Great Hearts Academies - Anthem Prep

43775 North Black Canyon Highway

School District

Anthem Preparatory Academy
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

charter

School Map for Anthem Preparatory 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 September 18, 2024

I cannot in good conscious recommend Great Hearts Anthem Prep. For a school that claims to offer “a private school education at a public-school price”, the school’s agenda is not preparing its students to effectively participate in a global community and economy. At best they are being minimized to narrow, conservative values without exposure to broader perspectives. Their curriculum offers archaic lessons of "classical" teachings without any contextual application to our present and future world. My child endured two years of antisemitism from both students and staff alike - this is unacceptable. Despite several of my interactions with both the elementary and upper-class headmasters, the severity of events only increased over time. Rather than use these opportunities to broadly reinforce a zero-tolerance policy, leverage teachable moments, and hold the offenders accountable, the school simply doubled down efforts to contain and conceal. From a purely academic perspective, the quietness of the classroom was what attracted us to the school. However, the school’s mission – which beautifully cites Latin but lacks real substance – relies on fancy words that create an appearance of superiority that the school’s construct simply does not live up to.As evidenced by the absurdity of referring to the students as “scholars,” as if this magically turns them into superior critical thinkers (to be fair, to develop “critical thinkers” was the gist of the explanation provided when asked why students are referred to as “scholars” rather than the customary “students”). Critical thinking skills requires being taught the critical thought process. However, students are expected to merely confirm rather than be encouraged to challenge their own and other’s perceived notions. Outcomes matter: let’s not pretend that their students are achieving higher rates of acceptance to top tier higher education institutions and landing more lucrative careers than their socioeconomic peers. Great Heart’s mission includes the “pursuit of beauty” – sounds lovely. Yet, how exactly is beauty defined in the eyes of the school administration? While Anthem Prep is certainly vocal on matters when the public is watching, however the headmasters choose to cover up grave issues that plague the school hallways. Apparently, to Anthem Prep, “beauty” reflects only outside appearances; yet inner character, i.e. how one acts when no one is watching, is unimportant.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2023

The best education with a small school feel. The staff all know the kids by name, the kids are all friends with each other despite being in different classes and grades. The Great Hearts education cannot be beat and Anthem Prep is the most loving environment to learn it!
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2020

Excellent. Two graduated children who excelled at college.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2018

AP is challenging and aggressive. Students are taught how to be critical thinkers, and without exception every former student has told me how college is easy because of how they learned at AP, and they earn an easy A while college peers struggle. I have 3 kids in this school, and count the decision to put my kids there in 2009 as one of the smartest moves I have ever made.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2018

This school doesn't prepare your children for college, specifically in STEM due to their focus being on useless books. Additionally, they don't allow for conversation about current pressing issues that society faces. Anthem Prep has a HORRIBLY subjective grading system, where favoritism is displayed. Lastly, if you have a child with a disability, don't send them here, because they truly don't know how to accommodate for such issues.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2015

The education your child will receive is fantastic at this school. We have been so impressed.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2014

My kindergartener just finished her first year at this school. The teacher had a difficult time controlling some of the students, but was good. Yes, there are a lot of small rules, but I like that. For me, a strict uniform policy is a godsend. It helps select for appropriate behavior all by itself. Homework demand was about 1 hour per night, and that was fine with me. No matter how smart you are, you must learn to work hard. My daughter is just an average student, and she wasn't that well prepared for kindergarten, but she didn't struggle. She will attend next year for first grade. However, it did take some effort. NOTE:Greatschools.com is out of date, the school is now K-12.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2014

We love Great Hearts Anthem Prep/Archway. Last year was our first year (3rd grade) and it was a transition from public school. My daughter was finally being challanged and being held to a standard (of education and behavior)! We are thrilled with what she has learned and all the free activities that the school offers (Art Club, Violin Club, Chess Club, Archery, Latin... the list goes on)!!
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2013

Our 2nd and Kindergartener loves this school! They love to learn Latin; their reading program is excellent and Singapore math is the best in the world! My children absolutely love the art teacher! She introduce them to a variety of artist, including Van Gogh; they paint, draw, learn about the artist and the architecture. Can't wait until they get to be in the music class in January! They have art club, violin club, sports, chess, archery etc and many many after school activities! This school is the best! Teachers are so nice, and we have a great Parent Organization!