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GreatSchools Rating

Sonoran Science Academy - Davis-Monthan

Charter | 6-12 | 210 students
“STEM Education, College Prep”
 

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  • Having traversed the SSA system in Tucson, I have to admit that SSA-DM is the...

  • This is our 1st year at SSA-DM and we absolutely love it! My child is in the...

  • Excellent teachers, Strong leadership team, Challenging academic...

  • A really good asset to D-M AFB. Lots of after school clubs and rich curriculum.

Student diversity

Looks like we have no information about the race or ethnicity of the student body.

 
 
 
 

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Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Based on 4 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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4 reviews of this school

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Posted May 13, 2013
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Having traversed the SSA system in Tucson, I have to admit that SSA-DM is the best of the bunch. The curriculum is much more balanced than the other campuses, the teachers are excellent, with high expectations and a true desire to teach and ensure the students are learning. The computer science program offered for 7th grade is unparalleled. Math team focuses more on LEARNING than winning, and is much more inclusive. Administration is caring, open to parental feedback and takes action on suggestions. I feel the students are held to a higher standard, which makes this school a choice for anyone looking for a middle school. The student population is quite diverse, with turnover mostly due to military relocation. Any issue I may have has been addressed professionally and in a timely fashion. The only drawbacks I see to this school is that the "community effect" fostered in the other campuses is not as strong, possibly due to the transient nature of the population. Towards the end of the year this year, the discipline seemed a bit excessive, however students can expect a rigorous, safe environment to actually LEARN in. Would recommend highly!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 5, 2013
Report it

This is our 1st year at SSA-DM and we absolutely love it! My child is in the 6th grade class. The teachers are well trained and work hard for the students. They are very dedicated to the success of the students. The work is challenging but not impossible. They are given many opportunities to be successful in their academics. There are also very many clubs and activities to get involved in the school as well. I have nothing but great things to say about the school!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted December 6, 2012
Report it

Excellent teachers, Strong leadership team, Challenging academic curriculum, Focused on Science Technology Engineering and Math, College Prep.
—Submitted by a teacher

Write your own review
Posted October 31, 2012
Report it

A really good asset to D-M AFB. Lots of after school clubs and rich curriculum.

Write your own review

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 61% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
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.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
97%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

58 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
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.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

2009

 
 
n/a
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.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 42% in 2012.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 70% in 2012.

17 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
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 "Performing Plus".
  • This school did not receive a designation in 2009-2010.
  • This school did not receive a designation in 2008-2009.

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 »

Oops! We currently do not have any student 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.

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Russian
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Arizona A rated school (2011)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Engineering
  • Science
  • Technology
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Robotics club
  • Science club

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
Visual arts
  • Photography
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Drama club
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
  • Turkish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Russian
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: Turkish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Gym

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00 am
School end time
  • 3:00 pm
School Leader's name
  • Peggy Fontenot
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (520) 207-7698

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Advanced placement courses
  • College prep
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
  • STEM
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Engineering
  • Science
  • Technology
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
  • Turkish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • None

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Russian
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

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

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Photography
Music
  • None
Performing arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Drama club
  • Foreign language club: Turkish
  • JROTC
  • National Honor Society
  • Robotics club
  • Science club
  • Student council/government
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

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Tips for understanding school culture

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

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5741 E. Ironwood St
Tucson, AZ 85708
Website: Click here
Phone: (520) 300-5699

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