Academy of Tucson Elementary School

I have 2 children at this school. We enrolled them this year because the classroom sizes were suppose to be small and the education is suppose to be great. My son is in 3rd grade and carries a 20lb backpack home everyday (he weighs 60lbs). The teachers are rude and talk badly about the students and often yell at the kids for asking questions. The teachers seem to be uninterested in the students or thier success. The parking situation is horrible and is a reflection of the lack or organization and leadership of the principal and staff. I will be pulling my kids out this year and sending them to our local public school for it is better organized and has a principal that cares about her school and her own image.
—Submitted by a parent

After researching several elementary schools, I have decided not to choose The Academy of Tucson. I was not impressed with my meeting with the Administration and I was not at all impressed with the school's website that publishes information with spelling errors. If they can't take a few minutes to proof read, it makes me wonder where else they fall short.
—Submitted by a parent

I wasn't sure what to think when I read the last review, so I went to the principal's FB page and there it was - a photo of him standing next to man drinking a beer. The principal is giving the thumbs up sign. As a professional, I am warned what not to put on FB as it is a public site. As a professional who works with young children, I think that he should know better. Doesn't the school have any rules as what not to post on FB??This makes me question his judgement. It also makes him look very arrogant as he is blatantly ignoring an upset and concerned parent. Very unprofessional.
—Submitted by a parent

Principals are leaders. i find it disconcerting that this principal chose as the banner photo on FB, a photo of himself standing next to a man holding a beer in his hand. The principal is smiling and giving the thumbs up sign. The man with the beer is a cardboard cut out of someone who is known to advertise a certain beer in commercials. Doesn't this principal realize that students look at these social network sites? That students look up to him and he has a responsibility to set certain examples. Where is the leadership here? Beyond disappointed. I'll be looking for a school that upholds our family's values. This obviously is not the one.
—Submitted by a parent

Although the parking and lunch area are not ideal, the teachers and staff are fantastic! My daughter is challenged in the classroom and enjoys several extra curricular activities offered by the school. (bowling, chess club, KidsArt)
—Submitted by a parent

I have children in both the elementary and middle school. I was very disappointed to see that the middle school principal was moved to the elementary school. I know that many of the teachers at the middle school were very unhappy with this principal. I hope that this decision doesn't negatively effect the elementary school. From what I've heard I'm afraid it will.
—Submitted by a parent

I will also be pulling both of my children out of the school this year. This is our second year at the Academy. I have found the teachers hard to communicate with and the principal ineffective at best. The teachers are frustrated with her also. The lunch program is ridiculous. They have lunch catered due to no cafeteria and is approximately $5.00 per day! The children are required to eat under a ramada rather than indoors, unless it us raining or snowing. They also stand as a school in the morning on the basketball court to say the pledge and sing the school song. Even when the temperature is below freezing. The parking lot is also a disaster. It took me over ten minutes to drive through the lot to pick up my child. I agree with the other parent that the traffic directors try, but there are just too many people in too small a space. Part of the reSins I came to this school was because of the small classes expecting individual attention and do not feel that happens. I am also surprised by the amout of bullying that happens even though there is supposed to be zero tolerance.
—Submitted by a parent

The most honest review I can give to this school is a mixed one. It used to be an outstanding school and education and I would have loved for all my kids to spend all their elementary years here. However, the past two years things have been sliding a little downward. Allthough most all of the teachers here are outstanding, many seem somewhat disgruntled and/or unhappy. The school which was once a wonderful academic and family envolved environment has added too many students and lost it's past character. It's over crowded parking lot seems like a catastrophe waiting to happen. The parking monitors help a lot but they can only do so much. I can't imagine it is legal to have so many cars jamming in a small 2 lane parking lot! As if the parking lot nightmare wasn't enough, pulling in and out of the school is a nightmare! The lunch program is sub par at best. It is still a good school but not nearly the academic environment it once was. I was one of it's biggest fans and am really, really sad to be taking my kids out after the end of this school year, but I don't see things looking up here for the future. I will miss the lovely campus, great teachers and great office manager.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at AOT Elementary and have found the teachers, entire staff, classroom environment, and fellow parents to all be above our expectations. Both of our children are being challenged and are progressing wonderfully. Parents have to be willing, from Kindergarten on to spend some time almost every weekday studying with their children... You can reliably expect homework and study material daily and weekly. Our kids are making friends and we are meeting other good parents. Opportunities to help out in class, during special events, and after school keep parents involved and help them get to know one another too.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! The teachers are caring, and communicate well with the parents. They work very hard to get students up to par. The curriculum is rigorous and may not be for all families, however, my children love their teachers and friends that they have made. The current principal of this school is very difficult to communicate with, if there is more than one thing going on at once she gets quickly overwhelmed, and cannot communicate. The teachers don't seem as happy as they have in past years, the lack of leadership may be why.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher here I must say that this school is wonderful. The class sizes are small (about 20 students per class) and the staff here is great. Along with an excellent education the school also offers PE, Art, Music, and a Library. Learning is important at this school and the teachers truly care about all the students.

My son and I absolutely love this school. Class sizes are relatively small so the children get more 1:1 attention. I also love the fact that there is a no bullying policy which is strictly enforced so that my son can focus 100% of his attention on learning. Teachers and staff are very personable and will take the time to address any concerns you have without redirecting you to someone else that's not going to help you. The curriculum is geared more towards actual life and problem solving skills and is presented in a way my son can easily understand and assimilate.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at Academy of Tucson since Kindergarden. He's currently in 4th grade and his studies are 'excelling'. Not only is he advancing in math, science and reading. AOT's behavioral expectations have led to good citizenship and knowledge of conservation and sustainability. I recommend this school to all familes that care about their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended AOT for four years and over all I liked the school. While the first 2 years I loved the school. Many changes happened and some things I was not fond of. Somethings that were small were passed over when the could have very easily been changed. As for the homework it is a lot and very hard for some children, especially when the did not start in Kinder at AOT. My children never had a problem with homework or projects and were always done in less that the time I was told it should take. We have since left and attend a public school(not TUSD) were my children are moved up at levels they would not have been allowed to at Aot. They are given more opportunities to be in higher levels of learning rather than keep with the class at the same basic level .
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in K, and I absolutely love this school and their wonderful staff. I feel welcomed and not just another mother. My daughter will continue her education here till college and my son will attend as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Well here we go again! My daughter is entering the 4th grade and the school is going on their 3rd principal since she started. I cannot tell you how many different music teachers have come and gone, the last one was great with the kids. Our new principal was one of the 4th grade teachers so I'm actually looking forward to her as principal. I have no doubt in my mind my son will do just fine in 1st grade as we have had this teacher before and she was awesome. Its really sad though when during your summer you start to have anxiety about the year to come. I guess I will just have to wait and see what the Stewarts have in store for us next!
—Submitted by a parent

My child just completed his kindergarten year, and to look back on the year it was an amazing journey. The kindergarten teachers prepare the students well, encourage them to do their best, and to be responsible individuals for their thoughts words and actions. My son flourished this year, and we are eagerly awaiting the first grade experience. This school is top notch, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, caring environment that stresses the importance of academics.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just completed 4th grade and had an excellent year (as usual). The fourth grade teachers are fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended AoT Elementary School since her kindergarten year and next year she will be entering the 5th grade. What a terrific school! I feel the school has given her the foundation which will help her succeed in middle school, highschool, college and beyond. In addition, this school has the best teachers around and an administrative staff that really cares about the students. I couldn't ask for anything more. I know our school will be experiencing some changes in the upcoming years, but I am extremely confident they will not affect the quality of education my child will receive. I believe these changes will make us an even stronger community. Thank you AoT staff!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

A big thank you to the teachers, resource teachers, and principal at Academy of Tucson Elementary! You identified my child's learning challenges, and also recognized his potential. AOTE has gone the 'extra mile' to help my son. More importantly the teachers at AOTE believe in my son, encourage him, and challenge him in a loving way. My kids would say, 'You Rock!'
—Submitted by a parent