Challenger Middle School

Posted: February 23, 2026

I honestly would not recommend this school to anyone considering it. The teaching quality is very poor, and it often feels like students are left to figure things out on their own without much real guidance or support from instructors.

What’s even more concerning is the environment on campus. There are frequent fights between students, and it seems like very little is done to prevent them. It creates an unsafe and uncomfortable atmosphere that makes it hard to focus on learning. Instead of feeling like a place meant for education and growth, it often feels chaotic and tense.

I used to be a student here, and I can personally say this is a terrible school. There have been more fights in one year of this school than my entirety of high school. Not to mention, the school’s inability to protect its students or willingly choosing to look the other way when a students personal and academic life is at risk is what makes this school a poor choice.

I am writing this review because I have learned through my siblings that Challenger still has not changed. If you are parent, do your child a favor and avoid sending them to this school.

Another small fact about Challenger Middle School is that this school was on the news for having a foundation that was cracking.

Posted: February 23, 2026

Posted: February 23, 2026

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Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

Every teacher at this school is passionate about the children they serve. They strive to unlock every child's greatest potential, and have the skill set to do so.

Posted: January 24, 2018

We sure do try. We recognize these traits have a tremendous effect on students. We call attention to (and model) positive behavior. This encourages students to demonstrate character.

Posted: January 24, 2018

Administration genuinely cares about the students, staff, and families in their community. They expect a lot from their teachers, but provide guidance and support. They are always willing to help out in any way they can.

Posted: January 24, 2018

We take intervention very seriously at Challenger. The staff supports each other to ensure that EVERY student receives a viable curriculum that is the best suited for their individual needs. This is not easy, by any means, but with an "All hands on deck" approach, the students we serve do demostrate growth.

Posted: January 24, 2018

There are isolated incidents between students, but not a general bullying problem on campus.

Posted: January 24, 2018

I love this school/community. If you look for faults here, you will find a few. If you look for strengths, you will undoubtedly be inspired.

Posted: January 24, 2018

So far, so good. Nothing is perfect but there is a good spirit on campus. Students are loved by their teachers. Teachers want to see their students succeed.

Posted: January 24, 2018

Homework is assigned based on skills the students need more practice with. Students are held accountable for turning in work.

Posted: January 24, 2018

Every teacher at Challenger puts in a lot of time before and after school to make sure their lessons are ready to engage students.

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

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Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

They are too busy worrying about passing AZMerit. No programs to address the real needs of these students.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Administration is too concerned about passing the AZMerit test. Not enough concern about what these students really need to learn. They teach to the state test.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Because all students pass no matter what they do, there is a wide range of grade levels in each classroom. Administration cares only about those students that might have a chance of passing AZMerit.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Such problems may be addressed only. by giving a Prime.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Terrible. Very stressful and complicated. Too much pressure on teachers and not enough student accountability. Fourth and fifth graders should not be on a middle school campus.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Students have no textbooks to bring home to study. They know they will be passed even if they do nothing.

Posted: January 16, 2018

Some are good, some aren't. Administration puts too much extra work and meetings on teachers. Some teachers are good, some not.

Posted: February 22, 2017

It's the best school I've been to in Glendale

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

We have great staff, parents and students. Every year we have a community thanksgiving dinner for our families filled with amazing food great entertainment and awesome company!

Posted: February 15, 2014

I am going to place my children in a school out of our school zone just to ensure they don't have to attend Challenger another year. I went on a field trip with the students and the teacher had no clue why the students were there. I had to teach them off the labels on the water plant. The principal doesn't work with the parents and is full of back handed comments. I am not the only parent who feels this way. The teachers pick and choose when they want to make students follow rules, as quoted by a worker "It depends what teacher and if it is a good day or a bad day" Not that their rules are all reasonable but I am very disappointed. I would recommend district replace the principle and the student counselor as well as send some of the teachers through a teachers ethics class.

Posted: December 9, 2013

Since the very day I walked in the office to enroll my child I knew it was going ti be a bad experience. The office staff was awful talking trash about the kids and her co workers. The kids that bully don't seem to get in trouble or have consequences. Staff does nothing. You call or write a note to find out how your kid is doing or ask for your child to get help and you don't get a response from anyone.

Posted: August 17, 2013

I only selected one star for each choice.....I just wanted to register for the updates. This is my sons first year there and he is in 7th grade. I will say his computer teacher was very impatient and rude with him when he asked for help. I was very upset! I know my son will be very hesitant to ask her questions again. If you can't ask your teacher questions, then what's the point? He came home that second day of school very upset and didn't want to go back. The teacher made him feel like dirt! She should not be teaching if she doesn't want to help the kids out! The teachers always wonder why the students don't ask questions....they should think about how they respond to the student. Use the golden rule....would you want someone to talk to you the way you talk to your student? I know all parents say this, but my son is a good kid. The most he will get in trouble for is maybe talking in class. Choose your words wisely teachers. They can have a huge impact on someone!

Posted: May 29, 2012

i found this school horrible from bullying to lack of help from teachers i walk down the hall to see girls yelling and planning fights and boys bullying and also planning fights, i found no teacher has done anything good to stop this all i can say thats good is the classes but not the teachers if i had a choice to sit with my class and a pack of wolves the pack of wolves would be my choice

Posted: May 25, 2012

This school is a stable school but when the students get rowdy then thats when the teachers start with the PRIME or detention its 2 warnings then the student gets a detention which since im a student i got at least 15 even though im a great student. One of the teachers wouldn't let me go to the bathroom and i was about to pee on myself I left the classroom to run to the bathroom and she tried to suspend me but in the end i got a detention and this teacher is now leaving. the principals are really good though they get to the bottom of the problem.

Posted: March 21, 2012

Violent and aggressive students rule this school and administration doesn't get involved. I am moving my kids out of state after persistent bullying at this school caused my son such deep depression that he was suicidal and hospitalized. It ruined my gifted and honor students life. Ruined his grades and personality and all they did was move him to another school in the district that is not as bad, but still has bullying. The assistant principle has called my son and I "liars" when we brought it to his attention, and it even had no direct change when I met with the district. This is the kind of school that is waiting for a law suit, but this is my only act of contrition.