Carpenter Community Charter School

The school has an outstanding reputation in the valley because it has a dynamic, strong principal and an active parent community. The principal is a great leader and my son as well as other kids look up to him. The school welcomes parent participation and as a result many parents are very active -- fundraising for enrichment programs, volunteering for carnivals/special events, organizing assemblies/school activities. The child's experience in the classroom can vary greatly depending on the assigned teacher -- there are some teachers who are genuinely enthusiastic to be leaders in the classroom, but there are others who have lost that passion .... one of my son's teachers said to me privately that she needed to retire because she was "done with [teaching]." It was a very mediocre academic year with little support from that particular teacher. As much as I like the community at Carpenter, I believe that it teaches to the median as other reviewers have mentioned. They do not have GATE classes and rely on GATE clustering, which is dependent on the teacher assigning enriching projects/assignments for the GATE kids (unfortunately depending on the teacher, these assignments can feel like busy work). After being designated gifted or highly gifted, some parents decide to transfer their children to magnet programs which can provide a more challenging curriculum.

Our son started Kindergarten in Carpenter. As a neurodiverse kid, he got all the support and attention he needed, and he is thriving in this school. All the teachers are very experienced, and their different personal styles help to make a suitable placement for each kid. The principal, Mr. Martinez's energy and decent attitude, make him very approachable, not just for the parents but the kids as well. Beyond academic achievements, kids learn to be kind and respectful to each other.

We had two boys attend and graduate from Carpenter. The very best years of our lives. Joe Martinez is a high energy and effective leader dealing with a thousand issues (large student body, uber demanding parents, etc.). Mostly of the teachers are outstanding and committed to a positive learning environment but it all starts with Joe. Not only have our boys made lifelong friendships during their precious Carpenter years but we as parents have made just as good friends even though our older son is now in college. We wish we could do it all over again.

This is our 4th year at this wonderful neighborhood elementary school. Our two kids are thriving academically and socially. The COVID pandemic has been challenging to say the least, but thanks to incredible teachers and a communicative, supportive administration, we've made it through ok. It's a big school, but for us, that has been a blessing as my kids have had more practice meeting new people, and there are more kids who share their interests (very different from my experience as a kid in a small private school). My kids love the enrichment program (dance, art, music, science, and media lab). There are so many great community events at this school and this fall's Halloween Carnival and Movie Night were the best ones yet! The principal is an incredible role model for the students and cares so much for the families. Above and beyond! Grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.

My daughter had a wonderful experience at this fantastic school, she is now in 7th grade and still misses it terribly, especially the amazing Principal Joe Martinez and the rest of the staff and teachers. They all do an incredible job at keeping the kids safe and happy, I wish it went through to year 12!!