Bennett Academy

2930 West Bethany Home Road

School District

Twenty First Century Charter School Inc. Bennett Academy
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:9
Type

charter

School Map for Twenty First Century Charter School Inc. Bennett Academy

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 April 15, 2024

Excellent School! This School is an A rated School for so many reasons. The strong academic curriculum helps to drive the instruction in each classroon and creative teachers help the students to be successful in every subject. The Culture of this School is diverse and has benefited from the amazing teachers, parents, students, and community of supporting businesses that love Bennett.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2023

This school claims to be an A+ school academically, but they do not know how to handle a child with any kind of difference in learning needs. My daughter is very active and sweet girl and she was bullied by the children and the teachers for being different. Her kindergarten teacher refused to communicate with me and would hand me off to the principal no matter what the question or concern. When I addressed this with both the principal and Mr. Bennett the found and head administrator they both made excuses instead of addressing the issue. Their bus driver was not any better, from the first day my daughter was treated as a trouble maker because she couldn't sit still. I adjusted my work schedule so that I could pick her up and drop her off after the driver left her at Bennett main one morning instead of taking her to the venture site where she actually needed to be. This same incident was made worse by the bus driver escalating the issue instead of de-escalating. My daughter was 5 years old and left with complete strangers both to her and I. The school had the nerve to say she was "safe" just because she was on a school campus with teachers (again that she nor I knew). When I expressed my displeasure with what took place I was verbally abused and called stupid by the founder Mr. Bennett. Academically, they tried using different methods to keep my daughter in her chair, but when they didn't get the result they wanted in a day or two they took away the accommodation. When I expressed that she was bored and needed more challenging work they ignored me. Overall the experience with the teachers and administration was horrible both for my daughter who loved going to school before Bennett and myself.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2023

As a teacher here, I have to say the dedication of other teachers was amazing. The students were so awesome also. I noticed very early on that the founder is pretty mean to staff. She would put you down and shame you if you asked questions, and although she presented herself as a loving caring person, she was verbally. I would not recommend interacting with her much if you work there. Mr. Rohrbacker was truly the BEST administrator I have every worked with in 25 years as a teacher. He will be truly missed! Technology was lacking, hoping they have caught up to that so the amazing students can continue to thrive. I enjoyed my time here, but just did not approve of the way the founder treated teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2022

Bennett is an amazing school. I worked there for a few years. The teachers care and are willing to help. Would totally recommend it to all.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2021

Fantastic, dedicated, loving teachers. Students are at the focus of all things : social emotional, academic, character and accountability. The teachers treat each other with respect, and they help each other. The strongest part of this school is the teachers and their commitment to the whole child.
Submitted by other on February 05, 2019

My niece has attended Bennett for the last several years, and has had a great experience. She participates in sports and drama, and the staff seem to genuinely care and take pride in the kids. The staff is very dedicated, and focused on the children and their needs.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2017

Three of our children have attended here in this school over the last 5 years . We would say that this school is awesome, especially the staff. They are very understanding and concerned about each of the students progress. We would highly recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by other on April 22, 2017

I attended Bennett Academy from 4th grade to 8th grade and this was a very influential time in my life. This school heavily supports arts and that is what makes this place more than any other school. Students from every background learned about themselves through Mr. Hyte's theatre class and grew out of their shells and blossomed. I always felt like my oppinon mattered and I was listened too by the staff members. The school had all of the students interact with eachother through various events and spirit weeks wich created a tight knit family atmosphere. While I do think some of the policies need to be updated and things need to be more consistent like they used to be, this is still an excellent place for children to grow. And I am the caring, social worker I am today because of life lessons I was taught at Bennett Academy. SHOUT OUT TO MR. JIM HYTE FOR ALWAYS TEACHING MORE THAN THE CURRICULUM ASKED AND CARING MORE THAN THE AVERAGE TEACHER.
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

My Mom chose to send me to Bennett Academy for 8th grade because of their amazing theatre program and I'm so glad she did! My experiences with the entire staff were continually professional, warm & supportive. I made many strides during my one year at Bennett and will continue to cherish the memories made with friends and staff, most of whom I'm still in contact with more than 15 years later. My younger brother also attended Bennett for 6th-8th grades and he shares my sentiments. Some of the many activities I participated in and enjoyed there include Theatre, Student Council, Talent Shows, Yearbook Committee, GATWTTA, Sign Language, Japanese, etc. Thank you to Mr & Mrs Bennett and their entire team!
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2017

I had my child go there from 7th to 8th grade and out of his time there, he had learned to open up alot. The smaller size classes make a more aprochable way to learn and strive in an educational setting. If I ever am asked whereto take a child that want striving in public schools, id recommend Bennett Academy over most public schools in the area
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

Condescending to parents and children. Play favorites. Put problem children in a "focus" group. Teacher who lead focus group explained to management that it wasn't working just shoving "bad" kids in a room all day to do work and not talk or have recess. Management ignored teachers' concerns and advice.
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

This school and the teachers that are there are a few of the reasons I am who I am today. My older brother was there when the school was first founded. I went there when they expanded and my little brothers went there. The staff has always been hands on and involved in the students learning acedemically as well as good role models for how to become a better person. If I ever move back to the phoenix area my children will be going there.
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

I cannot recommend this school enough. The teachers in this school have heart and passion. I still keep in contact with several of them! They listen to you and help inspire you to be an independent thinker, something invaluable for the future. You'll be challenged but you will grow!
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

This school really shaped who I am today. The teachers cared about you personally, the academics were thoughtful and relevant, and the theatre program became the highlight of my entire life. I loved Bennett Academy and I can't wait to send my kids there one day.
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

Bennett Academy is a shining example of what a charter school should be: an alternative way for teachers to engage students in various ways, at various levels, in a format that a public school just cannot provide. Bennett holds high standards for students yet works to bring all students across the finish line in the end. The staff and faculty are all professional and good natured, holding a genuine care and concern for the students. The smaller class sizes allow for genuine relationships to form and closer interaction between students and teachers. In particular, the drama department is stunning and beyond what most other schools could offer. I say this as a Bennett Academy alumni, who has now gone on and and graduated with the highest honors from GCU; this would not have been possible without my foundation building years at Bennett Academy.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2017

Unprofessional staff with poor leadership and bias teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2014

Bennett Academy is a phenomenal school! I am so glad that my daughter is able to attend a small charter school, with uniforms, that is dedicated to their students and their education. The principal is always available and listens, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the extra curricular programs are best! The theater program is amazing also! Definitely worth the daily drive for my daughters education!
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2013

I found this to school to be very beneficial for my daughter. Her scores were low when I removed her from another school that was not helping her achieve. Her scores doubled she is doing great..Her 5th grade teacher went over and above with staying after school and before school to help. I found all the staff friendly and caring. The drama/ art department is totally off the chart. If you want your child to succeed with their education this is the school for them.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2013

My daughter started kindergarten in Aug of this year. We love it! its a great school. Small town feeling. All the staff are very friendly and they genuinely care for all the students. They have a great mixture of academics and others like sign language, drama and art. Mr. Roerbaker is a great principal.
Submitted by other on January 05, 2012

This is a great school I went 5th through 7th grade which I left the school due to moving but I would have stayed there for 8th grade. They had some of the best teachers and tried to do the best with what they had.