Great Hearts Academies - Scottsdale Prep in Phoenix, Arizona

“I am in 7th grade at SPA and this is my second year at the school. There are many of us who love SPA and laugh at the comment of the workload being over the top. Yes, it is a challenging school but you can see the entire curriculum on the website along with a handbook of the school policies. It is a great school and has an incredible athletic program too. It is the first time I have felt like I am actually getting something out of spending a whole day in classes. I have read many works of great literature, I am in Algebra, I am studying Ancient History from a college-level textbook, my fine arts class is awesome and our sports teams are winning championships! If you have a child who has more fun getting involved than worrying about breaking rules, this is the school for you.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The teachers at SPA are exceptional. Even new teachers, while finding their way in the Great Hearts accelerated curriculum, work very hard to ensure every students' success. Kids receive constant feedback, they can tutor daily if required and every question is answered until the student understands the content. The rules, while stringent, allow the faculty to do their job: teaching our kids, instead of policing behavior typical in a district school. If your child is willing to work hard, ask questions and follow the rules without looking to rebel wherever possible, they will excel at SPA. If you want an Honors Curriculum, an honor code, a discipline policy demonstrating equal treatment of all students and a positive social environment, this is the place.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There are some good teachers but the workload is over the top. They expect far too much from the students. Most teachers are more concerned about enforcing the prison-like rules and dress code then the well-being of their students. Detentions are issued for the smallest infractions when truly, only a warning is necessary. Our family was extremely unhappy with the school and pulled our daughter out. It is not a healthy environment for anyone to spend their time in.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The staff is wonderful. My daughter was in sixth grade and had a great experience. The principal runs the school very professionally and the teachers seem happy.I love being at a school where they do what they say they will do. My daughter loved the sports program and participated in 3 of the programs.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The atmosphere is dignified, and they offer an incredible athletics program. Every student has something they can be involved in. We wouldn't attend anywhere else!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“im a going to 7th grade this year and last year was great. i really liked all teachers and Mr. pagani rocked. none of the classes are really hard and i didnt get that much hmwk in the 6th grade. most of it i was able to do in the morning at school or at lunch,meaning an average day of hmwk took me 15-20 minutes. idk why at the bottom of the page some kid said the punishments to strict. i dont think it was except for the last week where you would get a detention for missing stuff. seriously,if u got a detention you probably deserved it........ the one thing that i hated was the uniforms, they are so annoying. but whatever.there are a lot of sports you can do, and i really liked the sport that i chose. the one thing i wish they had was a strings program”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Scottsdale Prep has been a godsend for our family. We moved here and found the 'excelling' public schools to be remarkably substandard, lacking in challenging curriculum and lacking in student discipline. The only thing not lacking was the number of lethargic 'educators', school administrators, and parents. At SPA, students are exposed to a well balanced and challenging liberal arts curriculum; they are intellectually stimulated, and held accountable for their learning and their actions. The teachers are amazing and show a true passion for teaching. There is a student code of conduct signed off by all students and parents, and rules that are actually enforced (again, unlike the public schools). Students not serious about learning or here to goof off or cause trouble simply won't last long at Scottsdale Prep and will be counseled to seek education elsewhere. Here, our children truly are being prepped for higher education. Thank you, SPA!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a seventh grade student at scottsdale prep. It is an okay school but the punishments are a little over the top. If you are going to send your child here keep in mind that he or she will have an average of three hours of homework a night. The teachers are pretty good with a few exceptions. I love the seventh grade science teacher Mrs. Inalboln. She is the best teacher because she really works hard to make science fun. I am getting straight As in her class. She is strict but that is just what the boys in my class really need. Also if you are going to send your child here remember that all the stuff we are learning is really challenging. In math we just finished trig. The campus is a office building but that is fine. I like the small community feeling. Overall great place.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Scottsdale Prep. is an excellent school. My 6th grader has just about finished her first year and is very happy. She has learned so much this year, has made great friends, and really enjoyed learning Archery. The teachers are wonderful, very supportive, and always available to answer questions and provide tutoring if needed. We weren't sure about the uniforms to start but have found them to be a great unifying element of the school. The classic curriculum is great and my daughter loves Latin. This is a growing school with new elements being added all the time. After school activities include drama, Latin club, newsletter, science bowl, to name a few. I hear next year they may add band and fencing to the mix. As a parent I have every confidence in the Headmaster and Asst. Headmaster's leadership, and have never doubted they have the student's best interest at heart.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There are some definite pluses to this school but some minuses too. Most classes are challenging, but doable with the exception of Latin. I reccomend regularly going to Latin tutor sessions. There are plenty of sports programs, but art programs such as drama and debate dont exist. The student body is very small, which some kids thrive in while others dont. I personally would prefer more kids. The facility is nice, but small and is basically an office building. I really like the uniforms, but the school has very harsh punishments and detentions. I know this school is perfect for some students, but I dont love it. In fact, I am considering attending another school next year. I suggest shadowing a student to decide if you like it or not.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am a freshman at SPA & I am so happy here. While the school may be hard for some students, it is not a school for the elite. The teachers are wonderful and are always available for extra help- they want the students to succeed! The faculty is by far the best I have ever witnessed. Both the Headmaster & Assistant Headmaster are experienced and keep the school running smoothly. I have never been in a better environment. Thank you!”
This review was posted by a student.