Tempe Preparatory Academy

Tempe Prep has bent over backwards to help my student. He has received tutoring from the teachers, as needed. The teachers really care, and put so much effort into making the academic experience top notch. I highly recommend Tempe Prep.
—Submitted by a parent

I have put four children through this school during the last eleven years, and the decline of the school has caused us a lot of grief. Academic standards are headed down (even AIMS scores say so), and discipline is gone. I appreciate that the current administration maybe has kept the school from folding for financial reasons, but it is terrible that several outstanding faculty members have quit in disgust because of disciplinary issues. A kid who brought drug paraphernalia to school got the same punishment as a kid who left campus to get coffee. A kid who injured a classmate in an on-campus car stunt was "punished" by having to supervise younger kids cleaning up garbage (which is all over the place). Etc. Some years, the football team runs the school. One year, at the all-school awards program, two female coaches dissed a girl from another school by name. Classy. Eleven years ago, this was a school for people who really cared about classical learning. Now it's a school for parents who've who don't even understand the curriculum but think it's a passport to Harvard. It's better than regular public school, but it's going downhill fast. One more kid, one more year, then out.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been part of TPA for the past 7 yrs. Although I still believe the education here is still better than public schools, I'm very disappointed in watching the decline. They have definitely lowered their standards in not only academics, but in student conduct as well. My youngest child has been encouraged to do "busy work" (make bracelets) in order to keep her from being disruptive. WHAT is that about?!! My oldest child who attended TPA is appalled by how slack everything has become. Where did the TPA standards go? Do you suppose that's why all of the quality teachers are leaving?
—Submitted by a parent

While no environment is perfect, TPA has a dynamic that few other places posess. For the most part, in most instances, a partnership is formed between the parents, the students and the staff and faculty. Also, there is comraderie among each of these groups. Parent groups, student groups and the faculty as a group. As is the case in all such situations, the balance is never perfect, however, I have never worked with a group that strives for balance in a more diligent manner than the people associated with this school. I believe a great deal of the credit should go to the current leadership, Mr. Hallman, who has provided a great deal of structure to this model educational institute. While no leader is ever truly appreciated for their efforts by everyone, this one is especially diligent in his attempt to find the common ground and nurture the basic values that TPA tries to convey.
—Submitted by a teacher

I know now why anyone who values education would want to take part in TPAs lottery. It is an outstanding school in terms of teachers, mission, commitment to excellence. Even with the limited budgets all schools face, TPA is about excellence and the striving for the full person to be greater than he or she thinks is possible. My children thrive there--but note that we very much value education and excellence and are very involved. We love the Tempe environment of liberalesque, high-tech, passport-holding kind of families that attend TPA, and the teachers which are so intellectually open-minded and challenging. In TPA, you work on your brain and your mind, question biases, question your assumptions, learn, excel. The campus doesn't show well, but its teachers and administrators more than shine. In the end, its about outstanding results, scholarships to college, well-rounded intellectual leaders of the future. I feel my children are on the right track at TPA.
—Submitted by a parent

Tempe Preparatory Academy has been through a difficult transitional period, with three different headmasters in the last 4 years. In that period, the education offered at the school has declined. In the past, students had to write a research paper each year as part of an annual project week that took place in January. This important intellectual experience has been eliminated, and students no longer have to write research papers. In the past, students were required to write review essays about concerts that they attended. This requirement has also been changed; students now fill out a check sheet. Even in humane letters classes, writing does not seem to be very important, and teachers take months to comment on and return essays. (In one humane letters class, for example, the third formal essay was due on Feb. 17 but not returned until May 4). Teachers seem to rely on rote-memorization exams now.
—Submitted by a parent

i absolutely cant stand this school. i've been here for only two years and am getting out for next year. i'm not spending the next four years of my life in that place, thank god. it has great academics for people at other schools who get all a's, which i did. in everything else, tempe prep just is not the the school for some people.
—Submitted by a student

It is a great school. Besides great academics, TPA forms and prepares the person for life.
—Submitted by a parent

TPA as it was nicknamed was the best school I have ever been to. The teachers are great and I love it. Plus, the academics are above average.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school more than I can tell you. I am grateful to God that we were lucky enough to get in. Although there is no perfect school, TPA is the perfect school for us!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

i just moved to a different state i regreted leaving soo much! the teachers there are wonderful. you make great friends there in no time because there are not that many students. overall this school is wonderful. i loved my 2 years there
—Submitted by a student

I think your diversity rating is flawed! There are substantial number of Black, Indian (India) and other cultures - diversity at this school is not viewed as an issue by students, they work side by side and accept each other regardless of race! Have had 2 students in this school over past 8 years! The 'average' student at Tempe Prep excels in university studies with emphasis in Math, Physics and Literature!
—Submitted by a parent

TPA provides an outstanding demanding curriculum which in most classes is taught with enthusiasm, humor and rigor by extrordinary teachers. Improved evaluation of teachers is needed to rid the environment of a a scant number of teachers whose motivation to teacher to TPA standards is lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent school, but parents and students should be aware of three points - a) the work is hard b) there are mountains of homework, especially in ninth grade c) the curriculum is set so if, for example, your student is poor at Latin or music theory, then tough. In my opinion, this school is great for the over achiever or student who if lucky to be bright at all subjects.
—Submitted by a parent

Every school should strive to have the standards set by TPA. My son just completed 7th grade. He has found balance between daily workouts with the HS football team and a passion for Latin. He drives our family crazy with incessant Shakespeare citations. He tells his brothers, 'Dudes, in Julius Cesar, he's talking about guys like us!' If you want an honest assessment of the school ask any of the students. They'll tell you that while they don't always look forward to going to school (my son: 'I'm not a nerd, geesh') they love to learn and they're learning a lot!
—Submitted by a parent

TPA offers a strong and comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in an environment of integrity, respect, and high expectations. The administration and faculty know each student and truly seek to maximize their collective and individual potential. Teachers will challenge your child to stretch his/her mind and reach beyond the comfortable; to learn to examine, reason, and to question. There is a strong sense of dedication within this community, and the students feel valued. Parents who are considering this school should be prepared to provide a safe and supportive home environment, and be willing to take an active part in the mission of the school. It is a community of learners, and parents are integral. Students graduating from TPA are exceptionally well prepared for college, and are independent thinkers with strong values.
—Submitted by a parent

This has to be the only school where kids want to arrive early so they can review homework with friends. Great community of parents and kids. My son is in 7th grade and he is so happy to be here because he can learn and the peer pressure supports this. Some of the faculty and administration are unnecessarily harsh and they don't always listen to the students, but overall the kids gain so much from the curriculum that the kids themselves create a 'community of learners.'
—Submitted by a parent

Tempe Preparatory Academy's expectations of its students are extremely high. I have found that my children live up to whatever is expected of them. It isn't easy; each child has different abilities, and the rigorous academic curriculum is easier for some children than others. Even so, knowing their grades are not what they would have been in a public school - they ARE gaining knowledge, skills and experiences they would NEVER have learned in a public school setting. And isn't that what education is about - learning (not grades)? Teachers are ALWAYS available for extra individualized tutoring - it is up to the student to initiate. The opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics provides each student an opportunity to be engaged in an outstanding learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Cons: Works best for students who are self-motivated. If your child is not, there will not be much extra coaxing from faculty. Much like college in that respect. There is no grade inflation. The transcript might be mediocre by normal standards, and not reflect the truly first-rate education which everyone who graduates from this school, regardless of grades, has by definition received. The school works to educate colleges about this. Facilities are very modest, but the limitations seem to promote a strong camaraderie among the students and staff. Pros: The great majority of the faculty are superb. They choose to teach here because this school fits with their own ideals, and the results show. The curriculum is extraordinary. There's no joy quite like hearing your child describe why she loves to read Thucydides. Environment is happy, safe, and as wholesome as you're going to get with 300+ teenagers. Thank you TPA.
—Submitted by a parent

Surprisingly school has great reputation & test scores despite negative changes/ behavior by established teachers and administrators. Teachers publish tutoring schedules, but routinely do not keep them. Students still remain high achievers despite negative teacher behavior. Great curriculum at school does not mean teachers like their students, treat them with respect or support students academically. This school demands students who can handle an advanced college environment and adultlike relationship with teachers. Great parent envolvement and extra curricular activities. Allowing school administration by an outside foundation or district will only cause more conflict of interest by school administrators, board members, and teachers. Inevitably school reputation will decrease more.
—Submitted by a teacher