Every year, Aspire hires an independent outside company to conduct its annual stakeholder surveys of teammates, parents, and students. Aspire's Board of Directors, management team and staff analyzes the survey results closely and takes to heart the feedback from families in our schools. The feedback is then used to identify strengths and areas for further development at each school as well as for the entire organization.

Aspire is proud to report that it continued its tradition of high levels of parent satisfaction: 90 percent of parents rated their Aspire school an "A" (Exceeds standards) or "B" (Meets standards). Compare this to the results of a recent Gallup poll, in which only 70% of parents nationwide rate their child's school an A or B.

Parents were especially pleased with our schools' high standards and welcoming environment for parents. Ninety-one percent agreed or strongly agreed that they feel welcome the Aspire school their child attends, and 92 percent agreed or strongly agreed that Aspire schools look and feel like a place where learning occurs. Specific feedback from parents included:

"I appreciate the involvement within our community. It's the best thing I've done for my children this year. Thank you!"

"My child was having a problem adjusting to junior high. As soon as I expressed concern, I had a meeting immediately and a plan of action within one week. I felt concern, hope, and listened to. Thank you."

"I value the personal involvement the teacher has with each student and family."

Student feedback was also very positive:

"I like that the teachers take the time to get to know me personally and that they are dedicated to helping me." - Ben Holt Academy student

"I like that the teachers care and you can go to them for anything academically or outside of school." - Summit Charter Academy student

"What I appreciate most at my school and I would like to be sure that it continues is the way that teachers challenge me and the way they always push me to do my best. This not only helps the students do their best but trains them to always do things to their best potential." - Wilson Prep student

Aspire's education program also received positive feedback. Ninety-five percent of parents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "Overall, the school is a good place to learn."

Ninety percent agreed or strongly agreed that the school does a good job preparing my student for college. Ninety-three percent agreed that their child's school does a good job of teaching basic skills, while 90 percent agreed that their child's school does a good job of teaching life skills such as responsibility and caring. Finally, 91 percent indicated that they are satisfied with their student's academic performance, and 92 percent indicated that they would recommend Aspire, and their child's school, to other families.

Specific parent feedback included:

"I like the strong academic focus and the effort that the school staff promotes in ensuring articulate and confident children, unafraid to take on new challenges and projects, both in school and in life."

"[Aspire teaches students] that there is a 'higher' in education. My boy speaks about going to college at age five."

"We strongly feel that our kids are getting the best education available to us."

Teammate Survey Results

Similar to last year, Aspire educators were the most pleased with the sense that Aspire schools have high expectations for students and are collaborative. Ninety-three percent agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "The school community is focused on high academic achievement and college for all students," 87% percent said "The school has high standards and has made improvements this year," and 85 percent regularly collaborate with other teachers.

Specific feedback from educators included:

"The collaboration between educators is amazing. I could not imagine teaching without it. My teaching has improved tremendously because of this collaboration."

"I like that Aspire is opening these students' eyes to some of the possibilities that are available to them. My second grade student told me that she doesn't have to worry about money for college, because she is going to be so smart that she will get scholarships!"

"I love the high expectations that Aspire holds for teachers. I felt as if my colleagues and I were working to do our best. I believe that the support that Aspire gave our principal was essential for making this year be so successful. Please continue demanding the best from your teachers and principals!"

Because Aspire is an organization built around the concept of offering choice in the community, the satisfaction and support of our parents and educators is critical to our long-term success.

As Aspire continues to build and operate high-quality schools that make a big difference for students, families and communities, these surveys will continue to be a critical component to ensuring that Aspire maintains the highest standards to help more students get to college.