Research Casy Country Day School #1 charter Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

“We have been very happy with CASY and student/teacher ratios. The teachers are some of the best I have seen. We feel our daughter is getting a great education and really enjoys school. The extra activities (art, Spanish, music) and field trips they offer the students are like no other school and really add to the overall education of your child. The parent involvement is amazing! The only negative has been the new owner and his lack of leadership. He is unresponsive to the parents, I just hope he can keep the wonderful teachers at this school happy. He did hire a principal (former CASY teacher) which has made a difference this school year.”

“CASY school was once a stellar charter school. Their music and art programs are terrific! Both of our children attended CASY since K, but we decided to leave and go to a different school this year. Here are a couple of examples of what we found troubling last year: inconsistent and often times poor substitutes, no communication from the owner/principal as to what he was planning on doing for that classroom. With so many choices available, parents would be wise to look elsewhere for their child's education needs.”

“We switched from a Scottsdale Public School half-way through the year to CASY and were amazed as the transformation our daughter went through! She blossomed as she became excited to learn and read. We immediately felt welcomed by all of the CASY families and the Teachers are just amazing.”

“Great academics. Charters receive less per student than regular public schools. Plus, charters don't get buildings provided by pricy bonds. Great extra curriculars. Good parent community.”

“There are four extraordinary teachers at this school (but it'll be tough getting your child in their class); one terribly disappointing and ineffectual principal/owner; and throngs of parents who are extremely disenchanted with CASY's lack of leadership and resources. It's deeply concerning to see faculty get so little support -- and the kids pay the price. The owner/principal is infamously absent and unresponsive, leaving discipline and campus management to the teachers, who already have plenty to do. Watch for class size to expand (it'll improve the owner's bottom line). Arts and music programs are going by the wayside. CASY was once a brilliant star, but its sparkle faded fast when it was sold two years ago. If CASY was a stock, now would not be a wise time to 'buy'.”

“A parent below mentioned the lack of administration at CASY. I think that is typical of charter schools. Charter schools get significantly less funding per pupil than public schools, and no building funds. In order to provide education that rivals private schools, at a 'free' public school price, charter schools cannot afford the large scale infrastructure that public schools have. Money is instead spent on teachers, small class sizes, and cultural experiences, and parents definitely have to step up to the plate to help with some day-to-day aspects of the school. That is a trade off you make at CASY, but CASY parents think it is worth it, for their children's sake.”

“Best school in the county. The class size is small. The teaching is injoyable for the children. they look forward to going each day. They don't want to miss a class because CASY teachers make learning fun.”

“This is a wonderful school. The teachers are amazing and their curriculum is challenging but fun. The new owner added this year, Spanish, Art and Music for all ages and brought in some amazing instructors to teach these classes. There is a tremendous amount of parent involvement.”

“CASY has become a rudderless ship, and it is extremely disheartening. We have a child at CASY. Imagine a school with virtually NO administration and you are imagining CASY. If it was not for the tremendous parental involvement, this school would cease to operate. It certainly was not what we bargained for.”

“CASY used to be a great school. Under the new owner and principal, things have fallen.”

“Wonderful school and great teachers. Small class sizes make for lots of individual attention.”

“Good school, it's more of a creative art school rather than an academic school, moderate parental involvement...”

“We really liked this school. Our children started preschool here and went all the way to 4th grade. The school only went to 4th grade in the Scottsdale locations. That is the tricky part, what do you do with your kid for 5th? Many other parents find this is a problem also. Overall, it was a great experience for our children. Alot of parental involvement is required. Also camping out just to get child into the school. This can be a good way to get to know the other parents of children. It can also be a very grueling long night you will never forget.”

“Beautiful setting and offers many extra-curricular activities.”

“CASY has given my children the best education from K-4. The teachers really care about the kids. The children feel like they are part of a growing community. They have a love for learning and truly respect one another and their teachers. The parents all seem to have the same vision for their children and it helps. It's real hard when you have to leave at 4th grade. Good Luck finding a school that matches what CASY has.”

“Casy has been a wonderful experience for my two children. The teachers are wonderfull and the programs are above average. Both my children have grown both socially and in the classroom.”

“This is a school with excellent academics,caring and dedicated teachers and a positive learning environment bolstered by parent volunteers. Students are expected to be kind and respectful and thrive in an atmosphere where they are challenged, encouraged, rewarded and loved. Parents serve lunch, work the library, assist with student drop-off in the morning and organize and execute all fund-raisers all because they want a good education for their children. The school grounds are *definitely* not glamourous and lack a cafeteria and gymnasium, but the students are confident, well-rounded and bright-eyed kids. They also happen to have the best test scores in the state of Arizona!”

“I have to kids at this school nd I absolutly LOVE IT!!! Teachers and staff are great ...”

“We brought our child to this school for kindergarten this year and we couldn't be happier. Everyone from the teachers, to the office staff, to the after-school care providers are fabulous! We have been so impressed with the committment of the teachers and the PTA. This school truly has a community spirit. We really like the communication we receive and the parental involvement. Our child is excelling because of the academics, but she is also learning other skills like giving back to your community, and respect for others.”

“We have had nothing but great experiences at this school! Our children have been challenged both academically and with the arts! The pace is fast but the nuturing and guidance the teachers provide is found no where else. We have been else where! Parent involvment is outstanding!”

“CASY has an excellent program with an advance curriculum that works well for the right student. If your child is a creative free thinker that thrive in a challenging academic environment then this is a school that you shoud consider. My daughters love CASY.”

“When we relocated to Arizona we did a lot of research and felt CASY would be great. We were mistaken. We had two children in CASY and one needed a little extra attention academically. The school resisted all attempts for an IEP and even minor modifications to the daily routine. The teachers made both our child and us feel like a problem and a burden to them. OUr oldest was unable to attend a 2nd year at the school because the school was unable to field a 5th grade class. All-in-all, this school leaves a lot to be desired. Our time at CASY did not adequately prepare either child for public schools and did absolutely nothing to help our youngest adjust.”

“We moved to Arizona 2 years ago with our first son just about to enter KG. Casy was a very welcoming school and made the transition easier, the educational opportunities learning environment are excellent. We now have both of our boys (KG & 2) and they love it. It is a great community for learning, growth, and friendship.”

“Both of my kids have been at CASY since preschool, with the oldest finishing 5th grade last year. Fantastic teachers and very open to parental involvement. The oldest moved on to BASIS, and was very well prepared academically and socially.”

“I have two children a CASY and my oldest is about to graduate! I am so fortunate to have been advised to visit this school five years ago. The teachers are phenomenal, the curriculum is unbelievable, and the kids and parents are good hearted. You can't miss with this school!!!!!!!!!”

“My child is in kindergarten at CASY. I am so happy I chose this school. The teachers are incredible, caring, thoughtful and love what they do. It shows in their clasrooms and it shows in my child's work. He comes home happy and excited every day. This is a small school, with a family feel. As parents we play a large role in the school...but would you want it any other way? Communication from administration to parents is spot-on, the PTA is incredible and the children are happy, thriving and learning new concepts every single day. Do not let the small campus concern you...it's about the teachers, the curriculum and allowing the child to learn in creative, challenging ways that are important. As a parent of two young children, I urge you to tour this campus and witness what I see every day.”

“There is no perfect school, but this has been just that for my children.”

“I think Casy is a wonderful school and I will send my 2nd child their next year.”

“Casy is a great school. Students are challenged”

“My children love going to CASY school everyday and I'm just happy as pie with this school! This is a very small school with a big heart and big test scores to boot. It's a wonderful community of teachers, administrators and parents that truly care about the kids.”

“My children have had several wonderful growing and learning years in CASY - in an family like environment that would be difficult the replicate. They have been performing well above the grade level, constantly being academically challenged, yet never stressed or unduly pressured. They are growing into thinkers capable of expressing themselves verbally, artistically and mathematically. Challenges that we experienced due to the change of ownership have indeed been frustrating but they are more than offset by the commitment of our principal and the devotion of our truly inspiring teachers. CASY tests scores speak for themselves, but it is the wide eyed smiling children filled with sense of curiosity and discovery that tell the full story.”

“My daughter has been a student at CASY for the past 4 years. She has received an excellent education and has had the opportunity to be part of an amazing community. When we saw that our child was not being sufficiently challenged, the administration worked with our family and the staff to assure that our child received appropriate academic challenges. She is excelling in school and her love for the arts has been cultivated. The school balances academics, arts and good manners/behavior very well. Our daughter loves her school and I would recommend CASY to any family.”

“CASY is an excellent school. The new principal and teachers show an incredible level of dedication for their students. The heavy parental involvement helps to make this a great community for the kids to grow and learn.”

“My children have been at this school for four years and it has been the most amazing experience. The curriculum is adapted for each child so they can be pushed to their limit! Teachers are the best, addition of new principal has been amazing. Highly recommend.”

“Excellent principal who shields the school from the administrative 'growth' pains. Super teachers in a small school environment. The kids are at least 1 year ahead of the public school, so be aware of that if you send your own kids.”