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GreatSchools Rating

Grand Canyon College Preparatory Charter School

Charter | 6-12 | 95 students

We are best known for small classes.

Living in Tempe

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $125,500. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $860.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 11 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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19 reviews of this school


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Posted February 20, 2013

We enrolled our daughter at James Madison preparatory school down the street because we like smaller classes. Many many promises went unfulfilled. We didn't even know our daughter was having issues until the report cards came out. she was even failing 2 classes. We worked tirelessly with our daughter. More Promises unfulfilled by the school. no student falls through the cracks? We left. After 1 year at Grand Canyon prep. Our daughter is on the honor roll, with her lowest grade being a b. Since enrolling at this wonderful school our daughter has blossomed. She loves the school, we love this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2012

This is probably the best school my son has attended. Classes are small, subjects include languages, such as Japanese. I think he is challenged just enough! Staff is great; they are caring, responsive and are just great teachers! We feel fortunate to have found this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2012

Excellent, engaged and proactive teachers and staff. GCP has strong leadership and challenging courses and programs. There is visible improvment in my child's education and interactivity with the school and staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2012

Both of my children attend GCP. We absolutely love it. We appreciate everything from the dedicated teachers, to the small warm school environment, to the challenging academics. We are so happy to be a part of this wonderful school environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2012

I think this a great school. Wonderful teachers and staff. Excellent leadership. Too much homework sometimes.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2012

This school is great. The class size is smaller than other schools. Most classes are about 10-17 people at Grand canyon Prepatory academy.(GCP) Yes, the classes are harder but thats a plus if anything because you learn more that way.I am personally a student and I will be at this school for a while longer. The teachers are funny and they can help you at almost any time, due to small classes. This is just and overall great school.


Posted June 23, 2012

I am impressed with this school. My son has done very well and is happy there. Small class sizes and excellent teacher make for good results. My only regret is that with a school this size Physical education and sports are minimal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2012

You have no idea how great this school has been for my boys in both their academics as well as their confidence. This school has been a great influence on my children to want to do better as well as give them hope of going to college.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2012

I was really impressed by the educational background and work experience of the faculty members. Some are professors and you don t get that at a normal high school setting. They give personalized, one-on-one attention when needed. My child has been able to become more specialized in what his strengths are and still receive the basic education from the core classes. ~Cristin Popham
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2012

The dual diploma program is very exciting to me. Students can graduate with a high school and associate degree I was quite impressed. I have never heard that before in other school setting. The students also get involved with the community, charity events, and fundraisers. These are things that help your child become a well rounded person. ~ Alanna Giddens
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 4, 2012

Not impressed by this school. They do not get personalized one-on-one attention when needed. They are not helpful at all. Please parents research before you move your children here. I wish I had researched more. My child has been nothing but unhappy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2012

If your child is struggling with an academic part of their curriculum not being touch by the big schools, come to Grand Canyon Prep Academy. You ll find that help here. That s the basis of the school -it s small, compact and they ll put your child on the right track. ~ Michael Fisher
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2011

I'm so impressed with this school! The programs are challenging and the Teachers are of the best quality. My son is learning so much more here than he did at the public high school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 19, 2009

Grand Canyon Prep has allowed our Daughter to excel so f,ar that she will graduate with a associates in business at the time she graduates high school. Its a real leg up for her.WI give it an A+
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 18, 2009

Grand Canyon Prep has allowed my shy daughter to blossom. She would have fallen through the cracks at a bigger school. Thanks GCP
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 18, 2009

I have had my child in GCP since 7th grade. He did so well that he skipped 8th grade and went straight into high school. He is currently a Junior who will have earned 12 college credits by the end of this semester. He was able to go to Japan and is currently taking his 4th year of Japanese. the teaching staff is exceptional. three of the current instructors are college certified professors. the environment is close and all teachers are in daily communication with parents whenever necessary. I saw a complete transformation in my child. He loves to go to school now and looks forward to all his classes. GCP is an excellent choice for selective parents looking for a great education in a small environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2008

I transferred my 6th grader to this school from a huge public school and he is LOVING it. He is blossoming here. He loves the smaller classes, being able to talk with his teachers and the wide variety of electives. In no way do I find the curriculum here behind or lacking compared to the public school he came from.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2003

GCP is the best kept secret. Our daughter has attended for 3 years and will be graduating this year, one year early. She wouldn't be doing this if she were attending a public school. They help her when she doesn't understand. She is a person not just another student. The instructors are A+++
—Submitted by Teresa Penney, a parent


Posted October 2, 2003

The teachers are highly educated, highly motivated, and possess a breadth of knowledge that allows them to follow and expand upon the students' interests. They were very helpful to us when my son was having difficulties. Mr. Gordon goes out of his way to find meaningful and varied enrichment activities for the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

13 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.

10 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
59%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

11 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
64%
Science

The state average for Science was 42% in 2012.

10 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 70% in 2012.

11 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
55%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Performing".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Performing".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Performing".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 76% 45%
Hispanic 18% 41%
Unspecified 7% N/A
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Asian N/A 3%
Black N/A 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 0%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school Marcos De Niza High School
Fees Middle School
McClintock High School
Colleges most students attend after graduation NAU
ASU
U of A
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Teacher resources

Foreign languages spoken by school staff Chinese (Cantonese)
French
Italian
Japanese
Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Brainstorm Semi Finalist (2008)
  • Chess Second Place Chess Emporium (2011)
  • Fifth Place Phoenix Lego Robotics Tournament (2011)

Special education / special needs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Hearing impairments
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Foreign Language Origins
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Chinese (Cantonese)
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • David Gordon
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
  • Extended/longer school day
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (480) 755-3791

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Hearing impairments
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • Foreign Language Origins
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Chinese (Cantonese)
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Career/college counseling
  • Remediation
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Playground
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Parent involvement
  • Parents serve as volunteers, chaperones, and ambassadors to the community. we have a school improvement council composed of students, parents, and staff.
More from this school
  • One hundred percent of Grand Canyon seniors (over five years)have graduated and enrolled in college. Over the last Seven years, Grand Canyon students have earned close to 700 hours of college credit. Four students received Presidential Freedom Scholarships for community work. We have also continued our overseas program where students journey to Italy or Japan.
School leaders can update this information here.

Visit

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How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Mesa Community College
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University
College preparation / awareness offered
Community college courses
Summer college prep programs
College prep programs/courses during the year
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
College presentations or information sessions
SAT/ACT prep classes
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5301 South McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283
Website: Click here
Phone: (480) 233-3622

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