Research Joy Christian School private Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

“My child was at Joy for 3 years- this is her last year because we are not happy about the direction. Joy is a not a full Christian education. It is run by some charter school which employs the teachers and limits what teachers say and do. Tuition goes to the church. Where is the leadership - any? the school is going backwards.”

“We attended Joy since preschool and were pleased with the education we received until the last year and a half. Unfortunately, the school has become more concerned about pleasing the parents that make large donations than it is about actually teaching the children. There are a few good employees, however the leadership will keep them from doing their jobs. Since pulling our children, we have had them tested and placed in summer programs to play catch up on all the things they were NOT taught. Our children are exceptionally bright and gifted, however, many core concepts were lacking in math and reading. As a former teacher, I know what they should have learned, but they did not learn. Definitely NOT worth the high tuition costs when you can receive a superior education at public school for free.”

“I am a teacher at this school. Our incredible administrator left and there is no new admin. We were moving forward - but now we have little leadership. Every part of our school used to be immersed with Christ - not any more. I'm confident it will turn around when we get another great administrator like we had.”

“I could not be happier with Joy Christian School. They are under new administration, which is taking them forward. Emphasis on academics, as well as each child's spiritual well-being, is on the increase. As a birth to grade 12 campus, they are becoming focused and unified. Change is in the air - change for the better!”

“This school was very unprepared in teaching my children critical Christian Values and preparing them for college”

“We have been at Joy for 3 years. They constantly strive to improve their curriculum and extra curricular activities. The school administration is attentive and on top of things. The family involvment is high and students are happy and well adjusted. The Christ-centered environment is outstanding. This is a dream school for families wanting a school where they can become involved and make a difference in their child's educational experience.”

“Both of my children elementary school at Joy and now one is in the high school. Her experience has been remarkable. She has the opportunity to experience everything and more. More doors have been opened than we ever believed possible. Many think that being in a small school would limit the opportunities for a child, but it is just the opposite. Due to the smaller size she is able to try everything. Our other child in is in the middle school. He also is having a remarkable experience. The middle school staff is top notch. As someone who has been in education for 20+ years, I can say with confidence I would not have my children any where else.”

“My kids have gone to this school since preschool and love it! My 8th grade daughter is excited about going to Joy High School next year, especially with the new electives, the sports programs and the new gymnasium. She loves science and is looking forward to using the new science lab equipment. My son, in 5th grade, loves the hands on Core Knowledge curriculum and looks forward to the after school program, the intramural sports and bible/chapel every week. Thank you Joy for keeping Christ in our schools!”

“Joy Christian School's commitment to students, parents, and staff is oustanding. I have been at Joy for over 4 yrs...It is a great school, and a great blessing to all my children.”

“My child started attending JOY in preschool. He is now in the 4th grade. He has excelled at the school from the very beginning. The academic program and teachers are wonderful. I would highly recommend this school.”

“We have been attending JOY for about 2 1/2 years now. We've had such positive experiences through the Parent's Day Out Program and their Preschool that we made the decision to continue with our child's education at JOY. We started Kindergarten in August and are VERY pleased. We appreciate the smaller class sizes, an appropriate dress code, the care and preparedness of the teachers, the CORE Knowledge program, Bible teachings, and all the extra activities offered...just to name a few things!!! We have found a wonderful enviroment for learning and growing.”

“Our kids have attended this school since the 1st grade (our eldest in now at the H.S.) I probably don't have enough room here to list all the multiple wonderful things about JCHS, (only in it's 3rd year and excelling in all academic and extracurricular areas) so I'll let the fact that the Arizona Business Journal has just ranked Joy Christian Schools as the 7th best private school in the state!!”

“This school was awesome. Great Teachers. Great learning and activities. Only downside is that there is not much security.”

“Each child is treated as an individual, and challenged to excel. We tried public school for our children and have come to the conclusion that Joy is the perfect choice for our children both academically and spititually.”

“Im a student at joy. I love the school so much. It is a awsome school for kids and parents love it.”

“We have one child in school and one starting in 2008. Excellent Christ-centered environment, wth experienced and dedicated teachers and a good learning curriculum that sets a good early childhood foundation. Emphasis on values and character is refreshing and not something one can get in public school. Tuition covers most costs and little additional fund raising is demanded of parents - unlike public schools that send home a fund raiser each month ( and still receive govt. funding)! Joy seems to manage their money well. Good parent involvement and interesting activities make this school an excellent choice for parents seeking a learning atmosphere that will positively affect their child for a lifetime.”

“I sent my child to Joy for a few years, until I realized that their curriculum and scores just did not even rank close to the public school system. The teachers were quite tempermental, and though the Christian atmosphere was good for the younger grades, there were just not enough options for the older grades. It seemed like they spent more time asking for money than teaching the Bible during Chapel services. I left Joy and am VERY pleased with the public school system.”

“Joy Christian is fabulous! My daughter and son both attend and we could not be happier. As a former public school teacher, I knew when the time came to find the 'perfect' school for my children, that Joy Christian was the one. The staff is so incredible and truly wants what is best for every child. The curriculum, extra activities and 'family like' atmosphere is definitely a plus. Knowing that my children are worshipping and praising the Lord on a regular basis brings a smile to my face each day I drop them off. I know they are learning (above grade level), and are enjoying every minute of their school day! What more could a parent ask for? Thank you Joy for providing the most positive, Christ lead education for my children.”

“Our oldest child started in 4th and graduated from JCS as an 8th grader. Our youngest started in 1st grade and is graduating 2007. The experience we had were growing pains as JCS grew with the needs and wants from parents and the community. Our children experiences extremely caring and highly motivated teachers. When the administration changed a few years back the school grew in leaps and bounds! The basics and the extras have provided the kind of education and growing experience that we feel we would have never found anywhere else. My husband and I have been very active in the school and learned how hard it is for teachers in a private school to provide the best possible education for their students while trying to make sure that the parents feel that it is 'money well spent'. Parents should remember that a private school is just that!”

“The location is perfect, easy access available. A concern on people that don't belong on campus. Parent interaction is good.”

“I am very disappointed with the Preschool this year. They have a new directer who does not want the teachers to teach. She wants the children to have organized play time and if they learn something along the way it's okay. It was a much better school when my older child was there several years ago. We are not even finishing the school year and we are definetly not coming back next year. I feel like we have had our child in daycare instead of preschool. Joy is also the most expensive school around.”

“Very good school and staff.”

“I love this school and have sent my kids since 2002 (1 in 1st and 1 in 4th). I believe every year the school changes to build a better campus for families. New Core Knowledge curriculum combined with Bible based teaching ensures a well rounded world view for every child. Negative comments on this sight must come from parents who either have not gotten involved or don't inform staff of challenges faced staff in order to see things corrected. My children are thriving... straight A's. JCS received Championship status at the recent ISS (International Space Station competition); excellent awards at recent ACSI speech meet, placing at most levels and again the same was repeated at the ACSI Spelling Bee. The academics are matched with sports programs consistently winning 1sts and 2nds & several trophies in chess. Minimal sample of what's at JCS!”

“JCS is incredible. The teachers are fantastic, and I am impressed with how leadership has moved the school forward. Remarkable as the school is so young. I'd dare you to compare any school in a 50 mile radius to Joy.”

“I was very enthusiastic about my child attending the new Joy High School, but have been disappointed almost from day one. The students have been leaving one by one, but no one seems to be willing to admit that there is a problem.They just can't compete with the local public high schools.”

“Vocal music program is exceptional.Limited availabiity of science lab faciities. Faciities work for K-6 but limit older students. Heavy focus on money issues.”

“I agree that Joy has a christian atmosphere which is wonderful, however as for the education I believe it is sub par. Teachers are nice but something just lacks with instruction. I am also very unhapy with the facilities. With the cost of tuition and it's claims of a 'private' school, I would expect buildings to be in better shape, to have a decent playground where the asphalt is smooth, a cafeteria that doesn't smell and look run down, and to have a multi-purpose room/gym. My children will not be returing to Joy after several years of attendance and am very anxious to give public school a try. Since we attend church regularly I know my children will continue to grow with God, but know I can be sure that they will be eudcated!”

“My child attended this school for two years. Tuition has increased dramatically every year which appears to be”

“I have had my two children at Joy for the past six years. I come from a small town in the midwest and I was immediately impressed with the community feel and parent involvement. The public schools don't encourage parents to come on campus with the turnabouts. At Joy there is a coffee shop on campus where many parents stop and mingle. I know 90 percent of the parents of the children in my kids class rooms. We have a wonderful new director who sees a vision of Christ like leaders in our future. Not only are my children acedemically challenged they are learning such morals and values. They love school! I only hope tuition doesn't continue to rise so that I can't afford it anymore. I think I would homeschool rather than send my children to public school.”

“I am very impressed with Joy Community School. The Teachers are patient and kind and do a great job working with each individual child (at their own pace.) I feel they provide encouragement for each child to do his or her very best, without criticism, in a spiritual surrounding. Also the School is very clean and well maintained. Which to me as a parent, is also very Important.”

“This is probably the biggest disappointment in schools that I have had in sending children to school (public & private) in the past 23 yrs! Not only is this school lacking in discipline with the children they also lack discipline with the staff and adults on campus from administration down to teachers. Christian attitudes? Forget it unless you fit into 'their' cliques and format. I've not only seen but my child and I have been treated with a mean-spirit by teachers; bullied by children; looked down upon by the teaching staff and laughed at by parents. Several parents in one classroom alone have had to pay out a lot of extra money for tutoring because the children aren't getting what they need educationally nor emotionally that are required to bring young children around intellectully. Do it again? NO!”

“Joy has regained its 'great' status thanks to the intervention of caring parents and the director who worked to abolish the punative 'PRIDE' program. The strict dress code is still on the books , but enforcement is lax except for the most blatant violations.”

“As a substitute who has taught in many schools in the valley, it is refreshing to be in a school with such a supportive staff who truly has the students' best interest in mind. The staff genuinely cares about each other and the students.”

“Joy is a growing Christian school in the Northwest valley. It has been a blessing for my son who has thrived at the school. There is a strong curriculum, many opportunities for students to be involved. My son just has loved his teachers. I have recommended Joy to my neighbors.”

“I am a new parent to the school and have been impressed from day one. There was a new familiy orientation dinner before school even started that offers the chance to meet with teachers, school leadership, other parents.... My children have made friends immediately. Standards are high, academics strong. The school even has a 'performing arts' program where students can take private music, voice, lessons. Joy offers a great sports program as well. Very safe, secure location - away from streets. The Christian emphasis is strong and evident, but everyone is welcome. The tuition rate is low compared to other schools of this quality - I would compare it to private schools charging $7000 to $8000 a year.”

“Top quality Christian education program. The Christian teachers at Joy love kids and it shows in all they do. The athletic and music programs cannot be matched in the area. Definitely top of the line.”

“Joy School is a solid choice for K-5. Small classes, individualized instruction, good curriculum. Starts to fall apart in Middle School. P.R.I.D.E. program uses fear as the motivating force. Students are held to impossible standards in the name of teaching responsibility. Sadly, good students are in dentention for lack of a piece of paper. Too rigid for this tender age. Pluses include sports, music, cheerleading and dance opportunities. Teachers are well trained and involved in the school.”

“I was a parent scrubbing desks in Aug '97 so Joy could open. I've supported this school through everything and slowly, each year got better. I thought 04-05 would be the best yet: Curriculum is strong, most teachers are good, fantastic coaches and sports program. Now I'm about to pull my kid because the school had been ruined by unannounced changes over the summer: Namely a ridiculous 'standarized dress code' and the Draconian PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Daily Effort) program which Twin Lakes School Corp., Monticello, IN, uses for high school students facing expulsion! If changes aren't made quickly, my kid and my $5,000 tuition are outta there. I guess with the recent tuition increase, the school can afford to drive students away.”

“Recent changes at JCS have ruined what used to be an excellent, yet expensive school. On the 3rd violation of the new strict, illogical and ambiguous dress code, the student must wear a full uniform. No one else will be in uniform, so the student will be humiliated. I thought Dunce's Caps and Scarlet Letters were no longer politically correct. Wrong! Just go to JCS and spot the poor tortured souls in full uniform. Better yet, put violators in stocks (definition: 'A wooden frame with holes for confining the ankles and sometimes the wrists and head of a wrongdoer sentenced to be exposed to public view and ridicule) outside the main office. Oh, I won't be signing my name because expressing parent opinion is frowned upon and could lead to retribution on that parent's child. I mourn the loss of a wonderful school.”

“Our children have been at Joy for 7 years, since its founding. Until this year (Aug. 04)we've been pleased with the school's developments. Small classes, challening curriculum resulting in way above average Stanford 9 scores, excellent afterschool sports for everyone,not just the athletic. Now however we are so unhappy with recent developments, we are considering withdrawing our children. The strict new dress code is enforced arbitrarily and ambiguously written yet after only 2 violations the violator is forced to wear full uniform. But what is worse is the Middle School's newly implemented, and very punative PRIDE (Personal Responsiblity in Daily Effort) program that gives a child a detention (at Joy it's called being sent to the 'Responsibilty Room')for something as small as forgetting to bring a pencil to class. The PRIDE program is designed more for juvenile deliquents, not the highly achieving and academically successful students that are found at Joy.”

“We have been going to this school for 5 years and have watched it slowly go in a backwards motion they have made changes every year. These changes have not worked for an increased interest, it only has made the interest level and growth go in reverse. The school may be good for K-4 if your interested. Higher levels of education are not given the respect that they deserve. An entire internal adminstrative change is desperatly needed to improve this schools growth. The atmosphere in this schools adminstration is not like that of being team players. It is more of a dictatorship, it seems like good people are under valued by a higher archy, as if thier ideas and values don't matter. If this could be eliminated this school would go far. The location is good with easy access to a growing community.”

“Wonderful school, although pricy. We pay $5,000 per year for one child.”

“Very attentive to the needs of a children.”

“My child attends JCS and I am extremely satisfied with this school. My child excels in several subjects and is given the opportunity to work in more advanced classes for those subjects while staying in other classes with children on her own level. Great concept! The former and present directors of the school have had/do have great insight and are in tune with parents and students needs. JCS offers many opportunities for extracurricular activities which have enhanced my child's school experience. It has taught her many good things: compassion, competitive/team spirit, hard work and determination, so much more. Teachers and staff are encouraging and supportive and seem to know each student in the school - there is a great feeling of family closeness on this campus. Although we are still new and growing at a slow pace, it is an upward and progressive pace which is very comfortable for all.”

“The staff at Joy seems genuinely concerned with the success and well being of the students. The school is still experiencing growing pains, but continues to get better with each and every year.”