La Paloma Academy in Tucson | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	2/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Arizona Academic Standards Assessment data from Arizona Department of Education, and using 2025 Arizona Science Field Test data from Arizona Department of Education.
Student Growth	2/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Arizona Department of Education.

Posted: May 10, 2026

I feel that when Mr. Ewald was the principal, the school was an amazing place. The overall morale among students, parents, and staff was much more positive, and there was a stronger sense of community and support throughout the school. Since Ms. Chartier took over as principal, it feels like the school has unfortunately started to fall apart in several areas.

Academically, many classes seem to be falling behind, and there are growing concerns from parents about the quality of education students are receiving. More importantly, many students no longer feel safe or supported at school, which is extremely concerning for families who trust the school with their children every day.

Another issue that has become very noticeable is favoritism. Many parents and even staff members have expressed frustration about unequal treatment and the lack of consistency when addressing concerns. I have personally spoken with several staff members and parents who say they have repeatedly tried to resolve issues, but their concerns are often dismissed. Many describe Ms. Chartier as rude, unprofessional, and difficult to communicate with.

It is especially upsetting to see front office staff having to apologize to parents and students because of the way situations are handled. No staff member should feel responsible for smoothing over embarrassing or negative interactions caused by school leadership.

Overall, it is heartbreaking to see such a decline in the school environment compared to how things were under Mr. Ewalds leadership. I truly wish Mr. Ewald would have remained principal because the school felt more organized, welcoming, and supportive during his time there.

Posted: January 30, 2026

I am so down with this school I dont think anyone should enroll in this school because its always an issue when my child has her phone in her pocket and the reason why because I dont wanna an electronic device that I pay for getting stolen and I dont want to have to deal with the consequences that come with it I also noticed that the staff and teachers are not so good and they dont learn anything here same things they been learning since kindergarten I really dont recommend this school to anybody.

Posted: December 16, 2025

I never saw my childs class room the entire year after the initial meet your teacher event before school started. They do not let parents on the campus AT ALL, kids are brought out front after school. They don't let anyone past the gate. My kindergartner was constantly punished and left out of activities and even field trips. She was made to do jumping jacks in front of the class by a student teacher who also would get inches from her face spitting on her lecturing her. I reached out to the principal multiple times and was told the situation would be handled but it continued. They made my 5 year old hate school. I sent an email after choosing not to reenroll my daughter expressing my thoughts and concerns very respectfully but the principal couldnt even be bothered to respond. If you want your kid to have tons of homework, be unjustly punished, to never see their class room, to have little to no communication with administrators or teachers send them here. I would never recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: April 9, 2025

I recently decided to move my 7yr old son from a TUSD school to La Paloma Central campus thinking it would benefit him educationally, socially, and emotionally. Upon our initial tour of the campus and meeting with the principle to discuss the reason for the switch as well as the concerns I had, the principle assured me that he would be treated with fairness and respect. I am BIG on communication especially due to the reasons we left his previous school. Well, let's just say there's very little communication but a lot of discipline for infractions that could use a more constructive approach verses suspension for multiple days. I sent an email to the principal addressing my concerns and still have yet multiple days later to get any sort of response. Any time you try to communicate your told she is in a meeting/busy. Were ALL busy! My son states that he's "yelled" at for minor infractions like talking. While I feel children need to be held accountable for their actions and there should be consequences in place for misbehaving, I do feel suspending my son for using curse words was over the top.

Posted: August 14, 2018

The teachers have all been great so far. We have 2 kids who attend here and they both started a little early. They are both doing very well academically, and they are building great character. Principal Ewald has always personally addressed any issues brought up and the outcome has always been satisfactory. I wish the students would go on more field trips to allow them to experience more of what Tucson has to offer for arts and science.

Posted: May 18, 2018

Lots of "staff" members poorly educated and on a power trip.

Posted: May 18, 2018

You can expect bullying from students but from adults? Not acceptable.

Posted: May 18, 2018

Adequate amount of homework. Needs more clarity on due dates

Posted: May 18, 2018

Many teachers seem to not care about students or their jobs.

Posted: May 18, 2018

Terrible. I cannot wait for the school year to be over. We will NOT be coming back.

Posted: May 10, 2018

The very first year my child attended the south campus she came from three years of homeschooling interaction still with other students field trips Etc to La Paloma South Campus and getting bullied about more than half of the year till principal Bummer really looked into the situation and took the time to investigate the issue with the children and my child involvement in it to be resolved! me as a parent had to have a teacher present at a time where I was over going to principle Bummer for results and getting this matter taken care of I simply had a respectful conversation about bullying with the students and my child and how it feels and how it would feel to them if they were on my child's place and right then and there they also cans apologized my child as well did because I don't consider my child and a innocent in any way shape or form and wanted to make that known and seen to the other students that just because it was my child doesn't make them better then the kids that were bullying her it was explained as a respect Factor that the school is trying to encourage and enforce

Posted: May 10, 2018

Leadership with all teachers front desk but well south campus principal Bummer NO!!

Posted: May 10, 2018

My child was having learning issues at South Campus and with the IEP that they gave him as well as tutoring and one on one time my child has went from D's an F's to A's and B's and is very confident and themselves due to the support system they're at South Campus between child and teachers

Posted: May 10, 2018

The teachers and staff are great and respectful as well as responsible in a respectful manner for the children the only issue personally that I think is Mr Bummer the principal there because the rules are not enforced he should be giving the students discipline that is needed to keep the respect in the classrooms towards the teachers to make better environment for other kids to learn in instead of allowed disruptive classroom where the teachers are sending down students and getting no backup or resolve meant due to the choices and decisions that Mr Bummer makes as a principal

Posted: May 10, 2018

Communication parent to teachers can get better. I think it's 50\50 if the 50% of the parent responsible isn't meet notify not wait

Posted: May 10, 2018

I've never had not one problem with teachers at south campus great with the kids and respectful

Posted: May 10, 2018

Respect for south campus NO! If Bummer cant even help out the teachers that are have a big respect issue in their classrooms then NO especially when the teachers are doing their best to correct it

Posted: March 8, 2018

I am impressed by the leadership at this school and have seen first hand how they teach and also encompass their core values. Principal Ewald is an exceptional leader who inspires kids to achieve their goals. His background as a Counselor is evident because he is patient and truly wants to ensure the best environment for everyone! I have had a wonderful experience with the staff, teachers and Pricipal here.

Posted: March 8, 2018

This school has exceeded expectations. As a parent, I truly feel I work with a team of highly trained, caring professionals. Principal Ewald is exceptional and I appreciate his ability to communicate and develop a culture of trust, respect, hard work and fun!

Posted: March 7, 2018

My son has been going to LPA for 5 years now. I give this school a 1 star because the majority of his teachers have been absolutely phonemnal and helped my son evolve into the young brilliant child he is today. However the leadership at this school from principal ewald is absolutely >>>HORRIBLE<<< which is why it does NOT have 5 stars. Principal ewald will ALWAYS point the finger and play the blame game on everyone else except for who really needs to accept responsibility for the actions that were taken place. He talks down to the parents with his huge ego and is very combative which is unprofessional. His inability to effectively communicate/confront parents makes him a poor principal. I have no respect for him because of how he handles school issues but I do like the majority of the teachers at the school. So since he isn't teaching my child I'll continue to keep my son at this school but be aware of this horrible leadership.

Posted: March 7, 2018

The principal allows verbal bullying and doesn't discipline those accordingly. He quoted "words are not harmful". He has no compassion for the children at this school at all that encounter this on a daily basis. When the bullying escalated to physical he doesn't contact the parents. Principal ewald is very selective with what he chooses to be right or wrong and is extremely one sided.

Posted: March 7, 2018

I give this school a 1 star out of 5 due to the teachers. The lack of proper guidance and leadership shows. It does not give the kids a proper foundation for evolving to become better human beings.

Posted: March 7, 2018

Principal ewald talks to parents in a condescending manner which is disrespectful and not a good form of leadership when trying to resolve school issues. He is NOT a good example of integrity, compassion, or respect for his staff and students.

Posted: June 6, 2017

Student held back two years although tests scores are exceptional as attested to by teachers due to late homework assignments. I think when you confront then teachers on their assessments, it deflects on your child.

Posted: July 24, 2015

I am extremely Upset with the La Paloma Academies at this Moment. My son has performed beyond his expectations since he started preschool two years ago. He received a recommendation to go to La Paloma and at that time the 2015-2016 Student handbook was not out. We enrolled our son in the central location, received all of the letters over the past month about what to buy him for school. We Withdrew him from preschool so he could start kindergarten next Thursday and TODAY I received a call that he cannot attend the school because his birthday doesn't make the cut off!. This year apparently the birth-date cute off was changed in in the student handbook to September 30th instead of the October 31st it was in years prior. And even though the handbook wasnt available until after we had already gone through the process of enrollment the school refuses to even discuss this issue it has created. After enrolling our son and getting everything setup at La Paloma, we cancelled scheduled Early-Kinder Testing dates at the other school districts because they were not needed since he was enrolled. So now WE MISSED ANY OPPORTUNITY OF ENROLLING OUR SON IN OTHER SCHOOLS FOR KINDERGARTEN THIS YEAR, his spot at his preschool has been filled so we have to scramble to find another preschool to enroll him in by next week and our son is upset because he was so excited to start school at La Paloma. This has been a horrible experience and apparently the principle at The Central Campus cannot take the time to speak to us regarding this. Many family members have boasted about this school in the past but after this experience, and the lack off communication on the schools behalf between Staff and us as he parent I would not recommend this school to any other parents as they completely disregard the effects their last minute decisions effect the families of potential students. Thank you So much La Paloma for this incredibly horrible experience

Posted: July 24, 2015

Posted: May 6, 2015

My son goes to La Paloma South and the staff there is very unprofessional. The assistant principal actually laughed at me when I called her about a concern about my son and another staff member. I feel that the staff does pick on my son for every little thing.

Posted: August 14, 2014

This school is one of the best! I have worked here for years and I have seen the school improve so much. Teachers work hard and parents step in to work with them. The principal and vice principal are great with students, teachers, and parents. This year I can't believe how many parents have volunteered to help out! Also several teachers have gone above and beyond to make sure that each student is getting a great education. This "B" school is now working to become an "A"! I'm so proud of everyone!

Posted: August 12, 2014

My daughter graduated 8th grade from there last year and my son is in 2nd. I couldn't ask for a better environment for my kids. The school does a lot of family events and the before and after school program is great. I appreciate the principal and the teachers and how hard they work. I transferred my daughter over from a public school and she was at La Paloma 5th-8th. Best place for my family and really prepared my daughter for highschool.

Posted: July 30, 2014

I love the school, the teachers, and everyone there. The principal goes above and beyond to make sure kids are happy and learning. The free before and after school program is so great for the parents. They really care and we are so committed to La Paloma.

Posted: May 8, 2013

I've found this schoo lis only going downhill.My son complains about being bullied and other children get bullied but nothing is done about it.The biggest bully he has had this year is the school founders son! He had a rock thrown at this face, it caused a red mark on his cheek right under the eye. Punishment for the bully, to pick up trash.Had a student spit on his backpack and throw it down right in front of him, nothing done about that even when reported to the monitor by him and the office by me.I even had the spit covered back pack in my hands.He has had two backpacks stolen this year and countless jackets, pens, pencils, markers, I bought a lockable pencil box and someone stole the key from his desk so it was locked shut.His 3DS was in his backpack.The pack showed up a few days later but no game system.Did the school attempt to help at all, ask students do anything not one bit.His fault for taking it to school in the first place but at least pretend to care.The principal does get back to you same day when bullying is reported by a parent but the problems just don't seem to be improving.I won't be taking him back next year.

Posted: March 21, 2013

I worked there for one year-thank heavens not a minute more! The quality of education is very poor as it realtes to technology and textbooks, and the arts. Books are more than 25 years old, I had worn out whiteboards that were scratched and unusable. There was no music and the art class was once a week when the Teacher showed up (no admin action). There is a TON of 'nepotism' within the Arizona Community Schools (official charter name)The Administrators add more 30 students per class packing them in like sardines. DO NOT send your child there. When there is choice choose an A+ school like Vail district-there is no need to have your child suffer. By the way, I do not work for Vail. Do you homework there are lawsuits in Phoenix and Tucson against this Charter.

Posted: November 6, 2012

La Paloma Academy Central has been a blessing for me and my children. They have excelled and grown both socially and academically since they have attended this school. With their recent additions in their sports programs to include 4th- 8th grades and addition of tackle football for junior high it has made this educational setting well rounded and solid compared to any other public school setting in our community. Great Job.. Keep it up.

Posted: October 30, 2012

La Paloma Academy is a caring and supportive environment for students in grades K-8. Every day caring and dedicated teachers are working hard to ensure students academic success. Students are encouraged to dream big and to work to their full potential, so they can achieve their dreams. Mrs. Sullivan

Posted: October 29, 2012

La Paloma Academy's staff is professional, highly qualified, and strives for academic excellence. Incredible improvements have been made over the past few years! Leadership is strong and it resonates through the teachers and onto the students.

Posted: October 28, 2012

Thank you for the amazing Harvest Fest. We brought our entire family and they had so much fun. Its fun to see all the teachers and administrators out there working. Food was great. Our kids had so much fun, thank you. I thank you for everything you do above and beyond the normal school stuff, makes us really feel like we belong. I have two kids there and our youngest will be there in a year, they love their teachers. Thank you to Mr. Williams, the coach, for doing an outstanding job with the sports. My son is on the tackle football team and they are going to the championship game!!!!! I cant say enough good things about this school. Keep up the good work Mr. Rubasch and Mr. Ewald and everyone else there that makes this a great place to be.

Posted: October 28, 2012

This is my first year teaching at La Paloma-Lakeside and I am enjoying the school, the students and staff tremendously. It is an excellent working environment and I do enjoy working with the students on a daily basis. The staff have been very helpful. La Paloma is a great school and a school that is good for the community.

Posted: October 28, 2012

This is my first year teaching at La Paloma/Lakeside, but not my first year teaching and I find the school run by three amazingly capable, caring, courteous, creative, and professional on site administrators. Their strong leadership is the bedrock foundation of what makes LaPaloma/Laskeside a great school.

Posted: October 25, 2012

I think its great that the administrators would write about their school as well as have their own kids there. Works for me! My son moved twice before we ended up at La Paloma. My coworker has her two kids there and talks about the school all the time. The teachers there are nice and helpful and for the first time in 5 years my son actually is enjoying school and his grades are improving. Thank you for giving us a great school!

Posted: October 6, 2012

You can tell which of these reviews were written by the school's administrators. The thing is, if you want to decide whether you should send your children here, look at the test scores which are NOT good and have gotten worse. Also, look up the financial information of the school if you have the time. Something is not right.

Posted: September 20, 2012

Six of my children have all attended La Paloma Academy. It is still the best school I have been a part of. It is a second home to my kids and their friends. The school is a safe place where everyone truly cares about the kids. I appreciate the strong academics and emphasis on family values--and I love all the community events such as the Harvest Fest!

Posted: September 20, 2012

I love this school and the teachers. Nice group of people who really took the time to help my kids. They have already learned more than they did at their other schools and I like the smaller campus. It feels safe and happy there.

Posted: September 20, 2012

Thank you La Paloma Academy for what you did for my daughter. She wasn't well liked at her other school and had a very low self esteem. It was devastating trying to get her up every morning and she was becomming depressed and her grades falling to D's and F's. We started there last week and she is a new child, happy, and yesterday I got a call from her teacher just to tell me how much she liked having my daughter. Thank you!

Posted: September 19, 2012

I am so please with this school! My child is in the 7th grade and she couldn't be happier. The principal to the teachers have really made it a place to belong and be successful. Thank you La Paloma!

Posted: September 18, 2012

We Just moved our child from this school because he was being bullied and the school staff did not do anything to stop it. Instead they wanted to provide counseling services to our child since they believed that our child " had some self esteem issues". Very insane , right? But it is what the school professionals " including the Vice president Mr Elwards and the Counselor told me and my wife! . Totally insane! It is too bad because it used to be a great school. We don't recommend this school for any child..lots of future delinquents are good protected at la Paloma central campus

Posted: August 15, 2012

Do not enroll your kids at this school!!! The parent in the previous review is right! Many poor kids are being bullied by some " favorite kids" who have attended to the school for many years and thats why the school vice principal and other staff are protecting them. I moved my kid to another charter school this year because she was being bullied and I reported it to the Conuselor but he did not do anything about it. Everybody knows who are the bullies and they do not do nothing to stop them! It has became a very bad situation and if they do not do anything fast to stop the bullies then the school will become even worst. Give your kids a favor and do not enroll them at La Paloma!!!

Posted: June 1, 2012

My son started at the Central Campus for his Kindergarten year, The teacher was ok, not the best, I gave it another try for 1st grade and that was a great experience for him. Thinking things were ok he started his 2nd grade year.. there were classroom problems that the staff could not resolve, They made it seam like it was my son's fault. He was bullied through out the year. He made several attempts to report it and one day he came home upset and crying saying he hates the school and some staff. They didn't help him, but told him to work out his own problems. Although there were no problems with his grades, the emotional stress was more than enough for me.

Posted: May 29, 2012

Love this school! My daughter goes went to 3rd grade and she did very well because all the extra help of the teachers. Thank you La Paloma Academy-Lakeside.

Posted: October 17, 2011

I love this school! My kindergartener is having fabulous first year thanks to everyone that works there. Thumbs way up!

Posted: July 3, 2011

Be careful with this school. My son couldn't pass he AIMS test for 8th grade. He was not taught enough Algegra. He spent a year at Sylvan just to fill in the gaps of what La Paloma was teaching him. And that wasn't enough. La Paloma does 'social passing' for 8th graders. I know this because I talked with an 8th grader who didn't have the grades to pass 8th grade but La Paloma still passed him. I suggest you look for a better school.

Posted: April 29, 2010

This school has a family atmosphere and the teachers and staff are wonderful. I am so impressed with the diverse population of teachers and students.

Posted: April 29, 2010

My daughter loves going to this school. I know of quite a few parents who drive a long way to bring their kids to this school( including us)instead of taking them to the neighborhood public school. I really appreciate the free before/after school program. My kid was having problems with a certain subject and she was given lots of tutoring. Now she is doing well. Let's not forget to mention her fabulous teacher.

Posted: April 29, 2010

La Paloma Academy is more than a school. It's a place where students can learn in a safe atmosphere. The administration and teachers are amazing and truly care about the kids. I love the school so much and all it has to offer my children.

Posted: April 29, 2010

La Paloma Academy nurtures students in an environment where they can grow as a part of a small caring community. I will be sad when my child leaves the school at the end of this year.

Posted: April 29, 2010

My children are absolutely thriving at La Paloma Academy. They have been there for 8, 6, and 4 years. They have always excelled on the standardized test and more importantly they LOVE school. They love their teachers and their friends. It is more than a school, it is a second home and there is such an amazing community there of teachers who love their jobs and the students.

Posted: April 29, 2010

Great staff and environment. My student loves her teacher and she loves going to school. She begs to stay in the after school program (which is free). I can't say enough great things about La Paloma.

Posted: April 29, 2010

I love La Paloma Academy!!!! All of the kids are important to the teachers and principals. The school makes everyone feel special.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Nepotisim, corruption, financial manipulation and prejudice are all prevalent at La Paloma

Posted: March 18, 2010

La Paloma Academy has been a blessing for my child. While at TUSD, she was unmotivated and hated school. After 5 years at La Paloma, she now loves school and just recently got accepted to University High School. I could not have asked for a better environment and teaching staff to work with my daughter.

Posted: March 16, 2010

This school is horrible!! The most of the teachers don't really care about the kids and their progress. My son is bullied by other children abd they do nothing! My son can not wait to leave and I can't wait to be rid of this horrible school!!!

Posted: August 18, 2009

Posted: November 17, 2008

Posted: November 12, 2008

Posted: June 17, 2008

Posted: November 1, 2007

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Crow Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tucson	AZ		3.1 mi
2	Austin Point	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tucson	AZ		6.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Foothills	Tucson	AZ	3.6 mi
2	Reid Park and Zoo Area	Tucson	AZ	4.9 mi
3	Allegro	Tucson	AZ	5.4 mi
4	Artistic District	Tucson	AZ	5.9 mi
5	Old Spanish Trail/Harrison Area	Tucson	AZ	6.3 mi

La Paloma Academy

Tucson, AZ 85712

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La Paloma Academy

Tucson, AZ 85712

School Ratings

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