Research Desert Marigold School charter Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

“This school needs to chose quality teachers that really care about the education they are trying to get across to the children. We have been at this school for 6 yrs. Its great for younger children the upper grades very disappointing.”

“We have attended DMS for the past 5 years and are leaving disappointmented in a program of education that we believe, when done right, offers the best education for a child. I urge anyone who is interested in this school to request the right to observe the teacher and classroom their child will be joining. Lack of discipline, educated teachers and classroom management skills is a problem in many of the grades. If you encounter problems do not expect a resolution, from administration or faculty, in a timely or satisfactory manner. I admire what this school is trying to offer but if they are to move forward and become a model for charter Waldorf schools they need to start taking decisive action towards removing administrative and faculty members that are not advancing the growth of the school. Unfortunately that means making difficult decisions that are not made entirely with the heart.”

“Desert Marigold School, has been a life saver for my daughter and for myself. The curriculum nurtures all aspects, the exposure to the Arts in all it's ramifications is what is so wonderful, Worlds apart from conventional public schools. Individuality is respected, as well as non tolerant for trends! a 100% healthy , educating, and nurturing environment! Drive by take a look!”

“My daughter attended (K-8) and my son is attending (7th). As I understand it, Waldorf methods are designed to support children to become well-rounded (confident, capable, and balanced) while providing a solid academic foundation. I have seen firsthand the evidence that Waldorf's holistic methods are effective. I particularly appreciate the gentle approach to academic growth. I did have to supplement my children's reading education with a summer tutor when, after the third grade, each were still struggling with reading. Now they are both avid readers and never had to endure what would have been the inevitable embarrassment of being labeled 'slow learners'. The school is alive it continues to grow and strengthen its programs. Bravo”

“The early childhood (playgroup, PreK, Kindergarten) program at DMS is fantastic! My children have been in each of these programs and have loved their teachers and the activities. Kindergarten is now offering eurythmy and Spanish this year which are wonderful additions to the curriculm. The parent involvment at DMS is incredible. The community always pulls together for the needs of the school. There's such a strong sense of community at this school. Our whole family loves it here!”

“Instruction in the arts is varied and adequate, instruction in math, reading and writing is mediocre to poor. If you choose this school be prepared to supplement your child's core academics. In the 6 years that I have been associated with Desert Marigold I only remain hopeful, not convinced, that this school can provide sound educational opportunities for children. We will not return next year.”

“My son has attended Desert Marigold for almost 6 years now and has an amazing teacher who challenges the class. My daughter has been attending for 3 years and loves her teacher also. The school is 20 miles from my house and I make the drive because I believe in the Waldorf curriculum and philosophies. These children are growing up to be intelligent, well-rounded, kind human beings. It is a beatiful environment for them to grow up in as well-an experience you would be hardpressed to find elsewhere. No matter which school your child attends, there will be positives and negatives. This school's positives eclipse the negatives.”

“Beautiful School, Peaceful and Nurturing. Well rounded children I believe is the goal. All students learn musical instruments, Spanish, handwork, and art. Loving safe environment.”

“My child and I were greatly disappointed with this school.It seems to pay more attention to Mythical objects and Faerie Tales even up into the higher grades. My child said that she felt like she wasn't learning anything.”

“I have had my child at DMS since 3rd grade. The academics scores have plummeted since entering middle school. The administrator is rarely in the classroom and does not do much to help the children who are failing. I feel since my child has entered 6th grade she has been let down and is now far behind state standards. My child will be attending DMS next year do to the lack of academics needs.”

“This school lacks academics. It's arts are fairly good but the academics are very poor. Such basics such as math,reading,and writing are taught terribly or bearly taught . Especially the middle school lacks academics. I am glad to say I am taking my child out. If you seek academic success this school is not for you.”

“The Waldorf Education system is wonderful, but administration at this school lacks the business know how to execute it fully. The school has great potential, the campus and teachers are very special, but the quality of education for each child is hit and miss. This is due to administrative issues - specifically, their lack of support for teachers, parents, and supplies/tools needed in classrooms. More organization within administration would help bridge this gap, plus if administrative staff had more business experience in running the school, the program would improve. Finally, the director needs to be more connected and active within this school - specifically by making making rounds and seeing firsthand how each class is doing and taking active steps to improve existing problems. Overall the school has some great qualities, but if you are seeking a consistent education for your child, research this school carefully before enrolling.”

“I love the lack of concrete, the trees, the garden and wide open spaces. I love the idea of this school. However, there is a definite lack of discipline in the upper elementary grades. The good things about the school are about breaking even now with the negatives. I don't know if I'll put my child in for next year. But it has so much potential it is heartbreaking.”

“The strengths of the school are a Waldorf inspired philosophy and curriculum, and the high level of parent involvement. A nice plus is the farm setting. Overall, the children are allowed to be kids, and are treated as divine souls worthy of the utmost respect. However, the school lacks leadership, a more reliable discipline structure, and a more consistent and experienced staff. It is great for the little ones; I have some concern for the older grades. If you want your middle schooler to be prepared for an Ivy League, keep looking.”

“We've been with DMS since my child was 18 mos, for playgroup and preschool. The arts, spiritual, & physical aspects of the child are nurtured well, and there is a lot of love. But the school is run by the teachers, an eclectic group who all have strengths but some severe shortcomings which strongly sway campus life. The campus is beautiful; the community of parents, the lack of commercialism, the organic environment, and the nurturing of the child as a strong and free being are why we came. The abstract, overly right brained processes are why we are leaving. I feel our daughter has done well, but is not challenged. She comes home and wants to do traditional schoolwork. As a preschooler it helped her grow into her body comfortably, but her mind is left wandering. Lack of social structure and discipline has often upset her. We'll miss the parents.”

“My son has ben attending Desert Marigold for almost 3 years. It is a joy to see him happy to attend class.Staff and Parents are open minded and are willing to work and discuss any issue that may arise. Of course they is always room to improve. But what makes this school rise above the rest, is that they will rise to all challenges.”

“My oldest son is finishing up his first year of preschool hear, and is enrolled for kindergarten for the fall. I really love the level of parental involvement at this school, as well as the well-rounded approach to the curriculum.”

“The pedagogy at Desert Marigold School is more holistic and child-centered than at more traditional, larger schools. Because the arts are fully integrated, children are more engaged in their learning. Because of the school's small size, there is more intimacy and less rigidity, while maintaining a 'rhythm' that is necessary for structure. There is heavy parent involvement and a sense of 'family'. Behavioral issues are dealt with by an experienced nd nurturing special needs staff. This is a great school for families looking for a more relaxed school setting than one often finds nowdays.”

“there is a good amount of parent involvement in this school. Children get a well-rounded education and a holistic perspective on the learning process”

“I bring my daughter to the Playgroup at Desert Marigold. We are so happy with the staff, the philosophy, even the school grounds are amazing! I love the nurturing atmosphere that will surley keep us in attendance for many years to come.”

“This is a very unique school! The children are exposed to real life skills such as animal care (the school has some farm animals) and organic gardening (DMS ownes 11 acres). THe school is growing and getting better! Loads of parent involvement! They aren't there yet - there is lots of work to be done to make this a stellar school, but they have the vision and the community to do it.”

“We have been at DMS for going on 4 years now and absolutly love it. My childs needs are adressed by the whole school. The focus on the whole child is what keeps me here. Art, music and all around education are all a strong focus of the school. Thankyou DMS”

“We are so happy at DMS. Our children love school,their teachers and friends. The teachers are so caring and interested in the chlildren. We are also impressed with the amount of art and music the children are exposed to. For the most part, the parents are very involved. Wtih the recent puchase of 5 more acres the opportunity for a high school becomes more of a reality. A fantastic school and community.”

“I love the philosophy. The school is trying to grow too fast. They need to get a great core staff and then boost enrollment for the lower grades. Then you will have enough money to create a great High School.”

“This school has a strong emphasis on academics and the teachers have high expectations of the students. Parents are generally very involved and there is not any lack of materials. One negative aspect of the school is that it is very work sheet driven, and there is not enough focus on using diverse teaching methods.”

“We lov it here. The staff is so helpful and the campus is beautiful.”

“awesome school. though it all depends on the teacher.”

“This school is truly amazing. The teachers are extremely dedicated. Students receive a well rounded education of the body, soul and spirit. My childs well being has completely transformed.”

“What a wonderful school! My oldest son was disinterested in the public school he attended, but since moving him to DMS he loves school. He is excited to come home and tell us about his day. And now our younger child is also attending and loves it as well. All of the faculty and staff are wonderful. They truely care about the students. The Waldorf Methods approach really works for our family. It is important to us that our children recieve a well rounded education. With all the extracuriclar classes like games/PE, watercolor painting, beeswax, music (singing and well as instrumental music), handwork, and spanish Desert Marigold definetly offers what we are looking for. If you are looking for a school that offers academicws as well as community and the arts, this may be the school for you.”

“This school reminds me of the dark ages, long ankle length dresses and all the students are all sang their instructions. My child did not learn anything in the 6 months he attended.”

“This is a wonderful,nurturing school. They are as concerned with the personal and emotional development of the child as they are with the educational development.A very full, well rounded approach to education. Our family is very involved in volunteer opportunities at the school and this helps to make it feel more like 'our school'. What a geat place to learn and grow!”

“This is a wonderful small, growing school. They will add grade 7 in 2003 and 8 in 2004. My son was not at all happy with public school - large class, emphasis on memorization and repetition, not much 'hands in it' creative learning. The school is on a rural feeling campus in view of South Mountain. What a quiet, beautiful atmosphere! There is a beautiful straw-bale construction classroom building for four of the grades. Others are housed in an old house and in nicely decorated modulars. There are animals and a pond which the children help to care for and many of the classes have gardens. This is a school that truely encourages, even requires family involvement through volunteerism, participation in festivals and student performances and creating a home environment that reinforces the concepts being developed in the classroom.”