Schools > Charter > Self Development Charter School

Self Development Charter School in Phoenix, Arizona

Self Development Charter School Detail

(480) 641-2640
1709 N Greenfield
Mesa, AZ 85205
Levels: K-8
District:


Self Development Charter School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:71.22% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:4.32% (2008)
Hispanic:15.83% (2008)
Asian:7.91% (2008)

Self Development Charter School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating3
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating4

Self Development Charter School Reviews

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-11-27
“this skool is over rated it isnt the best and al they care about is looking good it sikens me!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-11-25
“This is a fantastic school. My daughter has been enrolled since KG. The dedication from the staff is second to none. I'm such a proud parent as my daughter is now in the top 1% of the nation in Math. She scored 'exceeded' in all three categories of the aims test. Yes there is homework. Yes there are maybe to many rules :) Yes this school does require a lot of parent time at home. In return however is the near perfect environment for learning! In AIMS results for 2008-2009 this school finished 1st in academics in the whole state. If you are a parent who does not have time to help their children, participate in homework and keep to the schedule. If you child has a hard time working as a team, keeping quiet and listening or is bothersome to others then this is not your school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-11-03
“My daughter is in kindergardden and has just completed the first grading period. It's amazing how much she has learned in just nine weeks. When my daughter starter school she was only capable of recognizing the letter sounds and now she is reading. My daughter has even learned to add and subtract. I agree that parent involvement with homework is crucial in the success a child who attends this school. Her kindergarten teacher sends a mini progress report home every two weeks that tracks her progress and also sends spelling and math exams home for review. At the end of the grading period the teacher also met with all of the parents. My daughter is more confident now, she loves her teachers and she is participating in a violin class once a week. Can't wait to see how far my daughter's come in a school year.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2009-07-27
“This school is not for students that are behind in school work. It seems that all the principal cares about is the test scores. Also, the only excelling subject is math. That is all the students do in the morning.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2009-07-25
“This school is definitely not for a child that is not behaved pefectly all of the time. The office staff is very nice and helpful, but my childs teacher was horrible to my child. I would never recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-05-31
“Exceptional program with a very solid group of instructors. This is not a program for parents who have limited time. The amount of homework and degree of difficulty, demand a fair amount of time from the parents. This additional time is where the children advance the most among their peers at other programs. The primary focus on academics does require the parents to seek out other after school activities to round out the children. Overall we have been pleased with our daughters results and her general attitude towards school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-03-03
“This is the best school I've ever gone to!The staff is nice and helpfull,the learning enviorment is great,and the education we recieve is the best you could get in AZ.I wish I could stay here for the rest of my life!This school is the best you are ever going to find!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-11-13
“Our children have attended Self Development Charter School for several years, and we are completely thrilled with their education. The teachers and staff help to ensure our children are receiving a wonderful education. Not only do they offer an accelerated curriculum, but also an incredible enrichment program. Our children are excited to be participating with in the violin program implemented for all students in their class. Our children are also continually challenged which helps them not to become 'bored.' The curriculum offers a perfect balance for our children. When all classroom work is complete, they are given enrichment activities to compliment the already excellent curriculum.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-09-30
“We are at our second year here and feel like home there. My daughter is in first grade here and loves the school. She at times gets board with the homework (a bit easy), but loves the daily school routines. If you child does not enjoy 'learning', this may not be the school for them.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-07-25
“We really do love this school. Both my daughters go there and have for 3 years. I had a very difficult child who was removed from 2 different schools due to behavioral problems and they have taken the extra time to work with and dicipline her. My other child came from a public school in Mesa and could not even read coming from Kindergarden and they turned it around in 3 months. I highly recommend giving them a try, yes they are focused on education but fun is never overlooked.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-06-22
“My daughter enjoys going to school- and loves being challenged. It is lacking a music education program that the public schools offer.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-05-29
“My children have attended Self Development for the past four years and I find the teachers to be very patient and helpful. The class sizes are small and if a child needs additional help they are pulled out in a small group or by themselves and receive the help. When my son was at a regular Mesa elementary if a child didn't understand the attitute was Oh well we will hold them back and they will get it next year. I also had to hound them about getting extra help and tutoring even though they offered it weekly...it was like a secret. At Self Development I never have to ask they see that the child needs help and they provide it. The teachers remain in contact with the parents and provide weekly report cards, nothing is a surprise at the end of the quarter.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2008-04-23
“My son attended for a number of years and did well. My son was advanced when we started at Self Development and remains so in the public school system. The environment at Self Development is extremely restrictive, with the focus on being quiet, which doesn't work well with the younger kids. Recess is their only outlet, and was often times restricted - balls were not allowed. When we transferred, my son was amazed at how much fun school could be. He continues to excel and is a role model and leader in the public school system. My only regret is not pulling him from Self Development School earlier.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-04-09
“Literally one of the best schools in the state in terms of how much they teach students each year - especially in math.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2008-01-16
“My daughter has been going to this school for 2 years now and we have been having problems the whole time. They don't seem to care when a student is having difficulties. They just give them a bad grade and keep moving on. Teachers should be there to help thier students but that hasn't been the case with my daughter. The principal is no help at all but I do love the assistant principal. I am currently looking at removing my daughter from this school. Don't let the high test scores at this school fool you unless your child is great at everything and doesn't require any help from thier teacher.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-29
“We have had our daughter here since last year and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The staff is wonderful and very open with communication. My daughter had the choice of going back this year or going to public school and she wanted to continue here.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2007-06-01
“I have several children who attend the charter school. I think there is a huge focus on academics. I am not confident that the learning environment is fun. I don't think the children enjoy going. There seem to be some excellent teachers, and some not so great ones. But bottom line my children learn and learn much more then the average public school student. I do not recommend this school for children who are behind, or not excelling for their level.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2007-05-29
“I think this school is overrated. My son has been in preschool here for 3 years. I send him because it is convenient. I hope to have better feelings once he's in first grade.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-03-18
“Love this school! We drive 18 miles each way to take our son to this school. The staff is great, the atmosphere is safe, and the learning model is individualized to each student's needs.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-02-07
“This school has an excellent academic program. The atmosphere at the school is very child centered, and the staff are warm and welcoming. The school has many extracurricular activities such as a sports clinic,orchestra program, poetry club,and geography club. My children have been attending for 4 years and their individual needs are being met. I have a special needs child and couldn't be happier with the progress we have made. The schools should be concerned about test scores when our students are being measured in that way all over Arizona. These test scores determine whether our students and teachers are mastering the Arizona standards, which ultimately decides which type of diploma they receive in high school. If the state is worried about our test scores, then the schools should be concerned also.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-01-21
“This school was an extreme disappointment. My child has gone to Self Development preschool and looked forward to attending the charter school. What a let down. I talked with the principal but got lethargic replies. The principal at Self Development seemed more concerned with test scores, and less concerned for my child education.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2006-08-20
“Had a child here from 2nd to 6th grade. School very focused on the test scores and how to keep them to keep them high. Although there are claims that the school is a grade level above public schools it has yet to be seen on any subjects other than math.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2006-07-10
“Self Development Charter is a great school! Their academic program is amazing! My son has excelled tremendously. I like the style of learning Self Development has to offer. They have made learning fun for my son. I am glad they push the children to a higher standard and prepare them for the future. If your child is willing to work hard, then I highly recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2006-01-25
“School is 'Excelling', however, push the students too much. Students are given an inappropriate amount of homework for their age group. Staff are more concerned about 'grades' and 'test scores' than about the children actually learning and developing the love of learning. Not an environment for any student that has any special needs whether academically, physically, or mentally. I would not recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2006-01-14
“This school is purely academic school and probably one of the best in Arizona.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2006-01-11
“Academics are the main focus here. The children are challenged, but they keep learning fun. I'm impressed. I know friends that say the after school program could be improved; they get enough play time but could have a few more activities for the kids. They do give them time to do homework though.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-12-27
“Very good school. My son is already reading and is only 5 months into Kindergarden”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-09-25
“This school is amazing! The teachers are awesome. The principal is caring. They are very in tuned top the childrens needs!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2005-08-26
“I have one child in kindergarten and one in 2nd grade and the experience has been good so far. I do get concerened about the limited extracurricular activities.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-08-22
“Academically, I couldn't be happier with the school and the teachers. I do feel they are too stringent regarding lunch time and free time in regards to noise level, etc. The kids are pushed hard in a very controlled environment, but these are childen, and thus have lots of energy and they need to be allowed to be KIDS. I would also like to see more information on after school sports programs and the principal to be less concerned with her rating in the state.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2005-03-08
“This is academically a very good school, and would be very appropriate for students that may be bored in a public school. This school however, is not appropriate for average ability, or low ability kids. Students are pushed to keep up and move forward with the rest of the class. If they are behind or struggling, they are typically left on their own to solve the problem. I also have huge concerns with the principal and her leadership as well as some of the teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-08-22
“I couldn't ask for a better education for our daughter. She has attended SDCS for two years. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone and everyone though. If families are committed to a high level of focus and desire a high level of education for their child--this is the place. Homework and reading is required nightly (they give you weekly homework packets). The school is almost a 'back to basics' school, however, they have a strong emphasis on math and give the students more science than one would expect in elementary school (we like). They have PE twice a week, have Spanish I believe once a week, and music once a week. For clubs, they offer spelling, math, chess club, walking/running club and have strings. We've been happy with our school discovery, but the classes are getting full. I expect to see waiting list soon.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-08-11
“I have 2 children enrolled at Self Development Charter School. The thrive in the accelerated environment and continually achieve high results on state testing. I wouldn't think of having them attend another school. The teachers and principal are very involved with the students and it shows!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-07-18
“My child is starting her second year at SDCS with amazing results. We did not work with her prior to starting kindergarden, as we should have. However, she caught up very quickly thanks to the special attention each child receives. They kept us as parents very involved too. By year end, our child was able to test in the 99th percentile and we give all the credit to the teaching provided during the year. She will definitely be there through 5th grade.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-05-24
“I love this school. They are finally beginning the much anticipated building to add on more classrooms and a multi-purpose room. Your child will be challenged in this school- they can handle more than we give them credit for. My only complaint is that the classes have gotten larger; but with more rooms, hopefully this will fix the problem. One teacher should not have as many kids to teach as my daughters did this year. They also need to work on the quality of the after-school care. They need more activities for the older kids. They find it boring.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-04-18
“My child has been a student at Self Development Charter School for three years. I find this school to be a wonderful environment for her to learn in. This school is an accelerated program. The students are working a full grade level above and the classes move at a fast pace. My child has flourished in this environment. The teachers and Principal work together to create a curriculum that challenges the students to better prepare them for the future. It is a huge importance that parents also be involved in their child's academic progress. Without this support, students will fall behind in this environment and any other, public or private. The teachers and principal are dedicated to the children at this school. I would recommend this Charter School to anyone.”
This review was posted by a administrator.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-04-08
“I love this School. Although at times it is an inconvenience to work around my work schedule I've not only kept my 9 yr old there since Kindergarten but, my 5 yr old starts school at SDCS in August 2005. I'm extremely excited. I couldn't ask for a better school Thank you”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-01-10
“Academic programs at Self-Development Preschool are excellent. Children of all ages surprise you daily with what they've learn at the preschool and are always academically ahead of the norm. This preschool is fastidious about cleanliness, lead teachers are well educated in early chilhood development, and teacher retention if high for a preschool. Small children thrive at this preschool because teachers have control, the noise level is low, and teachers manage to teach the small children about respect, following directions, etc. The school-age after-school care program needs much improvement however. School-age children 10-12 are always bored, complain about rigidity of care-takers, limited physical activity, and lack free time.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2004-12-05
“I would recommend this school, for its strong leadership in academics. I know a few other friends who have their kids there and are very happy with the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2004-09-24
“Great focus on academics. Curriculum is one year ahead of actual grade level. Small school and class size. Poor communication from principal.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2004-08-27
“We like the small classrooms and the attention our child receives from the staff at SDCS. The class work is challenging and the children enjoys excelling in their class work.”
This review was posted by a parent.




     




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