Stepping Stones Academy

35812 7th Street

School District

Stepping Stones Academy
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 other on June 04, 2023

We have been part of this school for several years and will remain here until all of our children graduate from SSA. So far two of our children graduated from SSA and both children went into high school academically ahead of peers and were placed in honors classes. We find the school to be stricter with rules and expectations compared to other schools and we like this. Individuals are held accountable in a fair way. What we really like is the small community and how the teachers and administrators are personable and friendly. They know our children as more than a number and they really care about the whole individual.
Submitted by other on June 03, 2023

My child has been at this school for a few years now, and up to this last year things have been stellar. The teachers were loving and inclusive, the principal was kind and caring. This last year has become nothing short of horrific. Teachers are now yelling at the students, and basically saying it's the kids fault for making them that way. I witnessed the principal flat out call a young girl a liar in front of her father. Reports from the theater class were that all that happened was the kids got screamed at the entire time. My child reported being bullied multiple times and it was always brushed off. There are no longer school lunches available outside of a $1 packet of ramen and if your child happens to get detention, they will not have access to any food at all. I've witnessed the huge pantry in the office with plenty of snacks etc, so the withholding of food isn't because there's none avaliable. I'm not sure what happened to the school this past year, but things have gotten extremely bad.
Submitted by student on July 13, 2022

Bullying issue. The teachers seem unaware, but so many students are hurt. A student’s arm was broken and the teachers brushed it off. A sibling of mine was harassed by students in her class, when reported the teachers came with the same response “if they do it again we’ll suspend them.” They bullied her 5 times before that, and it was all brushed off. And the students treated each other so horribly, I was extremely shy and introverted going there, but I knew a lot about the students, as a daily thing I heard other students making fun of their friends and classmates. The teacher only lectured us about homework and ‘having crushes.’ When the teachers got mad they would just yell with no explanation. My P.E. teacher hated me because of my sister who graduated. Our technology teacher also treated us horribly! She never helped us and just yelled at us for needed help. Students were afraid of her. The theater is bad too. I was in it and got a good role but it was obvious something was up when all of the main roles were the teachers favorite students who had no talent in singing whatsoever. Harassment once again, a boy looked up a girls skirt at school and made noises, once again this was dismissed, but a student got screamed at for telling the teacher to stop yelling. Also a student in my class also made innapropriate jokes about female body parts and licking and touching them. This happened many times, and only after this was complained and reported several times was it dealt with.Also many girls in my class were judged and made fun of for wearing skirts?! For a school about leadership and kindness obviously it’s being taught horribly, sorry but your songs aren’t working. Plus, all the students are yelled at like adults when they say something but overall get treated like children with all the parties and games. And the music too, listening to kids bop all day was hurting my ears. All of the kids who were different were treated weirdly, was girl had a religion where she had to be covered up, and people made fun of her and left her out. To be honest I did too, and I regret it now. Also students with disabilities were treated like new born babies by other students and were also left out of activities. Students were hit and punched by other students and teachers told them to not tattle, seriously? Along with the horrible education, this school is not so great, it needs a lot of improvement,
Submitted by teacher on May 30, 2020

Now, more than ever, I am seeing the support and love that SSA administration and teachers have for their families. In our time apart during this Covid-19 pandemic, families have been encouraged to simply do our best and not stress over learning at home. We've been encouraged to find fun ways to keep our kids' minds active and their bodies moving. Classroom teachers, support teachers, and admin have all reached out and stayed in touch through every twist and turn of this wild ride. They drove to the homes of graduating 8th graders to celebrate and cheer them on. Next, students who had achieved the honor of being inducted into National Junior Honor Society had a drive up induction ceremony and were honored with a teacher drive-by parade. And finally, they created a fun event to provide closure to this crazy year. Teachers created light-up backdrops and the campus was decorated with Christmas lights so families could drive through and say good-bye to the teachers who love and cherish them. All of this happened because the principal, vice principal, and everyone who has the honor of working at SSA, deeply love and care about their students and families. I am proud and honored to be a part of this amazing school.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2019

Our experience with Stepping Stones over the past 2 years has been outstanding! The Teachers and staff are positive, enthusiastic and clearly put a ton of effort into making learning challenging yet enjoyable. We are extremely happy with the Pre -K program and think Mrs. Burczyk is exceptional! She has both 3 and 4 year old students and we are constantly impressed by her ability teach each individual child at their potential rather than age level standards. Her classroom provides a successful mix of learning, creativity, fun, imaginative play and comfort that has allowed our son to thrive both academically and socially. He loves going to school each day, and we enjoy hearing his excitement as he shares what he has learned and love the pride he takes in his accomplishments. We feel blessed to have found a school that not only cares about academics but instills good character and encourages a strong sense of community.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2018

My experience with Stepping Stones over the past 5 years has been wonderful! I can't say enough how much I love this school. As a parent you want your child to get a good education and you want your child to love going to school and to be seen and known by the teachers... you get it ALL and more at S.S.A.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2018

I wouldn't go anywhere else! Kids are loved, teachers are valued, parents are greatly appreciated. While SSA has strong academics, they know that learning is about more than just head knowledge. Everyone works together to create a fabulous learning environment where kids can take a risk, be themselves, and learn to be great humans.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2018

My kids attend this school and after numerous other schools we found a great school. Wonderful staff that truly care and love the kids.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2018

My children have attended this school for 8 years...best school in Arizona...no question! Amazing staff and administration that support our kids. We are so lucky to be a part of Stepping Stones Academy!!!
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2017

My daughter attended SSA from pre-k through 8. She had a great experience and I was very satisfied with her education. Reading some of the one star reviews disappoints me. Parents need to accept responsibility for their children as well and should be partners with the school staff in a child's education. Parents should also teach their children how to deal with other kids and not blame the school for "bullying". I have spent years on this campus. If you call that level of children's play bullying, you and your child will not make it in society.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2015

This was our first year at Stepping Stones. We chose it because it had a good rating and is a small community. I absolutely love the Pre K program and the teacher Mrs Burczyk is the best. The front office staff have always been pleasant and friendly. We attended another school last year with a very low academic rating but our children loved the other school and had many friends. We wanted a better education and were really excited to move and attend this school. We have found the quality of education to be better for our children Unfortunately a small community is only good if they accept you and your children, while we found the school to be tolerant of differences the parents are not. It is challenging to like the school but feel the need to leave due to cliches. I thought i left that behind in high school. As social skills are just as important to me as educational skills I am left between a rock and a hard place on whether or not to return.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

Stepping Stones Academy The standard for academic success is higher than the school last attended. The teachers and principle were amazing at helping my two children reach that standard. Both children were getting exceptional grades in public school but did not seem to be progressing in a way that challenged them to be the best according to their abilities. The personal attention that was put into place to make that happen made it evident that they not only wanted to raise the bar in education for them but were willing to take a personal interest in making that happen. The standard of social behavior is also high on the list of requirements. What they are receiving is not just a seat in the classroom but education that will truly give them a better chance for a good life and future. The principle and teachers have made themselves available to assist in everyway necessary to assure success in the children s education. Among the list of things that make it a great school is all the unique and positive ways they encourage the children s desire to be the best they can be. Stepping Stones makes the high standard happen by giving the support necessary to make it happen.
Submitted by other on August 16, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Alliger have been friends and fellow eduactors for years. They are dedicated to educating children by truly working for what is best for kids. I love the MicroScociety aspect of the school which brings real life learning to the classroom every day.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2013

What a great little school we are so happy that we found! My children enjoy school and are learning so much. I have sent so many of my friends to this school and are also pleased with the progress their children are making. Thank you to the staff for all their hard work.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

I think SSA is an amazing school where the whole child is being educated and valued as an individual. They are taught leadership, personal accountability, citizenship and has strong academics. There may not be Spanish or music but the Micro program more than makes up for it with real life application. May not be for all but we couldn't be more thrilled we are here.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

We've been here five years and each year gets better. Some great changes made this year that we love. Staff is exceptional and really cares. They go above and beyond to help kids. Our questions have always been answered and staff is great answering questions after school and even week-ends. We love how everyone works together and looks like they are having fun.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

Like the small school and small classrooms but staff seems overworked and stressed especially office staff. My husband and I don't get straight answers from school. My children enjoy going to school there but there is a lot of homework.
Submitted by other on December 31, 2012

I love my school! The teachers help until I understand without making me feel bad. I have great friends and no bullys here.
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2012

We love this school! The small school works well for our kids and the teachers are the best! They care about kids and help them learn. The principal has an open door policy so we are able to visit with her anytime. We love how she is so involved with the kids. Our kids are learning and love going to school!
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2012

Getting frustrated with principal and my child's teacher. Principal talks in circles and my child is not making progress in the classroom. Lots of homework--more like busy work! I like the small campus but I think my child is paying the price with a poor education.