Frequently Asked Questions

Reid Traditional Schools’ Valley Academy is established as a traditional style school. It gives parents an alternative to the regular neighborhood school. We have a “back to the basics” format in which much emphasis is placed on reading, writing (penmanship and creative writing), and mathematics.

Some of Our Guiding Principles:

Following are some of the principles guiding Valley Academy as a traditional school:

• We will create an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of academic excellence.
• We will teach students to read, write, speak, spell, and compute accurately and effectively.
• Our teachers will train students in the logical application of the scientific method.
• Our teachers will challenge students to do their best by requiring that all work be done properly and on time.
• Our students will learn the fundamental principles of citizenship, discipline, respect, and personal responsibility.
• Our students will know and understand our history, heritage, and government.
• We will help students develop strong morals and excellent character.
• We will help students develop a spirit of individual achievement and appropriate competition.

Our Methods Include:

In order to accomplish these guiding principles listed above, we use methods that set us apart from other schools and from the heart of traditional education.

• We offer an advanced curriculum.
  • Our early reading and language arts program is based on an intense phonics system, which has proven to be highly successful.
  • The curriculum is standardized throughout the grade levels.
  • Emphasis is placed on dictation, memorization, recitation, and whole-group teaching techniques.
  • Creative writing is encouraged. Teachers grade the mechanics as well as the content.
• We encourage traditional methods of teaching.
  • Drill and practice are a regular part of the educational program.
  • Meaningful homework is a regular part of the school day for all students. Homework reinforces work that has been practiced in the classroom so that students will be able to experience success along with challenge.
  • Sufficient practice is given to each concept to ensure that it is mastered.
  • Parents are involved in the learning process.
  • Classroom arrangement highlights individual achievement and accomplishment.
• The entire school is structured to support academic achievement.
  • Classroom interruptions are kept to a minimum. Pull-out programs are avoided. Announcements are scheduled.
  • Structured classrooms emphasize appropriate student behavior. Each classroom provides a quiet, orderly atmosphere in which learning can occur.
  • Parents are involved in the development and implementation of school programs. A strong parent organization is key to the success of a traditional school.
• We provide a safe, wholesome environment.
  • All teachers strictly enforce discipline as a team.
  • A strong dress code is established and is strictly enforced.
  • There is no tolerance for all forms of violence and substance abuse.

A Contract for Education

A charter school is a public school created through a contract between a sponsor and a person or organization agreeing to provide educational services for the state. It is whatever kind of public school that the charter says it will be. Charter school students are not charged tuition; the school is paid by the state of Arizona on a per-pupil basis.

Arizona Pioneers Charter Movement

In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature passed one of the nation’s strongest charter school laws. At that time, only seven other states had any charter school laws. Today, most states have some form of charter school legislation, but Arizona’s is considered one of the most effective. Our state is one of three being watched most closely by government, political, populous, and media organizations of the entire nation. We are participating in an educational revolution driven by a demand for better education and more family choice.

Arizona Charter Schools: Financing and Accountability

According to the Arizona Charter Schools Association, Arizona has one of the highest percentages of students attending a public charter school, and leads the nation in charter school growth.  Almost a third of Arizona’s public schools are charter schools, and about 17% of our public students attend a charter. Charter entities may be public or private, and they may be non-profit or for-profit. Arizona charter schools are legally defined as public schools. They are funded on a per-pupil basis by the state. Charter schools do not have bonding authority, but may own property. They must meet all State and Federal civil rights, labor, and safety laws but are legislatively exempt from many Arizona Title 15 regulations, which apply to district schools. They are not exempt from regulatory and compliance reporting. Charter schools are monitored and must report on many areas such as annual financial audits, periodic procedural audits, charter compliance, special education compliance, parent involvement, attendance, and discipline. Sponsors can grant exemptions to some regulations.

A Look to the Future

Like any small business and unlike district schools, charter schools can fail and go out of business. It is significant that to date very few charter schools have failed. In fulfilling the dreams of their founders, charter schools have also increased student learning and client satisfaction, created jobs, and spawned entire new industries. Charter schools are bringing to the field of education many of the invigorating principles of business: competition, accountability, measurability, customer service, and market sensitivity. This educational revolution empowers individuals: the operator who risks all to turn beliefs into reality, the parent who chooses a school to match a student’s learning needs, the student who receives individualized attention, the employee who chooses a work environment attuned to his/her beliefs. Participating in the charter school movement is participating in the future of America.

There are no tuition, registration, or book fees charged at Valley Academy. Charter schools are funded through tax revenue on a per-pupil basis, for all students in half-day kindergarten through eighth grade. Tuition is charged for the optional afternoon kindergarten program and for the private preschool program.

Yes. The school meets all Arizona Department of Education requirements for Highly Qualified Teachers. Teacher credentials and qualifications are available for public review in the school office.

School starts at 8:00 for all students.  Half-day kindergarten students are released at 11:10 a.m.  Full-day Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classes end at 2:15 p.m.  All other students are released at 3:15 p.m. The school year generally runs from mid-August to late May.

A complete listing of school hours and the exact dates for the current school year’s schedule and holidays is available in the Document Center.

Document Center

Additionally, we offer before and after school care programs to help you plan your schedule.

Before & After School Programs

Public charter schools do not use boundaries for enrollment; you may apply to our school no matter where in Arizona you live.

Valley Academy does not supply transportation. Students from all parts of the valley attend Valley Academy, making busing very difficult. The school is located near city bus routes. Parents unable to arrange transportation at designated times may take advantage of the before and after school programs.

Before & After School Programs

Yes, uniforms are required at Valley Academy. The uniforms are simple, modest, affordable, and available at many local stores. Polo shirts and turtlenecks in green, white, light blue, or navy blue are worn with navy blue or khaki skirts, skorts, shorts, or pants. A detailed uniform policy is printed in the student handbook or click the button below for a visual overview.

Uniform Dress Standards

No, we do not participate in the National School Lunch Program. Your family may choose to purchase hot, nutritional lunches, complete with a salad bar, through our lunch website.

Absolutely. Valley Academy employs professionals to perform financial management services. The Board of Directors reviews financial records each month and hires an independent accountant to audit the financial records each year. Financial information is open to the public and may be viewed in the front office.

All parents and guardians are automatically members of VAPO, the Valley Academy Parent Organization, which coordinates many of the school’s volunteer activities. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education. Reid Traditional Schools was founded by parents, so we value the skills, ideas, and energy you can bring to enhance your child’s school experience.

Valley Academy Parent Organization

Yes. Full-day Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students may participate in the Academic Arcade (2:15-3:15).  All K-8 students may join Coyote Club, our main before and after school care program.

Before & After School Programs

Yes. Extracurricular activities are available based on student interest and teacher availability. To find out more about the extracurricular activities that we offer, please click the button below:

Sports & Activities

Thank you! Donations are always greatly appreciated. You may donate directly to Reid Traditional School’s Valley Academy by mailing a check to Valley Academy, or you may call the school office. Many donations are tax deductible. For details about Arizona Tax Credit Donations, click the button below.

AZ Tax Credit Donations

Valley Academy’s Public School CTDS Code is 078749001.