Challenger School-Salt Lake

Everyday I am more impressed by this wonderful institution. I have three children who are currently attending. The teaching methods at Challenger are thorough, the ethics and manners are refreshing, the teachers are well trained and competent and the administration is sound. I have yet to find a complaint.
--Submitted by a parent

When you walk into a Challenger class room, you see kids quite, focused and participating. This is the environment children can learn in. Not 30 kids goofing off while the teacher tries to gain control.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children currently attending Challenger School and there is no question they are attending the very best school available to them for academic advancement and personal integrity. The teachers and especially the director are outstanding. The values Challenger teaches, (which are rationality, honesty, productivity, self reliance, justice, integrity and self worth) are incorporated in the schools daily academic curriculum. The teachers are kind, concerned and very well qualified. Challenger s outstanding test scores undeniably support this claim. My biggest problem now is figuring out where they will go to school after completing Challenger.
--Submitted by a parent

In regards to liberal arts, my middle school daughter has one of the finest art teachers in the Salt Lake Valley. The school is safe, clean and well organized, but what I appreciate most about this location is the diversity of the students attending school there. My children (both girls) are Caucasian, born and raised in Utah. By attending the Salt Lake Campus Challenger they have made friends with children from many racial and ethnic groups and they are prepared to function well in a pluralistic society. They study alongside children whose parents place a high value on education. Current research suggests that a more diverse classroom increases all students level of critical thinking. Education is one of only a few gifts I can give my children that cannot be taken away from them.
--Submitted by a parent

In regards to liberal arts, my middle school daughter has one of the finest art teachers in the Salt Lake Valley. The school is safe, clean and well organized, but what I appreciate most about this location is the diversity of the students attending school there. My children (both girls) are Caucasian, born and raised in Utah. By attending the Salt Lake Campus Challenger they have made friends with children from many racial and ethnic groups and they are prepared to function well in a pluralistic society. They study alongside children whose parents place a high value on education. Current research suggests that a more diverse classroom increases all students level of critical thinking. Education is one of only a few gifts I can give my children that cannot be taken away from them.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been in elemetary school for a year. Challenger has a good focus on reading/writing/math compared to local public schools. but it is more of a rote learning instead of creativity building. They claim they are teaching critical thinking skills but i don't think their teaching style stimulates criticak thinking skills. They don't have enough art, music, sports or foreigh language courses. Low parent involvement
--Submitted by a parent

A a former employee of Challenger school, I have mixed feelings. The school is good on academics, discipline and safety. The test scores are good. Most of the teachers are not certified and this is not required. Despite this, the teachers are good for the most part, but this still is an issue for me as certification shows that the teacher as had training in teaching and child development. I am also concerned that foreign language isn't offered. I have also had some negative experiences with the director as have other emplyees. She does not seem interested in feedback from employees and pretty much brushes off suggestions and input.As a result, she is often unaware of minor problems. Challenger is not a bad school and is a vast improvement over many public schools, but I have had enough negative experiences that I would be hesitant to send my child here.

Challenger is an excellent school for those who want an outstanding education for their kids. I have been going to this school since 4th grade, and am now in 7th grade. Last year, I won the Uintah Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Contest. I give Challenger credit to this accomplishment because they taught me how to research, organize an essay, and, most importantly, think critically about the subject. Another great thing about this school is that they teach the art of public speaking! Each and every student in my class (which, by the way, has only eleven students in it) is perfectly capable of presenting a speach in front of a large audience.
--Submitted by a student

My son has gone to Challenger for the last 2 years for preschool. We couldn't be happier. The teachers are so sweet and caring. He has learned so much this year and I accredit it to Challenger. Their phonics program is mind blowing. This is a wonderful program and I would recommend it to anyone who values their childs education.
--Submitted by a parent

I have mixed feelings about Challenger. We had our son there for preschool and we liked it he seemed to be happy while learning a lot. Now he is in the Kindergarten class and I am quite disappointed. The emphasis is on academics writing, reading and counting. The program is lacking creativity, social skills and self-confidence building. The program is very strict. It almost seems their motto is 'learning should not be fun'.
--Submitted by a parent