As a parent of a current student, I wanted to share our honest experience because school choice is such a deeply personal decision. Before enrolling at this school, our son attended a public charter school where he experienced severe bullying and struggled daily in overcrowded classrooms. He would come home emotionally defeated and anxious. Making the decision to switch to this private school was truly life-changing for our child. The difference has been night and day. Our son is now happy, confident, and feels safe at school again. His mental health, emotional well-being, and overall outlook have improved in ways we honestly hoped for but weren't sure were possible. I also want to note that we drive 30 minutes each way because of the positive environment and support our son receives here. In our experience, the school has been welcoming, attentive, and focused on the students' well-being. The administration and staff have been supportive, communicative, and genuinely invested in creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. For our family, choosing this school has been one of the best decisions we have made for our child's safety, confidence, and overall happiness. read more

We currently have kids at Summit in both the elementary and middle school, and I can honestly say it's been one of the best decisions we've made for our family. When we were school hunting, one of our biggest non-negotiables were class size and teacher engagement and Summit delivers on both. The classrooms are thoughtfully set up for different learning styles, and the teachers truly know how to meet kids where they are. If a student isn't fully understanding an assignment the teachers work hard to offer solutions. There's individual support, check-ins, and a lot of patience. At the same time, if a child is ready for more of a challenge, the teachers are quick to extend their learning. For example, my child is currently receiving accelerated math assignments to keep her moving forward. One of the things that impressed me most is how many staff members actually know my kids (and me!) personally. Not just their core teachers, but many adults on campus know them by name, stop to talk to them, and seem invested in who they are. The culture at Summit feels collaborative instead of competitive. Kindness is modeled (PEAK to Achieve), different cultures are celebrated, and you can really tell the kids are genuinely happy to be there. It's the kind of environment where kids can grow socially and academically without feeling like they have to "fit in." Both of my children were anxious about starting at a new school, and they were welcomed with open arms. Academically, I appreciate Summit's philosophy...it's not just what they teach, it's how they teach. Critical thinking is encouraged, homework is intentional (not pages of busywork), and there are plenty of enrichment opportunities for kids to explore beyond the standard curriculum. Honestly, all you have to do is take a tour with Kyle to see the joy and magic that's happening on campus on any given day. Social-emotional learning is also a real priority. Like any school, kids will have conflicts sometimes, but what I've seen at Summit is that teachers step in and help facilitate productive, positive resolutions. They're teaching skills that will be useful far beyond elementary and middle school. We recently had a situation like this, and my daughter's teacher worked with the children directly and then followed up with an email to explain what happened and how it was addressed. That level of communication and care means a lot. And the extracurriculars? There are so many options. From no-cut sports to an award winning robotics club, kids have plenty of opportunities to try new things after school and maybe even find their passion. My daughters are both involved in sports and have had the best time. It's not only about winning championships (though Summit does that well too) but it's also about learning teamwork, leadership, and how to show up for others. I also wanted to extend a special thank you to the Head of School, Mr. Wald. My kids absolutely adore him. He's kind, engaging, and makes school fun and welcoming in a way that really matters. If you peek into his office, you'll likely see kids hanging out with him! He's also brought exciting programs to the school, and a few favorites have been Walks With Wald and the Teacher Internship Program. His level of dedication to the school is admirable. One last big thing to note: we commute 30 minutes each way to Summit. While I do sometimes wish we lived closer, I'd drive an hour each way if I had to. My kids don't ever want to miss school and that says everything. read more

Summit School is suffering a severe systemic crisis where the administration and Board prioritize institutional reputation and donor relations over student safety and well-being. Despite the high nearly $20,000 tuition, safety and fairness are not guaranteed. Instead, the children of wealthy families and major donors receive preferential treatment, making them "untouchable" even when involved in bullying or predatory behavior. Support and protection are tied to parental influence. Uninfluential families see their children shamed, victim-blamed, and marginalized, sometimes forced to leave. This system is failing children. Even dedicated educators operate in a culture of fear of challenging leadership practices. Immediate, significant reform of the leadership is essential to ensure ALL students are protected and treated fairly, regardless of their family's social or financial standing. read more

I highly recommend Summit. My grandchildren currently attend Summit, which has been a blessing for our entire family. They love Summit and are thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. They are protected and treated fairly. Mr. Wald and all of the staff have created a safe, welcoming environment where kids are not just taught academics but also taught about the importance of kindness, respect, character, and community. Summit aligns with our family core values of education, leadership, service and character. Had Summit been an option for their parents (my children) I would have chosen Summit for them as well! read more

We have been at Summit School for over 12 years, with all 5 of our children attending. It has been a wonderful experience for us and our kids. Summit has incredible, caring teachers some of which have been teaching there for 25 years. The Head of School Mr. Wald is wonderful with both kids and staff. Summit truly cares about the whole child and offers a variety of electives for a well-rounded education. Our older kids have been more than prepared for high school. There is truly not another school in the Phoenix area that I would want my children to attend. We are so grateful for their experience. read more

Our son attended another private school in Ahwatukee last year and although we knew we wanted to move him, the thought of it was extremely stressful. We wanted to ensure this would be the last move for him until high school. After touring Summit on my own, and then separately with our son, we knew we had found the right place. The campus is beautiful with separate classrooms for art, music, science and languages. His teachers are amazing; he has created real bonds with them as well as his classmates. He is excelling in every way and is happy to go to school each day. I often hear this is the best kept secret in Ahwatukee and I couldn't agree more! My only regret is we didn't start him here in preschool! I really didn't know what we were missing out on until he started at Summit. read more

What an incredible school for children from toddlers all the way to 8th grade. My daughter in 5th grade and my son, in the peek program, absolutely love school everyday. The teaches are so passionate about their work, the class sizes are small and the sense of family community is second to none. We are so happy we found Summit. It is such a gift in so many ways! read more

My kids both go to Summit. My son has been there since 2022 and my daughter is new this year to the pre-K program. As a public school teacher, it was hard to send my kids to private school but I knew they deserved the smaller class sizes, tight knit community and opportunities Summit provides. We couldn't be happier with the teachers, curriculum, and community engagement that Summit provides. read more

Our two boys have attended Summit starting in preschool and now our oldest is heading into 4th. The teachers, class size, academics, music, and robotics are amazing! The community is friendly and passionate about the school! read more

Wow, cant believe it! Good school and great teachers... BUT school has been closed since March 1st week. Requested to withdraw our 3 yr old preschooler to avoid fees in March end. No response and then after some time, told not possible as we are under contract for the whole year. Pandemic doesn't change anything. All bailout from the govt, goes to the school but no support to the students or fee refunds. Lot of other schools/ preschools of the valley refunded the fees. Now, we withdrew in June, but they are asking for $1000 more along with the $700 application fee. No refunds, no withdraws allowed. Management is really bad and not responsive at all. Fleeced is of 4K already and asking for 1k more, without a single day is school from 9th March. Will not recommend to anyone, plenty of better run and better quality schools out there. read more

We moved to Phx from Los Angeles 2 years ago and I was so worried about what school I would send my kids to as I had a 4 yr old, a 2yr old and was pregnant. After touring many schools in the Valley, I was so relieved when I found Summit. Summit educates the whole child. The schools in LA we were a part of were fantastic about understanding learning styles and giving children an incredibly well-rounded education and this is what I found at Summit. The tenure of the teachers and how highly everyone who worked there spoke of it was just another selling point. I also had the opportunity to be connected with a current Summit parent who answered so many of my questions and let me know why she had decided to move her daughter there after COVID. The Summit preschool is a GEM. The teachers! They are the absolute best. They LOVE those kids and as working parents it is of utmost importance to me that my kids are first and foremost loved and cared for. Then you add in the high quality education, large amount of elective offerings and the community of families who attend, it has truly been such a positive experience. I told myself after preschool that I would send my kids to public school but I just can't do it, I'm all in because I love it THAT much! The preschool is also NAEYC certified which only 1 or 2 other preschools even remotely nearby hold. I came to Summit for the education, but it has given us so much more in addition to that. The families and community are now an irreplaceable part of our lives and I am insanely grateful. read more

Both my sons attended Summit K-8th grade. My sons learned a good work ethic which carried with them to their high school years. The care the teachers show for their students really shows. Some of the teachers have been there from the beginning. Many kids in my son's class stayed K-8 and they have a wonderful Pre-K. My youngest son attended there two years. If I was starting over, I would send my kids to Summit again, well worth the money and the skills they learned will last throughout their lifetime. BV read more

Our son attended Summit preschool in Ahwatukee location last year and unfortunately our experience was beyond terrible. We had hopes that with all this school has to offer, our toddler would grow and have a positive learning experience. What we actually experienced was completely opposite. On several occasions at pick up time he was bruised on his forehead, cut on his lip or had scratches on his face. He would tell us that a particular kid hit him and threw stuff at him. Evan though we kept communicating with the teachers and the principle about it nothing changed, and the bullying kept continuing. It was extra disappointing when in a scheduled meeting with the teacher and principle, they blamed it on my 3 year old that he should stand up for himself. So what is the role of the teacher? Just to observe and let the children beat and push the other kids? It was so bad that after couple of months we pulled him out of there. I would not recommend this school to anyone! read more

My son attended Summit from Pre-k through 7th grade, he received a solid education and life long friends. The teachers were caring and really taught the kids. Great parent involvement read more

Summit is awesome. When my wife first suggested it as a pre-school for our 3.5 year was thinking it is so much easier just to go to the local pre-school. I agreed to go to a Summit tour/open house. I was so impressed I was enrolling my kid about 2.5 seconds after the tour finished. This was the best educational experience I could have imagined and now after two semesters my son loves the school and his progress has been outstanding. His two teachers (Lisa and Regina) provide such a warm and loving environment for him to learn I think he now would rather be at school than at home. I can't wait for my daughter to behold enough to start there in a few years. I highly recommend Summit to any parent looking for a best-in-class education for their kids. read more

We LOVE Summit! We have a son in Pre School and one in Kindergarten and Summit has exceeded our expectations! The teachers are amazing, the staff truly cares for each child and family and my children LOVE going to school. I love Summit more with every day that passes by. You will not regret attending Summit because this is truly an amazing school and the education and project based learning is by far the best! read more

Our sons just finished a wonderful year at Summit School of Ahwatukee. We saw so much progress with each of our children, and it's amazing to see how much they enjoy their school live. They have great friends, great teachers, great class and everything. My sons are so much more motivated and confident now. We can't be happier! read more

We are truly grateful for the amazing friends and academic success our daughter has had at Summit. Summit has been amazing to our family. The moment you walk in the door the staff makes you feel special. The teachers are amazing and motivate the students to be life long learners. I highly recommend Summit School of Ahwatuckee. read more

We have been at Summit for the past 6 years and we truly believe the teachers, staff and administration are amazing. Summit has been such a positive aspect of our lives and we truly feel fortunate for the solid academic and social foundation that all 3 of our boys have. Summit is like home for us. read more

My son has been at summit since Kinder. Love that school. Teachers are amazing. Community is amazing.

Summit is a great school! Our daughter went there from 5th through 7th grade and we were amazed by how much she transformed from someone who used to do school work because she had to, to someone who just loved what she does at school and daily looks forward to do her homework and school work. Summit simply made her realize that gaining knowledge and being a smart and intelligent student should not be painful but actually fun. The teachers at Summit are so awesome, my daughter loved them all and they all motived and pushed her to learn and then some! We couldn't be happier - we just wish if Summit was through 12th grade and then our daughter would still be going there. read more

School itself was great and all, but they are all about the money with no concern for a family's circumstances. After child attended a full year and intended on a second year, the school refused to refund $700 deposit for the second year. Had to withdrawal (4 months before start of school year; plenty of time to refill slot) due to extenuating circumstances. Sorry, but we didn't cost the school $700 by withdrawing 2 months after early registration. Why so hardline on your "policy?" If we waited until a week before start of year, I could understand holding deposit. But 4 months notice when you had a waitlist this past year? Way to treat a disabled combat veteran. Customer service on par with United and Delta. read more

I started my daughter in the Kyrene school district. Kyrene is one of the best in the state. There were over 25 kids in her class and one teacher with no aide. During this same time my 3 year old son was also starting preschool at Summit. I was able to see the huge difference in just one week. At Summit there are never more than 18 kids per class in kindergarten. In addition, there is an aide. You can walk them to their class every morning and have that one on one with their teacher. The communication between the school's staff and the parents is amazing! They send weekly emails with updates. In preschool they even send pictures of the kids in their daily activities. Everyone is dedicated to the kids' education and the parents' satisfaction. They helped up with the school tax credit so that we can afford such an amazing school. I recommend that you schedule a tour. Every kid deserves this level of education. read more

My son has been at Summit School since kindergarten. He is now a 7th grader. He has loved every teacher along the way. Summit teacher's are awesome! Love the community. read more

Our daughters have been at Summit for 6 years and they have thrived. The teachers are not only great at engaging the kids and helping them learn things for themselves, but they genuinely care about their students. The academics are great, but what really sets Summit apart are the intangibles the kids learn everyday that will serve them well wherever they land: how to communicate in multiple different mediums to a variety of audiences, how to collaborate to create a variety of projects and products and solve problems, and how to conduct research and think critically. All in elementary school. read more

The middle school program is truly impressive. Small class sizes, strong academics, passionate teachers who truly know your child, athletic programs that allow the novice athlete to participate alongside those that have been playing for years, and above all, character development and a sense of community is stressed. Adolescence is hard, Summit makes it a little bit easier. read more

My oldest daughter has been at Summit since pre-school. My younger daughter has never gone anyone else. This is a school that excels at everything. You have to see it to believe it, from the preschool that is the happiest place on earth to the middle school that challenges students and turns out young people with a sense of community spirit. Make an appointment to check it out today. read more

My wife and I were blown away when we first toured Summit School of Awhatukee and it has only gotten more amazing every day. It is truly an incredible community. The teachers and staff are knowledgeable, caring, and invested in each student. The parents are welcoming and actively involved with the entire school, not just their child. The environment is educational and fun in and teaches children to be confident, intelligent, and well-rounded students and people. You truly have to see it to believe it! read more

This school is truly amazing! I am very happy to be able to give my children the opportunity to attend this school. As my daughter enters the middle school years I am even more thankful to have found this school! I have peace of mind knowing that she will not only be taught at a high academic level, but also be taught the invaluable social tools needed for success in high school and beyond. If you are looking for top notch teachers, academics and a sense of community feeling in the big city, look no further! read more

Summit Elementary School embraces the idea that it is important to educate the whole child. The curriculum and teaching methods address cognitive development and learning across disciplines, while attending to students' academic, creative, physical and emotional growth. Summit is an outstanding school! read more

Small class sizes, excellent teachers, and a tight knit community make this school a great place for those looking for an excellent all around education for their children. read more

We have been a Summit family for 8 years now. Our oldest daughter started in kinder and now is in 7th grade...our youngest started in pre-K. The teachers are incredible and really educated our girls are individuals, allowing them to grow their strengths while working on their weaker spots. Our girls have absolutely blossomed and thrived while at Summit - we could not be happier. read more

We LOVE Summit School of Ahwatukee!!! The staff are all very warm and welcoming, the teachers are excellent in their ways of educating, and the students that attend truly are amazing kids!! They have a special way of bringing out the unique in each child, and building an individual curriculum to help challenge each child while helping them strive for success. My son had many challenges starting in kindergarten in public school, but worked hard and ended up superseding the other children in his classes. The teachers in public school would always give him extra work to pre-occupy him while teaching the rest of the students. He was an honors student, but we felt public school was just way to easy for him. He is now in middle school at Summit School of Ahwatukee and we are all so excited to see him actually have to work to achieve the grades which were so easy for him in the public school honors program. Yay for Summit School of Ahwatukee!!!!! read more

One of Summit's strengths is the ability to bring out the best within its students; kids can develop their logic skills in Mrs. Yocum's science classes, while also cultivating their creativity as part of Chris Dorsey's band. The school environment is geared towards building a stronger all-around person, so that no matter what discipline a student chooses to pursue, they have the ability to utilize more than one intellectual strength in their endeavors. The faculty also highlights each student's individual talents, aiding their self-confidence and personal growth. As a result of my winning the "Future Engineers Replicator Challenge", I've had the pleasure to meet and converse with astronauts, NASA engineers, leaders of nationwide STEM organizations, highly accomplished people within the media, and the CEO of Makerbot, one of today's most prominent tech companies. If Summit hadn't helped me to gain the self-assurance needed to be a competitor within this challenge, I would never have had these amazing experiences. Everyone has to start somewhere- Summit was an excellent place to begin. read more