Tucson Hebrew Academy

The school has fantastic teachers but unfortunately the administration and board of directors are uneducated about bullying which has resulted in a lack of proactive and serious measures to combat it when it does occur. The school needs a serious overhaul of it's bullying "policy" and perhaps some changes in leadership including the Board of Directors.
—Submitted by a parent

I have both recent experience with this school as well as over a decade experience. My stepdaughter attended from first grade through 6th. After transferring to another school out of state, she had to a hours and hours of tutoring, even for Hebrew. Additionally, my youngest daughters transferred to this school from another private Hebrew day school in another state. My kids were advanced in all areas and the teachers admitted that they were more advanced. I was very concerned but valued the religious aspects of the school. I regret that decision. I pray that my children can catch up. Also, why cannot I not find the AIMS scores for this school? I ask when my kids attended last fall but never received them. The other school printed copies and provided to all parents as well as the public- of course, that school was in the top 1% of the state. Bet money, THA does rank so well.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had no issues at all with bullying, and was surprised to hear about it. By daughter has never felt more safe and supported. Perhaps because we came from public school to private, we do not view the conflicts we see as "bullying,' by comparison. We therefore reacted with less concern. I think our reactions have a huge impact. We used to overreact. Now, we trust our daughter's skills, and have therefore instilled more confidence in my daughter to handle her own conflicts, rather than perhaps imposing our own fears upon her, and creating more of a problem than actually existed. All I can say is that it gets easier as they get older to trust they can handle the complexities of social interactions and development, and don't need us so much anymore.
—Submitted by a parent

It's important to note that the school has new leadership as of Fall 2010, and what was good before is now even better. At THA, our children (elementary grades) are growing up to be citizens of the world. The small class size offers individualized attention which is priceless, and it allows teachers to make small adjustments or customizations for children when they need. The administration brought about some well-balanced changes in SY 2010-11 and more will be on the way.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first year as a THA parent and over all the school has exceeded every expectation I had. One thing that sticks out is the emphasis on individual achievement expected on each child. Coming from a public school this was a blessing to see. I would not hesitate recommending THA to my friends, co-workers or anyone looking for a great educational experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught in the public school system for 30 years and became very disillusioned with the low priority placed on children. We moved our son to THA last year and have been so pleased with his education. He is challenged and nutured.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with the education our 3rd and 6th grade daughters have been receiving at THA. With the small class sizes, I feel that the teachers really get to know our kids and give them extra attention when it is needed. The discussions that we have at the dinner table with our daughters show us how much they are learning at school. They are not just memorizing information to be spit back out for tests, but are learning to think, analyze information, have healthy discussions, and become confident individuals. Being encouraged to respectfully express their opinions during class, learning and discussing the core Jewish values, having the opportunity to participate in a vibrant student government program and the variety of performances that students take a part in throughout the school year, are helping THA and THA parents to create future leaders.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does well with the elementary grades but begins to fail in the middle school. Recent changes in past few years in administration have not been for the better. THA essentially hired three or four people to do the job that one was doing a few years (one whose efforts resulted in a Blue Ribbon award a few years ago). Decent education, good teachers for the most part although there has been a lot of attrition recently), and helpful to my child in Bat Mitzvah preparation. But by middle school, my child was definitely ready to move on to a different environment. Perhaps THA should consider becoming a K-5 school as that is where it does its best.

Hello, My name Is Jordan Curiel; and yes I am the one that wrote the comment on Tucson Hebrew Academy. When I wrote that I was young and I was not thinking clearly. From that time when I wrote that and trhe time that I am writting this I have seen the Tucson Hebrew Academy Is a great school and if your child is Jewsih and wants a good education in Hebrew and in English send them to THA it is a great school with great teachers and I am having the best time of my life there. So please give THA a nother chance it is a great school T= The best school H= Has the best teaches A= An Awsome school The rabbi rock, The principal is cool, and the education top of the line THA you rock
—Submitted by Jordan Curiel, a student

I think the school has a fabulous new curriculum that students really love. The school has really turned the corner and committed to excellence in everything.
—Submitted by a parent

We are concerned about the school's direction. Cannot give it a 100 percent endorsement.
—Submitted by a parent

One of most trying aspects of this school is the difficult relationships between the administration/leadership and many of the parents. A lot of parents get frustrated and they burn out and yank their kids out -- especially by middle school. The teachers are fine -- many are even great. They get a high score. The question is whether or not what is offered is really worth the price tag and the hassles. Now that's the real question.
—Submitted by a parent

Poor Communication, Poor job of challenging exceptional children. Lack of consideration for children with special needs, while too much attention paid to fundraising with little scholarship available to show for it.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent Academics, true caring for the needs of each individual child with a curriculum geared to meet the highest performing levels of the Students. Wonderful Caring staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Too much politics. TOo much concern over the 'school blue ribbon reputation' and not enough concern for the real needs of the students. Unccoperative attitude between teachers, administration and parents abound. Overprices for what you get.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student who attended THA from 1st through 5th grade. The school was good or bad depending on who you are. My social enviroment was at times great and at others, horrible. The school provided for lots of fun and flexible oppuritinties to have fun with my peers. The education at THA is average. The hebrew education was pretty good and did pretty well on preparing me for my Bar Mitzvah. The secular education was also pretty good, but at times had flaws. My parents didn treally like THA. They didnt mind the education, but really hated the enviroment. They felt that they 'played favorites' a lots of time. They really favored students who's parents were on the board, and were bad to miniorities.
—Submitted by a former student

I have worked at many schools, but the thing that most impresses me about THA is the integrity, intelligence, and experience of the teachers. The THA faculty really do care about kids and families and they work to provide a stellar experience for kids as they go through school. They also strive to create a fun, professional, and collegial environment in which to work. This is the healthiest group of educational professionals I have encountered in years!
—Submitted by an administrator

The secular academics are just average. Ignore the hype you'll hear from the administration. Most of the children are months behind their public school counterparts in many subjects including math. While most of the teachers are dedicated, they are compelled to cram in secular studies in just a few hours because nearly three hours a day are devoted to Hebrew and Judaics. If you don't mind hiring a tutor in addition to the high tuition, your child will be fine. Overall, this school has been a disappointment.
—Submitted by a parent

THA is probably slightly better than your average Arizona public school. (Arizona is ranked 47 or 48 in the nation). But for a private school, it's iffy. Science, PE, Art and Judiacs are good. But core subjects such as math and reading are mediocre. The campus is lovely. The administration and leadership are not always professional in their handling of issues regarding discipline or parental concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good place to learn. Small class size and caring teachers. Safe campus. Excellent science program. My children are getting a great education!
—Submitted by a parent