Accelerated Learning Laboratory

ALL has brought my child to levels I never thought possible. From classes like Algebra, to Anatomy, even Turkish in the 6th grade. I am extremely happy with the teachers and the challenges my child now faces. I actually feel like he is learning and not just doing busy work to pass the time of day.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my children's first year at ALL, we were very excited at first, their scores looked great in paper, but we are extremely dissapointed and concerned for the safety of our children. Although my kids are being challenged academically, everything else is not up to our standards. From teacher's accreditation to student disciplining... enrolling our kids at ALL was a huge mistake, we're pulling them out after only 3 months. Research this school a lot more before you enroll your children in it, or better yet don't enroll your kids at ALL.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers & staff are very devoted, investing a ton of time & energy to their important mission. Very ambitious academic goals, very different than what you are seeing in traditional school. The pre-school was amazing, loving child care, with an emphasis on learning, & structure. Excellent foundation to prepare a younger child for school and helps to socialize them with behavioral skills. A picky mom HIGHLY recommends their program!
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs is poor. The parent involvement would have to be high because the amount of help at home that your child will require will be substantial. Please read the other reviews, as they all have a common thread. Teacher turnover.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children who are currently enrolled with A.L.L. One is in the preschool and the other two are in the grade school. I have truly enjoyed seeing my children learn so much so fast. This school has a great vision but they are having a hard time implementing it. I have recently seen several teachers come and go. Things are definitely changing for the worse. As a parent it saddens me to watch as I am unable to change the course they are on. My husband and I have decided to take our daughter out of the preschool because of the recent staffing problems. We chose to let our boys stay at the grade school to finish out the 2006-2007 school year. I hope we won t live to regret this decision. Thank you Greatschools.org for allowing parents to use your resource. I have found it to be very informative.
—Submitted by Patty R., a parent

I have had my older daughter at this school for 5 years and just love it. We had thoroughly researched and gone to 2 other schools before and definitely feel that this is the best place for her. It is true that this school is not for everyone - and if arts and music are important to you and you can't bring yourself to provide it through outside sources then don't send them here. They do have PE now during class and there are also activities after school. I am a very protective mother and I feel so comfortable with the staff and the 20 acre one way in - one way out campus for my daughter. My 4 yr old just started in the preschool and she too loves it. Thank you - Thank you - Thank you Accelerated.
—Submitted by Lisa, a parent

Our three-year-old has attended A.L.L. two days a week since March of 2006. During that time we've witnessed a lack of adequate adult supervision, chaos in the classrooms, and a general lack of concern about safety and/or cleanliness of classrooms, outdoor areas or children. Although the preschool staff try to maintain order, they are woefully understaffed. Our child will definitely not be returning to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have read all of these reviews with great interest. We're excited to have an alternative to the respected public school our sons previously attended. What some of the parents have mentioned is true; this school is not for everyone's children. It's an environment where parental involvement directly correlates to a student's success or failure. What a novel concept--a school that actually expects parents to become actively involved with their child's education! Room for improvement? Yes, and as a parent, I choose to be involved to help bring about positive change, rather than complaining about things I don't like. A.L.L.'s an amazing learning environment for children who are self-starters and whose parents aren't afraid to make their child's education the foremost priority in their family's life. The beauty of a charter school is that if it isn't a good fit for your child, find another! Our 3y/o daughter will attend also.
—Submitted by Bonny H., a parent

My 9th grader is taking physics, college algebra, drama, swimming, Turkish, advanced writing and other classes, which would not be offered at other schools. Our family is appreciative of ALL's dedicated staff. Great parent organization and activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher turnover is high, morale is low, and communication with parents is lacking to say the least. Research this school thoroughly before sending your child. There are many, many good schools in the NW area of Tucson, and this is not one of them.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended ALL for 5 years. Thinking that your child is at this accelerated level is very misleading. They are taught something well enough to get through an immediate test, then never touched on again. The children are taught the standardized testing so their 'scores' look better to potential students.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter went to Accelerated from kindergarten to 4th grade. In 5th we enrolled her in the best eastside district in Tucson. From the day she started her new school she begged to return to Accelerated. She said she was borded, learned nothing new, and the kids were mean snobs. Finally we returned to Accelerated. She is now very happy and she learned things in 7th grade that kids at other schools are not learning until 10th grade. Regardless of what was said in the other reviews, art and music are avaliable. I agree that Accelerated is not the school for parents who don t get involved, don t want to know what their child is doing, or blame the school for having academic and conduct rules. The math, language and science are extrodinary. Parent should know that Accelerated is more a college prep than a school for struggling kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is Great, I love this school.
—Submitted by a student

My concern is the safety they have for the children, especially the younger ones.
—Submitted by a parent

Much attention paid to the chilldren who are 'accelerated'. Not much attention paid to the children who need additional help.
—Submitted by a parent

The longer my son is in this school, the more disillusioned I become. This is his 6th year at the school (he started in kindergarten), and while he has excelled academically, he is now almost left to teach himself. Our options were to send him to middle school (which meant he was in school every day from 8am-4pm in 5th grade), or leave him in a class where he is the most advanced, and is often left to help teach the other children in the class. There is NO music offered during school time, or any of the arts. The other thing you see at this school is a series of unfinished buildings. Rather than creating a GREAT elementary school, the headmaster has chosen to expand too quickly to middle and high school. Teacher turnover at the school is pretty high as well. This will be our last year at ALL.
—Submitted by a teacher

The academics are awsome at this school, however, there is no music, art, or physical education. If you can provide these things for your child, he/she will benefit from a first rate education that far exceeds what public school can offer. The school day is very long and should be considered carefully based on your child's needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Mountain Rose adademy is a great school. My daughter graduated from there as one of Tucson's Senior Achievers. My son doesn't like the self-paced atmosphere as much.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The kids have a lot of fun here.
—Submitted by Jackie Pearson, a parent

They are really good at allowing the child to advance in math. The other things take a back seat to the learning. Not much of the English is done compared to math. The extracurricular activities were great.
—Submitted by a parent