Willow Creek Charter School began as Painted Pony Ranch Charter School and opened in 1999. The school provides a multi age curriculum that is project based for students in kindergarten through 8th grades. The school offers a quality education with each level divided into two grades. What this means is that students are not placed in a grade due to their age but due to their knowledge and are often placed with older students. This often helps younger students learn better with older students in the class and provides the older students with students to help teach. The school does not tolerate bullying in any fashion and provides a safe and nurturing learning environment. The only extracurricular the school offers is painting. The school does not offer sports or student clubs.

Parents are very pleased with the school stating the teachers are great, give extra attention to each student, and the teachers are dedicated. The school has small class sizes that help students feel comfortable and part of the class instead of being overwhelmed in a class of 30 or more students like many traditional schools. A few parents were not impressed with the school stating the teachers are not qualified; administration does not listen to parents concerns, and are often rude and uncaring. One parent expressed students that might have behavior problems will be sent to the office if they become distracted in class, which will not help the child develop socially.

The AIMS series of exams showed that the percentage of 3rd graders that passed the exams was above average in reading, writing, and math. The percentage of 4th graders that passed was above average in reading and science, but below average in writing and math. The percentage of 5th graders that passed the exams was below average in all core subjects. The percentage of 6th graders was above average in reading, but below average in writing and math. The percentage of 7th graders were above average in reading, but were below average in writing and math. The percentage of 8th graders that passed the exam was below average in all core subjects.

With the mixed reviews of parents and students along with the test results, it would be a good idea to ask questions regarding the tests and to take a tour of the school.

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Have you studied at Willow Creek Charter School?
Please provide a brief review of your experience at Willow Creek Charter School in the comment section to help other readers!
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Willow Creek Charter School
2100 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: 928-776-1212
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