Presidio High School

Don't let the smiling, office staff fool you! They would all be great used car salespersons. I thought the same as others, upon touring the school. I was impressed by the "specials" classes (music, art, etc.), but once my child was an actual student, things were not as promised. (The communication between the school and parents is sporadic even though each child has a take-home folder for that purpose). At the beginning of school, the sign language class was cancelled, without notice, with the excuse that the teacher could not continue. No replacement teacher; instead, they added a completely different course. Although they say that parent involvement is encouraged, they don't allow the parents to get involved... they put them off. The school greatly lacks consistency and the "authority" figures are rarely available. When you do get an appointment with them, nothing gets resolved. If you make waves, your child suffers the consequences! Another feature was the "safe, secure" environment--what a joke! People come and go through the side gates everyday. No one is monitoring, and anyone could enter the premises. NOT safe! Do your child a favor, say "no" to Presidio!
--Submitted by a parent

I recently visited the school as I am in search of a kindergarten for my daughter for August. I was blown away by all they have to offer. In addition to having a kindergarten classroom, the students will have separate art teachers, computer teachers, music teachers and all in their own classrooms. When we went on the tour, I had to drag my daughter out of the very impressive music classroom. And now all I hear from her is "Mommy, I want to go to the music room kindergarten." In addition, I have interacted with front desk folks at my child's preschool and other kindergartens we were considering and many seemed harsh, stern, and well... treat you like you are one of the students and not a parent (adult). The front desk people at Presidio were SO nice! I've been in 3 times and all three times I noticed them interacting in a positive and friendly way with the students. It's all about respect. I can't wait for my daughter to start at Presidio!
--Submitted by a parent

They cherry pick the students they want. If your child does not "perform" to their standards they do what they can to "convince" you to leave. Make up rules as they go along, and don't follow state procedures even though as a charter school they too receive state funds. Disappointed after 3 years. They discourage parent involvement, volunteer help in the classroom is unheard of to them. What are they hiding?
--Submitted by a parent

It is unfortunate that libel postings cannot be screened for negative, untrue content. The writer of a previous post is obviously a former, disgruntled employee who has written extensive, negative remarks in order to damage the reputation of a school that is doing an excellent job of educating the students. My recommendation is for all parents to visit the school and make your own judgements. The school encourages campus visits and you will be able to speak with faculty, staff, and students. I am confident that you will see for yourself what an excellent school this is and the opportunities for your child(ren) to succeed are limitless.

I am extremely pleased with Presidio, and it seems to keep getting better!! I have a child who is currently in the 5th grade and who is receiving a private school education for free. I love the small class sizes, K-12 campus, and very friendly warm environment I experience every time I walk on campus. The school now has a system through their website where I can see my daughter's grades, attendance, and can easily email her teachers if I have any questions. The school now has a parent's association that has been working hard and recently put on a very impressive middle school Valentine's Dance. From reading in the monthly school newsletter I can keep in tune with all the happenings on campus. I recently learned the school is working on adding a garden! Again, the school seems to be improving in my opinion. The faculty and staff genuinely care about each student and work on a tight budget to offer the best learning environment possible.
--Submitted by a parent

PRESIDIO SETTING STANDARDS FOR LEARNING IN TUCSON I have been a guest teacher (formerly referred to as substitute) at Presidio for the last 3 days filling in for grades 8-12. I have substituted in TUSD,SUSD and over 20 Charter Middle and High Schools locally. This is an exceptional learning enviornment. Students are on task, engaged in serious discussion about their studies and envirornment.. Teachers stay after for study hall (remember those?), not ISS.. Teachers teach; not police. Students were respectful, courteous and came into the class room and went right to work! I thought I was on another planet Students use lunch time for great active outdoor activities. Even lunches offer healthy choices. These students and the enviornment in which the administation and teaching staff has created offer a platform from which to springboard students into higher learning. Students read, check out books to bring home, use the computer for something other than FaceBook and are curious about what's happening on a global level. You never get a second chance to make a first impressionm and Presido got it right on their first try. , . These kids are 21s tcentury students.

This school needs help. There is a huge turn over rate for teachers. The reason being that the good teachers refuse to work there. The people in charge of the school have no grasp on what the children really need and they don't care to listen to anyhting that the parents have to say about fixing it. One of my childs teachers actually told her that it was not their responsibility to help them with extra curricular acidemic activities. This is the response that my child got when they asked a teacher for help learning something. True, it is not the teachers job, but it seems to me that this was the equivalent to a house keeper that "doesn't do windows".
--Submitted by a parent

Awful. Faculty lack the ability to each diverse learning styles with innovative techniques, no leadership from administration, resources are limited, school-wide and teacher-parent communication is terrible. High rate of bullying behavior, limited supervision and poor behavior management techniques. Students are allowed to stay on campus without supervision during which time terrible things have happened. No system for reporting issues and issues do not get addressed. Parking is terrible and there are no rules for drop off/pick up time so there are near accidents daily and kids running through the parking lot while cars are moving putting everyone at risk! There isn't a nurse or school counselor or even any type of support staff such as monitors. Please keep your kids safe and choose another school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Presidio for two years. There has been such a dramatic improvement in him since he left public school. His first grade class had 13 students and his second grade class has 16! Compare that to most public schools that are faced with over 30 children per classroom. The teachers have been amazing, very positive and willing to work with him. The office staff is warm and caring. I appreciate all that the Presidio staff does to help my son succeed
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been attending Presidio school for 4 years now, since kinder'. The entire staff (administration, office and individual teachers) know our entire family personally. Presidio's programs emphasize education , creativity, and character . The parents and teachers are also very involved in promoting extra -curricular activities and it is always fun to see the involvement of the students to support their causes with booster juice, bake sales, and special events. Our child has increased her confidence and math skills as well as reading and science comprehension, interest and curiosity. We truly love Presidio School!
--Submitted by a parent