Since not every child learns the same way or excels in the same areas, I believe it is a good thing that different types of schools exist for different types of kids. Public schools may be forced to try and do everything for all of them, but Challenger as a private school is a lot more focused and thus does a better job in serving its niche.
I’ve noticed the kids there are positive, and fired-up to be there. They are motivated and enjoy the place. This seems to be a reflection of the teachers who are themselves impressive in their energy and attitude. I don’t know how they keep so energetic and positive. They do a job I never could for sure.
The school eschews field trips, and while some people may think is a bad thing I hold it to be a positive. My experience with field trips is that they tend to be a waste of time. I think it is the parents’ responsibility to provide out-of-school experiential trips for their children and schools should maintain focus on academics.
The techniques, drills, and homework at Challenger really do crank up the grades and achievement scores.
The child population at the Salt Lake location is incredibly diverse with a broad range of racial, religious, and cultural representation.
I am glad I have this school nearby to send my kids, and I think I would have come out a better person if I had been able to go there in my childhood.
more