Research Destiny Community School charter Schools in Scottsdale, Arizona

“This is an average school that I have recently attended. The small settings are nice, however the textbooks are outdated to an extent, the lunches served are not the best, and various places of the school need additional matience. The fence is rusting at the bottom, and the playground is not kept under the best care. However, it is not so bad as it is a small environment that allows for easier learning, and staff is friendly. Overall, it is an average school, but I haven't been to any other charter schools so I wouldn't be sure how to compare this one to them. It could use some more funding, however, besides that, it is okay.”

“Our child is in Kindergarten and always loves to go to school, and loves to learn. Obviously the school and teachers are not only teaching the children but also making it interesting during the process. We appreciate the values the school stands for and teaches. These traits will build a strong foundation for our children and others who choose to attend. Thanks Destiny!”

“I am a very skeptical parent and always cautious regarding my children's education and even though I have had some very serious concerns in the past they all seem to have been resolved and am know extremely happy that I have stuck it out with the school. RI has been the best for my children.”

“This is our children's 2nd year at Destiny. I have seen big improvements just since last year! I love the new music teacher (they get music class every single day) and the teachers seem even more focused and vision-driven. It is not a 'perfect' school(what school is?), but it is excellent and the small size allows parental involvement and influence. The school is constantly looking for new ways to improve and they are always open to ideas for change and betterment of the school. I love the Relig. Instruction option ...that's definitely the best part. I would recommend it highly!”

“I love this school. We came in the middle of the school year now 5 yrs ago. We have a drive to come to school (about 1 hr) but that has not changed our mind on this school. The teachers are great they listen and help your child. The principal is great with the kids and parents love her. The owners are great and nice also. My son has had a hard time from his old school but they help him every step of the way. He loves this school, it doesn't hurt with the small classes and one on one the teacher give. Parents helping out makes this school a great one.”

“Dr. Wendy Noble takes the time to know all the students and their parents. I'm very impressed that she always takes time to say hello and the willingness to answer all my impromptu questions. It's nice to see a Principal with not only great values and involvement but also always has a smile on her face. The school welcomes you with a feeling of warmth and caring from all the staff. My son just finished kindergarten. He loved his teachers and enjoyed going to school at Destiny. I am very impressed with his reading level as a kindergartner. Parents are always welcome in the classroom. Not only are the teachers focused on each child's education but also their character. A strong influence of showing kindness, respect and self control. The after school program is a safe and fun environment as well. We are excited to return in August for first grade!”

“As I enter the learning community of Destiny each new morning, I am greeted by a feeling of warmth and caring. This is a school in which good character traits are practiced by staff and students alike. I am impressed by the dedication of its staff members and the way they work together under the excellent leadership of Dr. Wendy Noble. The staff members all have one priority and that is to give each student the very best education possible in a happy and safe learning environment. The students are loved and each is treated as an individual. Parents are always welcome here! There is no better place to work or learn! I am thankful to be at Destiny.”

“I have served for two years as the principal of Destiny Community School and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year. I am very excited for the high number of teachers and families who are returning in August. We have three teachers stepping into leadership roles as team leaders. Each of our team leaders will mentor other teachers and they are all committed to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment while increasing student achievement, supporting fellow teachers, and ensuring student success.”

“Destiny Community has far exceeded my expectations this last year. My 7th grader and my Kindergartner absolutely Loved and did so well academically. The teachers are very focused on the kids, and really show a heart for caring about their education as well their character. I am so happy I found this school! I feel so blessed to have found this fantastic school. To me it is like having a private education for my children without the Cost! Wow! We'll see you in the Fall!”

“Destiny Community School I have been a student at Destiny for six years. I have only wonderful things to say about Destiny community school. The principal is fair and reasonable but doesn't tolerate bullying or other bad behaviors. Ms. Edington the 5/6 teacher is great. She has helped me go through 3 different grade levels of math . Destiny has a great sports program, Physical Education is fun and keeps you fit. The staff at destiny are very friendly and are easy to get along with. Last year most of the staff was my good friends it sounds funny but its true. Ms. Hansen the resource teacher (also known as special education) is great she has different systems to help with our lower levels in different classes. By: Kyle”

“My children have attended Destiny Community School for the past two years and I have been very pleased. I am very impressed with the teachers and Principal. My children love going to school! I appreciate how much they care about my children. I am so happy that my family found Destiny to call our home.”

“I love the small community at Destiny! Everyone knows my child's name and cares about her. She has grown so much in her reading this year. The kindergarten program is excellent! Thank you!”

“The name says it all! Destiny Community School is a safe, small school with a sense of community. The PTSO is very active and has done a great job of sponsoring activities for parents to meet one another from donuts with dads to muffins with moms to a spring picnic. Parents are welcomed at this school!”

“As an educator with 30+ years of experience, I have seen many trends in education come and go. The one constant has been that the needs of the student need to be met in order to prepare them for the 'real world' which awaits them. When I moved to AZ in 2002, I began looking for a student centered school with strong academics. I found it in Destiny Community School. Destiny is a community of teachers and administrators who want every student to find success, both academically and socially. Each of us is committed to helping every student achieve their best in every area. Our principal provides solid leadership and an open door to anyone who needs a moment of her time. Destiny continues to become a great place because of her.”

“My family has been with the school for two years. I have spoken to the leadership of the school many times about their teacher inability to handle students. It's unbelievable to see how many problems they have! I probably don't need to say-we will not be back.”

“Overall, we have been extremely satisfied with Destiny and the quality of education provided to our child. The teaching of the character traits is an excellent and very important part of the curriculum. The front office staff, the principal, and the teacher are always extremely kind, approachable, and open to anything we come to them with.”

“Destiny is not what it seems. We have been here for three years and they make a lot of promises, but in the end they are not able to deliver. I feel like I have given the school long enough to change since they can't we will.”

“I love Destiny! My daughter has attended two years and my son has attended one. We love the school - the principal is great and all the teachers genuinely seem to care about each student. Most teachers know all the kids names in the school, not just their class. I feel that my kids are in a safe and educational environment. Miss Flores is an amazing kindergarten teacher - my son learned to read quickly and is now at the top of the class! Mrs. Weiss is just the best. My daughter has excelled beyond my wildest dreams under her amazing teaching. I would and have recommended Destiny!”

“My daughter has been going to Destiny for 3 years. She is not the 'perfect' student and at times has trouble focusing and getting work done. Her current teacher has been extremely patient and has made special efforts to work with her and help her along. And she keeps in almost daily contact with me via email. I have addressed some safety issues to the principle and she has immediatly taken action. No school is perfect and I think it's a work in progress but have seen vast improvements with the current principle and teachers. Being a recent single parent and new business owner, I have not been as involved as I would like, but I hope that will change soon. I'm looking forward to when my son can start kindergarten and go to Destiny with his sister!”

“My son attended Destiny during his second grade year, before we moved to Maryland. He benefited a great deal from the small class size, differentiated instruction that included all learning levels, and consistent discipline throughout the school setting. His teacher was a true professional of high standards who held the children to reasonable yet high expectations. The administration and special area teachers all work together with the teaching staff to provide a well-rounded and supportive environment. I loved the school and his second grade teacher is someone he will remember his all life. As a parent who is also a teacher, I confidently recommend Destiny Community to anyone who seeks a supportive, academically sound environment in which to participate with their child.”

“I love Destiny Community School! My children have been in the school for 5 years now and each year it gets better. The principal always takes the time to talk to me and she seems to really care about my kids and their education. The teachers are outstanding...my kids have never had a 'bad' teacher or a bad experience here. They have made lots of friends and they are thriving. They also feel safe and are happy at Destiny. Overall, this school was the best choice we could have ever made for our children's education.”

“I think Destiny is a very good small, safe school for my children. My children have been at the school for years and I can say only good things about Destiny. Is it a perfect school - no. But my children a happy, safe and in a class size of less then 25.”

“My children have been at DCS for four years and it has been a wonderful experience. The principal is dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full potential. She truly knows and appreciates the children as individuals. The teachers are excellent and provide consistent feedback to students as well as parents. The principal, teachers and staff of DCS provide a safe and supportive environment in which children are encouraged to thrive. My children look forward to going to school each day.”

“My son has attended kindergarten and now 1st grade at Destiny. What an excellent foundation he has received in his education as well as character. I am grateful for the integrity of the teachers, princple, and secretary. Destiny has provided a safe haven for my son with special emotional needs. They have gone above and beyond for him attending to him on a very personal level. And I feel confident with the staff that they handle his needs with him in mind (and not on a generic scale like the public school does). I am pleased with the diversity of families that attend and it has aided my son with understanding and accepting all transracial ethnicities as well as his own. I thank Destiny for the major part they are contributing to my sons' destiny in life.”

“Destiny offers more than just a classroom; with the low teacher to student ratio, the teachers are able to give the students what they need. The variety of after school activities are great to give your child a variety of things to do and learn. The principal, Dr. Noble is very good to the children and takes the time to get to know each child in her school; rare in these days to find someone who cares about the students and their success. I look forward to what 2007-2008 will bring to both of my children at Destiny. Keep up the great work!”

“My son has been a student at Destiny Community School since 2004. I have nothing but compliments for the school, the administration and the staff. My son has enjoyed his teachers, his classmates, and the curriculum that is being used. One of the things that impressed me most is that the school not only focuses on academics, but also emphasizes character development. Characteristics such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and respect are nurtured and recognized in each student. I also appreciate that the teachers work closely with the parents to determine the very best way for each student to learn, and do all they can to keep them interested and challenged. I would highly recommend Destiny Community School to any parent looking for quality education, great teachers, and wonderful opportunities for their child to learn and grow.”

“We have been part of The Destiny Community family for three years. I say family because that is what it feels like. The Principal, teachers and office staff knows the names of all the children as well as the parents. When on campus, you can see first hand how caring and loving the entire staff is. School is such a big part of our children's life, I feel it should be a place where they feel safe and enjoy going. I feel great about the decision to attend this school. My son has been excelling in all aspects of his education. He loves this school. Soon my other son will be going to Destiny, he cannot wait. I highly recommend Destiny Community School!”

“This used to be a great school, but it has declined the last couple of years. Teacher quality, communication, and attitude are drastically down. There is also a little acknowledged bullying problem that the school does not seem to know how to deal with appropriately. The principal tries hard, but seems to end up doing much of the work herself.”

“I am so impressed with Destiny Community School! The teachers are outstanding and really care about the students in their classes. The community of parents is positive, and I always feel welcome when I am on campus. I appreciate the way the principal interacts with students and parents. She is very supportive of all of us and is constantly available to listen to us. My children are receiving an excellent education!”

“In every class, kindergarten through now third grade, my daughter has been given an advantage in the world. She is in a school where everyone knows her name and respects her as a person, since the classes are small she is given individual attention and time to understand the principles of what is being taught. The staff members at DCS are always open to communication and raise the bar high to find new ways to teach our children and encourage Character Counts throughout the entire school. I appreciate the time and effort each staff member puts into taking the time with my child; if I cannot be with my daughter to guide, I want her to be in an environment I can feel comfortable with, Destiny is the safe environment for me.”

“Destiny's uniform policy-yes-saves money on clothing. But the safety of the school-I am more concerned about. Parents are coming in the school-before and after-whenever they please-they swarm like bees-and your child may get lost in all the clutter! The school is really too small for as many children they enroioll-and not proper safety measures with dropping off/picking up your kids. I am searching for another school.”

“Destiny Community School provides a positive environment in which educating the whole person comes first. The teachers work hard to help each child reach their goals. I really like the direction I see this school going in. The school is continually improving. The staff is fantastic. The principal is friendly and easy to work with, the secretary is the sweetest, and the teachers are just great. There is great parent involvement - plenty of opportunity. The music program is fabulous and the kids really enjoy themselves. I'm so glad our family found Destiny Community School and we hope not to leave until our last child completes her education there. Thank you, Destiny!”

“We have been involved with Destiny Community School for the last four years. The atmosphere at the school is like a small community where you and your children are all known by name, and warmly welcomed. The staff is friendly, knowledgable, and sincere in your children's well-being. I feel like our 8th grader has excelled beyond her grade level, and has been encouraged to go at her pace. Our first grader loves the attentions she gets in her small class room and has been an excellent reader since Kindergarten! The music and extra-curricular programs are fun, yet are taught with excellence. Destiny Community School focuses on the whole person: education, safety, and character. It is a place your children will excel and enjoy.”

“My son has attended DCS for past 3 years and my daughter for 1 year. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best. I have enjoyed the extra time my son's teacher takes to e-mail and send me a progress report on a daily basis. My daughter's kindergarten teacher,has gone above and beyond a regular curriculum to teach these young kindergarten students subjects that have left me with a great impression of her skilled teaching methods. There is a great comadiere between teachers, students, and parents.”

“The parents are involved in the school on all levels. The school has a small town relationship were everybody seems to know everybody. The teachers and Principal are always available to talk to. There are a lot of extracurricular activities for all ages that include the parents also. My children enjoy the school and feel comfortable with there teachers and classmates.”

“We have four children at Destiny Community School between 1st and 7th grades and we are extremely pleased with the education that each child is receiving at DCS. The teachers are excellent at working toward each child s specific learning needs. Students have access to an exceptional extra-curricular activity program and the teachers and staff focus on the overall well being of each student. My children have grown academically and socially during their years at DCS. The entire school is flourishing under the leadership of the principal, Dr. Wendy Noble whose passion for education and enthusiasm for children are evident in everything she does. The teachers, staff, parents, and students enjoy a true sense of community. My husband and I feel very fortunate to have our children in this school.”

“This school is absolutely amazing. My son started Kindergarten not knowing his ABC's, or able to count to 10. More worrisome was the fact that he had no interest in learning them. I suspected ADD or ADHD. His teacher, Miss Flores, allayed my fears and has instilled in him a real enjoyment of learning. It boggles my mind that he is now able to count to 100, as well as sound out and read many 3 and 4 letter words. Miss Flores has actually taught her kids a song in which they sing all of the 50 states' names in alphabetical order while pointing to them on the map! The other thing that I love about Destiny is the vision of the Principal, Michael Gaun. The kids get graded not only on academics, but also in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. This is truly a great school.”

“My son attends half day kindergarten in Mrs. Blunt's class. She is a wonderful teacher and this is a wonderful school. His class has only 14 kids. All grades have small class size and focus on back to basics math and reading. They wear uniforms and they do not tolerate bad behavior. They teach traditional values and expect the children to respect their classmates and teachers. They have music, art and PE several times a week. They have afterschool programs some free and others fee based. I do have to read to my son at least 20 minutes each night and do his nightly homework with him, but it is well worth the time to see him excel. I would highly recommend Destiny Community School.”

“I attended a Winter concert at DCS put on by Mrs.Pelletier the music teacher and as a music student in another school I was very immpressed. The children seemed to love what they were doing and the teacher seemed to love them. The concert had many musical qualities and I couldn't believe how well the students participated. It was one of the best school concerts I've ever attended. I wish she was my music teacher.”

“This school is awesome! My children are thriving in Destiny s positive environment. The teachers are kind and supportive. I receive tons of feedback on how my kids are doing in class. The music, art, and sports programs are a plus. And, I like the emphasis on character development. I highly recommend this school.”

“My daughter really loves this school. I find that everyone is so nice and helpful. I do wish tho they would learn the phonics program for reading and have special programs for after school for the kindergarden level. Teachers are so helpful and when they are out for vacations they have a wonderful childcare program. I'm very pleased and recommend this school to any one.”

“Our son loves this school! This is his second year at Destiny. He is doing great - socially and academically. He loves his teacher(s) and absolutely loves the after school program. The principal and staff are very dedicated and caring.”

“This is an excellent school. My third grader is doing only fourth grade work and I couldn't be more please. They don't settle for average acheivement and I feel they are preparing him well academically and socially with their character program. They also have a free after school program that has really helped me out because of my work schedule. Our family couldn't afford to keep my son enrolled in private school but since we found this school we feel he is not missing out on anything and because it's a public school we no longer have to pay the tuition.”

“The school has a new principal as of the middle of the 2002-2003 school year. We have raised the bar academically to be more in line with private education and enhanced the arts program to include drama and choir. We now offer a free after school program that integrates academics, art, music, drama and technology, as well as sports. This program goes until 6:00pm Monday through Friday. These efforts combined with our professional staff have produced waiting lists in most of our grade levels. As the principal, I welcome and foster an open-door policy for communication and expression with both the parents and students.”

“My child goes to this school and is learning more than in the public schools. The individualized learning plan approach is excellant. Communication from the teacher to the parent is awesome. I see a principal who cares and very devoted teachers; in fact, a principal and teachers who go far beyond in their dedication to the students. I wish the parents were more involved than what I see. I think these teachers need more support from the parents. Every day my child is happy to go to school. I see an attitude reemerging in my child of wanting to learn and that is a big deal! The Character Counts program this school teaches is exactly what today's kids need.”

“I don't think the operator of the school really knows anything about running a school. I'm leaving.”

“My 11-year old daughter is currently attending this school and loves it! The staff is wonderful and shows a geniune concern for each student. Academics and character are of primary importance. Belittling another student is unacceptable in this school. The after-school program is a real plus. I am so grateful for a dedicated staff.”

“I had a student go to this school last year and I would not recommend this school at all!! Some of the teachers are not committed to the students at all they have their own agendas. If you have a special needs child I would not recommend this one at all.”