Desert Christian Academy

Terrific school for kindergarten and first grade because the curriculum emphasizes phonics based reading. Children become wonderful proficient readers. However, from second grade on, the curriculum (Abeka) is substandard in my opinion. The curriculum is presented as facts that the students are required to memorize. They are great at regurgitating facts but have very little understanding of concepts or the ideas behind the facts they are memorizing. This puts them at an extreme disadvantage if they want to pursue higher math, science or philosophy. The elemntary school does not participate in the Science Fair or Math Field Day as many of the other high performing public schools. They do not teach to the state science and history standards. Children do not learn about the Ice Age, Dinosaurs, Prehistoric man or the life cycles of plant and mammals. Individual thought, critical thinking and creativity are not encouraged. The teachers are not required to hold credentials in mulpile subjects as most elementary teachers in public schools. Many do not have college degrees in education.I was told by an administrator that 95% of their graduates pursue careers in ministry or teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

The best attributes and the reason I stay is-its Christ centered and the classes are small. The Abeka curriculum has a heavy emphasis on phonics for reading which is great.However, the curriculum is very repetitive and lacks creativity. Young children are required to do mass amounts of seat work daily. There is no grouping based on ability or group problem solving. Math is learned by roat memorization. Math concepts are not emphasied or in some instances not taught at all. Be aware that they claim high test scores but in reality score lower than several of the more popular elementary schools within DSUSD. Most of the teachers are very caring.Theyoffer Spanish. However, they do not learn conversation or grammar. I have asked and not found one child that is fluent or can write in Spanish after 6 years which seems odd to me. They do not participate in the Science Fair. Science is not emphasized. They do memorize weekly Bible verses and attend chapel. The school is run by the founding family and the board of directors. The principal is a figure head not a decision maker. There is very little parent involvement in the school's parent organization - PFS.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs work on fair discipline practices. Some teachers clearly show a poor attitude toward less favored students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have gone to this school since kindergarten and I absolutely love it! The teachers aree all very nice and friendly, but they don't let us(the students) get out of hand. They no when to settle us down. A two of the many reasons why I love this school: 1. Everyone acts like a family. All the staff, teachers, and students are so friendly and nice and they always want to make sure you are ok. They check on you and ask how your doing. They TRULY treat you like a family! I couldn't have asked for a better school. 2. Excellent academics. Everyone thinks that since we are a small school that we do not have good academics, well open your eyes! Our Worlds Quest BEAT LQ's IB program.Also if you do not understand something then a teacher will sit there and talk and explain it to you till you fully grasp
—Submitted by a student

My child and l love the school. CSOD has a strong academic and spiritual foundation, small classes and great communication with teachers. I am a parent of 2 children that went to only public schools and this by far exceeds public schools in the Valley. The school is expanding and will soon open its doors in the next few years to a brand new campus which will be beautiful.
—Submitted by a parent

Some love it. You may too. Been associated with the school for many years. The preschool is good. The elementary side can be good too. Most are loving great teachers. For the money charged it's not a high academic school as other public schools and most private schools exceed them. Inconsistent in their discipline policies. Good leadership is missing as well as Christian friendliness. In the office they usually won't even say 'hi' or 'good morning' or anything. Middle school was a challenge. kids standing on desks, wearing i-pods during class..starting to get better though. High attrition rate. Still recommend it over public school and a couple of other private schools. Do your homework. Don't just interview the leaders, look at the growth of the school. The area has exploded and most other schools are busting at the seams. There's reasons this school is not, even after 30 yrs.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending CSOD since pre-school. We love it! We placed her there because of the Christian foundation that they teach, however, the academics at this school are fabulous. The curriculum is very well rounded. They offer P.E., Art, Music, and Spanish as well as the core curriculum. Her teachers, at each grade level, have been beyond wonderful. Each unique in there own way. But she has definitely learned from each one.
—Submitted by a parent

We took both of our kids out of Marywood/Palm Valley mid year and moved them to CSOD. Thank God! CSOD far exceeds MWPV. The Teachers and administration are wonderful and very loving. The academics are strong and the kids are so well behaved. We could not be happier. Our kids thank us daily for changing schools to CSOD.
—Submitted by a parent

We decided on a Christian school for our daughter when she was in Preschool. She has been at CSOD for 4 years now. We love the school, and the teachers are so caring and patient. The Christian environment has been wonderful for our daughter. Her education far exceeds any public school. The class sizes have grown but the standards are still very high. Thank you CSOD you are Great.
—Submitted by a parent