I'm not sure what the reviewer below is talking about. This is the only school where my daughter has felt safe. There is a notable lack of bullying, fighting and "mean girl" exclusion. Neurodiversity is respected. It's hard not to be struck by the politeness and downright friendliness of the kids, even the teens, who will stop to greet you on campus. Sometimes children will come into the school disregulated, but they soon fall into line with the overall pleasant and respectful culture of the place. It's actually inspiring to watch the teachers work their magic without much need for punitive discipline. And the principal uses a process of Conscious Discipline to resolve disputes and bring children back into the fold of the school community if there are bigger problems. This is a public Waldorf school, and I was surprised to find that such a small, rural school with no tuition fees had nearly the full Waldorf line up of special classes and activities. In fact, Desert Star has proven to be better in terms of traditional Waldorf curriculum, teacher quality and school culture than the top private Waldorf schools we have attended previously. Desert Star offers Music from first grade/Strings from fifth grade, Second Language starting in 1st grade, Knitting/crochet/sewing/spinning, Painting/Figure Drawing, Sculpting, Drama, Cooking, Gardening, Woodworking, Building, Speech and Debate, Movement, Archery and Medieval Games/Pentathlon as well as the wonderful Waldorf Festivals, Virtues Curriculum, and incredible Field Trips including an 8th Grade trip to Catalina Island for ecological education. This in addition to holistic, experiential academic instruction provided by highly educated and experienced teachers. Waldorf is not for everyone, but if holistic, arts-infused education is right for your family, I highly recommend Desert Star. read more

There is a huge lack of services available at this school. There is no school cafeteria, the school will overcharge you for bus service and afterschool care. There is no school nurse, and the school has no contingency plan in place to address sick children or even minor illnesses (like a headache, for example) other than calling the parent to immediately pick up the child. There is no school counselor or psychologist. In the event of student difficulties, teachers will just air whatever half-baked pop psychology trivia they saw on Facebook and hope for the best, instead of actually addressing issues with maturity, understanding, and empathy. There is a dearth of extracurricular activities available to the children. The music "class" is an absolute joke. The children don't get to play any instruments other than beat up, secondhand recorders and cheap drums. How do you expect to inspire children in conditions like these? Already, in fourth grade, in public school, I was able to try many different instruments at school including piano, clarinet, violin, and flute, as well as play in bands and learn lots of different songs under the direction of a trained and experienced music teacher. The children at Desert Star don't get anything like this. I don't see any reflection of Waldorf values in the teaching or administration of this school. The administration has been known to falsify student attendance records to the state in order to maintain school funding. If the teachers were amazing, maybe there's a chance all of these other things could be overlooked, but they are not. There are children in 7th and 8th grade, who, by their teachers' own admission, don't know how to do even basic math. How are these students expected to go on to high school like this? At that age, I had already learned algebra. In short, if you care about your child's wellbeing and education, send them anywhere but Desert Star. read more

I dunno man, I go here, it's pretty chill. I like most of the teachers...but like some are not peak and the dress code is outrageous I literally want to wear like one thing but they're like "oH wHaT aRe YoU wEarIng" like brotaco you need to leave read more

As a concerned parent/guardian, I feel compelled to share my experiences and thoughts regarding Desert Star Community School. My relationship with this institution has been marred by a series of disheartening incidents that have left me deeply disappointed and concerned about its educational ethos. One of the most troubling aspects of Desert Star is the blatant sexism that permeates its teaching environment. It has become increasingly evident that male students are consistently subjected to discriminatory treatment, while their female counterparts receive preferential treatment and privileges. This bias extends beyond the classroom, affecting every aspect of school life and creating an atmosphere of inequality and unfairness. The disparity in treatment is particularly evident in the way teachers interact with students. Male students are often overlooked or dismissed, while female students receive disproportionate attention and praise. This not only undermines the academic potential of male students but also perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes. I am trying to keep this as professional as possible and not say names but Tom Cadigan and Frank Plucker is who I am saying this about. Furthermore, there have been numerous instances where teachers have resorted to dishonest tactics to discredit male students. Despite diligent efforts and exemplary performance, male students are unfairly accused of neglecting their work. This dishonesty not only undermines the integrity of the educational process but also erodes the trust between students and teachers. As a parent/guardian who values equality and fairness, I find it deeply troubling that Desert Star has allowed such discriminatory practices to persist. Every student deserves to be treated with respect and given equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their gender. The perpetuation of sexist attitudes and behaviors not only harms male students but also undermines the overall integrity and reputation of the school. In conclusion, I am profoundly disappointed by the culture of sexism and dishonesty that pervades Desert Star. It is imperative that the school administration takes immediate and decisive action to address these issues and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. As a community, we must work together to ensure that all students are given the support and encouragement they need to thrive academically and personally. read more

One reason I give this a 2 star review is because, one time one the bus a kid said that he had a gun in his backpack and not even one gun he said he had two and he was gonna shoot everyone in the bus and even shoot everyone outside. Also because one time there was a group of girls and they had made a group called the banana group so I sent in a friend to join the group to find out what they were talking about,long story short they we're talking about sex and they even we're touching each other inappropriately and would go to the bathrooms at games class to make out with each other, which reminds me of another situation were two 8th graders were making out in the bathrooms, so I would not recommend your children going here. read more

One reason my family moved back to Cornville was because this school is here. Most parts of the country, a Waldorf school can cost $1000 a month. Not here, it is almost no cost. Grateful to have this unique perspective/method of learning available for my kids. read more

Do not let your children go to this school. The do nothing about bullying and they allow sexual abuse to happen on campus to the children then try to shrug it off like it is no big deal. The teachers do not stay in the classrooms with the children and when they leave they do not send an adult in to watch over them. They admit children too young in age and when the teachers leave classrooms they allow special ed students with issues keeping their hands to themselves in the class unattended One more violation and the school is shut down. They lie on paperwork and say children have attended school when they were out sick and collect the funds for that child. They refuse to expel special ed children because they get paid extra for them being in the school even when they have been troubled children, bullying, hitting, kicking, sexually abusing other children, if you want your child to be safe DO NOT SEND THEM HERE read more

For months, I have respectfully tried to communicate with school staff and administrators about my daughter who lives with her mother. Repeatedly, my calls have gone unanswered or have been received in an unprofessional manner. And now, my daughter has left your school and is 'missing.' I have little to no idea where she or her mother are. I am greatly disappointed that your office staff (Sue) and administrators (Cheryl LeBlanc, Yvan Rich and Craig Imler) have done nothing to professionally support a child's relationship with both parents and have perpetuated the unwarranted estrangement of a child and her father. A Community school should support a child's entire community, not half of it. For the entire story: http://www.gofundme.com/findmydaughter Sincerely, Rick C read more