Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

6919 E BROWN RD

School District

Mesa Unified
Grade

4-9
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Mesa Unified School District

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 student on November 18, 2021

This school is great! Mesa Academy is definitely advanced, but it's not just a school for nerds. In fact, most people here are weird and quirky in their own little ways, and everyone knows everyone because we have less than 500 students here. It's so easy to make friends, and all the teachers are amazing.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2020

For the first 5-6 years, this school was stellar. These last 3-4 years have been a slow decline. This school is heading in a bad direction since the new principal took over. The communication home to parents is minimum. Response time to concerns or complaints is a week or more. Availability of the school counselor, principal, and other administrative staff is severely lacking. Makes me sad. This was such a phenomenal school.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2019

My daughter has been here now for a few years. She is flourishing in this environment!
Submitted by student on August 22, 2019

I love this school, and I would definetly recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge and to be with people just like them. But if you hate science and projects, then you will hate science fair as it is almost year long
Submitted by student on November 09, 2018

It's probably the best school in the valley for getting ahead in all of your subjects. This is for kids like me who found it too easy in lower elementary grades to score near perfect in every category. There are huge challenges compared to an average elementary and middle school. You have lots of fun and all the teachers really do care for each and every one of us.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2017

Our child went to this school for years, but has since moved on to a new school, and what a tremendous impact it has made in her character. She is now so much more positive and outgoing and actually enjoys going to school. Her teachers communicate frequently and are much more understanding and approachable. She doesn't walk around the house thinking she is better than everyone else, but rather, is more down to earth, friendly and genuinely caring. Her grades and performance have improved as well. We will not send our younger children to the Mesa Academy. Why would you pull your child out of the great elementary schools available in our city and force them to work so hard at such a young age - let them be a kid while they still can!
Submitted by other on February 09, 2016

This school is everything you think it would and should be, and more. It is the most challenging school environment imaginable. They children are not all geniuses and it is definitely NOT easy. So, yes, it is rigorous. And challenging. And exciting. And full of excited and motivated teachers asking for the most from their students. And, they are getting it! My son, who is very challenged from an organizational and self-directed perspective, is thrilled every day to go to school at Mesa Academy. He is excited to learn and his curiosity for his subjects and the world around him has never been greater. I truly could not ask for a better school environment for him. The teachers, principal and staff are off-the-charts great. The assignments and interactive class work bring out the best in everyone. You can definitely tell that the teachers are not just phoning it in. Everyday it is something new, with materials presented in intriguing and stimulating ways. As for the students, they are hard-working, smart, kind and supportive of each other and are all excelling in their own passions. Is my son at the top of his class? No. Was he at his other school? Yes. Is that ok with us? Most definitely, yes. Don't be afraid to come to this school. Be prepared to support your student through the trying times (and there will be trying times, regardless of the student, they will see to that!) but the benefits so far outweighs the costs, you will be delighted and grateful that you took the plunge. We love it here! And think you will too!
Submitted by other on December 28, 2014

I attended Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies from when I was in 5th grade and has graduated from this school last year. My experience there was very positive, and I am proud to call myself to be a former Academy Knight. The teachers there are so wonderful and understanding, and they are willing to go the extra mile just to help students in their studies. They also recognize those students that have different learning styles and abilities. The staff there are amazing; They help make the school a positive and enjoyable place to learn in. When I first came to this school in 5th grade, I was really nervous since I didn't know anyone there that was in my grade, however, as my journey continued on at this school, I made so many friends and have placed many milestones. I would like to thank everyone at this school for helping me discover my strengths and weaknesses and develop new interests that I never knew I would find to like. There are many clubs that you can get involved in. I highly recommend Mesa Academy because this school will help challenge students in their studies and help them to become critical thinkers.
Submitted by other on June 26, 2014

I used to go to the school and I was not bullied at all, I made lots of friends, the teacher are very nice, it's a very very amazing school. I feel accepted there. I was struggling in math and my teacher let me go in after school and helped me get my grade up to a B and I also feel grown up like I had responsabilities.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2013

Our daughter is in her third year at the Mesa Academy for Advanced studies. She LOVES this school! The teachers are all really interested in challenging their students, but in a truly creative way. I don't know of another school (at least a public school) where discussions of history, world geo-politics, the integration of algebraic math into all parts of adult life, etc. are carried on. Our daughter likes all of her teachers (some better than others...that's a kid thing), and gets herself up every morning looking forward to going to school that day. That itself is a testimonial to the Academy staff. The school is NOT for every child! And these kids are not all "gifted"...in fact, what they are is excited about learning. On a final note, Bob Crispin, the Principal, is one of the best I've ever seen! I've had children in public schools for more than 30 years...I've had a LOT of experience...and Mr. Crispin is head and shoulders above any elementary school principal I've known. Some comments indicate that it's not perfect. What is?
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2013

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies is a great school for children who excel. This school gives them the challenge they need. It is not for everyone. The principal does a pretty good job of weeding out the candidates that probably won't make it here. Your child has to be organized and want to be a high achiever. Your child needs to be self motivated. Most of the teachers are fantastic! There are a couple who should not be teaching here or anywhere else. Mr. Crispin is the most hands on pricipal I have ever seen. He knows all the students names and they really like him!
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

This school is wonderful! The classes offered are wonderful and the teachers really take the time to help the students. Mr Crispin is a fabulous leader for the school.
Submitted by other on August 06, 2013

As a graduate of the Mesa Academy, I can say that it is a great school in all aspects. It is very safe, with absolutely no drugs of any sort to my knowledge and there are rarely any fights, the technology is very advanced and there are enough computers for everyone, the staff is mostly fantastic, all the teachers and the rest of the staff genuinely care about you and your education and are always happy to help you with anything you need, the curriculum is very advanced and will definitely challenge just about anyone. There seem to be a lot of rumors, as well, that the Academy will take away your social life and have you studying and doing homework 24/7, this is only true for those who either over-work themselves or don't manage their time wisely, others have plenty of free time. To me, the best part of this school is the family aspect of it, because this school is so small every body knows every body , one should expect to become very close to the staff and a majority of the students. Overall, the Mesa Academy has prepared me to face any challenge that high school throws at me and left me with 5 years of great memories and friends that will last for a lifetime.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2013

As a parent, here's what I've learned about the Academy... 1. Teachers post grades online. Check frequently so there are no surprises. If you have questions about your child's performance, contact the teachers directly by email or phone. 2. The classes are IB which means they are challenging. The students work at above-grade level. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning experiences. 3. There are 7 classes for the older kids, and 10 classes (on a wheel) for the younger kids. Time management is key. If your child has too much homework, see if he is using class time efficiently and tell him to ask questions before going home. 4. There are a ton of clubs for kids to make friends. 5. You must plan on being a part of your child's educational experiences. I found that just because my daughter earned straight A's at her previous school did not mean she would earn A's at the Academy. She has to work harder than ever, but she loves it! We can't believe all she's learned and how much further ahead she is than her old classmates. I recommend this school to everyone who wants academic challenges for their children. The test scores say it all.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2013

My child has been attending Mesa Academy for 2 years. It has been a struggle since the beginning. The expectations are very high for even advanced students. There is minimal direction given by the science instructors and they are cold and unhelpful. For example, the first year, 4th grade, my child was expected to invent something. My child is very bright but asking a 9 year old to invent something with minimal instruction was a bit much. Every year we have gone to the principal to discuss our concerns and went away feeling reassured and confident to later be disappointed when promises were not followed through. I was also surprised to find out that this school didn't have parent teacher conferences. My child would be doing excellent in classes and then the final grades would be sent home and he was failing. I never received any calls from his teachers or guidance counselor. Getting in touch with the teachers took days and they didn't seem interested in helping my child succeed. If your 9 year old can function as a high school student then this might be the school for your child. If your child needs more direction and encouragement then you may need to keep looking.
Submitted by other on January 19, 2013

I used to go to the Mesa Academy, and I can honestly say that it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me, but before saying anything too convincing, you should know this school is not for those not ready for a challenge. This is a school where everyone can be friends, the principal knows every last student by name, where you get a special academic edge, and if you're struggling, you can ask any single of the teachers for extra help.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2012

My child is a 6th grader at MAAS and absolutely loves it. This is her 2nd year at The Academy and it just keeps getting better. The teachers are very approachable and willing to give extra help if needed. The after school activities are varied enough to appeal to all students. The staff and principal are wonderful. I highly recommend this school to any family who wants their child to be challenged and grow both academically and socially.