Tempe Preparatory Academy

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