Aura Apache

There are better examples of schools that are more well rounded, educated and student-focused in Tempe. I would not suggest this school to anyone that cares for their child. Everything from teachers attitudes, student mental and physical health to such a simple thing as a healthy lunch. This is only my opinion but please be warned.Teachers: I would say a 1/3 of the teaching staff actually put forth 110% for the students. There are staff that borderline bully students/parents. It's happen to me and I've seen it happen to other parents. The only decent teachers have left for other schools, and those teachers made it bearable. For example, they claim "There are cameras everywhere." yet my student was blamed for something they didn't do (other students agreed) but ended up getting detention anyway with no evidence.Classwork:They claim there is no homework, yet they do and make the students carry tons of paperwork and a chrome book. We weighed their backpack and it weighed 10lbs. I am not against homework but some of their decisions are questionable. The lessons bounce from subject to subject so often, its difficult to keep track of anything. For example, Going from Greek mythology for 2 days, then suddenly learning about caveman drawings. Just no real direction.Social-emotional support:From the bullying from students and teachers (A Teacher has said in the middle of class "I don't know how you got to this grade") to taking things out of context and making something it is not, doesn't sit well with my student and I can see their hesitation on enrolling again.Family EngagementThe only positive thing I will give them is they are very open on what students are learning and with events the school holds.Nutrition:If you care about what your student eats and doesn't eat, be warned. Their lunch menu is 3/10 at best, they do have alternative Peanut Butter and Jelly, but that's it. Teachers will give things like candy and processed junk food throughout the day, but there is nothing nutritious about it.

My child is a student in the Spark program. Yes, this is the only Tempe school with this special education program. However, that does not excuse the teachers and staff for their breakdown in thorough communication. I have had to reach out myself every quarter to receive updates as the school failed to do so themselves.

Most of the teachers are amazing. However, Molly Sadler in the administration is tearing the school to the ground. Her attitude towards students and parents is disgusting. Once she has a single encounter with a student she goes out of her way to find reasons to pull them out of class to discipline them. She makes comments on female students bodies. She is inappropriate and rude. She is disruptive to the learning environment that the teachers are trying to provide.