Calibre Academy of Surprise

No discipline, very unorganized, my teacher my son had went through 4 teacher assistants -they would all leave. My son would get hit all the time by other student and they would never inform me , I had to find out from my son. If this is kindergarten I do not want to see 1st grade. My son will NOT return to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school. As a mother of 5, four of which are in school full time, I strongly suggest you do not ever send your children to this school. I had two children attend this school for two years and it was a huge mistake. Staff is extremely rude and uncaring. They are not at all interested in any child who needs any extra help in anything. They will do anything they can to make you want to leave and push your child out. This is not the place for children to learn good character.
—Submitted by a parent

My started out in public school and had an awful experience begging me to home school him every day. He has attended Calibre Academy (formerly Carden) and loves it! The staff, principal's and teachers have all been wonderful! The curriculum is challenging and pushes students to excel. Compared to the public schools of AZ I feel my son is receiving a much better education. The thing that makes me the happiest is that all the families at Calibre seem to raising their children well. My son tells me that he has never been exposed to anyone that is bullying, bad language etc at school that he was when he was in kindergarten. I appreciate the dress code that teaches the students to be conservative and respectful and am glad that the dress code in enforced. We feel safe and know that our son is getting a quality education at Calibre, and our daughter can't wait to begin kindergarten there this fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Warning! Do your research on this school. They have a very high turn over of teachers. No continuity for the students. They have a weak curriculum and lack funds for any technology. The staff is poorly paid so they tend to get teachers hired last minute, which translates to desperation and low quality teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's third year at Calibre and my son is in Kindergarten. I have nothing but great things to say about Calibre. The front office staff are super nice and always helpful. Most of the teachers are wonderful. I did have a small issue with one of my children's teachers and the principal addressed the situation right away. We are really happy with Calibre and can see our children being very successful here.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started kindergarten this year at Calibre. His teacher, Mrs. Parks is outstanding. She is constantly communicating with my wife and I about my son's progress. The athletic direct, Paul Loredo, is also a wonderful asset. He has started a wonderful sports program for basketball, football, soccer, etc. from kindergarten all the way through eighth grade. Parents are involved and the school is a community. The staff and teachers are wonderful. They built a new gymnasium and section for the upper grades. We hope this school continues to rise and look forward to starting our girls in the next few years!
—Submitted by a parent

We love Calibre Academy!! Our experience with the teachers and administration has been wonderful. The principal knows every student by their name, which I believe is very unique and important. My child has grown tremendously, especially in the areas of math, reading, and writing. The new building is beautifull! I would highly reccomend this school to any parent that values their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

My children were in this school for 5 years. Each year seemed to be a little worse than the previous year. I think there is lack of discipline for students who are misbehaving. We had some issues that were not addressed, and as a result, my child ended up with a concussion! The principal is terrible and only wants to be the children's friend, and will tell parents what they want to hear. This school is lacking in so many ways. Sadly I pulled my children out and they spent half of the year trying to play catch-up because they were not given proper education!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of two previous students and two current students with another one that will start next year. I love the curriculum and attention each individual student gets from the administration and teachers alike. My two oldest children were completely prepared for high school and went right into all honors classes, with the oldest set to graduate this year in the top 5% of her class. I credit the early learning and habits developed at Calibre Academy (formerly Carden Traditional). The staff, and especially the principal, truly cares for each student that comes through their door. My children too, have had teacher-changes in the middle of the school year. I have every faith that those changes are made with careful consideration, and in every case it has been for the betterment of the students. I applaud any administration that will stand up and do the right thing for their kids, regardless of how it may appear to the world. I highly recommend the atmosphere of caring for others, learning and thinking globally, and reaching for excellence that is taught, and modeled by staff, at this school. The beautiful new building is a plus to an already great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been working at Calibre (formally Carden) for the past 7 years. I have seen the school grow both academically and physically. I love working with the wonderful families and other staff members. Both of my children go to the school and have been very successful. The administrators support both the teachers and staff. Teachers truly care about each student. Students are challenged and given support where needed.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has attended Calibre Academy (formerly Carden Traditional School) since kindergarten and is now going into the 5th grade. Calibre has always given her individualized attention and focused on areas that she struggles in. She really enjoys reading now and has shown major improvements in both reading and math. The smaller class sizes help limit the distractions in class and help her focus on learning. I am also PTA member and love how the parent involvement is so welcomed and appreciated. I highly recommend Calibre Academy to anyone looking for a nurturing and supportive school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am writing this letter to express what a wonderful job your staff has done in teaching our children. After hearing about Calibre Academy (formerly Carden Traditional School in Surprise), the educational foundation and structure that your school offered, we without hesitation switched our daughter from a Dysart Unified School and enrolled her along with our son at Calibre. Our daughter attended a public school for three years prior to being introduced to Calibre and our son started out fresh into Kindergarten. We are very pleased at the first in class education that the instructors at Calibre offer. The smaller class size, more one-on-one with the students and the overall excitement to teach was amazing. The foundation that your educators have set, along with the hard work of our children has definitely been a plus. Calibre offers a family atmosphere and we know that what they do on a day to day basis is above and beyond what they would be learning elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have been attending Calibre Academy (formerly Carden Traditional) since they began kindergarten. They both enjoy going to school every day, and that is a big positive in itself. One of my children is in the Gifted program and has excelled on all levels. My other child is also bright, but has attention difficulties. The curriculum at Calibre is exceptional and the staff is truly attentive to the individual needs of each student. I am SO happy we do not have to enroll our children in the Dysart School System! The PTA this past year has gone above and beyond! They are a great group of dedicated parents, who have a common goal of providing the parents and students with all the support and benefits PTAs offer. Calibre staff has been exceptional in recognizing the needs of both of my children, as well as being extremely supportive and instrumental in accelerating them to achieve more than they ever thought they could. I highly recommend Calibre to any parent that wants an environment for their children where they achieve great heights.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Carden for 6 years now and have really had a great experience. Two of my children have since graduated and i have a Kindergartner excited to come next year. Carden really prepared my kids well for high school and beyond. Both of my high school kids left carden and went right into honors classes. One of them will be taking AP exams and is college bound. He PSAT scores were great. I am excited about the new construction at Carden and the added opportunities that this well give them to enhance their educational experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in Carden. We most likely will NOT be back next year! I am school shopping! My son has been there for 3 years and every year has been a disappointment and I'm finally fed up. Since Kindergarten, my son has had a new teacher that has either been new to teaching (fresh out of school) or new to teaching that grade. A new teacher right out of school for a year here and there is not bad, but a new teacher to teaching every year gets real old real quick @ my son's expense! Trust me it gets old when its every year. So when you have a new teacher, just when the teachers get good they leave because alot of them are not happy there. Even when I told them I want a guarantee of a 'seasoned' teacher for next year, they can't make that promise. The never ending need to hit parents up for money never ceases to amaze me. They don't take field trips hardly at all because no bus driver. The one field trip my daughter has will cost me 17.50. The communication from teacher to student needs to be improved on...they rely too much on 6 and 7yrs old to articulate the details on how to do the homework. We have yet to see this buidling they've been prominsing for years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Carden in the 8th grade. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is amazing. It helped him to think globally. The teachers at Carden truly care about the students. My son loved the interactive hands-on learning. Carden s anti-bullying policy is amazing especially in the upper grades. The administrative staff is extremely welcoming and I love the open door policy the school has. I highly recommend this school and refer many parent to Carden.
—Submitted by a parent

As with any situation, a parent must make the decision that is right for them and for their child. For my family, Carden is the right choice. I have two children, both with IEPs, and the care and attention given to them by both the special needs dept and their teachers (including the whole team) is something I can't put a cost to. Leaps and bounds better than any other school in this area that I've tried. Are there issues? Yes - what school *doesn't* have them? But, as an involved parent, I take the time to make phone calls, have meetings, and ask tons of questions. Carden is a special school - the teachers, aids, and admin staff are there to help the students. This is a way of life for them, and they are trying to have an impact on young lives. In my opinion, that's a lot better than being there because it's just a paycheck. I would recommend Carden to anyone. Take a look, and see if it's right for you. It may or may not be - only you can make that choice. But, keep an open mind and remember that a school is only going to be as good as what you emotionally put into it. This is your child's future - you need to work towards it, not sit back and let the teachers do it.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Carden! My son has attended since pre-school and is now in second grade. Carden has a gifted program that is wonderful and I do believe he is in this class because of the attention from his previous teachers. They care about the students and keep the parents involved.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is only good if your child is gifted because they only care about there test results. If your child happens to be a little behind or in need of a little extra help this school will shun them. I think it is sad my one gifted son does great at a school like Carden but my other son who learns a little differently is pushed away. What does that say for the charactor of this school?
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school!! My daughter started here this fall and I am quite impressed. The principal and staff is awesome. There are so many different programs. As a military family that moves every 2 years, my daughter has already experienced many different public school environments. This is by far the best. Thank you Carden!
—Submitted by a parent