Research Benchmark School charter Schools in Scottsdale, Arizona

“Much better than the local elementary school, kid is happy, what more could a parent want?”

“I looked long and hard for a school that would complement my daughter's personality - creative, curious, loves learning. Rancho Solano - no way. Excessively rigorous. PV Schools - good, but... too much teacher/principal turnover. I stumbled on Benchmark quite by accident, and WHAT a happy accident! I can't say enough about this school.”

“Something has changed at this one time fine school. Three years ago it was lovely, now, a bit ugly. Lessons have fallen short of expectations, sports is mildly present at best, and administration seems to have given up. I sense a loss of strong leadership and loss of control in the PTA. Parents are expecting more and getting less each semester. It's time we look elsewhere and we are sorry to leave. It is no longer the school that it's reputation was built on.”

“My daughter attended Benchmark for two years. We were happy with the first year, but into the second year, we began to have concerns. Problems with teacher turnover wasn't communicated to parents and everything suddenly appeared very disorganized. The administration is very defensive, combative, and does not deal well with simple problems well. This otherwise good school suffers from a poor administration, low academic standards, and concern for public image. We could have stuck it out and gotten by with the education at Benchmark but I felt we deserved better, and we've found it.”

“The nice thing about schools is people have a choice where they take their children. Our choice has been Benchmark Elementary since our children were in Kindergarten. Now they are in 4th and 6th grade, and are testing two years ahead of the National average. I have watched their progress very closely over the years and am so thankful that my wife and I chose this school. The schools' Principals and Teachers care greatly for the children of this school and work tirelessly to give them the best education and learning environment possible. We are so thankful to them for 7 years of nothing but excellence! Thank you Benchmark!!”

“I left Benchmark two years ago. As a new parent I didn't know what a good school was and believed the fake smiles of Benchmarks administration and felt a false security from it's small campus. I can tell you that looking back on the year we spent there, Benchmark offers nothing compared to any other school. They don't have the ability to offer accellerated learning, their lesson plans are kept simple in order to accommodate their problems with staff turnover, children are kept at one speed of learning. The broad diversity of learning that I've since found is impossible for Benchmark, they just don't care about teaching. The tone of every school is established by it's principals and this school is obviously sour. We are at a wonderful school where they embrace the children and welcome the parents to be an active presence. Expect more, there is better out there.”

“My son alsolutely loves this school! He has wonderful relationships with the teachers and I can tell they really care about him as a person. I was most impressed by the administration caring about each child who walks in the door. They take the time to get to know each child and I truly believe they want what is best for the children at their school. The teachers and adminsitrators have been nothing but kind, supportive and helpful. My son and I couldn't be happier.”

“Again, I rate this school highly based on my children's positive classroom experiences. The administration continues to be aloof, unapproachable, condescending, judgemental, unprofessional, and poor role models for the children, parents, and teachers. Only one of the directors truly has a say in how the school is run, when the other is more capable. One of the directors treatment of parents and staff is truly unacceptable and always has and will be. Somehow, my children continue to receive an excellent education each year. It must be accredited to the supreme parent involvement and the wonderful teachers who hang in there as long as they can.”

“Benchmark staff and students are wonderful and we love coming to school everyday! The environment is highly academic and very concerned about all around. It seems that even the children watch out for each other. This is our third year coming here and we can easily say that we will be staying here for the duration. My kids are learning so very much about life and the people and places around them. It amazes me how much they do with the children for being a charter. Way to go Benchmark!”

“This is our 3rd year at Benchmark. Each year my husband and I are truly amazed by the outstanding educational experiences our children accrue. I couldn't have asked for a better school. The teachers are amazing, parent involvement impressive, and the administration wonderful. Our children have excelled academically beyond our expectations, and more importantly they have enjoyed doing it.”

“Words do not do justice on how wonderful this school is. We absolutely love it. The parental involvement is amazing. Everyone, the staff, teachers, parents, etc really care, and it shows. My son is in kindergarten and has learned so much. He reads at a 2nd grade level. They make learning fun with lots of hands on activities. We love this school so much, we only wish it went beyond 6th grade.”

“Our child started at Benchmark in September. We've been very impressed with the education and school. They try to make the learning real and really engage the children. They also keep parents in the loop by making you sign off on completed homework, quizzes, etc. periodically or when a grade is below a certain percentage. Lastly, they offer alot of afterschool progarms on-site. Overall, we feel it is a very safe, supportive and challenging environment.”

“Benchmark addresses special needs of students through its school nurse and physical therapist, who can help parents plan for transition to middle school for special needs children, more than might be expected in district schools. There is an emphasis on civility and a bully-free environment and I have always seen all the teachers behave well, something I cannot say about all the parents. There is less funding than is enjoyed by public schools. Expect to pay/volunteer more than a ps. The number of students in each classroom is high, compensated somewhat by teachers working together in teams. The teachers may be stressed more by some of the parents than the students, which has led to administration policies that descourage parents from informally communicating with them. Parents are required to help see homework projects are done.”

“Our daughter started 4th grade at Benchmark this year. This being her first year at this school we have been so amazed at her progress and even moreso the dedication of each individual teacher to the needs of each and every student based on their specific skills and needs. She has made great friends and looks forward to school every day. The parent involvement is amazing and is very obvious how that contributes to the positive environment as well.”

“My daughter started Benchmark this year and I can already see the difference. When we first dropped her off she would cry and beg us not to leave her. Two days later she gets up in the morning and sings about going to school. She has learned so much and comes home with such a positive attitude. She is a gifted child in the sense of how smart she is but Benchmark has taken her to another level. Just the little things like knowing how to spell her name, songs she sings adding and she even tries to read. I am amazed!”

“The best elementary school in Arizona. Period.”

“Please do not equate Benchmarks high scores with the actual quality of your childs individual experience in the classroom. It was our childs experiance that teachers concentrate their time and attention on the very best students. Benchmark seeks and admits of an elevated attrition rate for average students. Please be very careful before you choose to commit your child to Benchmark.”

“Benchmark's goal is to have each student achieve their full potential, and they have helped my children to do just that. I have a child that is average, on a special ed 'Indivudualized Education Plan' (IEP) even. Benchmark has gone the extra mile to provide services for her throughout her entire enrollment. Benchmark is not perfect, and no school will fit every child. But it provides an excellent education in a nuturing environment. My primary concern with the school is the parents. If anything, many of them are over-involved parents who are very hard to satisfy.”

“We left benchmark and pulled our son out after five years. It is not what the reputation would suggest as they are monlithic and one size fits all, and are more fucused on socialization and passive student 'lock step' docility than education. You can and will get a much better eductation inside the PVISD schools. Save your kids the greif we suffered and avoid this place!”

“We are impressed by the quality of education at Benchmark. It uses a very engaging and hands-on approach to learning. Last year we were attending a top rated public school, and the difference in quality of teachers and curriculum between the public school and Benchmark is clear. Last year my kids were bored with the 'teach to the average' approach. Now they are having fun while they learn at the right pace for their skills. My husband was skeptic about the school, but now he is the first one to admit the difference and compliment the school. Preshool program is fantastic. We highly recommend it.”

“Benchmark School is always looking for ways to improve. A beautiful multi-purpose art building which will be used for art and science is almost completed on the property. The kids are learning and having fun.”

“For a high-quality elementary school education, look no further than Benchmark School. Low teacher-student ratio, excellent curriculum, and beautiful physical facility are what you will find there.”

“This school has been a great disappointment. If your child does not fit the desired profile as a parent beware! If your child requires any additional assistance and you are considering this school you may want to consider other options. The after care program dramatically deteriorated while my child was there the supervision was less than mediocre and the caliber of the administration was shockingly poor.”

“We feel fortunate that we were able to get into Benchmark school, as we were high on the wait list. Most importantly, my kids love going to school and can't wait to get back this year. They love the principals, the teachers, and their friends. Academically, I think Benchmark is hard to beat. Benchmark has two 'excellent' music teachers, a dedicated art teacher and a fantastic gardening/outdoor educational program. There are an abundance of choices for after school extracurricular activities, and my kids even love going to the aftercare program for fun. Parental involvement has been quite extensive. The only things lacking, in my opinion, are an indoor multipurpose facility and a professional librarian.”

“We are entering our 5th year at Benchmark. My son is entering Kindergarten and my daughter 3rd grade. I am so thrilled with this school. Great academically and socially for both my kids who are very different. Great Pre K program last year, even with the change of teachers, who turned out to be awesome! You can't please everyone, but I would recommend Benchmark to anyone.”

“The school had a vision that it was all about the children now it is very ouvious its about the money. The moved and brought in teachers that dont believe in the intial vision of the school. There are very good schools out there please look around.”

“I am a graduated student of benchmark and I have to say that it is a unique school. I have been attending there since kindergarten, me and my family still new to america. I was very shy but my family was welcomed with open arms. Throughout my years in benchmark, I won awards and had tons of memories to cherish. I gained confidence I never knew I could have from friends and especially from my teachers. I learned things I wouldn't have learned from other schools. If I never went to benchmark I would never have been this prepared for the future. We did great projects and tons of writing and I miss it all. I understand things aren't as great as they once were, but benchmark gave me a kind of knowledge that I just can't seem to find elsewhere.”

“Overall, the school is superior to district public schools. Teachers seem to care a lot, but sense change in last year. Used to do some great extra curricular student/teacher R&R opportunities - didn't happen this year. Principals? Not so sure about them. Quite aloof and basically non communicative. Sometimes seems that there is no leadership - that teachers can do their own thing. Reading and writing approach is excellent, altho some recent test score trends worrisome. Student body not really mixed ethnically, but terrific job at exposing kids to different cultures and entertainment - African choir. Initially was excited that school had Arts, Music and Spanish programs. At least in our early elementary experience, the Music program is a total joke, and Spanish approach/teaching methodology is very weak - very old school. Could just be a staffing issue instead of a curriculum approach issue. Hope for improvement.”

“Both of my daughters have excelled at Benchmark. The teachers are incredible. Any parent wanting to learn more about a school will (or should) look at the tangibles like test scores, ratios and curriculum. Benchmark has the best of each category...hands down.”

“I am shocked at the negative reviews that I just read. I had very high expectations when my child started at Benchmark School and they have exceeded all of them! My daughter was reading chapter books in Kindergarten and was doing multiplication and division in first grade. She loves school and is excited to go back in the fall for second grade. The nice thing about Benchmark is that if you don't like it you can leave...there are lots of people on waiting lists that would be happy to take your spot! The teachers and administration are outstanding. I look forward to finding out what my kids will be learning next year! Thank you for your commitment to providing a world class education to our kids! You are very appreciated by me!”

“I have had 2 children in the Benchmark program, one who graduated and one who is still attending. I have always been impressed with the fact that the administration makes sure that the students never are without. The administration's priority is what is best for the student's, as it should be. Many of the parents seem to want to make the school their own. One of my children has graduated from Benchmark and has moved on to be in the Honors program at her school; the same for many of her former classmates. My youngest child still attends and loves it. One of his favorite things is when his teachers dress up in costumes during social studies. What a great way to motivate a child.”

“This school has been a wonderful experience for my child and she has flourished academically in ways she would never have in any other environment. The adminisration, however, is deploable and socially inept. Thank goodness they no longer are in the classroom so that the high quality staff they have had the sense to hire and the curriculum that has been implemented can enable the school to excel as it has. A school is only as strong as the top down and evenually the administrations' strong weaknesses will lead to this schools destruction.If they could accept reasonable and sincere feedback from parents and provide an atmosphere where parents and school work together, there might be hope, but I do not see the two directors 'allowing' this to happen.If your child is gifted and you require little or no contact with the front office,Benchmark is your school without a doubt!If not run!”

“The education at Benchmark is superior to any other school I have seen.My daughters have excelled, due to the excellent cirriculum. They loved attending school and have grown in class and after school activities. The staff and administration are kind, caring people who put the children first. I am thrilled that my girls attend Benchmark School.”

“The Benchmark Administration explains clearly to touring parents the commitment to the educational process that they expect of their students, parents and staff. If we as parents did not have the same expectations for our child then we would need to consider making another educational choice. Benchmark has fulfilled all our expectations. The staff and administration are always available if ever we have a question or concern.”

“I slept outdoors in front of Benchmark School two years ago to get my children into this fine school. Excellent curriculum, energetic teachers, and involved parents to our family this sums up Benchmark.”

“Thankfully I wasted only one year at Benchmark and regret not following my instincts earlier. The red flags were these: overpromotion of one lesson method, false sense of security causing lax supervision, parent manipulation and lack of control at PTA meetings, over emphasis on Singapore math to mask lack of diversity in other areas. This is not a well rounded school. I expect they will see even more staff turnover.”

“We had another successful year! (our 6th year)What an amazing place that my children love! The academics;reading,math,social studies, & science, are so far superior than my local school district. Our family could not imagine attending any other place! It is our educational paradise.”

“We moved our son to Benchmark this year from one of the supposed 'best' public school districts in the valley. This was his very best school year ever. He was able to reach new highs in academics because of the way that the classes break down and we are so grateful that he has had this opportunity. I only wish I had been able to have both of my children in this school from Kindergarten on, it is such an awesome school!”

“Teachers at Benchmark educate students successfully year after year. Ability grouping beginning in kindergarten allows children to learn at their own rate. I believe that Benchmark is one of the only schools in Arizona to use the Singapore Math curriculum, which is the top rated curriculum in the world. My son loves Math now, and loves going to school every day.”

“it's been a great all around educational experience for my kids this year”

“Our family is also surprised by the recent poor reviews. My children have been there for five years with amazing success. The curriculum has been extra challenging at times and the advanced math program in the upper grades is phenomenal. I've seen the teachers dress-up as colonists and have been involved in the Art Masterpiece program. The kids create so many hands-on projects, it's hard for a parent to know what to do with them. My guess is that the 'unexpected turnover in staff' noted by a reviewer was truly unexpected by the management, who always seem to have the best needs of the students at heart.”

“I'm shocked to read the recent reviews of Benchmark. My children have attended this school for six years and love going to school every day. We have found the teachers to be intelligent, caring, and interested in stimulating our children's minds with excellently prepared hands-on lessons. I completely disagree with the assertion that math and science are the only important subjects at this school. Teachers dress up and act out parts of famous people in history. The Art Masterpiece program at the school is incredible. Most amazingly, every month the Cultural Committee sponsors dancers, poets, musicians, and other professionals to come to the school and perform for the students. My children are receiving the best education in the Valley, and we'll be sorry when they have to graduate and move on.”

“Benchmark was a disaster for my child. We had to pull her out and transfer to another school where she has done wonderfully with a much more challenging and diverse curriculum.”

“Benchmark is everything I hoped it would be. Every grade has accelerated classes, the parental involvement is none that I have ever seen. The events offered are none that I have seen in any public school. In first grade they are already doing division, multiplication and fractions. Unheard of in public schools. I could not be happier. This is my first year at Benchmark and I would recommend it to anyone over public schools”

“Benchmark is a fantastic school! My son, a 4th grader has been attending since kindergarten and he (and I) could not be happier. They really focus on the children's education because they truly care, not because they 'have to'. Parent involvement is always front and center. Since they have opened, the school has consistently year by year made tremendous growth in providing the children more and more opportunities. I cannot imagine my son at any other school.”

“Benchmark is the best elementary school education I have seen in Maricopa County. Between the Core Knowledge curriculum and Singapore Math, they cover all the bases. My children have learned a lot, and love school.”

“We have just completed our 4th year at Benchmark. The quality of education is wonderful. The teachers are the best! My children are excited about learning. What more could you ask for? There is great parent involvement, and lots of extracurricular activities.”

“We have been at Benchmark several years. My sons attended preschool and are now in elementary. The core knowledge curriculum with many hands-on science and social studies activities is a highlight of the experience. The Singapore math program has been challenging and a great experience for my son who is gifted in math. He reports that his competitive math teacher is in his 'teacher hall of fame'. Unfortunately, teacher ability and experience do vary, as charter schools often have a fair amount of turnover in teaching staff. We have also had some difficulty in communication and consistency with getting one of my son's special education needs met. Parents are very involved and the principles respond appropriately to feedback. Overall, I think that it has been a good choice for us.”

“My three children are receiving an execellent education at Benchmark and the personal attention they get from teachers regarding there development is outstanding. This is a top quality academic instution with not only a strong math and reading program, but also an effective arts and cultures program. There are plenty of atheletic opportunities provided by the school through NYS sports, however this is the weakest development program at the school.”

“Awesome school, excellent teachers, outstanding reading and math programs, safe, fun!”

“Benchmark is a great school. I am so happy to have my child in that school.”

“Benchmark is a great school. They are working very hard to work with my child because she has an ld”

“We are entering our 2nd year here. Teachers are very caring, altho there's been a lot of recent turnover. Music needs a little improvement”

“This is our son's third year at Benchmark and we're very happy. The owners are very dedicated, there is a tremendous amount of parent involvement in all areas. The Singapore math is great. Our second grader is excited about math and reading. We were concerned about the change in principal this year, but the new principals are doing a great job.”

“We have been in the preschool for 1 year and find the teacher quality to be excellent - there was some movement in the Pre K this year with some new teachers and the quality is not that of the preschool teachers. This is still an excellent school because of their ethics, values as far as how they treat their students and how they expect their students to treat each other, and for their approach to academics. Their 1st priority is to teach the children a love of learning that they hope will last a lifetime. Parent involvement is very high at this school.”

“This was our first year at Benchmark and our daughter was in the MWF 4year old program. It has been a wonderful experience. The individual attention and the enthusiasim of the teachers has been fantastic. Our daughter has learned so much this year and has enjoyed every moment of it. We are really looking forward to next year and all the new and wonderful learning experiences.”

“The parent-teacher-principal relationship at this school is what really makes it special. Academically it excels. It feels like home.”

“This will be my sons 4th year attending Benchmark. Although he was held back from Kindergarten at the teacher's request, I soon realised that this was best for him. The teachers and staff realy do have the childrens best interest. We have enjoyed the activities and the fundraisers are always fun to participate in.”

“The academic programs have consistantly placed the school in the 90%category or above by most standardized tests. The school atmosphere is family-like and safe. It is a place where children are respected and appreciated for the blessings that they are. This is reflected by the academic and social growth accomplishments of the children. The teachers appear to enthusiastically go beyond what is expected of them to further the children's growth. The administrators are very skilled and beyond. The parent participation abounds. The school is modern, clean and appears to meet every need for learning. Communication between the parents, children and school personnel is excellent. Opportuinites for the childrens'exposure,exploration and experience go beyond any other school that I have ever witnessed. We have been blessed to have discovered Benchmark and have the experience of this excellent school that is setting a grand social and scholastic foundation for our precious child.”

“My daughter went to a private Montessori school from the age of 2 1/2 until 2nd grade. I started researching different schools when she was in kindergarten and decided Benchmark was the best choice. My daughter will be in 5th grade this year (her 3rd year at Benchmark) and I could not be happier. The teachers are wonderful, the Singapore math program is amazing, there is a very high level of parent involvement and the teacher/student ratio is great. I only wish Benchmark would add 7th and 8th grade!”

“Check the test scores and come look at the campus. This school is far better, from both an academic and an extracurricular activity standpoint, than any other school we've seen. Our sons are happy and love to go to school. They especially love the math program and the chess club at Benchmark.”

“My daughter has been attending since the 3rd grade and we love it. From its closed campus to after-school activities and active PTA there's always something going on. Academically it can't be touched. I only wish they offered Middle & High School.”

“Great school. Two teacher per class is very rare in Phoenix. Secured campus and easy pick up and drop off. Singapore math taught here is terrific.”

“The academic programs are first-rate, but even students who are average (like one of my children) are given respect and attention. They really do try to help each child reach their full potential. The kids are learning at an accelerated rate, but they manage to keep learning fun. They make a strong effort to add enriching art, music, and cultural programs. An Arts & Cultural committee funded by the PTA brings in cultural programs several times a year in addition to weekly art & music classes. There are a large variety of extracurricular actvities available after school, including dance, karate, chess, tennis, and team sports. Parental involvement is extremely high, but there is no mandatory number of volunteer hours. The school is also a nice size at about 400 students, not too big or too small. No school is perfect, but Benchmark must be about as close as you can get.”

“The Best School, strong parent involvement, creative teaching, my daughter absolutely loves Kindergarten. Highly Recommend.”

“Great school, responsive staff.”

“This is a great school where the teachers really care about the kids and give 200%of themselves. My son has done great here because of the great core knowledge curriculm.Parents are very involved and active in providing the extras that make this a rewarding program and school. Its fun to go to Benchmark and at the same time kids are learning in a non-stressful envionment with caring teachers. This is the best school a parent could ask for.”

“Benchmark is a wonderful school for my daughter who is currently enrolled in the kindergarten program. The teachers are patient, understanding, and are genuinely concerned about her happiness and well-being, as well as her academic success. Parent involvement is encouraged. I find that the teachers are willing to listen to my concerns and are helpful in offering any suggestions. I have had an extremely positive experience with Benchmark School, and couldn't be happier.”

“After my son fell behind at the local public elementary school, partially due to the sheer number of students (over 1,500) and their lack of personal attention; it was necessary for me to select a school, from the five or six in the area, that could help my son get back on track. After researching each of the schools' standardized test scores, teacher qualifications, student-teacher ratios, and attendance, I was confident that my son would have the best chance of catching up by attending Benchmark at their new facility in Paradise Valley. After six months, my son s skills in reading have greatly improved and he shows an aptitude for math and a new interest in science. He really enjoys the after-school programs (especially karate) and for me, 'after-care' really comes in handy. His teachers' (every class has two) individual attention has really made the difference for him and I know I made the right choice with Benchmark. Being a single-mother with five children, transporting him every day has its challenges. And even though the other public schools in the area are now offering to bus the children from my neighborhood to those public school next year; I've decided to keep taking my son to Benchmark and I have enrolled my daughter in the 'all-day' kindergarten program, as well. Benchmark is not just some 'snobby prep-school' in Paradise Valley as some people might think. The children learn, hands-on, about various cultures one day each month with native food, music and dance, like the 'Greek-Fest' this month. They have been very understanding of my needs and generous to my family and I look forward to sending my other children to Benchmark, as well.”

“I was very hesitant to take my daughter out of a public school that she was happy in to put her into a charter. But I thought it would be better for her. After studying all of the schools close to us and reading the AZ. Board of Educations Charter Schools Reports I chose Benchmark. After a month and a half I asked her if I had made the right decision. She said she wished she coud stay in Benchmark until College. Her grades are up, her attitude is better and she is asking questions aout things she learns in school. It is still quite early in the school year but so far I am a very happy parent with a very happy daughter.”