Desert Marigold School

6210 South 28th Street

School District

Valley Of The Sun Waldorf Education Association Dba Desert
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

charter

School Map for Valley Of The Sun Waldorf Education Association Dba Desert

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 01, 2024

Lots of handwritten work, no phones allowed, screens only for state testing (not sure at what grade they start with screens allowed for typing, if ever). Really nice kids. Socioeconomically diverse. I’ve seen a lot of schools; DMS teaches how to handle a project, to plan and execute and draft towards an end goal. And the kids like school. And they are taught to be kind, especially to each other - no, really, like making birthday cards and handmade-gift exchanges.I’ve taught college. That’s what you need to do well in college. Colleges have classes in the content; coming in, the kids need to like school and know how to work on hard things and be with people. DMS gets them that far.
Submitted by other on December 14, 2023

I am deeply troubled to report an incident at Desert Marigold School that starkly contradicts its proclaimed philosophy of nurturing each child's intellectual, artistic, and moral growth. During a ceremonial event, the Winter Spiral Walk, several children were barred from participating, a clear deviation from the school's commitment to inclusivity, curiosity, and moral integrity. This exclusion not only undermines the school's dedication to fostering a compassionate, responsible community but also betrays the trust of students and parents alike. It's disheartening to witness such a lapse in upholding the fundamental values of responsibility, perseverance, and compassion that the school espouses. Such actions are unacceptable in a learning environment that claims to value every child's development and well-being. Sincerely,Cristinel
Submitted by other on July 16, 2023

I found DMS because I needed a change from the urban environment Phoenix can be. This was absolutely a transformational experience and I would 100% recommend Desert Marigold to anyone interested in a Waldorf-Inspired education. Currently the high school is getting many updates to improve the space for students, and the overall campus is developing as well. There are many opportunities' to connect with nature at this school, which is why I chose to attend. The faculty/teachers really do care about the individuals that walk through their doors; I would lend that to the small environment. Although I did not attend Desert Marigold through the Early-Childhood and grades, just high school. I can attest to the beauty each classroom holds. One should recognize that this is a Public Waldorf school and follows a Waldorf-Inspired curriculum so not everything will be 100% Waldorf. However, the school and administration have been doing their best to build an authentic Waldorf program where possible. I saw a few reviews stressing that students may fall behind if they were to decide to move schools, and this may be true, but simply to the fact that Waldorf moves in stages that traditional classrooms do not. Each grade level is a different phase in a child's development and disrupting that by placing them in a traditional classroom may prove challenging. However many do eventually catch up with their cohort. I would simply recommend if choosing DMS or any Waldorf School for that matter, be in it for the full ride, not just as a trial. Also would like to address the idea that HS students only draw for their homework. Simply, yes! Because that is what many main lesson pages are. They are supposed to be artistic and open a students mind to a more diverse way of thinking while still surrounding an academic foundation. No need to worry though as there are plenty of track class assignments that are not drawing based.Overall, please do your own research about DMS, schedule a tour, speak with the enrollment advisor, research Waldorf and Waldorf-Inspired education. As the parent, you decide what is best for your child. And I would also recommend including them in the decision if they are old enough.Good Luck on your Journey! Hope this review helps.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2022

Desert Marigold and Waldorf education have provided for our family in so many ways. We were looking for an environment that nurtured the whole child and didn't just teach to test scores. At Desert Marigold, our children are experiencing incredible lessons that involve fine arts, music, movement, handwork, and plenty of time spent outdoors exploring nature. There is an emphasis on community connection and serving others. We are wary of social media and appreciate that technology is encouraged only at age-appropriate levels. Desert Marigold is truly unlike any school we've encountered before and we are so grateful that our children get to experience this form of education.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2022

Desert Marigold has been a life saver and amazing experience for our family and child! They go above and beyond for our child to help her reach her goals educationally adlnd with her peers. The staff are kind and friendly. The school boasts of animals, amazing staff, and a family environment. Desert Marigold strongly believes in a strong sense of community which has been awesome! I am so thankful I found this school and pulled her from regular public education.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2022

If you’re thinking of relocating to the area so your child can get a state funded Waldorf education I suggest touring so you can have firsthand experience. I’ve personally toured a couple of private Waldorf schools in other states and it’s an entirely different vibe than what’s going on at Desert Marigold. I was surprised to find out that mid year there were multiple openings in my child’s grade and wanted to go check it out for myself. First thing people should probably know about this school is that they require masks indoors and when I asked about this to see if there was a possible end in sight my question was dodged.I got this long rant from the school director about how & why he’s fully vaccinated and if they don’t comply with masking the school could potentially be fined over 100,000 dollars. What? If AZ public schools aren’t masking children why on earth would they be fined? The classroom my child would’ve been enrolled in was filthy and stunk. I was told that they lost their cleaning crew and new ones were starting that night but I don’t know if I believe that. The desks and chairs also appeared too small for that age group. As soon as I stepped in I immediately wanted out. If parents only knew I’m imagining they’d all be pulling their kids. From what I understand after talking to other parents with children currently enrolled at the school is that the headmaster left so the director of education is for the most part the one in charge. This guy spent way too much time talking about himself during my 90 minute tour, it was a bit much to take in and difficult to get a word in edgewise. I never received any sort of follow up in regard to enrolling my child which only goes to show how disorganized this school truly is. Things are definitely off around there. As much as I’d love for my child to have a Waldorf education this is not the school I’d choose.
Submitted by other on January 31, 2022

I enrolled my 3 kids at Desert Marigold in 2019. 2 of my kids have IEPs. The school refused my youngest's IEP from her previous school. My middle kid's teacher accepted that he had an IEP but wouldn't allow him the accommodations it stipulated. They adjusted his IEP repeatedly, and then use it for a day or two, then say they won't be following it anymore. My youngest kid's teacher took parts of her lunch away almost daily. They'd say it was on their list of forbidden foods. I finally asked the office for a list of forbidden foods. She said there is no such list. I asked her to double check with the teacher. She did, and returned with a list of the exact items they took from my daughter; nothing more nothing less. They also took her nap blanket away and didn't replace it with a different one or call me to bring a different one.One day I picked up my kids, and my youngest was wearing a t-shirt and underwear, with no pants. The teacher said she got dirty outside and didn't have any spare pants in her bag. They didn't call me to pick her up or bring her pants, they just kept her in her underwear. They claimed it was my fault for not having extra pants in her bag ("That's what you sent!"). This doesn't fit with their previous statements regarding forbidden food and blankets; I sent food and a blanket and they confiscated it due to "rules" but they will gladly let her violate their dress code? My youngest came home talking about a recess game that some classmates were playing that she didn't understand. It was called "run away from the black guy". It was played exactly how it sounds. She was also taught that men and women have different jobs and responsibilities. The school would only call my wife (the bread winner) and refused to call me (the stay home parent) because "we call moms".In Kindergarten, the kids have an elaborate birthday celebration including stories of their birth and early years. They have no accommodations for adopted kids. The teacher said she can just skip her birthday celebration.The school requires/expects a certain number of volunteer hours per year per family. Community is supposedly important to them. But when we would show up at specified volunteer times, we were pushed out and excluded.The Desert Marigold culture in the grades is hostile, racist, and sexist. However, the high school has a supportive and inclusive culture and my high school kid is treated with respect and dignity.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2021

This school could be something beautiful, instead it leaves students broken and damaged. They have a great lack of resources for students with special needs. They also have been under investigation with the state many times. I would highly recommend contacting the department of education before choosing this school.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2021

I attended a few years ago so Idk if things have changed but all the teachers I had back then are still there, sooo... don't take ur kid to this school. If they are different in any way they will be bullied. Honestly even if they aren't it will probably still happen. I had tires thrown at me, boys tying girls up and no one did anything. Literally have ptsd from the bullying I experienced there. Not just from students but from teachers too.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2020

Our experience here has been extraordinarily enriching. What they lack in organization they make up for in a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to character development and raising free-thinking, creative individuals. My child always scores waaaay above average on the state exams and reads a couple of grades ahead.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2018

If you have a low performing or autistic child this school is fine. Kids will be totally unprepared for college. For hs homework they draw pictures! HS seniors doing 8th grade math. At least 1/3 of students are autistic. It is also very clear that management are all connected. Management related to teachers related to students. A private school getting funded by the state. Dont put your child there if you want colege
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2018

What seems to be a magical place when first attending this school, is disheartening once you leave the beauty and safety of Early childhood. This school could have so much potential if admin was concerned for the children and education. This IS NOT Waldorf education. It is loose at best. There has been a constant turnover of staff for many years. True Waldorf teachers typically exit after a few years to teach at a private Waldorf school. There have been issues of mold in the buildings, funds that have gone missing, teacher turnover, poor test scores and bullying. There is a negative vibe around the campus from teachers and staff. It seems as though the families at this school are so desperately trying to be different, that sadly, they are actually all the same. No diversity, poor communication and no responsibility in educating the children to prepare them for success beyond HS graduation. I encourage everyone to really disect Waldorf methods prior to taking this journey. Once you start, it is nearly impossible to go elsewhere as your child will not be prepared for traditional classroom instruction. We wanted so badly to love this school because of the beautiful campus and what seemed to be a preservation of childhood. We were so disappointed when it was not what we had hoped for. We left and found our children to be two to four years behind grade level. Wish we had known before, we would not have ever taken this journey.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2017

I love this school for my children. They're able to thrive in an environment where things are taught to them that other schools have deemed unimportant. I cannot say enough good things about their teaching methods & drive 35 minutes each way, everyday to make sure my children get the experience to go to this school. I highly recommend Desert Marigold to anyone looking for a better alternative to the standard schools.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2017

I would never recommend this school. We waited for 2 years to get off the wait list, and research Waldorf methods ahead of time. What a horrible disappointment this school turned out to be. Our son was labelled as a "bad fit" within two weeks of starting, and we were run out by insensitive and callous teachers and administration. Since starting at a public school, our son has performed at the top of his class and recovered his self-esteem. Please, please, do not believe the hype about DMS. We did, and it was a horrible experience for our sweet 6 year old.
Submitted by student on August 21, 2015

I attended Desert Marigold School from 5th through 8th grade. I did really enjoy my time there, but after transferring into a public high school and into gifted and AP classes, I realized that while the emotional development and experiences students receive at DMS are very valuable, the academics are severely lacking. Even when comparing them to the regular level classes at my new school, it's easy to see how much I missed. I think that my teacher in particular was a pretty big factor in this. My teacher had me and a few other students working at a "higher" level in math in my later years there. However, the material that I was doing was barely the average level that the majority of students learn in other schools. It made my transition into my freshman year at a public school extremely difficult, because although I could understand the new material I was learning, I was missing large chunks of prerequisite information necessary for me to be able to be successful in my new classes. I was able to make the adjustment, but it was stressful and difficult for a large portion of my first year, and I still sometimes struggle with some of my school work, especially math. The work I did at DMS barely grazed the surface of what I was expected to know in any level class in high school. The art classes I had at DMS were fantastic and I'm grateful to have had them, but I really wish I'd been prepared in academics, as well as handling work loads. Due dates were almost nonexistent at DMS and homework was rare. When we did get any, it was usually art based, or even sometimes just coming up with an idea about a topic, again, usually art based. This is far from the the work situation at other schools. My friends who also moved schools have told me they struggled as well with these things, and the ones who transferred after their freshman year said it was extremely difficult. I think if their level of academics were brought up significantly, it would be a really successful school, but as is, I wouldn't recommend it, especially not for middle and high school.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2015

It pains me to have to leave this review however I believe it is vitally important others understand what is occurring at Desert Marigold.I began educated myself on Steiner education and philosophy some time ago and had my heart set on sending my child to a Waldorf school. Dms has all the esthetics one could look for in a Waldorf environment but lacked in so many other areas. Starting from the school tour my family was misled completely about what the school valued in regards to education. Honestly there were blatant lies that were told about Math, Science high school curriculum and number of children that attended college after Dms. I witnessed first hand that behavioral issues in children are not addressed and unfortunately often get worse in this environment. In the early elementary the children receive ample opportunity to socialize and learn through play however this continues far too long into grades where the children are more than ready for a stronger curriculum. Steiner believed hole heartedly in life long learning. This school claims they inspire that but it is absolutely not the case. They have formed their own version of Waldorf and refuse any of the progressive Steiner education tools being used in other countries. I find the administration to be so unorganized that it not only effects the teachers but the children as well. The teachers are underpaid and most of them hold negative feelings about the school which ends up bleeding into the student body. When your teachers aren't supported how can you have a quality school? I have no doubts this school could be absolutely amazing if the administration was replaced and a more progressive Steiner philosophy was adopted. Do your homework on this school. It might look the part but your child will not receive a quality education.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2015

I love the campus, love the festivals but there are so many red flags here that to stay would be a crime. I was sooo disappointed at how this school turned out. There is no organization what-so-ever. Little to no supervision, teachers and administration seem to be always making things up as they go along. Their funding is so mismanaged that the buildings are always in disrepair. The worst part is the behavior of the kids and the lack of teaching. My kid learned next to nothing except how to knit. What am I going to do with her in math and writing? Test scores set aside, this school is not cutting it with teaching. Bottom line is that all kids need to have some basic skills of a human being. Learning should be a good thing! The early childhood is so lovely but even there they do nothing but play the whole day, most of it outside which is awesome. There seems to be no structure or purpose or really any learning going on for them either. Waldorf at this schools has proven itself to be a joke where the administration and most of the teachers are more concerned with painting, festivals and Anthroposophy than they are with the children learning
Submitted by student on June 27, 2015

I decided to write this review so that maybe other kids who were looking at this high school because it looks neat and has art could know what it is really like. Some of my teachers are nice and I think they try but it really seems like no one knows what they are doing. I have so much work to try and catch up to my friends in other schools, even other charter schools. Most of what I did this year they did in 6th grade!!!Most of the kids who go here don't care at all about learning and maybe that is why the school just lets them go through without doing any work. A lot of kids I knew were absent all the time to. I am really upset at the time I wasted here and wish that my parents would have come to observe in the classrooms or something so they would know how bad the academic part really is.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2015

Desert Marigold school looks beautiful, enchanting and ideal for those seeking a relaxed and nurturing environment. They also give a very persuasive talk about their curriculum. However, spending one day in the classroom environment, looking at the abilities of the children academically, and observing their behaviour will surely convince any parent with common sense that this is the last place to send ones child if there is any desire for even minimal academic learning. Because of this lack of academic instruction there tends to be a large number of behaviourally challenged students as well as low achieving students. Students are not help accountable for work and are still given an A grade, particularly in the high school. The skill level and instruction in the high school is shockingly below grade level. Test scores are of course far below the standard in part because there is no instruction. The bulk of student work is merely drawing and other forms of art. Student fail courses but are passed anyway. Test course do not measure everything of course; one need only look at the majority of student work in any subject to see that the students are failing in education on the whole.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2014

Consider these things before exposing your family. Ask questions and research the way financials are handled. Inquire about policies, grievances, family turn over,accountability and follow through, and anthroposophy. Look at the relationship between the members of the collegium and the operations of administration and board. These people are winging it. No way to run a business especially a school. Many unhappy people have left and the ones who really suffer are the children. The waiting list is long and that is why they can keep doing business this way. Do not be fooled.