Charter Schools in Mesa

I'm with you! Our son is 3, but I wanted to look into schools this year. So this past week, I toured three schools: Benjamin Franklin, a Montessori, and Crossroads Community.

I love the philosophy and structure of Benjamin Franklin (BF). They seem to be very methodical, organized, and well-disciplined, and I know that they have great academics.

I decided against BF because it does not suit my philosophy of education - I am looking for something active and hands-on that suits the energy of young boys, and which also encourages for-pleasure reading rather than the mechanics of reading. I didn't find that at BF. However, if you're looking for a good, solid, foundation of book learning, it is the school! Please feel free to email me any questions.

BF does tours every Tuesday in February at 9 am (which is what I attended). You could definitely do that next year. They show a video, answer questions, and have you tour the kindergarten room.

Now off to answer your Montessori question! :)

My daughters, Kindergarten and 2nd Grade, attend East Valley Academy on Brown, between Gilbert and Stapley. $200/mo for Kindergarten, tuition free for 1-6. This has been a terrific school for my girls. Small in size. 12/1 student/teacher ratio. They both are reading above their grade level. Uniforms. They love, I love it and I HIGHLY recommend it.

My sister has all 3 of her kids in Edu-Prize (www.edu-prize.com) off Stapley & Baseline. They all love it. They seem to have different day/class schedules as well. For instance, my neice and nephews start school around 10 or 11am (I don't recall exactly) and are done at 4-4:15pm.

My children go to Benjamin Franklin on 8th Ave. between Stapley and Gilbert. I absolutely love it. They do set really high standards in academics, but it's the culture of respect and discipline that I really appreciate. They also invite/request a good deal of parental involvement, which really allows the parents to see what is going on in the classrooms. I take turns volunteering in each of my kids class (my 3rd will start Kindergarten next fall). The teachers really do have control of the classroom. If you're ever by there in the early morning, you can watch the kids go to class in (relatively) straight quiet lines. It is a very structured program - I know some parents find it too strict, but I love it. I think the kids really appreciate knowing the expectations. Also, the teachers we've had so far have been very nurturing. In order to get on the wait list, you have to watch a video and spend some time in the classroom, so that would be a chance for you to see what it's like.

My 9 yr old son goes to the Franklin West Campus. He responds well to the high structure and the accelerated learning. Be aware that the grading break down is very high...an 80% is a "C." I really liked that tutoring is available if your child is having a difficult time. I put my son in Franklin half-way through 1st Grade. After a couple months of tutoring, he was caught up with the rest of his class. The principal and the teachers have all been very responsive to my concerns.

They do have mandatory parent participation...you have to sign up to help with at least 3-4 activities in order for you to get your child's class information. So, if you have little ones that aren't in school, or work outside of the home, it may be a little difficult for you.

Personally, I'm not terribly keen on the school, but my son loves it there and his teachers have always treated him with respect and encouragement.

My oldest child is at Benjamin Franklin Charter School (BFCS) on Gilbert & Warner and does very well at the school. My experience with the school has been really positive. The office staff is great; I know them by name and they know me by name too. I am impressed by the expectation the school has for the students... it is very high. And you know the saying, expect great things and you get great things in return. Because of the structure, the teachers really have control of the class. Yes, the Kindergarten has an aide to help in class, but it was amazing how well the kids behave. My daughter is now in 1st grade, and it's only the teacher... again, the teacher has incredible control of the class! In Kinder, the first half of the year they work on Kinder work and the second half they work on 1st grade work. From there on, the students are working on curriculum a year ahead. My daughter turns 7 next month and is reading at a 4th or 5th grade level... I am amazed at how well she reads and comprehends! She also can add money, knows her fractions and can add and subtract with 3 digit numbers. The BFCS Web site (http://benjaminfranklincharterschool.com/) has the parent handbook that you can look at and download, and you can also call the school and arrange a campus tour. Should you choose BFCS, the January (the absolute first day of school back after Christmas break) before your daughter starts school is when you want to go in and get her on the waiting list and also ask about the parent workshop you will be required to attend.