Tempe Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, Arizona

“TPA as it was nicknamed was the best school I have ever been to. The teachers are great and I love it. Plus, the academics are above average.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I love this school more than I can tell you. I am grateful to God that we were lucky enough to get in. Although there is no perfect school, TPA is the perfect school for us!!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“i just moved to a different state i regreted leaving soo much! the teachers there are wonderful. you make great friends there in no time because there are not that many students. overall this school is wonderful. i loved my 2 years there”
This review was posted by a student.

“I think your diversity rating is flawed! There are substantial number of Black, Indian (India) and other cultures - diversity at this school is not viewed as an issue by students, they work side by side and accept each other regardless of race! Have had 2 students in this school over past 8 years! The 'average' student at Tempe Prep excels in university studies with emphasis in Math, Physics and Literature!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“TPA provides an outstanding demanding curriculum which in most classes is taught with enthusiasm, humor and rigor by extrordinary teachers. Improved evaluation of teachers is needed to rid the environment of a a scant number of teachers whose motivation to teacher to TPA standards is lacking.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“An excellent school, but parents and students should be aware of three points - a) the work is hard b) there are mountains of homework, especially in ninth grade c) the curriculum is set so if, for example, your student is poor at Latin or music theory, then tough. In my opinion, this school is great for the over achiever or student who if lucky to be bright at all subjects.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Every school should strive to have the standards set by TPA. My son just completed 7th grade. He has found balance between daily workouts with the HS football team and a passion for Latin. He drives our family crazy with incessant Shakespeare citations. He tells his brothers, 'Dudes, in Julius Cesar, he's talking about guys like us!' If you want an honest assessment of the school ask any of the students. They'll tell you that while they don't always look forward to going to school (my son: 'I'm not a nerd, geesh') they love to learn and they're learning a lot!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“TPA offers a strong and comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in an environment of integrity, respect, and high expectations. The administration and faculty know each student and truly seek to maximize their collective and individual potential. Teachers will challenge your child to stretch his/her mind and reach beyond the comfortable; to learn to examine, reason, and to question. There is a strong sense of dedication within this community, and the students feel valued. Parents who are considering this school should be prepared to provide a safe and supportive home environment, and be willing to take an active part in the mission of the school. It is a community of learners, and parents are integral. Students graduating from TPA are exceptionally well prepared for college, and are independent thinkers with strong values.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This has to be the only school where kids want to arrive early so they can review homework with friends. Great community of parents and kids. My son is in 7th grade and he is so happy to be here because he can learn and the peer pressure supports this. Some of the faculty and administration are unnecessarily harsh and they don't always listen to the students, but overall the kids gain so much from the curriculum that the kids themselves create a 'community of learners.'”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Tempe Preparatory Academy's expectations of its students are extremely high. I have found that my children live up to whatever is expected of them. It isn't easy; each child has different abilities, and the rigorous academic curriculum is easier for some children than others. Even so, knowing their grades are not what they would have been in a public school - they ARE gaining knowledge, skills and experiences they would NEVER have learned in a public school setting. And isn't that what education is about - learning (not grades)? Teachers are ALWAYS available for extra individualized tutoring - it is up to the student to initiate. The opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics provides each student an opportunity to be engaged in an outstanding learning experience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Cons: Works best for students who are self-motivated. If your child is not, there will not be much extra coaxing from faculty. Much like college in that respect. There is no grade inflation. The transcript might be mediocre by normal standards, and not reflect the truly first-rate education which everyone who graduates from this school, regardless of grades, has by definition received. The school works to educate colleges about this. Facilities are very modest, but the limitations seem to promote a strong camaraderie among the students and staff. Pros: The great majority of the faculty are superb. They choose to teach here because this school fits with their own ideals, and the results show. The curriculum is extraordinary. There's no joy quite like hearing your child describe why she loves to read Thucydides. Environment is happy, safe, and as wholesome as you're going to get with 300+ teenagers. Thank you TPA.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Surprisingly school has great reputation & test scores despite negative changes/ behavior by established teachers and administrators. Teachers publish tutoring schedules, but routinely do not keep them. Students still remain high achievers despite negative teacher behavior. Great curriculum at school does not mean teachers like their students, treat them with respect or support students academically. This school demands students who can handle an advanced college environment and adultlike relationship with teachers. Great parent envolvement and extra curricular activities. Allowing school administration by an outside foundation or district will only cause more conflict of interest by school administrators, board members, and teachers. Inevitably school reputation will decrease more.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Tempe Prep is an excellent school for a certain type of student. Be prepared for lots of homework, a challanging environment and demanding teachers. If your student cannot handle a competitive academic school this is not the place for them. The classes are small but the standards are high.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The degree of mentorship at Tempe Prep is unbelievable. I feel honored to have my child attend this school. Some of the teachers, however, make a public display of their religious preferences....”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I do sincerely wish the campus was a reflection of the character of the school. Applying fresh paint and planting flowers or hanging planters would go a long way. Curb appeal shows pride in your school. It is also more enjoyable for those who attend and work there everyday. It's a great school. I bet the parents/students would help get the campus in better shape.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Environment on campus is incredibly good. Good families are involved. Students are motivated to do well. Parents are quite involved especially in extra curricular activities. Facilities are mediocre at best. Some of the faculty are not particulary motivating or encouraging but feel that the student needs to be self-motivated and self-directed. Grading policies are somewhat arbritary and very subjective by design and in practice.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great speech and debate team, good attention to what should be the core of any school: academics and skills relating to writing and thinking.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an outstanding 'charter' school. The level of education is excellent and the expectations are as well. They offer many sports, extra-curriculars and have great school spirit. The staff are very involved with students as are the parents.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Tempe prep is a great atmosphere that my child feels comfertable attending. It's amazing that it's tuition free.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is amazing, and really 'builds' a student to aspire and reach.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Excellent college prep school; excellent moral climate; highest academic standards; no down time: always on task; very good small school sports program, but a little thin on other extra-curricular activities; curriculum limited to a 'great books' liberal arts education in the Western tradition; school complies with state requirements for special education but some teachers, though very well-educated, don't always know how to accomodate struggling or below average students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Please ignore the last comment. As a teacher at Tempe Prep, I can promise you that there is no detention room as described by the 'parent' in the last comment. Indeed, to the best of my knowledge, there has never been a family at TPA with that family's name.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child graduated from Tempe Prep in 2001. The experience was good for him. The school is disciplined, challenging, and difficult, but worthwhile. [My son] was a troublemaker and continued his prankery at Tempe Prep, but those teachers really straightened him out. This is a great school for troubled children. I believe that Tempe Prep will continue to excel. The test scores are amazing. The school's use of the 'detention' and 'penalty box' system works extremely well to enforce the hundreds of key rules each child must follow. In the penalty box, a student may not talk, may not move, and may only move to turn a page of the book he is required to read. Other students watch him through the glass windows of his room to break his spirit. It is an excellent experience. This is a great school, send your child here.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Tempe Prep offers a first class college prep curriculum with solid leadership, a wonderful front office staff, highly qualified teachers and a full offering of extra curricular opportunities. We are thrilled to be a part of this 'community of learners'. It is the kind of education that should be afforded to every child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Im a student at Tpa not a parent. Tpa is a great school, every year the school is inproving. My brother, stated at tpa whan the school started and we have been with the school since then. So I have seen the school change first hand.One of the things that makes tpa great is the size, though I believe tpa made a mistake when they added another class(making 3 sections for each grade) but the school still is much smaller then most if not all. There are a lot of good teachers here and there are a few people who should teach. But most of the time the good ones out shine the bad ones. By far the school is the best educational learning exsperence the state even country perhaps has to ofer. And deserves more funding. But there is one negative with the school. The school can be very up tight about how they run things, they take things too seriously, with disapline and all. And this comes from the facalty, headmaster, and the po(parent oganization) they all need to loosen up. But ther positives do out number the negatives at tpa and defenetly deseves more funding.”
This review was posted by a other.

“One of the most insightful comments a student told me when asked why they liked Tempe Prep so much was their response: 'It is the first school I went to that respected me, and I could be 'popular', because I was smart.' Several students agreed, and as I observed students throught out the school year, I found it to be true.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Everything about this school is awesome! From the challenging curriculum to truly caring teachers, to a sharp young principal that has a geniune love for education and the students. No doubt about it - this school is hard, and may not be for everyone. Those that graduate from TPA will have a foundation for entry into the finest universities. This is the 'Prep School' tradition - at a Charter School price!”
This review was posted by a .

“This school provides the first-class education our youth need and many cannot afford to pay for. As a charter school, the student body is more socio-economically diverse than are most private schools. The opportunity for all students (without testing into the courses) to experience an honors curriculum, is especially noteworthy.”
This review was posted by a .

“Well, ok, so I'm not a parent of a TPA child, but I am a teacher at the school. Having taught at other charter schools as well as at the community college and university level, I can honestly say that this is most academically solid institution at which I have taught or that I can imagine. Alongside of this intellectual rigor is a community with strong moral leadership and athletic excellence. I love teaching, coaching, and just plain being at Tempe Prep. This is an excellent choice for your son or daughter. It does, however, require that your child be willing to work hard and that parents be more attentive to their child's than they might need to be were their child at a typical school. It is not always an easy task to convince a 10th grader, let alone a 7th grader, to make intellectual pursuits their principle focus. But, the high school graduates at Tempe Prep speak volumes of the character of the school and the power of the TPA curriculum -- graduates are confident, incredibly intelligent, genuinely moral, and are successful at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country.”
This review was posted by a .

“This school is one of the most challenging I have seen and has constantly inspired my rather average (academically speaking)daughter to reach new heights and really think about what she is learning.”
This review was posted by a .

“We are former homeschoolers that 'found' TPA through a homeschool friend whose oldest son was already attending. My 17 year old junior has been attending since 8th grad. My 15 year old freshman is in her third year. The academic expectations are high. Students have much more homework than many public high schools compared to our friends with children in those schools. It is a challenge, at times, to get homework completed after a two hour practice for soccer, basketball, or baseball and have a life on a Monday - Friday basis. Having said that, I cannot imagine a better environment for children to learn! Teachers are GREAT overall and available for tutoring before or after class, as needed. One example of their high standards - Latin, Spanish, French, or German classes are required throughout 7 - 12th grades. Mandatory community service for some grades, mandatory attendance at music concerts and a variety of other extracurricular events make this a well-rounded school and curriculum. Most students are involved in one of the sports that is offered throughout the school year. This has been a highlight for my students. Coaching has been wonderful and many friends made with other parents and teammates. Strongest recommendation for the parent that desires to partner with the academic staff to provide quality education in smaller classrooms for their children that can adjust to; a)wearing uniforms to public school, b)maintain a conservative appearance, c)couple of hours of homework. Character building is one standard that I have really appreciated, both in the classroom and on the athletic teams. TPA is doing a great job of preparing students for college AND becoming productive and responsible adults in our society!”
This review was posted by a .

“It's a great previlage to have my son in this school and to be involved with this quality of education.”
This review was posted by a .

“Greatest school ever”
This review was posted by a .

“This is a fine school with a great curriculum. Small student body is a welcome quality and we like the fact that it is 7th-12th so that our child can begin maturing in his attitude toward academics before it really counts. Also, it ensures that the curriculum from 8th to 9th is aligned - a real problem in many of the districts where there are a large number of feeder schools, all with different curriculae. Our child has enjoyed Odyssey of the Mind as an extracurricular activity.”
This review was posted by a .