Calibre Academy of Surprise

I recently removed my child from this school as the communication between teachers and parents was lacking. I was surprises by this as his previous two years at this school was great. I really believe that it depends on the teachers. Unfortunately we met up with the lacking teachers this year. In addition, the principle did not even question why we were leaving. This leads me to believe there are others who have left.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a little shocked to read some of these reviews! I was a teacher at Carden for four years and in response to the comments for those years, I am a bit taken aback. Each teacher runs his/her classroom differently. Parents must understand this. Ability grouping is the best way to go, otherwise your child will not be receiving the differentiated instruction that is part of the charter! All schools go through rough patches, and I can tell you that it was just as hard for the teachers starting in modulars in Glendale as it was for the parents/students. Starting a new school is not easy, and I am disappointed that so many parents (and teachers, I was one of the naive ones) are/were negative about this school. True, everyone has a different experience, but give them some credit! Great school, I loved it there and miss it!
—Submitted by a teacher

Who cares if they have classrooms in portables! The question is, are they learning? The answer to that is yes. And each year the scores seem to improve. So as a parent, I would like a building for all the students, but my main concern is education! I feel that Carden does provided the best education possible for my child. I love it here and my children will continue to go here for as long as they can. The teachers are awesome and the parent support is amazing! I could not ask for a better school for my child!
—Submitted by a parent

I am not happy with Carden because the first thing that was offered was French and it has been cancelled. There is also much disorgaization from the administration.
—Submitted by a parent

Love the school and everything that it has to offer to students! The only issue I have is that when my child was checked out by her grandparents, the front office did not ask for identification. Not only did that bother me, it concerned her grandparents.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to Carden-Surprise for a few years now. I have one in Third and one in First. I love the staff they are always professional and the teachers are wonderful. By children have accomplished so much at Carden, I wouldn't think of putting them anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids are going to a different school this year and I cannot believe the difference. They are actually in a class room,not a portable. The school they are at now is run very professionally unlike Carden. 3rd grade was great there, but anything after that was terrible.
—Submitted by a parent

Carden has been a great school. My children have attended the school for two years. Carden has always been very helpful when it came to questions or concerns that I have regarding my child's education. The teachers work hard at making sure that I always know what is going on in the classroom. I had a concern with another child at one time because they were harassing my student. The principal was extremely helpful in resolving the issue and we have had no further problems. The teachers and staff work together to make this school a very welcoming place for myself and children. I have referred many of my neighbors to this school and would highly recommend it to other families.
—Submitted by a parent

After a lot of research within the Dysart school district, Carden was the best in many categories. Higher test scores then p.E.C. They have just the right amount of homework and wonderful teachers. The ladies in the front office are wonderful. After only a month i have already noticed a big change in what my child has learned. Just look at all the results.I would highly recommend to any parent!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and academics are great, but the principal is not willing to work with parents at all. I'm very disappointed in her leadership. I think there needs to be a change if they want to keep students.
—Submitted by a parent

I hate the fact that the kid have to learn in the trailors. They also don't have room for a nurses office. So where do these kid rest when they are sick and waiting for a parent to pick them up? I am very upset at the way this school runs things. No room for extended care, they don't attend to children that have reading, writing, math etc. disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers were great. We hated the trailers in the back. There is no cafeteria. The principals have been terrible. There is no parent participation. We did not stay there for long.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the atmosphere at Carden. I moved from California about two years ago, and am very happy that my boys are now at Carden.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have went to this school since it opened. I have to say I wish I would of taken them out after the first year! The supply list for the school year is ridiculous.Then after the first week each teacher has more to ad to the list. The things you have to supply you would think they don't receive funding, but they do.If you are considering this school the best thing to do for your child would be to look else where!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with Carden. My 6 year old has a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Williams. She has done very well learning in her class.The only thing I wished they would teach is Spanish instead of French. I don't think my daughter will ever use French outside of school. Her special classes are Art, Computers, Library, French,P.E., and they also go on field trips that are not expensive. She loves going to school. And the front office staff is very nice. I'm very pleased with Carden.
—Submitted by Maria Salazar, a parent

We are 100% happy with this school! Everyone has been great to us and they all seem to care about the kids! My daughter loves to go to school every morning and has learned so much so fast! The academic program exceeds those in the public school and the kids seem to understand it being that we tested higher than state average! They even have a 'gifted' class for the children who exceed the already high standards. In my opinion, the school is far better than I had expected. I will continue to send my children here and would recommend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

If you have an exceptional child, this school is great. However if you have a child who may have special needs or additional help...Look elsewhere!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his 2nd year now and I have to say the 5th grade teachers are the best! They work together and know how every student is doing. I do wish that the dress code would improve. The shirts are very expensive & plain. Stains are easily noticed, therefore it gets costly replacing the shirts, and you can only go to one company to get these uniforms. I wish they would get more colorful & the ability to purchase from other places. I also would like to see more sports activities available for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now attending his 2nd year and he loves it. I really like the class switching so each of the students can learn at the level that they should and not be slowed down or expectations of more. My only disappointment is why are they teaching French?? Considering the population of Spanish speaking people in this state,jobs offer more $$ & it would be much more beneficial. I can assure you that having friends w/ kids in the public schools w/in the area, the public school will not be an option anytime soon.
—Submitted by a parent

We attended Carden for 3 years. The first year 2003-2004 was fair. The high turnover is discouraging. The teachers are not supported by the leaders of the school. The homework was outrageous.
—Submitted by a parent