Academy of Tucson Middle School

I didn't like this school for several reasons. The location and facility itself has much to be desired. It is lacking in many areas. There is not an adequate sized field to play sports. The building itself seems cramped and small. It lacks a lunch room, a stage, a gymnasium. It seems to be lacking in up to date books too. The school is practically on 22nd St and traffic is terrible.Most of all, I would have liked and expected honesty from this administration about certain guest speakers and what they would be talking about - very disappointing.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically this school is a fit for my children but not for a lot of the others they have admitted in the past couple of years since they moved to the new location. The location and the lack of open space is a problem we have tried to hard to overlook. If this school was not located on a terribly busy main street in an undesirable neighborhood and had a proper field to play sports and P.E. we would be continuing on. It is very bittersweet for us to be leaving after so many years but we held on longer than most all of the kids we started in kindergarten at AOT elemetary with. I am certain everyone would have stayed if the new school hadn't been put in this terrible location. It seems to be the at the root of all it's current problems. I have no complaints about the education my children have received.
--Submitted by a parent

My child was extremely unhappy at this school. There were many reasons and I feel that they weren't properly addressed by this administration. I found a school more fitting with our values. My child has never been happier.
--Submitted by a parent

Thank you teachers and principal of Academy of Tucson Middle School! My student loves how caring you are and how much you want her to succeed. I appreciate the individual attention that is given to students. Every time I visit, the staff (including the office staff) are friendly and helpful. I would not send my student anywhere else. Kudos!
--Submitted by a parent

I prayed things would change at this school. I had a long talk with my pastor about my concerns and he urges me to find another path. I don't trust certain people at this school with the care of my children. That is the bottom line. I hear rumors of certain lawsuits that make me very uncomfortable. It is time to move on.
--Submitted by a parent

I had my 6th grade son read the negative reviews for the middle school made by some of the parents and students against the certain staff and administration. He thinks many of the comments were hog wash. The one reason why students are told to stay off of the sidewalks so they do not horse around and break their ankles and other bones. One day my son forgot his lunch which the principal kindly paid for few items from the snack bar. When he is sick, he is allowed to call home to request a pick up. My son is struggling a bit in some subjects, but overall, this school is an excellent choice for parents to send their child there.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had several children in this school for years now. It continues to be an outstanding school with caring and capable teachers and staff. I will continue to recommend this school to anybody.
--Submitted by a parent

Without reservations I would recommend this school for its excellent staff and appropriate curriculum. On every occasion when I have observed the teachers I have been impressed by their professional conduct and concern for the students.. Do not be swayed by the grievances of a couple of malcontents who most likely would be malcontents in any environment. I encourage all interested parents to schedule a visit to the school and observe the exceptional academic environment for themselves.

My son has been at AOT since 1st grade and I couldn"t be happier. He is challanged to be a good citizen, have good grades while still being allowed to be a child. As a boy he is clumsey adn ther are times that he has come home with an injury but after talking to him and to administration I find out that he has not bothered to tell anyone about it until he arrives at home. The times that he has reported that he has an injury or is not feeling well I have always been notified and made aware of the situation. I have complete trust in all of the staff at AOT and am very glad that they have an assistant principal who can help with the duties of the principal. I know that they care about my child adn his well being.
--Submitted by a parent

In regards to the post from October 13 by the concerned parent - If you are concerned, then why do you still have a child at the school? The Academy of Tucson (AOT) is a school of choice. Maybe you need to make a different choice for your child if you are that unhappy. As far as the post about the building having any of the issues that you listed, the building has been completely renovated. The city of Tucson would not have approved or given clearance for occupancy if it had any of the issues you are referring to. There is a memo posted on the school's website in regards to the asbestos that you should read before posting such a negligent remark. It sounds to me like you used this venue to vent about something that you were upset with and not a true evaluation of the school. The Academy of Tucson does an excellent job with: academics (they are North Centrally Accredited and an Excelling charter), engaging students, challenging students and have great parental involvement. I have personally witnessed the staff call parents when needed for injuries and illness while helping in the office. The full staff truly cares about the students and the school as a whole.