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Sonoran Science Academy - Tucson

Charter | K-12 | 802 students

Living in Tucson

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $121,700. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $950.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 8 ratings
2011:
Based on 8 ratings
2010:
Based on 13 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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144 reviews of this school


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Posted October 29, 2009

Sonoran Science Academy has excellent teachers who not only provide exceptional instruction, but model politeness, respect, kindness and diplomacy. It is a wonderful learning environment where students receive individualized attention.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

All the teachers and administration care about the kids and how they're doing and willing to help in any way they can. They believe that kids are smart and capable of learning in middle school that is more than I can say about the last school my child was at.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

This school is so awesome, I cant express how i love this school just by words. Even though it's my first year in here, this is the best school I've enrolled in so far
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

I like Sonoran Science because it has a much better academic environment and also, it keeps me motivated to just keep on learning, unlike other schools. I especially like the math and science departments because unlike other schools, they really do an excelling job on keeping up with math and science.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

A Small school with big goals. They have some motivated students their and an amazing new volunteer college consular. There is also a new science class, Advanced Research Methods that has students working with college professors to demonstrate deep understanding of a topic through the execution of a challenging project. Overall it is a nice developing school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

This is such an amazing school compared to the public school I used to go to. This school is the only one that teaches Turkish! I feel as though the public school I went to before did not do a good job teaching and just taught the bare minimum. This one prepares students for college in a spectacular way.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

SSA has so many awesome teachers and a great education system. All the students are just as cool. It's small enough that everyone knows each other, but big enough to have some great activities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

This school is great. The teachers stay focused on preparing us for college and try their best to make us through school and there are many extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

My school is absolutely the best school ever because there are so many awesome teachers and the atmosphere is purely epic.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

This school is one of the top rated school in the US. Newsweek, US News and World Report, and Arizona Department of Education rated this school as an excelling public charter school. Personally, I am impressed with their extracurricular programs and college prep focus. They already have their students accepted to the top universities in the nation such as Yale!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Just big enough to get an awesome education, but not too many students. Great academic program and love the tutoring it offers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

This is our 3rd year at SSA we came because my girl needed to be challanged & motivated & SSA offers amazing programs for smart & gifted students. They are placed at the level they can best perform, but still be challanged. She has the opportunity to be involved in different clubs and after school programs. Anywhere from Math Counts,computer programing, basketball, Junior Honor Society, etc. It's a very well rounded education! My boy on the other hand needs extra help and SSA has offer more than I could ever hope for. Staff is absolutely caring and they care for each child individually. The administrators & staff are very involved and work very close with parents, they even do home visits if you would like!!! They have always been available for us. It's a very family oriented, academics oriented, and this year they are woking harder on 21st Century skills. I'm very impressed with SSA it's the best choice I've made for my kid's education!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Sonoran Science Academy is a truly awesome school! The teachers are dedicated and caring, devoting countless hours to their students. The Robotics Club has infused my son with such an unexpected excitement for engineering. I am sincerely thankful to all of the hardworking, wonderful teachers and staff who make this school possible.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Sonoran Science Academy is a wonderful school for children who do well in a highly academic environment. Gifted/talented kids will excell at this school. Many of the teachers are of an unusually high caliber, and educational level themselves, that is hard to find at a non-private school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

My child is thriving at Sonoran Science Academy! The staff truly are dedicated to educating students and helping them realize their potential.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Sonoran Science Academy is an exceptional school! It is committed to giving students outstanding academics and quality experiences. We have the nicest kids and the hardest working staff in Tucson!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Meh school is the terrificest because they have fabulous art and drama programs. Just a shame they are so uptight about math...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

It is sort of good it is a little boring. But we get an awesome education. They dont have the sport i want to play. It would be better if they had tackle football here.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

It's pretty awesome, especially the drama program. Yep.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 29, 2009

It is an amyazing school. We have horrible uniforms however it is worth being here. Great School.
—Submitted by a student


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 69% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
96%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 79% in 2009.

49 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
94%
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 67% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
96%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 63% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
94%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.

49 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
98%
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 63% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
90%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
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 61% in 2012.

71 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

71 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
95%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

71 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
96%
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.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
93%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
99%
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.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
85%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

91 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
83%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

82 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
99%
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.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
95%
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.

60 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
92%
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 "Excelling".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Excelling".

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 75% 45%
Hispanic 16% 41%
Asian 5% 3%
Black 3% 6%
American Indian or Alaska Native N/A 6%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 17%N/A51%
English language learners 1%N/A14%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 50% 81%
Other Non-Indian 38% 1%
English 13% 12%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Oops! We currently do not have any teacher information for this school. We rely on the state Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and in some cases school administrators such as registrars and principals for this data.

What makes a great teacher? Study after study shows the single most important factor determining the quality of the education a child receives is the quality of his teacher. Here are some characteristics to look for »

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Excelling Label from AZ Department of Ed. (2008)
  • Excelling Label from AZ Department of Ed. (2007)
  • Excelling Label from AZ Department of Ed. (2006)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Mathematics

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing and written arts
  • Drama

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
  • Turkish

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Honors track
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15am
School end time
  • 3:15pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Fatih Karatas
Fax number
  • (520) 665-3420

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Honors track
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Mathematics
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
  • Turkish

Resources

Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Photography
Performing arts
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Parent involvement
  • Sonoran science academy believes that the educational process can only be successful if the essential underlying triad of student-teacher-parent works in harmony. therefore, ssa strives to establish constructive participation with students, parents, staff, and citizens within the community.
More from this school
  • SSA is not just a school but also rather a learning environment.All parents are welcomed on campus and encouraged to find a place to make their own personal contribution. Although this is by no means a requirement, SSA faculty and students enjoy the many individual contributions parents share and thus enrich our campus. Many parents, as well as faculty, assist with the academic and social booster clubs while other parents find their own unique niche to enrich the lives of our student body.Arizona Department of Education labeled Sonoran Science Academy”excelling&#34. SSA is one of the two Tucson charter schools got”excelling&#34 label. This verifies SSA's commitment to &#34excellence in public education&#34.
School leaders can update this information here.

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2325 W Sunset Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
Website: Click here
Phone: (520) 665-3400

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