Sky Islands High School

6000 East 14th Street

School District

Blue Adobe Project
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:5
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 parent on February 11, 2024

My son attended the first half of his freshman year at this school, and in the beginning we were all hopeful and excited because it seemed like a great concept and inclusive school on paper. By the end of the first month of school in September 2023 the problems began. First off there is almost zero engagement with the parents, no orientation week for freshman or parents to get to meet the staff or learn how grading is done. In September the previous head of school fired the special education director with no cause and 6 teachers staged a walk out (mind you there were only 8 teachers to begin with) which ended with 1 teacher fired and the head of school on permanent leave. The special education director returned for 2 weeks then quit. The art teacher wasn't teaching art and quit, office assistant quit, English teacher quit ( eventually they were replaced). It wasn't until November that a new head of school was hired. The students to this point were not being given grade level work to do and still zero communication with parents. Every single change that happened I found out thru my student. The kicker and final straw for our family was our son was directly threatened by another student seeming to threaten a school shooting. We were not called by the school nor did they notify law enforcement, I called them and the head of school appeared visibly annoyed that I reported it. We have removed our son, and several of his friends have also been removed from the school due to safety concerns. There is no security system, no resource officer and we were told about the threat by our son who called us not the school. There is a lack of experienced leadership in this school, I believe the teachers try their best and do care about the students however their efforts fall short. The only truly positive thing is the school lunch is amazing and healthy, my son couldn't stop saying how good it was. The education director however is truly amazing and did a great job holding things down till a new head was hired. However the lunch is not enough to make up for the lack of academic short comings, revolving door of staff and the head of schools callus handling of a very real threat made that make this school a awful choice. Don't expect much from the school board either, they are generally MIA for everything.
Submitted by other on May 29, 2023

I went to sky islands for two and a half years. In my time there my 504 was disrespected, I was insulted by teachers, and my parents were neither included in my education nor were they aware of the happenings at this school. A math teacher taught that women were "biologically bad at math", a gun scare was kept secret from students and parents, and I my learning disability was constantly overlooked and ignored my teachers. Rules were arbitrary and not applied consistently. In this last year a new system for out of class passes was implemented. Each student was given 3 out of class passes per quarter. These applied to any out of class activities. Using the bathroom, getting medication, using/ changing pads and tampons, ect. At the end of each quarter any remaining passes could be turned in for extra credit in the class of the students choice.I urge you to consider this review before enrollment. This school is toxic.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2023

The first thing that stood out when we first visited Sky Islands is the Culinary Arts program. Once you see it, you wonder why most schools don't have something similar. The Culinary Arts class cooks lunch for the whole school once a day, an amazingly delicious lunch that is super nutritious, interesting, and comes in part out of the student-run school garden. This is one example of the kind of multi-disciplinary learning that can only happen at school, not online, not at home, and that probably won't happen at a big school.Urban Horticulture/Permaculture is one of the big attractions to the school. The guitar program is also excellent. We known someone who went through it and later won a scholarship in guitar to the University. There is a popular film making class. Our son appreciates the Digital Imaging teacher, who is also a College instructor. The math and English teachers iare very promising. The school works hard to find dedicated, excellent teachers. Teachers who are interested in cross discipline, creative learning programs should consider working at this school. They will find a supportive administration.The current administration has been in place for less than two years. Previous to that we hear there were difficult administrative issues. The current central administrator, who runs the office, Karen Flores is kind and extremely efficient (and is also an exceptional Spanish substitute teacher, we hear tell) . The principal, Ron Hennings might be the most experienced principal in Tucson. He is patient, positive and dedicated. I am confident that as long as these two stay there the school will be strong.Sky Islands is special in another way. Large schools usually offer diversity, but most small schools are very narrow about who they attract. Even though it is small this school has people of various ethnic backgrounds and diverse political beliefs, and has religious students studying alongside the anti-religious. In our over polarized world, that is pretty wonderful.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2021

My daughter graduated from Sky Islands in 2020. She studied there for 4 years of High School and it was the best decision we ever made. The curriculum there allowed her to broadened her mind and approach to more greenery and sciences. She started out very shy and and introvert and graduated more outgoing and she really bloomed at High School there. Me Shari is the best principal or director for the school. I watched her attend every music concerts and events the school had. She would bring all the students flowers. She treated the students with so much respect and adoration and she received back in return. I would always refer my friends to have their students attend high school for the simple fact that they will get the education needed to go to college plus special treatment and care for each and every student.
Submitted by other on May 05, 2021

My son is currently enrolled at Sky Islands, and it's been a true blessing. This school literally saved my child's education/future. I usually don't take the time to write reviews but, as the parent of a child with a learning disability, I know how it feels to be at a loss about what to do and how worrying it can be. I'm sharing our experience in case it can help anyone. My son has been dealing with ADHD/ADD all his life. In his previous schools (both Elementary and Middle schools), he was constantly in trouble for not staying on task, not listening to the teacher, being disruptive, etc. Countless phone calls from the school, countless disciplinary actions, and both my child and I were miserable. It was a constant struggle to wake him up in the morning; he lacked motivation, did not do his homework, and basically hated school. As I was trying to find a solution, I found Sky Islands and figured the school's focus on hands-on learning might be a good fit. At first, my son did not want to go to this school. He wanted to be in a "regular school" and stay with his friends. We had agreed that he would try for a month and change school if he still didn't like it after that. After the first few weeks, I started noticing a change, and he no longer talked about changing school. Bullying is dealt with effectively and immediately, and it creates such a positive atmosphere. Fast forward two years: he now loves going to school and wakes up early on his own to arrive early at school. He tells me that Sky Islands is the first school he ever liked. He has realized that he actually did not hate school or learning but just hated the way he was being taught in the other schools. The homework load is very manageable, even for a student who has trouble staying on task. Most of the time, he can finish his homework at school, and when he has big projects, he can count on the support of his teachers to guide him. The hands-on activities tremendously helped with his ADHD-ADD, and he does not even need special accommodations. Being outside for a good part of the day is enough to help him stay on task when he's in the classroom. He has discovered a passion for philosophy and world history and loves being able to have in-depth conversations with his teachers. He has As and Bs and checks his GPA every day. He finds himself in an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and inclusive and is even looking forward to going to college.
Submitted by other on May 04, 2021

I personally really enjoyed the school. The staff and students were really nice and supportive, the homework was manageable, and I believe that the classes are really effective. In particular I feel that the science classes are really strong and I believe I have actually learned and retained the information taught because we were able to apply and use the information to do actual science. The horticulture classes were also very cool, and actually being able to work and learn about gardening every other day was really really interesting and unique. Overall in my opinion, the school is really great and I would highly recommend anyone who is considering about enrolling in the school to do so!
Submitted by student on May 04, 2021

This school is amazing! The teachers are so great and they work with students very well. I am there right now, and I feel very wanted and I know that my teachers want me to try my best. The homework is never hard at all. If the work is hard at all you can easily talk to teachers in person or by email. I don't see any real judgement in the school from different classmates as well.
Submitted by student on January 27, 2020

I was a student. My parents do not share my views but I think the school was a wonderful place and a great learning space.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2020

Absolutely terrible. See my notes above. If you have children with anxiety, ASD or any special needs or accommodations do not put them in this school. It will be hell and pure devastation for them.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2020

Horrible. Why would you expel a student that is supposed to have a 504 in place but didn’t due to your own negligence.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2018

For my daughter, really really good. Would like to see more minorities, principally African America students, but this school seems to be pretty great to me.
Submitted by student on June 04, 2018

Sky Islands is a wonderful school, it is a place you can send your child with assurance that they will have their educational needs met and supported. Their staff do all they can to ensure success and long term excellence. They support dual enrollment, example being another education program like JTED where a student may have to devote extra time. The teachers as well administrators do all that they can to make sure that each student feels comfortable, understands curriculum and feels safe in their learning environment. The school takes a different approach to learning, implementing methods that would be otherwise untraditional. Such as encouraging and integrating outdoor projects and community events. The culture and feeling of overall acceptance in Sky Islands is unparalleled and you would not regret your child attending this school.
Submitted by student on May 24, 2018

It is cool here because we do things that are not normally found at schools. We have a outdoors program and care for animals and growing and cooking our own food.
Submitted by student on May 22, 2018

My overall experience here so far is great. The students here are considerate, kind and caring, no matter what grade you're in. The teachers here actually teach what subjects they're supposed to, all while making things as least stressful as possible. We go on lots of educational field trips, such as going to creeks to test the water quality and buying seeds for permaculture purposes. If you're in a class you don't really like, the administrators will try to find something you are interested in. If you're a sophomore and up, you also have the option to participate in a JTED program at another school.
Submitted by student on May 22, 2018

This school is very different than many of the other traditional public schools around Tucson. It has more hands on classes such as Urban Horticulture which teaches us how to grow our own foods and learn about the environment. Architecture teaches us to build and design homes. Sky Islands has a farm to table program which we grow food or get the food locally to make healthy lunches. Sky Islands isn't a school every one is drawn to because we do work outside in the heat sometimes but this isn't all our school is about. We value student that are willing to put the work in to make this school so unique.
Submitted by student on May 22, 2018

I love this school because there is a class that allows me to be outside. I wouldn't say this school is for everyone however if you like to be outside and you do not mind hard work this school will be a great choice for you.
Submitted by student on May 22, 2018

Sky Islands is better than any other school I've been to. They have unique classes, an environmental push, and many fun and cool teachers I get along with. I have been to TUSD schools, and this is a LOT nicer than any of them. They also have very yummy lunches, which is hard to find in schools these days.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2018

I was sceptical at first. Having two children and a niece and nephew go through top rated TUSD schools, I can honestly say, I wish they all would have had the chance my youngest daughter and nephew have had, going through Sky Islands!
Submitted by student on February 15, 2018

Terrible, hypocritical Awful environment to grow up in
Submitted by other on February 15, 2018

Our theater company, Winding Road Theater Ensemble, has both rehearsed and performed at Sky Islands High School. Dr. Shari Popen makes a point of encouraging students to attend live theater, to participate and ask questions! Our production of An Iliad generated a spirited discussion afterwards with the student body and our recent production of a musical, The Fantasticks, was welcomed and enjoyed by students and the community alike! An impressive facility with lots for students to experience, from their drama program to urban farming to learning to cook the foods they grow. I wish I'd had a school like this one when I was a student!