Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain

I'm a student at this school, and I've been here since it opened in 2005, so I have quite a bit to say, naturally. I was in first grade in 2005, and now I'm already about to go to high school. This school has changed very much in all that time, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The school is much more spacious now, especially since the addition of the new building for the older students. I'm a little disappointed with the school at the moment, though. ALL of the staff seems to care much more about what color your jacket is, no eating during class, etc. To the point where it's less about learning and more about being in uniform. In fact, in every one of the classes I have at this school, they make us get our things out of our backpacks, and put our backpacks against the back wall of the classroom. They did this because 2 students were eating snacks. That's gone way too far, as it's a big inconvenience to have to get something from your backpack. With that said, this school seems more concerned with petty material things than learning. The teachers aren't that great, either (I've gone through 3 math teachers!) I can't complain, though, as it is my last semester here.

Please do not send your students to this school if you would like to see them graduate from high school. Academics are lacking - and preforming arts instructors are not certified. Definitely ask to see standardized test scores and the high school graduation rate of their students if you are considering this school.

My child is in K and I feel that the idea of this school is really great, the follow through, not so much. The things I dislike the most about this school are the crowded play area, the parking lot, and the class rooms seem really dark and depressing. I feel like since this is an "arts school" the class rooms should be bright, there should be murals, there should be flowers, plants, gardens, sandboxes. There is a patch of grass, and a tiny play area where the kids climb all over each other and get hurt constantly. Also, there is no library which seems sad to me for the children. My child's teacher is ok, she seems to not want to be there most of the time, but my child likes her. I feel like they could do more, but I am not ready to throw in the towel yet. I feel like if they can make changes such as making the environment better, and expand the play areas and planted some trees and an organic vegetable garden it would feel more comforting to the children and parents, and also provide organic ingredients for school lunches. Also, allowing children to garden and paint around the school would be educational and make the school look beautiful. It needs some changes to be better.
—Submitted by a parent

So far I'm not happy with this school but we can't find any other school in our area that is doing any better. If we could afford private school we would send our children. Having said all of that I think the teachers do the best they can with what is available to them and the Principal is out standing, hopefully better learning is ahead for Arts Academies students!
—Submitted by a parent

I transfered to Arts Academy when i was in 3rd grade and just graduated last year from 8th grade. The school is deffinitly better than the other ones around the area. The only problem i had was the school wasnt focusing on education they were more worried about you only having 1 braclet on your arm and what color belts you wear, and there were no buses that took kids home . The teachers are friendly and do a good job i do recomend sending your child there. The best part of going there is there are never fights, all the kids are friendly, and the arts programs they have there are very good.

We found Arts Academy when we first started looking at schools for our first child. Sending your first off to school can be nerve-wracking, but after we visited AAEM I felt a lot better! The staff was friendly, the school had so many activities going on, it was clean, and, of course, completely appealing to the kids. Now my oldest is going into 3rd grade and my second is headed to 1st. We have had nothing but great experiences here. Anytime a situation did present itself, it got handled to everyone's satisfaction. The teachers at AAEM are awesome and really care about these kids. The curriculum is great, not perfect - the staff and teachers are always working and building onto it and that's what makes it even more special - they try new things and use what is effective with the current group. I have had the honor of working in the PTO in the past and help run other parent-based groups. This school loves when parents are involved. They strive for it. I am so glad we found it here and plan on keeping my kids at this school straight thru. It's a great fit for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school for 2 years now and my husband and I are very disappointed this year. The academics is below average and my children are not challenged. I would change them mid-year but I don't feel that is fair to do to my five year old. When I address the teachers at the school they look at me with blank stares. It almost like they get offended when I question them. I am afraid that my daughter is behind because of this school. The school needs to focus on developing a curriculum rather than the arts. They hide behind the state guidelines yet my daughters teacher stated that she finds most of her lessons online. I was really excited about this school when I transferred them, but now i am very disappointed. Needless to say I cannot even give this school a star, but the website made me.
—Submitted by a parent

We have attended this school for the last two years and are embarking on a another school year at Arts Academy, but we do not love this school. The staff is great, most of the teachers seem nice. But the curriculum is below average quality and I find myself still teaching my children at home. There is no program or curriculum available to the teachers for the students who are excelling. The parent involvement is very, very low. The new principal seems great and pro-active so we will give it one more year. Here's to hoping we get a good teacher...
—Submitted by a parent

i go to AAEM and i love it here, we get art, drame, tap, choir, band, and more. I have very nice teachers and they have teached me to the best of the ability.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a first grader at AAEM and we have had such a great year so far. The administration is always visible on campus, and very receptive to parental involvement and input. Ms. Branson is a fantastic teacher- my daughter has blossomed and matured greatly under her care. I am very happy with the performing opportunities the kids are given, as well as all of the other art-based special area classes. The dance teacher, Ms Kelly, is also a fantastic asset to the school, as well as a wonderful ballet teacher for AYB outside of school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love you all teacher, staff and administrators. Miss. Brandson you are super Mrs. Kreshak keep on smiling- congrands on the new granbaby.
—Submitted by a parent

I really love this school, great job staff and teachers
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attend AAEM since kinder and he has had awesome teachers each year. My son is safe and has been challenged to learn more along the way.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The teachers are amazing and go out of their way to make the students enjoy learning. And the office staff is great. Always so helpful. My children are learning beyond their required learning level and truly love going to school. And that's what matters to me as a parent!
—Submitted by a parent

My child is getting a great education, but the school lacks school spirit, teacher to parent relationship and team involvment.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have attend plc for 4 years know and they love it we are now a A+ performing school and you can't say that about to many schools. They have great programs and great teachers and staff. My son graduates from 8th grade this year and the school is so great i wish they had high school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending AAEM for two years now and we are happy with the school. The teachers and administration have been great! The dance and music programs really got on track this year with an excellent performance at the end of the year. My son is going into second grade and really enjoys going to school!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of great gifted children who were bullied and made feel horrible in public school. The scene here at AAEM is designed for those kids who are interested in excelling. With the programs in place our children get all the same teaching as the other schools with the bounus of Music, Band, and Drama. The great thing is, if you as parent don't approve of the rules and regalations, no one forces you to stay. All things need time to work out the kinks and AAEM is moving on a good track. I feel my children's well being and growth are worth the extra effort. You always feel welcome to go and put your two-cents in on how to improve this campus.
—Submitted by a parent

This school isn't any different from any regular public school. The faculty is a joke. They have too many rules. Their drop off location is always jammed packed with cars and students. often late!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of a sixth grader. She has been enrolled since the school opened. Great 'safe' campus with 'cheerful' and responsible teachers and staff. She loves the music and drama classes and loves performing in the shcool's musicals. Since there is almost always a waiting list for students who wish to register, I highly recommend parents to get your children on the list as soon as possible!
—Submitted by a parent