Great Expectations Academy in Sahuarita

Category	Rating	Details
Student Growth	6/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Arizona Department of Education.

Posted: May 24, 2024

My son feels loved and supported by the adults at GEA. His interactions with his peers are age appropriate and handled by the admin and staff in a way that encourages the students to grow and learn.

Posted: May 24, 2024

Posted: November 10, 2023

Terrible school unfair and they have teacher that target and bully students my son was a victim to this and was immediately removed from the school. A formal complaint had been filed against the school

Posted: November 10, 2023

Posted: November 3, 2023

I believe that this school is good ENOUGH for kids. ive gone here since about 3rd, and ive always gotten the good teachers. others may not have been as lucky. the teachers are great, though sometimes opt for group punishment when not necessary, work/tests are easy for me and most of my classmates, and even the office staff and others are very polite and kind. ive only ever had 1 issue, in which a teacher yelled at me Infront of my class (i still hold a grudge, and yes, they still work there). there are a wide variety of 6th period classes that include, P.E. art, band, library, etc. and the teachers have tutoring on select days through the week. the students in the school are kind, though you might get the occasional rude comment or playful argument. new students are usually welcomed with open arms and invited into groups immediately, and i have yet to hear any complaints from them. ive heard people have issues with the middle school lunch times, because we have 15 minutes of recess ( not allowed to eat) and then 10 minutes to eat, which for most children isn't long enough. i can tell you firsthand that some of the reviews here that are from parents don't know the full story, and go off of the little details their child had told them, so take it from me, someone who's gone to this school for about 7 years at this point, I Love it!

Posted: November 3, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

The principal, Mr. Topp, is open to dialogue. Wish the experience would have been better for my sensitive child. My child refused to return for the 8th grade after attending for seven years. My child felt unsupported and targeted by staff and students after struggling with gender identity issues.

Posted: March 5, 2023

This is a really good school to go to.

Posted: March 5, 2023

Posted: October 7, 2022

Three of my children attended GEA one of them attended from K-8th. Throughout all of the years my children were at GEA the teachers and administration were caring and attentive to their needs. The teachers were in constant communication and administration was always helpful. I loved the small class sizes and my kids always came home happy. My kids were prepared for high school because they attended GEA!

Posted: October 6, 2022

Our family has had students attending GEA for over fifteen years. I have three students who have since moved on to high school and college, and my youngest still attends. Administration has always worked with us to get the best educational experience possible. My older students were well prepared for high school classes (in several cases, they reported that the middle school classes were MORE rigorous). Teachers are caring. They communicate well. They go the extra mile for individual students. The music program is great. The school works to rotate interesting classes like ASL, Spanish, art, PE, choir, band, life skills, etc. The expanded SPED programs are doing fantastic work. There are often fun themed campaigns like a Kindness initiative or Dr. Seuss week. I can't say enough good things about GEA.

Posted: October 6, 2022

Posted: August 15, 2022

Great Expectations Academy is a great school ! All the staff are very professional, caring and make for a safe school environment. They go above and beyond in regards to your childs educational needs ! I would highly recommend this school !!!

Posted: August 15, 2022

Posted: August 3, 2022

We've had 4 children go through GEA from 2nd to 8th grade! Most of the staff and faculty are genuine and always helpful! Open communication is amazing and a huge priority! 3 of the 4 kids had special needs and were always taken care of, never left behind or lost in the system, accommodations recognized as above and beyond any public school! Bullying is zero tolerance!!! We have 1 more child going to GEA in a few years and couldn't fathom him going to an overcrowded public school. Not every school is for everyone, but GEA is the best in the area!

Posted: August 3, 2022

Posted: April 30, 2022

A 1 star review is too high of a ranking for this school. DO NOT IGNORE THE OTHER BAD REVIEWS. This school should have it's federal funding revoked. Administration is not interested in your child's education, they are interested in their job. The entire staff refused to help with my child's life threatening disability AND they wouldn't let me handle the disability properly. As other reviews say, the teachers are not required to be certified and it shows. The classes are not smaller than other local schools. We were never given homework or benchmark test results. My child had to catch up when we transferred to a different school. The school does not do anything "extra" for kids like musicals or Easter egg hunts. The school does only the basic necessities. DO NOT USE THIS SCHOOL. PUT YOUR CHILD FIRST & GO TO ANY OTHER SCHOOL. THIS SCHOOL IS CARELESS & DANGEROUS

Posted: April 30, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2021

This is our first first year @GEA. Students and faculty are great. My daughters (5th and 6th grades), love the teachers, classes, and classmates! We came fr. one of the few A-Rated charter schools in Arizona. Academics were great but the student body not so much.
My girls actually have friends and are happy.

Posted: May 18, 2021

Posted: January 11, 2021

My kids attended this school for several years and I kept trying to give the school the benefit of the doubt but I wish I had transferred them sooner. As with anything, it's not all bad, but the bad outweighs the good in my opinion. The facilities are not good quality, money is spent on band for a small group of students instead of the desperate needs of the run down facilities and the rest of the student population. There is a HIGH teacher turnover rate which often happens mid year since they don't require a teaching contract. Having been at another school, I now know how lacking the education was that my children received. They had a lot of catching up to do. The administration was all over the place on how they handled problems. If your children have any kind of special need OR you want advanced classes, do not put your child in this school. They do not have the infrastructure in place to handle it. Also, several of the parents become teachers that have no teaching degrees. They only require a 4 year degree of any background to teach. They do have smaller class sizes, but that doesn't always equate to quality education. I do not recommend.

Posted: January 11, 2021

Posted: June 24, 2020

We have been very pleased with the education our child has received. I love the small school atmosphere where all the teachers and administrators know every student, including those not in their own classrooms. I appreciate that they value relationship building as much as reading, writing, math, etc. because people skills are just as important as any other area.

Posted: June 24, 2020

Posted: May 19, 2020

We LOVE GEA. Our 3 children have attended here for 2 years and we absolutely love it. This school is smaller and everyone becomes family very quickly. Every member of faculty and staff knows all the kids by name. They get lots of outside play time. They get to run and play and be kids!!! They offer art and music as well as all the basics.

Many schools these days are just focused on test results but this school focuses on the child and how to help them as an individual not just a number. The classes are small so they arent overlooked and theres not as many behavioral issues to handle because they have a great student to teacher ratio. Every time Id go to campus the kids are happy and smiling-thats hard to find these days in schools.

They do great teaching and preparing the kids for the things they need to do but they dont add the stress like other schools. Id highly recommend GEA to anyone. Its been proven that a child cant learn until they feel safe and loved in an environment and GEA definitely provides both.

Posted: May 19, 2020

Posted: October 3, 2019

Terrible. I'd never recommend this school. Facilities are lackluster while funds are spent on pet projects and big boy toys.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Some are, some aren't. The teachers are the least of this school's problems.

Posted: August 17, 2019

Very poor experience. Do not send your kids to this school especially is they have any type of special needs.

Posted: August 17, 2019

Kids are in school from 8 am to 2:30 PM they shouldn't be doing 2-3 hours of hw every night. At lower elementary levels.

Posted: August 17, 2019

The good teachers are a hit and miss. They have a high teacher turnover rate.

Posted: August 17, 2019

They school admin are a joke. They run you in circles and there's is no follow through on anything.

Posted: August 17, 2019

The special education department are a joke. They don't care about anything you say. They stick your kid in a classroom and let them fall through the cracks.

Posted: August 17, 2019

Posted: February 3, 2018

Son has attended this school from k-5th so far and we have loved it every year. I love that it is a small school that can give individual attention!

Posted: February 3, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

This is the best school around. My son is far more smarter than his friends coming from the public schools in this area. He loves this school and his teachers and he's a straight "A" student.

Posted: November 20, 2014

Great Expectations Academy is a very well organized school. The first day I brought my grandson there, about 1 month ago, everyone went out of their way to help him get settled in. He just loves his new teacher because she pays attention to the kids in her class and isn't on her cell phone texting or playing on Facebook like his past teacher. He loves having PE, Art class, Music class and having a real library. Leaving Air & Space Academy in Sahuarita was the best thing we could have done for him. He really, really enjoys going to school and never complains like he did in the past 2 years. I sure hope parents and grandparents enroll their children in this school if they have that chance. It sure beats the "in house" fighting that was happening in his past school. Happy kids makes for better learning and no more stress. I'd give this school 6 stars if I could!

Posted: November 8, 2014

I am a retired teacher who has taught twenty-eight years. I taught in a traditional public school south of Green Valley. For the past five years I have been a substitute teacher at Great Expectations. I have taught in all grade levels(K-8). I am tremendously impressed by all aspects of this school. The students are polite and highly motivated to learn. They are respectful to teachers and other students. The administration takes the effort to know all the students by name and maintain a friendly atmosphere in the office. All teachers are highly skilled in their field and have great programs to teach the skills needed and to motivate their students. Any parent not happy with their child's public education because of a poor learning environment or skills not being taught effectively, I recommend Great Expectations.

Posted: October 2, 2014

This school is fabulous! It has moved from a "B" school to an "A" school. Administration is fantastic! Could not imagine having my child attend anywhere else... Thanks for all you do GEA!!

Posted: October 2, 2014

My child has been at the school for 7 years, and I could not be more pleased. Great administration and wonderful teachers! Thanks for caring about our kids and keeping their futures in the forefront of your minds.

Posted: August 6, 2014

This school is excellent. I have been to several education facilities in the Tucson area and I have been so impressed with all aspects of GEA. There are actively engaged parents, attentive administrators, and caring educators. This, coupled with a relatively small class size, allows for an excellent educational experience for students as well as a great place of employment for teachers. There is a lot of freedom for people to find their groove that simply isn't afforded anywhere else. GEA bleeds empathy (and gecko blood) for all involved - try and find that at a bigger school (you won't).

Posted: July 25, 2014

Love this school. My child just began her 2nd year here and loves it. The academics are rigorous, the teachers and staff are kind and caring, and the administration is truly top notch. After seeing some recent reviews mention teacher turnover, I investigated. All but one of the teachers from last year were asked to return, and the one who didn't come back was only a part-time paraprofessional. The year before, one teacher was let go, one left due to illness, and one retired. Sounds reasonable to me.

Posted: July 24, 2014

Fabulous staff, wonderfully safe campus, strong academics, and an administrative team who is not afraid to rid itself of ineffective teachers!

Posted: July 20, 2014

Highly disappointed! Was looking forward to the smaller environment, however, was completely shocked by my experience. When looking into schools initially, I spoke with the principal in an effort to learn more about the differences between charter schools and l public schools. He was unable to answer any of my questions (told me to look online). I decided to continue on as I looked forward to other seemingly positive aspects of the school and was disappointed when it came down to the first day of school as my child's teacher was not only unfriendly but rude, there was no supervision of the play area (which consisted of drastic age differences, resulting in some little ones getting hurt; not a school official in sight). When these issues were communicated to the principle he was uninterested. My last chance was discussing my concerns with the director; possibly the worst, most unprofessional experience I have ever had in my life. I had heard previews reviews about unprofessionalism but was SHOCKED to experience it myself. I will say that the office staff was friendly and professional.

Posted: July 20, 2014

I cannot say very much about working at this school because I do not want to give away who I am . I will disclose that what I did see when I worked there was disheartening. This school has lost so many great teachers. I would never work for another charter school again. While there may be many good ones, this one is not. I only wish that more people would share their negative experiences. regarding this school in an effort to warn others because if you are presented with any obstacles at this school, rest assured you will be met with hostility.

Posted: September 17, 2013

Great Expectations is a wonderful charter school. What drew my husband and I in years ago, was the small class size and attention the students were given. We were worried about larger class sizes like some of the schools in the area. We hoped and prayed we got in and when I got the call that we did, I jumped for joy! My oldest has been at the school now for 3 years and my youngest just started kinder. We are still in love with the class sizes, the parent involvement, the extras they get and more. I love seeing art and music still in the school when so many schools are dumping them first. I love that students are being challenged and helped and not being forgotten about. The staff is always so friendly and helpful and truly do care for the students. They know all the students' names which make for a more friendlier and homier environment. We are looking forward to many more wonderful years at Great Expectations Academy! Check out the school...you won't be sorry that you did!

Posted: September 17, 2013

Great Expectations Academy is an excellent school. The teachers are knowledgeable and the administration is very supportive of the students and families.

Posted: September 8, 2013

We love this school, we've been with Great Expectations Academy going on 6 yrs and every year it gets better.

Posted: September 2, 2013

I am so grateful for the wonderful teachers my kids have had at this school. Their early reading program is fantastic, and we've enjoyed the extra-curriculars as well. Thanks for all your hard work GEA!

Posted: August 25, 2013

My son loves to go to school! The small classes, parent involvement and overall involvement from the staff and teachers is amazing. When I walk into the school and everyone knows my name and who my child is, I know my child is in a safe and secure environment.

Posted: August 22, 2013

My older has been at this school for two years now and has really enjoyed it. He is a middle-schooler who used to be at the local public middle school, but really didn't enjoy the atmosphere there. Here at GEA, he loves going every day, enjoys the smaller class size and has made many friends. I am still deciding if I like the curriculum for the middle school level. I am puzzled by a few teachers in the way they instruct and test, as one teacher really isn't very direct telling the students exactly what to study for. So, each time my child bombs the test, even after studying said material. Never get a call from any of the teachers when my child isn't doing well. I am very hopeful things will improve as time goes by. I truly like the school but I believe there needs to be more communication between teachers and parents regarding the student. Also, the middle school teachers are preparing the students for college and need to step back and remember they are dealing with 6-8 grades, with 6-8 mentality and maturity. Pick reading material that the student will enjoy and thrive on, not something over their heads or boring.

Posted: August 20, 2013

My school is very well organized and has excellent communication. The teachers are very kind and caring, the staff is as well.

Posted: August 20, 2013

We've just started our 7th year at Great Expectations, and this is the first time I feel a little weary. A big part is our uncertainty over the new nationwide mandated curriculum, but the changes in band, along with a permanent substitute for one of the classes has me a little on edge. We're hoping for another great year, and that we're stressing over nothing major. As long as the children flourish, as they have every year up to now, we'll keep our kids here. I love the small atmosphere, the friends my children have made, and how they can receive individualized attention when they need it. We've had no major issues with bullying, and the parents here are very involved! I love that the office staff knows who I am, without that being a bad thing!

Posted: August 19, 2013

Great Expectations Academy is a great school, the staff make an extra effort to get to know all the students and parents names.

Posted: August 16, 2013

We are starting our 6th year at Great Expectations. We love this school. Communication is great. The teachers that my children have had have been devoted and wonderful. I enjoy the chance I get to volunteer in the classrooms. Everyone knows and cares about my children!!!

Posted: August 14, 2013

Some things I love about this school: The teachers are great, they find new and interesting ways to teach the materials, The middle school is challenging and continually improving, the music program is AMAZING, They have a lot of Extra Curricular Activities, and Programs to enhance learning (Both gifted programs and remedial) Plus the school really has a lot of great kids and parents who are actively involved in making the school better. The only negatives I would add is that the school has lost some really great teachers through the years and there have been some scheduling issues with a few of the advanced programs offered in the middle school. Other then that, we love GEA!

Posted: August 13, 2013

Good school caring teachers really work with the children. Positive attitudes are encouraged by all.

Posted: August 12, 2013

My oldest has been attending GEA for three years now. In the beginning, the teachers were stellar. In fact, I wanted my daughter to go to GEA over public schools. Now, several teachers have left in two years (two of those teachers being the best). One of the teachers currently at the school is a substitute, and the teaching within that classroom isn't what I would consider teaching. Suffice it to say, the kids suffer because of it. The only thing that makes this school sufferable, is the parent involvement. This school would be nothing without it. I'm already considering public school, and only because this charter school is no longer what it once was.

Posted: August 11, 2013

GEA is a great school, nice small size classes, great teachers and staff, and filled with students and families that care about a good well rounded education and community.

Posted: August 7, 2013

This is a wonderful school on so many levels. All the teachers are friendly and very helpful. Parent is always encouraged and very child is made to feel welcome and accepted. I have 2 children attending GEA and have had nothing but wonderful experiences here,

Posted: August 6, 2013

My kids have been going there about 2 1/2 years & we love it there. The staff & teachers are our second family & we love them. After moving to AZ my son lost his special education benefits at another school. The sped group at GEA have worked to get him his benefits back & they work hard for him everyday. The students at the school are great too. In a few years my kids will no longer go there because they will be going on hs. Now if only we could add on the hs we would be great :)

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Austin Point	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tucson	AZ	22 mi
2	Crow Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tucson	AZ	22.9 mi
3	Cimmaron Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Sierra Vista	AZ	49.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Reid Park and Zoo Area	Tucson	AZ	19.6 mi
2	Allegro	Tucson	AZ	20.8 mi
3	Artistic District	Tucson	AZ	20.9 mi
4	Old Spanish Trail/Harrison Area	Tucson	AZ	22 mi
5	Foothills	Tucson	AZ	27 mi

Base	Distance
Davis Monthan AFB	19.5 mi.
Fort Huachuca	45.8 mi.

Great Expectations Academy

Sahuarita, AZ 85629

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Great Expectations Academy

Sahuarita, AZ 85629

School Ratings

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