AZ Compass Prep School

2020 North Arizona Avenue

School District

Az Compass Schools Inc.
Grade

7-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 05, 2024

I’ve been involved with the school for a long time. My two boys who have graduated are doing well right now my 10 year-old son goes to the school and he’s doing so well there they provide a lot for the kids Even emotionally they have a counselor there to talk to the kids. The kids love the staff, the teachers, the principal everybody so welcoming, so yes, I would definitely recommend any kid to go to school.
Submitted by other on April 19, 2024

This has bern a disastrous experience for my grandchildren. In the last 6 weeks there have been 3/4 assaults on them from other students.My grandson is being bullied by another student who kicked him last week and whipped him in the rye with a sweatshirt this week.My 5 year old granddaughter came home with a huge bruise on her neck from a classmate who pinched her.Admin has not been able to change the behavior of these aggressive students. Perhaps the staff could benefit frommadditional training to ensure the safety of their studrnts.Not impressed whatsoever with the Chandler location.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2022

After relocating to Arizona my children had a hard time adapting to the school in their district. My daughter came home crying everyday and my son had horrible grades and hated his teacher. I transferred the to Compass and it has been life altering. My daughter 10th grade says she feels like she belongs, is focused, and engaging with family more. My sons 7th grade has improved in behavior, grades, test scores, homework completion, athletically, and is displaying leadership qualities. I have 2 different kids, 2 different ages; with 2 different needs. Compass Prep is fulfilling both needs academically and socially. The staff is attentive, love their job, and never too busy for the parents or students. They really care about the students and provide what a public school can not.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2020

This is a horrible school and students would be better served by any other school in the area.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2020

This was a bad choice to the least, there are several quality schools in the area way better than this. I guarantee it will be shut down by the state soon.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2019

This school is an absolute disgrace to education. The school leader, Mr. Wilson, has absolutely no idea what it means to be an effective leader. The students are not held accountable for work or behavior. I would not recommend this school to ANYONE!
Submitted by other on July 09, 2019

This school is anything but a "prep school".
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2019

Great school, Great Principal Wilson who runs a great ship.
Submitted by teacher on January 17, 2019

As a staff member in my first full year at AzCompass, I have seen many staff members come and go because at one time this school was labeled as "alternative" and they assumed that meant a "No Work Zone". The leadership immediately corrected all misunderstanding during my tenure and the culture of this school has changed dramatically. The students are now experiencing teachers that care for their education and well being and only want the best for each and every student that attends classes. I am not saying that the school is perfect but is there a school that truly is? I've been in education for over fifteen years and believe me, this organization is better than many of the other schools because supporting a teacher changes the way a teacher approaches their students. If the test scores are a concern, please take a look at the ethnicity and the fact that we cater to lower income households unlike some of the "Successful" schools because we do what most schools in the surrounding areas won't do and we actually send our buses over 60 miles round trip in order to make sure we give the children a fighting chance in society. I'm not saying that this is a perfect environment but I am stating that we care.
Submitted by other on January 17, 2019

This school has come a long way and has built up a great atmosphere for it's students and staff. Everyone works together and make the best of every situation. The students feel welcomed by both the teachers and fellow students. You can tell this school is going to do big things in the near future.
Submitted by other on September 06, 2018

It could have been better if the school got it's act together. It treated me like a number and expected me to already know everything. They don't treat there teachers right and some of the people in the front office are rude and immature. They treat school as if we are there just to be babysat. But a handful of teachers are wonderful and deserve better. Teachers are and students are being pushed down and be are not moving to their full potential.
Submitted by other on August 22, 2018

It was horrible I would never go back and I don’t want anyone to go there
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2018

My children have been enrolled at AZ Compass for 3 years now. Although there have been many changes the first couple of years I can say last years was the best! Mr. Wilson is just the best! I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for my boys. He truly does care about his students and you can see it. He goes above and beyond! Mr. Wilson is what AZ Compass needed. The structure Mr. Wilson and his team have created this year is amazing. My student has noticed the behavioral issues are being taken care off , resulting in no disruptions in class. The students respect Mr. Wilson very much. As a parent not only do I notice the different atmosphere, but my student does as well. Keep up the great work. Mr. Wilson thank you for making a difference with these students everyday!!
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2018

AZ Compass has done a great job with my child. The teachers are supportive of my child's learning and the principal Mr. Wilson is always there to greet the students in the morning. It makes my child and myself feel welcome.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2017

This school has a revolving door of teachers and administration. My daughter started this year in the 8th grade. There have been 2 principals, and she has had 3 science teachers, 3 math teachers, 2 dance teachers . I cant be certain that she is really receiving a quality education with this type of turnaround.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2017

I was having difficulty with my student in a large public school environment. They had plenty of programs, but the classes were so large and it was easy for her to get lost and hide... there are simply too many students to receive any individualized attention. This school has been a great fit for my child with attention to her needs and the focus on her future planning. They have great sports and art programs... I was surprised to hear they won the state basketball title this year. My daughter has literally made a 180....although I still have to stay on top of her to make sure she is doing her work.... like any parent. I am very pleased with the Academic Dean and thankful that I found a great environment with people that care.
Submitted by teacher on August 22, 2016

Clueless system designed by admin. Students run around dominate the school and teachers. Teachers live in fear of losing their jobs as they are blamed for student behavior and grades. If you are considering sending your student here, send them somewhere else or home school them. An
Submitted by teacher on January 18, 2016

Former Teacher: Administrators treat the faculty like their personal slaves-No time for bathroom breaks or lunch. Faculty forced to stay after school mostly every afternoon for unscheduled meetings by principal which amount to nothing. He cannot make a decision on any issue and tables the discussion for the next meeting. There is no accountability for misbehavior of students and the disruptive students constantly prevent the few normal students who attend that school fro learning. Owners only interested in the FTE money they get from the state., which goes in their pocket. the school does not employ hall monitors, lunch monitors or recess monitors and force the faculty & students outside for recess in 114 degree heat in Aug, September. I f any faculty member complains, the Admin forces them out. the students are better off to just stay home.
Submitted by teacher on November 02, 2015

Good teachers, bad admin, worse principal and fragmented program. Once you're hired, you're forced to fend for yourself. No one will support and help you.Previous Teacher
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2015

I worked there in the Spring 2015; bad news. The principal, who was also new, was clueless and very vague. He could not articulate himself, so planning stuff on or around certain days were tough because he wouldn't email you or communicate things in advance. Things "come up" out of nowhere and he expects you to drop what you're doing and tend to it. For spring break last year, I had planned a honeymoon 3 months in advance asking if there would be anything on spring break. Of course, admin said no. The principal ended up scheduling a professional development smack in the middle of break two weeks before break; meanwhile 5 or 6 teachers had plans to go out of town. Even with admin knowing that they added it last second, they expected us to show up and cancel our expensive tickets half of us got. Not to mention the principal showed up late that spring break to the PD. And not by 30 minutes, by about 3 hours. A lot of us were livid at him for doing such a selfish act. He took forever to approve time off. He never communicates. Good teachers, lousy school, lousy principal. This also rubs off on to the kids. If you are considering working here, find another place to work. If you are a parent thinking of sending your kids here, don't. As a former teacher there, send them to a better school. This is the most ridiculous system I have ever witnessed as I have taught over 25 years. I hope parents and new teachers consider this before diving into AZ Compass;.