Mingus Springs Charter School opened in Chino Valley in 1997 for students in kindergarten through 8th grades, with an average enrollment of 178 students. The school uses a curriculum that is bases on thematic units, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. The school is in a rural setting offering small class sizes with 20 students of various ages. Along with core subjects, the school offers computer arts, photography, drama, drawing, film production, physical education classes, yearbook, and student council.

Curriculum uses thematic units, cooperative learning, and stresses critical thinking. Each child has the same teacher for 2-3 years consecutively.

From parent comments, it seems the school has a few issues it needs to deal with especially the behavior of some of the teachers. Most parents are very pleased that students stay with the same teacher for two to three years, which helps bond the students, and teachers. One parent had an issue with teacher that was verbally abusive to her students even to the point of throwing chairs across the room. On the other hand, most parents expressed how much they love the teachers, which are nurturing and caring. The school now has a new director, so the issues in the past may not be present today. The close-knit community is a true caring and nurturing environment.

Students at Mingus Springs Charter School participated in the AIMS series of tests. These tests measure if students are mastering the core subjects. The percentage of third graders that passed the reading and writing exams were lower than the state average, while math scores were higher. Fourth graders were lower in reading, writing, and math, but lower in science. Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders were lower in reading, writing, and math. Eighth graders were higher in reading, writing, and math but lower in science.

With the low scores in most grade levels, it would be in your best interest to take a tour of the school and talk with other parents before enrolling your child. With the new director, the school may be doing better now.

Mingus Springs Charter School
3600 N. Sunset Dr.
Chino Valley, AZ 86323
928-636-4766
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