Now Id be lying if I said that the middle school is all amazing, I will admit. But I can tell you, its hard to find an affordable safe school like ADS anywhere else. The teachers are good hearted people with good intentions and love and passion for their students. The students are people of good moral character although it is a small school. You dont come to ADS for the academics. You come to experience the joy of having a safe place to grow with kind people on your team. And even so, the academics are great. We have excellent social emotional learning and a project based learning system that is fun for kids to do. ADS has motivated me to love being at school. And truly that is the goal of every school.

My family has really enjoyed our first year as part of the ADS community. My kiddo has made authentic friends, been nurtured by his teachers, learned so much, and had a ton of fun adventures. Were looking forward to next year!

ADS now has great ratings academically. Also, they have an eco-wellness program, conduct classes outdoors, and employ creative teaching methods like project-based learning. Were very pleased we switch to this free public charter.

ADS is fabulous. We have been so pleased with this creative and supportive academic community. Our children are thriving with more exercise and outdoor time than the typical school; with the focus on social emotional wellbeing that creates a warm friendly student body and with an individual approach to teaching that does not use state testing as the guide but a wholistic approach to all subject levels including math and reading. Love this school and all they represent!

The concept behind this school is excellent, however academic delivery is lacking. Insufficient time is spent on academics-for example, 5th grade math is only taught twice weekly. Students cant master these dificult concepts in only 2 days per week. 5th grade standards were the 8th grade standards to just a couple of years ago. Minimum state standards for concepts are not being taught across all areas of academic focus. The administration lacks professionalism and will not respond to parents who seek to address concerns with them. Your child will know how to recycle and groom chickens if they attend, however, they will lack the basic academics skills needed to be successful in life.Their ratings on STAAR are terrible and they have a subpar passing rate because the teachers and children are too busy running around putting on plays instead of focusing on academics.

The respect for life and the environment our son has learned here would be enough to recommend ADS. We really appreciate the community and the gentle, nurturing environment provided by the school. I cant imagine our kids going anywhere else and thriving as much as they have at ADS.

Im very pleased with the changes our family has made since my son started attending the school we are all eating healthier foods and making an effort to get outdoors. Glad we made the switch!

My son and I finally feel as if we have a supportive home.

Things I have been told at this school: your only here because you failed somewhere else Dont make me suspend you. I know you didnt want to talk about it but just in case you change your mind were gonna talk about it. I could go on. I was treated like a baby for the two years i was there 7th 8th grade. I liked most of my teachers but the administration is a dictatorship. So if you want to go to north Korea school be my guest .

Fantastic teachers and staff! My kid is very happy.

Sending our daughter to this school was the biggest mistake we have ever made. This school might be ok for a typically developing child, but is the worst nightmare for any special needs or special education student. They go out of their way to deny services, than once your child does have services they do not follow the IEPs. The teachers are out of date on essential training (like restraint training.) They also move gen ed substitutes or special education aids into special education teaching positions- without additional training. There is actually a question as to whether all their special education teachers have valid certificates and licences to teach special education. They are also very out of compliance for many procedural safe guards. Our daughter has digressed in behavior and even started showing dangerous behaviors she doesnt exhibit anywhere else but school.I could not in good conscious recommend this school to anyone- but definitely do not go to this school if your child has any disability.

I love it ❤