We highly value education. My wife has a PhD and I am an attorney. We spent a significant amount of time deciding on the school to send our children, now 8 (second grade) and 10 years old (fifth grade). Horizon Honors is the perfect fit. What attracted us two key features: (1) Horizon's student-to-teach ratio, and (2) the fact that students are assessed and taught at their level. An advanced Kindergartener can be in first or second grade math or reading, etc. Similarly, students needing more help are engaged and taught at the right level of challenge. Kindergarten classrooms are 25-30 students with a teacher and adult assistant teacher yielding teacher-to-student ratios of 13-15. In grades 1-6, students are in mixed-aged classrooms (again, taking into account the challenge needed for each student), with a class size of 55-60 led by 3 adults-two teachers and an adult assistant teacher, yielding a ratio of 18-20. These numbers are great. Beyond the classroom, we appreciate the lunch options. Food is catered from places like Pei Wei, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Boston Market and Streets of NY Pizza, making it much better than cafeteria-level food. While the price can be more than a cafeteria, the providers donate a share of proceeds back to the school, which is a win-win. We have also found that involvement opportunities are larger and more diverse than other schools - numerous sports, clubs, and activities are available to K-6 students. Our kids have been involved in after school clubs including Melody Makers, Code Bots, Rising Stars, Save the Earth, Showbiz, Lego Club, Art Club, and our fifth grader was selected to one of the middle school sports teams that allows 5th graders to tryout. read more

Don't bother with this school if your child doesn't fit into their box and needs extra help. I pulled my kindergartener out after months of struggle. I was actually told " we don't like to do anything until 3rd grade." WTH. They also wrote a behavior plan after a meeting held without me that said, " No speech help will be given at this time, hopefully a change in behavior will help with articulation and anunciation." Moral of the story, if you might bring down the test scores don't bother with this school. By the way my daughter now has speech therapy, a dyslexia diagnosis and is doing great at a Mesa public school. read more

We love our extended family at Horizon Honors. We have a wide range of ability levels in our home ranging from previous Sped student to extremely gifted student and without a doubt, Horizon has met and exceeded anything we could have hoped for our kids education thus far. The teachers genuinely love to teach and staff is very friendly and warm. We could not speak more highly of Horizon Honors and our experience there. Beyond blessed to have found a school that not only challenges kids academically but also is challenging the "norm" of the school environment. It truly is a family from K-12 with their inclusive Big Morning Meetings and Pep Rally's. My kiddos love it there and so do I! read more

We have been at Horizon for 9 years. My daughters transitioned from a local Montessori at 1st and 5th grades. Right now, one is a sophomore at NAU (on a full merit scholarship) and the other a 10th grader at Horizon Honors High School. We have been very happy here at Horizon. As a parent, I am so happy to walk in the office and have the office staff know who I am, and know who my children are. They encourage parental involvement from elementary all the way through high school. During their time in elementary, they were given the opportunities to have music and PE daily. They developed friendships and were taught how to prioritize, work in groups, problem solve and speak in front of an assembly of their peers. Both participated in student government and were selected as student ambassadors. The student ambassadors give the new families tours of the school. I remember how impressed I was when we first toured Horizon and how articulate the students were. My children have participated in the choir and performing arts departments, and this year, my 10th grader decided to give team sports a try. While she had never been in sports before, she was encouraged to sign up and give it her best. And she did! Her team mates and coaches were very welcoming. As a family, we have really enjoyed participating in the various sporting events to cheer the teams on. Our varsity teams rival many other schools and we have several students who have received sports scholarships to college. My older daughter felt the curriculum challenged her and kept her interested. She was rewarded by receiving multiple scholarships and is now attending NAU with a full tuition merit scholarship. I have always found the teachers open to listening about my concerns and very open to my advice on how best to work with my children. As parents, we are encouraged to have open communication with the teachers and have scheduled conferences 5 times a year (more if necessary). When reaching out to any of the staff, I can usually get in to see them with in a day or two. While Horizon is a "small community", they are encouraged to be big thinkers. The students are help each other and there really isn't any bullying. Both my daughters found themselves to be mentors to not only their peers, but the younger students in the elementary school as well. If you want a "small school environment" were each student is valued and listened to, Horizon really is the place for your family. read more

The teachers and support staff are amazing! Both my 3rd and 5th grade students are challenged and encouraged in all areas. There are also numerous extra curricular activities to help them become well rounded. I love that the teachers really know my kids and it feels like a second home. read more

My daughter goes here and we have enjoyed the variety of teachers and that they teach her at an advanced level is what we love. Also greatly appreciate PE daily. Spanish, communications, music, project work, quarterly presentations and art masterpiece, are all great for 2nd grade. The dress code is a bit strict and not really clear why - I get no slip flops or spaghetti straps, but requiring a pattern (3 or more of a picture) just seems odd. Drop-off can be challenging. But ultimately she goes for education and she is learning and growing. The after school program needs to be revamped - very poor quality. Overall education is great and friendships are strong here. Great sense of community!! read more

From a mom who works in the field of education, I can honestly say, If you are lucky enough to attend Horizon or a Kyrene school, you are just that...lucky. In a state that is NOT known for quality education, these schools rise to the top. Unless you are headed to private schools, which can also have their own issues, I say you are in decent hands. This is a solid education in a liquid state. HOWEVER, schools are like picking a mate, just because it's good doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you. You need to know your child, what they need, how they thrive and if this environment suits them. Do your research, learn as much as you can, visit the schools, sit in on classes and together, with your child, make the decision. I have 2 children at horizon. My boy, has had his share of issues. Most stemming from regular boy conflicts with a PE teacher, and one kid he was not getting along with whose parents had gotten very involved, overstepping their boundaries. There is a LOT of parental involvement at the school. Overall, this helps the school excel, however, there are no rules and procedures in place to offer guidelines as to what parents can and cannot do, especially if a conflict involves their own child. (at that point I believe that parent should not be the one trying to rectify the situation UNLESS, they are very familiar, friendly with the other child's family and know that family would WANT them to intervene with both children-I have MANY friends at the school whom I would want to play this role for both children). If that is not the case, the issue should be resolved with a neutral parent or school officials. My son and the boy with the conflict are now good friends. There's a concept, let them learn to work things out, but before that, there came a time when a over 6 foot big man, threatened my then 8 or 9 year old son. The school was not at all helpful when we brought these concerns to them. They seem not to want to upset these parents(big school involvement), leaving working families at a disadvantage. What is difficult is that my son is a very good student, with tons of friends (very popular), and a great kid. He's not perfect, I'm sure he played a role in the conflict, but it was a minor issue, that led to such unbelievably bad behavior by parents, without consequence. I also have a daughter, she is quiet, a rule follower, almost to a fault. She has never gotten in trouble, so the school is perfect for her. It is nurturing, caters to her skill levels, motivates her, and the teachers do all they can to help her excel. My son also experiences the same academically. My rating is high because I truly believe this is an outstanding school, especially when compared to its peers, however it is fair to say, every experience is different (as we've had with our own 2 children). Ultimately both my kids love their school, are getting a great education, and are being well prepared for next steps. Every school is not for every one. Find the best fit and don't be afraid to advocate for your child when needed. read more