily basis, which they are! My kids are doing hands on activities like making rock formations, using baking products donated by parents and afterwards the kids can eat them! My fourth grader just took an extended day field trip to a few of Arizona's national parks, including Montezuma's Castle and Well. They ended their long day at Peter Piper Pizza. This is something that can't be done in the Dysart School District. There is just so much parental involvement at PEC, all to the kids benefit! And, somehow this school has tamed my "wild boys", which I never thought would happen! All the teachers are amazing, the front office staff is wonderful and kind, the counselor is the best I've ever seen, the elementary principal is great, and the school nurse is sweet and thoughtful. Everyone I've come to know on campus adores the kids and loves their job. The turnover of teachers, staff, and students is very low which is great if you're already in. But it's very difficult to get in. We were blessed, and I'm certainly grateful!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended PEC for ten years and have not had any complaints. This school has been a blessing to my son and our family.
—Submitted by a parent

What I have found about this school leadership starts from the top and the person who is princple there truly lacks that great quality. Unfortunately my children still attend but looking to putting them in another school. Some teachers, school nurse, other staff members truly lack respect & safety concerns for the student. It seems students are more dollar signs then making sure the student gets the education they need.
—Submitted by a parent

I waited 2 years to get my daughter in this school and I continue to be VERY impressed by the teacher dedication, hard work and push to ensure each child is doing their best. Prior to this my child was part of a school in the local school district and I can tell you, we are NOT going back to that. This school has a big focus on character education and no bullying. For the first time in a long time my daughter is excited each and every day for school. High standards, very respectful kids and some of the most hard working teachers I have ever seen in a school. Not to mention there are things offered in the music programs I haven't seen anywhere else. Between such a hands on learning environment, field trips that none of the other schools around here do, and constant strive to implement new ways of teaching based on most recent studies, lucky is all I can say for my kiddo to go here. I refuse to join the "wagon" and complain about a school that is out performing many schools in the same area with more to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

This was a great school ten years ago but not now. It has really gone downhill and fast. Alot of great teachers have left for other schools. My kids attend this school and it did not work for them. I placed my children in another charter school close by and they are at the top of the class and are two grade levels about where they to be. There is a lack of trust and respect and lots of problems as well. Lots of my friends have or are going to be taking their kids out next year. These are kids that are well advnace. This school should be taylored for children with learning problems only No challenge whatsoever.
—Submitted by a parent

I waited two years for my daughter to be able to attend PEC. She's been there since 2nd grade and there is a world of difference from her prior charter school to PEC in regard to management, staff attitute, organization and communication with parents. I appreciate that the school has high standards and a strong anti-bullying policy. My daughter is now heading into middle school and my son just finished Kindergarten, and both of them have exceeded the standards for their respective age groups and feel challenged and empowered by their teachers and peers. My kids love PEC and I love the warm, friendly atmostphere when you walk on campus and see parents everywhere. This is a school where volunteerism is encouraged and an environment of trust exists between teachers, students and parents. I will not move away from Surprise because of this school and Paradise Honors High School. I understand that people are different and perhaps this school does not fit everyone's needs, but it has certainly been a blessing to me and my family.
—Submitted by a parent

The first reason for my low rating is for poor classroom manageme.This school has seen a growth of problomatic children in the last years. In all my years that I have been a teaching.I have never come across so many students who have 504 plans for behavior. The upper grades are filled with students who lack respect and authority. With 180 students in each grade it can be overwhelming for the most seasoned teacher. PEC limits entry into its so called upper grades 6-8th. Their program is an all or nothing. You must be accepted into every honors subject to be considered honors. With only 28 spots available. Straight A's are not a garrentee for acceptance. Most students who meet PEC'S criteria for "Out of the box thinkers" and who verbalize are females. The ratio of boys is 4:24 girls in this one and only honors class. PEC really needs to look at this issue. It's a very unbalance method for choosing gender specific. If you're looking for a challenging Chater school. Look up top 100 charter/ free public schools and you'll see that one AZ charter school in specific in the lead with 2 in the top 5. One is closer than you think and class sizes are limited.
—Submitted by a parent

Everybody thinks because this school has such a high rating it is soo great :-( , well we enrolled our son into kinderg. and of course payed the 150 bucks right away and got all the uniforms just so that a few months into it we where told that our boy realy is not Paradise E Center material because he will be needing an IEP and he just wont be able to keep up. We where so mad we pulled him out of there.Of course we did not even get a partial refund. So unless you have a gifted or well doing child, i defentetly do not recomend that School.
—Submitted by a parent

PEC is totally awesome. i remeber moving down to arizona in '08 and i was worried that my school and kids wouldn't fully accept me. This school has made sure that i have awesome frinds and awesome teachers.

PEC is an excellent school and my girls love it. The special education program is brilliant. PEC may not be perfect school but they do the best they can to meet the needs of the whole school. I am so glad that my girls are apart of this great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Staff and administration work as a team and support each other to facilitate the best possible education and experience for students. The vast majority of students and parents care about education and conduct themselves with integrity and high moral standards.
—Submitted by a teacher

My kids have been attending PEC as long as it's been opened. It is a great school. My youngest just started kindergarten this year, and I'm more and more impressed every year with the teachers and the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very good. It provides a safe enviroment but i would not recommend this school for children who are excelling, they do not challenge.

I took my kid to PEC because I teach in the public school system. I know first hand how much of a mess it is. Over the last year I have seen much of the same behaviors starting to happen at PEC and I am affraid that they are starting to give into the parents.This is the best school around and I hate to see these changes happen. This is a school of choice, with a waiting list to get in, and they need to get rid of the bad behaviors and let some new kids in that are good.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 kids at PEC and are very happy with the school and staff. PEC has a higher standard for the students behaviors which has created a fun, safe environment for the kids. Big difference in the students when compared to a public school. Parents are involved, children seem to have good values. I'm sure it could be better academically, my kids are straight A students and not being challanged enough. Some teachers are amazing at creating fun,interesting projects and some just focus on test scores. It all depends. Overall, we are all very happy at PEC and we will most likely be putting the kids in their high school. :)
—Submitted by a parent

Was a great school until a couple of years ago. Scores have been dropping and there are too many students in this school. Principle favor certain parents and lokks down on several children. Not mine at all but I see it done to others
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is excelling. They look at her strong point and weeks points make sure she stays balanced and interested. She loves it there.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE PEC!!!!! It's my first year @ PEC and Im in 6th grade. The learning is great and I cant wait till the Medevil Festival. Each class seems to be like a puzzle and they allfit together. Like last week, we were studying debates and persuasive techniques, every class seemed to have debating incorperated in it! I cant wait until seventh grade! PEC has GREAT school spirit and curriculum!
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent of 3 who all attend at PEC. We moved from out of state 2 years ago were the educational standards were set high. My children came out of private schooling. At first out of no choice of our own placed them in the Dysart district. We quickly found this district to be well below the nation and began looking for the best option. We asked around and PEC kept coming up. So far we are happy with the staff, they seem caring and a willingness to listen and work with parents. The only thing that bothers me is that honor program here. Too me it's not challenging enough and I have found that these so called honors classes aren't really honors. They do exactly the same work as the regular classes. I'm also a little dissapointed with some assignments that seem below level work
—Submitted by a parent

This school is clearly the best in the Surprise/El Mirage area (and most of Arizona!) Teachers, staff, curriculum, & even the field trips are awesome!! My guess is the parents that are commenting that the school only cares about test scores is that their child doesn't even go to this school, or has never been drawn to get in! In order to be an excelling school, obviously the kids are learning!!! Look at half of the dysart district...most are underperforming or just meeting the standard. This school is right on track & has been planned carefully. No budget cuts, & no taking specials from our kids. They have a specials class everyday rotating PE, spanish, technology, & music.
—Submitted by a parent