Research Camelback Desert School - Paradise Valley Campus private Schools in Scottsdale, Arizona

“Friendly staff, great teacher for three year old class.”

“This school offers it all - rigorous academics, a fun, friendly atmosphere, small classes, organic food, and an administration that truly welcomes parental involvement. The absolutely amazing standardized test scores this year just prove that the changes set in motion last year are steps in the right direction. My two kids love going to school and I don't hear that much from my friends with kids in the 'traditional', 'drill and kill', schools. Since the new ownership has an outstanding national reputation, and pledges to introduce even more 21st century learning techniques, things will likely get even better. We wouldn't go anywhere else.”

“I am amazed at the dramatic increase in test scores from last year. My child improved in every area and went from an average in the low 80's to the 99th percentile on almost every test. Wow. The school's new approach that insists children take responsibility for their leaning works very well. The data does not lie. Call the school if you have any doubt or believe parents who want their child to sit quietly and memorize and consider that learning.”

“I am a parent who came from private and prepatory education growing up, so when faced with needing to find a school for my daughter, Camelback was and still is the best pick for us for a multitude of reasons. We have enjoyed the benefit of being a part of this fabulous community for three years and it only seems to get better and stronger. First I chose Camelback Desert because it was a school that had been in existance for fifty eight years with a seasoned staff to secure my anxiety. If a school has been around for that long, I thought, then they must know what they are doing. This lone expectation reached far beyond that by the staff that engaged my child on a daily basis. I am a single mother and it was Camelback Deserts community that kept me from relocating to another state.”

“Our children attended cds for 4 years. We removed them because of a drastic decline in quality of instruction. We blame this on the new adminitration that has ruined what was a good school. Believe the parents who have left.”

“My child went to another school and is very far behind. CDS talks a good game but does not back it up. I am very disappointed. At our new school my children even notice the difference.”

“As a child advocate, I am inspired by what CDS has to offer. The staff is phenomenal and masters in their craft. The CDS community is built upon strong relationships.”

“CDS is a small school that suits the needs of families looking for a warm, friendly, safe environment that nurtures children. It has been a pleasure to arrive at school to smiling happy children who greet everyone of us with smiles, hugs and stories. Ask any student here if they are happy, have friends and feel safe and they will tell you YES. It is a haven that they can call home...an extended home.”

“CDS has undergone some major changes in the past two years, and all for the better. I am amazed at the unique, creative environment that has my child coming home from school excited about learning; I never have to ask What did you learn in school today? The teachers communicate intimately with parents and the school offers traditional, structured learning programs presented in a kid-friendly atmosphere. I would highly recommend this school to all parents.”

“CDS offers a diverse curriculum that is skiled based and creates global awareness. The teachers at CDS magically kindle the students delight in learning by challenging the students with a skilled based curriculum and integrating computers. This school is innovative!”

“The sound instructional methods, the multi-age G rated K-8 campus, the culture of service, integrity and support are exactly what my children need in order to be contributing community members.”

“I am taking my children out of CDS. Its a total mess. Yes, lots of changes have taken place, but they have not been implemented properly and very little training has been given to the staff. While I tired to keep an open mind, I cannot allow my children to be exposed to this any longer.”

“With the changes in administration, this school is no longer the traditional school that many of us loved. I would not recommend this school.”

“My son has just started at CDS this year in the PreK class. He was attending another preschool that was all play centered and I felt he needed more structure and academics. I found that at CDS. They combine the perfect mixture of fun and learning. He comes home excited about his day and wants to show me his work. I have never seen him so eager to learn.”

“CDS went through a lot of transition last year (new principal, director, etc.) and change is always challenging. However, now that the dust is settling, this school has truly ended up with some of the finest teachers and staff in the Valley. The curriculum is focused on developing critical thinking skills and teaching team building. The new Humanities classes are incredible (taught by a former ASU instructor). This past summer the school did lose a lot of students whose families were upset by some of the administrative changes made (and granted many were not handled with finesse). However, the school remains one of the very best educational opportunities for children here in the Valley and isn't that what this is all about giving our children the best opportunities available? Small class sizes allow the students to forge close, long-lasting friendships and the teachers to tailor the lessons to the individual. Excellent school!”

“My children have attended this school for 4 years. In the last year, things have changed dramatically. The wonderful teachers are gone. Many students have left. The school that we knew 4 years ago is no longer there. I would not recomment this school to any parents.”

“My children had attended CDS for numerous (>5) years. CDS is now fast-tracked for disaster! Gone is the child based curriculum and loving environment.”

“my daugher is now in here second year in CDS's pre-k program. She loves school - what more could a parent ask for? The teachers have been amazing -the kids and parents love them - they go beyone my expectations every day. She is learning more than I ever expected from Spanish to computers and math...I feel like CDS takes advantage of the blank slate that is a child's mind and gives them the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in all walks of life. I couldn't be happier with my decision to send her to school at CDS.”

“We love CDS. My children are very bright and we had them in a very good private school back East then moved to AZ last year. We learned about CDS through a few other players on my husband's team (he's a professional athlete) and everything they said about it is absolutely true. The focus in both my 2nd and 7th grader's classrooms was as much about the process of discovery as it was about having the correct answer. I feel my children are actually learning here rather than just memorizing. And the campus is very warm and has a kind of home-like atmosphere (unusual for Scottsdale) and the teachers are just the same. So even though there are very well-off families here, there isn't that 'keeping up with the Jones'' thing going on (unlike the school we came from.) It's really nice the kids don't have that pressure.”

“Potential parents and students beware! This school looks and feels incredible at first glance but looks and first impressions are very deceptive in this case. If you love your child, take heed and pay attention to this. If my post helps even one child, then this post will be worth the time I spent writing it....”

“This is my sons 3rd year at Camelback Desert (96th Street location) We have been extremely happy with the warm environment, smaller classrooms, and incredible academic achievement that would be otherwise impossible in the public school system. As a first grader, his teacher is able to spend a few minutes with each child reading every day. I love that the kids are offered a bit of 'everything' from computers to spanish. I do wish their upper grades were fuller as it would make the decision to keep him their easier. I also wish they offered better balanced lunches. Overall,we have been very pleased.”

“CDS has been a great school for my pre-schooler. They offer a nice mix of activities to break up the day and provide a variety of experiences for the children (i.e., spanish, 4-th grade reading buddies, computers, PE, etc.) The school goes through 8th grade and I liked my child having some exposure to the bigger kids at assembly, etc.”

“I am so happy with Camelback Desert School. The samll size classrooms allow my child to learn without discipline problems getting in the way, which is the real difference between a private and public education.”

“Classes are small, so kids get a lot of attention. Pre-K through 2nd program is awesome, then wanes. Parent involvement is encouraged. Not a strong music program, no intrumental instruction. Good sports program. Safe environment, good for kids to grow, gain confidence.”

“Good school. The class trips are great. The kids get to travel together and learn how to navigate new cities, experiences. The K program is amazing and the teachers are exceptional.”

“It is a privilege to send my children to Camelback Desert. The class sizes are small so no child goes without care and concern. The academics are strong and interesting. Children love to learn at CDS. The music, sports, computer, and Spanish programs are unsurpassed. The grounds are safe and lovely. The children are respectful and well behaved. If you invest in anything, invest in this educational environment for your kids. In 50 years, your stuff won't matter but your kids always will.”

“The Scottsdale Campus environment, teachers, and staff are outstanding. Well worth the cost. They are very responsive. Saxon reading with phonics and spelling in 1st grade. Swimming and after school activities. It is a great school.”

“I started my 5th grader at this school, and I couldn't be more happy - nor could she! The small class size, friendly classmates (from the first day), extremely structured and in-depth curriculum, excellent art and music, and a sports program where all students participate on the team - all combine to make this a very fine school. We came from Scottsdale public schools, and this is much much better - noone falls through the cracks, cliques seem not to exist (perhaps the class is too small for that), and my daughter is happy and excelling in school for the first time. And although the parents probably are well-to-do, the school appears low-key and comfortable and not 'snobbish.' Teachers and office staff are exceptionally friendly. A terrific choice, especially for those difficult junior high years - although the lower grades are also excellent.”

“All three of my children have attended Camelback Desert School. The small classes, safe campus, student accountability, polite children who want to learn, excellent teachers and wonderful support from parents make this school an excellent choice. The child I have attending CDS now has never been so attentive to her studies and her grades have never been better. She is very happy and enjoys the teachers and classmates.”

“My daughter has attended summer camp for the past two summers and enjoyed it so much we decided to enroll her for the regular school year. The other children were so accepting of her the first day, we could not have been happier. She adjusted so well, it was like she had always been there. The academics are excellent, class sizes are small, and the administration and staff are so friendly. We love the family atmosphere. I can't say enough good things about the school.”

“I have had 2 children graduate from Camelback Desert School and have one still enrolled. I am so impressed with the quality of education provided by this school. Classes are small and all of the staff is friendly and helpful. My children are excelling academically and are very happy there. The campus is charming and I feel that my children are in a safe enviornment.”