I've always been excited about this Montessori School. It's the reason we moved to Sedona. My kids…read morestarted here in 1st grade in 2006. There are small, multi-age classrooms, some seriously dedicated teachers who go above & beyond and so many off campus trips! On a yearly basis: 3rd graders go the Grand Canyon, 4-6th grades go to the Biosphere and several trips to local campgrounds and events, the 6th graders spend a week in Havasupai, the 7th & 8th graders go to Tombstone for a few days, The Montessori Model United Nations students go to NYC for a week & the 8th graders spend a week on Catalina Island. This is in addition to the various local trips that come up throughout any given year for all grades. The Montessori style of teaching allow for the kids to become independent learners. The environment is provided and they are allowed to explore it and in essence, come out of the experience with a lifelong love of learning. Anyone can memorize facts, spit them back & forget them and all my kids will have plenty of time to do that after this school! The creativity each of these classrooms fosters can be seen in their community garden, the after school Farmers Market, the off campus farm, the violin concerts by the 1st through 8th graders, their award winning presence in the St. Patrick's Parade every year, their artistic creations with holiday lights for the past several years at Red Rock Fantasy, their Bohemian Night of the Arts event, the Monthly Coffee House performances, the student created plays by the 4-6th graders, fund raising theater productions by the 7th & 8th graders, internet radio show, their Mystery History presentations where the 4-6th graders have to get their classmates to figure out what historical figure they're portraying in the "1st person style" of performance, and the uniqueness of the set up and decor of each classroom. The three individual classrooms have their own Principal Educator who is with the students on a daily basis, all day long. Currently (2013) the Lower Elementary P.E. (1st-3rd) is Bob http://www.sedonacharterschool.org/#!__faculty the Upper Elementary (4th-6th) is Bill http://www.sedonacharterschool.org/#!__faculty/upper-elementary and the Middle School (7th & 8th) is Kathleen http://www.sedonacharterschool.org/#!__faculty/middle-school Alice is the Business Administrator and Finance Director in the office. http://www.sedonacharterschool.org/#!__faculty/staff The classrooms individually have their own events as well as interdependently coordinate for "All School" festivities throughout the year. The school received an A rating by the State of Arizona this year and is the highest rated Elementary School in West Sedona according to greatschools.org They've gone up and down over the years directly corresponding with which teachers have come and gone. This year, I'm extremely happy with the current team in place in all the classrooms. http://www.greatschools.org/arizona/sedona/#9/schools/ Upon one of my kid's request, I home schooled last year after they spent 6 years here (which, by the way, Sedona has a GREAT Home-school Community!) This year, for 8th grade, they couldn't resist the pull of the trips that happen at this school. For as long as the teachers that are currently there stay on, I can highly recommend this school.

Our children have been going to Sedona Charter School for two years and we really like the…read moreMontessori-style education they teach here. It really allows the student to explore and learn at their own pace and in the mode they learn best.

I was born and raised in India, and lived in Singapore for a few years. Coming to Verde Valley…read moreSchool for 2 years (graduated in 2006) helped me understand, assimilate, and learn the American culture. Additionally, I had classmates that were from many countries like Korea, Germany, Japan, Turkey, and Vietnam among many others. I now have a successful career, the foundation of which was set many years ago at VVS. I didn't even know how to do my own laundry when I came to this school. It really does prepare you for the real world.

Attending this school for two years was a pivotal part of my life. In that period, I grew from a…read moreboy into a young man, developing a sense of world citizenship, environmental stewardship and hard-working leadership. I continue to hold these values very close to my heart, and they have been a springboard for success in my career. Verde Valley has my highest recommendation.

Nice property and parking was good but could use more shade. My husband tripped on the sidewalk…read morebut the boys in parking lot were so helpful.

This has been the best thing I could have done for my son. A college preparatory education with…read moreplenty of life changing outdoor experiences and guidance are just what have helped him become a better person.

It was a last gasp for poor or expelled students from elsewhere. There are much better choices…read moreelsewhere in the country.

I dunno man, I go here, it's pretty chill. I like most of the teachers...but like some are not peak…read more 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

As a concerned parent/guardian, I feel compelled to share my experiences and thoughts regarding…read moreDesert 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.