Research Crittenton Youth Academy charter Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

“The first week of school I came back to school to find that things have changed. I have attended this school for all of my high school years and have loved every minute of it. Until I came this year. None of the teachers that have been there for me for all these years are still teaching there. There is a whole new staff with only 2 returning teachers. This doesn't make any sense. We spend so much time getting to know the teachers through our mentor program and then the principal replaces the whole staff. I'm really disappointed.”

“Greetings Students, Parents and Community Members, The 2010 school year begins Monday August 3rd and the administration, faculty and staff of Crittenton Youth Academy are looking forward to making this year the best ever. I am happy to report the Crittenton Youth Academy continues to be designated as a performing school by the Arizona Department of Education. Although we are performing, we believe that our potential is much greater. We have enhanced our curriculum and instituted new best practices that will improve educational outcomes for our students. Our first goal this year is to ensure that every one of our students meets or exceeds the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) exam by: Aligning our curriculum to Department of Education State Standards Identifying students who are at risk of not meeting AIMS standards and providing remediation and tutoring Providing a safe and secure school environment Maintaining a learning community where everyone shares a focus on student learning To achieve these goals, we have added to our administrative team. We are excited to introduce Kendra Mitchell, as the CYA Curriculum and Instruction Coach. Mrs. Mitchell is eager to support faculty and students to ensure that CYA meets our educational goals. Our second goal is to give students the opportunity to feel empowered, gain a sense of purpose and learn the decision making skills that will prepare them for life beyond the classroom. To meet this goal, CYA Social Worker, Jennifer Miller, will be facilitating the curriculum of the Search Institute s 40 Developmental Assets. The program objectives are to: Increase student achievement and graduation Increase student satisfaction and connectedness Increase student protective factors and assets Increase student positive behavior and engagement Increase parent/guardian involvement This year, we will be beginning a National Junior Honor Society club and post-secondary transition workshops through the Educational and Career Action Plan (ECAP). I welcome you to visit CYA for a tour and conversation with me regarding your child s education and our vision of excellence. I look forward to meeting with you. Respectfully, William Bressler Principal 715 West Maricopa Street, Phoenix AZ 85013 phone 602-274-7318 fax 602-288-4118 www.florencecrittentonofaz.org”

“I am a parent of a student who attends CYA, after reading the above comments I felt the need to tell the other side of the story. CYA s new principal is doing a great job. He has turned the school around and is holding staff, students and parents accountable for making students successful. No longer can students fail to attend class, fail to study and disrupt the learning of others. The students and teachers are being provided atmosphere where learning can happen. I am sorry that the parents who wrote the above comments were not willing to work with the school administration and hold their children accountable. Monday was the first day of school and it was great. The staff was prepared and ready to receive our children. Thank you Mr. Bressler and staff .”

“My daughter loves this school but I'm frustrated as a parent. She came home from school yesterday and was scheduled in a science class that she passed last year and was also not scheduled for an English class when this is her senior year. They don't seem to be very organized.”

“My son is a student at Crittenton Youth Academy. He enjoys the atmosphere and the sports program which is a savior for him. If there is any negatives about the school it would be the inconsistencies of the principal.”

“omg i love this school. they acctual help you succed in your grades while keeping a one on one teacher ratio”

“Crittenton Youth Academy offers kids a healthy, challenging and safe place to learn and grow. The school is focused on academic achievement and treats every student as if they were their own child. Every student is looked at as an individual, with individual needs, plans, goals. The teachers build respecful relationships with the students and truly care about their well-being and success. They have a fabulous campus and faculty, a service learning program, free tutors and staff mentors. CYA also provides organized sports, which is rare in charter school environments. Another great advantage over other charter schools is that they are nationally accredited, which means every teacher is certified in the subject matter they are teaching. I highly recommend CYA for any student, parent or counselor looking for a place where kids can excel.”

“The current staff do a great job of creating a safe learning environment.”

“As a teacher of Crittenton Youth Academy, my first priority is the success of students. I strive for nothing less than the personal and academic excellence each student is capable of achieving. Students learn in varying different ways, and it is a joy to help students discover their preferred style of learning. I want students to be creative and learn through group projects, presentations, art, drama, video clips, and traditional learning (lecture) - a healthy well-rounded combination which suits a variety of learning styles. Most importantly, I love my students. I administer gentle but firm discipline, and guide students into making appropriate, healthy choices. My students know I care about them. Your child will feel safe and nurtured at CYA. All teachers and administrative staff follow the same philosophy. That is why I choose to work at Crittenton Youth Academy. . Diane Strong, Social Studies Teacher”

“Education and safety is number one priotery, teacher and staff are certified and very profesional!.”

“Crittenton Youth Academy helps young people prepare for the future with a high quality education and skills necessary to succeed in today s environment. They truly care!”

“Crittenton Youth Academy is a small environment that is able to meet a student's needs. They know every student has the potential to succeed and are willing to take the time to foster that potential. Great school with caring teachers and staff.”