Kestrel High School is a charter school that opened in Prescott in 1999. The school focuses on the core subjects but also provides other activities so students can express interests in sports, extra curricular activities, and student clubs. These include computer arts, film production, dance, photography, drama, painting, ceramics, badminton, rock climbing, yoga, physical education classes, basketball, debate, multimedia, student council, and yearbook. Vocational programs available include professional childcare and development, technology, and agriculture/food science.

Parents love the curriculum as well as the caring teachers. Many parents with gifted students have seen a very huge difference in their child’s overall view of going to school once they were enrolled in Kestrel High School. The staff and teachers work with each student on their own academic level instead of holding them back or pushing them ahead before they are ready. All parents are amazed at the way the school is different from public schools with caring and nurturing staff and teachers. Students learn by doing which is a huge plus that builds character as well as self-esteem.

As far as the AIMS series of tests scoring, 10th graders were below the state average in reading, writing, and in math. Math percentages were the worst with only 26% passing the exam with the state average at 60%.

Even with all the great comments and opinions of parents, it would be best to take a tour of the school and talk with a few other parents before enrolling your child in the school. The main reason of the concern is that in order to graduate high school, students must pass the AIMS test. If only 26% of the class is passing the exam in math, this does not show the school is doing their job to help students reach their goals of graduating.

Kestrel High School
325 N. Washington Ave.
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-541-1090
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