Glendale Preparatory Academy - Great Hearts

"I went here for years 1-9 before leaving for South Carolina, so I at least think I can write a decently valid review. Man, this place is like a box of chocolates; there are some really cool and nice people, and there are some not as great people. I can see why the reviews are mostly either 5 star or 3, for based on what teachers you get and people you hang around, you have so much variety in your experience. I myself had a mostly good experience. I had nice friends, the headmaster is a freaking awesome guy, and my instructors, it depends on who. I will try to give a good summary of different "types" of instructors and what to expect. Strict: these ones take their job seriously. Like, really seriously (sometimes too seriously). They do not tolerate any messing around in there classes and are quick to pull out the yellow slip. Yet, you'll find that most of them, once you get to know them outside of class, are extremely nice people. Lenient: These people are a lot more, well, lenient in class. They will share stuff about themselves and are relatively open. They are calm and cool while still putting effort into lessons. It normally takes something "big" for them to start issuing detentions. Unfortunately, their leniency is abused quite often. Scout: These ones are basically just like the strict ones, except they bring their non-tolerance into the hallways. These people are on top of everything. "Geodes": I call these ones geodes because when they lay down their first impressions, you think "oh no". It's like that for a while, but after you've been in their class for a bit, you start to realise how cool they are. I've generally found that if you put in the effort, you'll have a great year with them. Anyways, that's a very general summary, as when you try to classify teachers in that matter, you'll find tons of different sub categories. I rank my experience here a 8.5/10."

"My children are fortunate to have been some of the first students enrolled at GP, and were able to see their campus being built. I can't say enough positive things about Glendale Preparatory Academy! Starting with the amazing office staff, the Headmaster, teaching staff, support staff and athletic staff, each have been nothing but caring, professional and invested in the students as a whole! We are grateful to be a part of such an amazing community and know that our children have the tools needed to succeed in higher education."

"Do not let your kids go to this school! Big mistake ! I don’t know how they all play the lottery system. But my child has been in lottery for 3 years with Great Hearts. Finally a Better public charter school that’s in competition and is also in the ranks accepted him immediately . Other students also say that Great Hearts curriculum is outdated. They are missing the boat in today’s fast paced technology."

"We are extremely grateful to Great Hearts. After attending Rancho Solano Private school, we were a bit scared of entering into a quasi-public school. Their approach to education and citizenship is stricter than many kids are used to, especially after coming from public schools. However, they are molding our children into great people that care about the material that they are discovering. I would liken the students to the kids from the movie, Dead Poets Society, where kids are self-motivated and anxious to understand the nuances of different thought. I would, however, warn that if you are looking for them to be a babysitter for your misbehaved manner-less child, then you are looking in the wrong place. It is a school where it is "cool" to want to learn and excel. The truth is that not every kid is "Great Hearts" material, nor are all parents. It takes involvement and dedication on all parts. But, what I would say is most impressive about the Great Hearts Schools in General, and Glendale Prep in Particular, is that when you see them at a sports event, the kids are respectful, polite, and extremely engaging. Thank You GP for all that you have done for my kids and family!"

"This is a 'Fantastic' advanced College Prep school. My son struggled in a couple of classes but the school faculty was always there to help, tutor and assist in every way and at no additional cost. Overall my son was a B /C grade level student in most classes with D's in 2 classes. We had to move and I chose the highest academic rated school district in that city. Because of the great job Glendale Prep did with my son, he is now excelling in that school and holds a 3.25 GPA and increasing (recently dropped from 3.5). The teachers were amazed at some of his placement scores. If you want the best for your children, then enroll them at Glendale Prep... It's a Great School."