Kino Learning Center

We found this school this year and are beyond thrilled, I never knew my kids could thrive in school but this model of education.

I first heard about Kino six months before moving to Tucson, from an education specialist who thought it might be a good fit for my ASD child. Taking a tour, I could see not just my ASD child, but my neuro-typical children thriving there as well. Six years later, I have two kids attending Kino. They are safe to explore their academic, technological, and artistic interests -- and to discover themselves.

Kino School has been wonderful for my teenage son - who has high-functioning Autism. The classes are small, and the teachers are attentive. The educational approach is student-centered which allows for independence of ideas and projects with faculty support. We feel quite lucky to have found Kino!

Our child was bullied in middle school and the administration said they were "handling it." They were not. In addition, every class had 30+ students, intensive, nightly homework, and weekly tests. Something had to change. Through a recommendation from another Kino alum, we found Kino School. Our anxious, unhappy, hostile child became once again, the happy, enthusiastic child we once had. Kino believes that children should be children first and not a slave to homework. Kino helps its students develop a love of learning through all modalities and hands-on experiences. Integrity, empathy, self-direction, responsibility, and respect are but of few of the character traits expected of a Kino student. Thirty hours of community service for all high school students is a requirement. Scholarships and financial aid are available so attending this private school are well within the reach of any family. The proof of Kino School's success is that our child often tells us, "Thank you for sending me to this school!"

My son started Kindergarten off without being able to read and was showing signs of dyslexia. After moving from Dallas to Tucson, we were looking for an alternative to public schools and we found it. A friend suggested we enroll our son in the Kino School and we did just that. Kino has a 3-day trial program where kids and faculty get to see if it's a good fit. Three years later, our son has progressed more than we could have hoped for. The small attentive classrooms, coupled with individualized learning have helped him move years ahead of where he would be in public school. I highly recommend Kino for anyone looking for an alternative to public schools.

My son did not start at Kino until the 9th grade and if I could go back and do it all again, I would enroll him from 1st grade. My son has learning disabilities and school has always been a struggle for him. We have moved him to multiple different schools, from the public sector to charter schools, trying to find a good fit for him and his educational needs. All fell short until we found Kino. The differences I see in my son are something I never thought possible. Not only is he learning far more than he did at any other school, but he is also HAPPY. Before Kino, he was a quiet kid with low self-esteem. When asked how school went, I was lucky if I got more than a "good" out of him. Now, he comes home with so many stories about his day and all of the cool things he learned. By providing a fluid and flexible environment that works best for him, he not only looks forward to going to school, and has actually asked to stay after school a few days a week. Change can be scary, but I am so thankful we took the leap. Kino has changed my son in so many amazing ways and I cannot recommend them enough.

We absolutely love Kino which has been a life-changer for us! Our son started public school in first grade which did not go well. He would literally fight us every day about going to school. Even in first grade, they were given homework which created conflict at home because he was so resistant to doing homework after just having been in school all day long. Honestly, I don't blame him and I think homework at that age is quite ridiculous and not healthy.The teachers and students at the public school were all kind and helpful, but our son just could not fit in the mold forced on children in public school. Thankfully we discovered Kino! It has been a total life changer and now our son actually wants to go to school. As we were nearing the holidays he even told me "Dad I wish all holidays fell on the weekend so I didn't have to miss any school". He even wants to stay in after school most days because he loves it there so much. Kino is the way school should be done. I only wish I had Kino when I was a child. In my opinion, the most thing in any school is to teach the students a love for learning. Kino does that beautifully!

Kino school has been a lifesaver for my son and our entire family. My son (now age 9) wasn`t able to function or learn in a public school classroom with 28 students. He was miserable and would fight daily about going to school and doing homework. Now at Kino, he is happily thriving with the family-like atmosphere, small class size, stellar outdoor space, and individualized teaching style. The teachers are experts in diverse fields, and students are allowed to pursue their many interests whether that be recording music, incubating chicken eggs, making mixed media artwork, or 3D printing a new computer design. The students at Kino get to move their bodies, be outside, play, and enjoy reading and learning instead of being stuck bored behind a desk all day.

Our family has been blessed to be associated with Kino School for the past nine years. Our son went there for two years, in the 7th and 8th grades. Being at Kino for his Junior Hight years was just what he needed. It is such a hard age in life, I knew he was well taken care of at Kino. He became less stressed and more confident. Kino had a positive impact on how he was able to navigate his high school years at a large public school. Our daughter has been at Kino since kindergarten and is now in the seventh grade. The school could not be more perfect for her. She is given the freedom to use her creativity and to try many of the ideas she comes up with. She has had the ability to explore MANY activities and subjects and learn what excites her. She has learned to be very comfortable around all people in the world all those who look and act differently than her. She has learned to communicate with, lead, cooperate with, accept and care for others. Their student-led, hands-on approach includes an animal center, tool shop, science lab, music room, and multiple field trips. Kino truly is a school where life is learning.

Kino School has been and continues to be an amazing experience for our children and family. We appreciate the family-friendly start time, we can drop our children off between 8:00 am and 8:30 am. Kino's no homework philosophy has meant more quality time with our children after school, and fewer arguments. Kino has an animal center where we volunteer on the weekends to feed animals. Within a few months, we noticed a change in how our children communicated with us--there was a new depth and understanding. Our children actually enjoyed telling us about their day at school and they made new friends quickly. Conversations with teachers are frequent and focused on learning and the skills/behaviors needed to be contributing members of the Kino School. If you are looking for options for your children, I highly encourage you to pick up the phone and call. Schedule a tour for yourself and a 3-day visit for your child(ren). We considered several schools including Basis Oro Valley, The Academy of Arts & Sciences, and Desert Christian School. We selected Kino School because 90% of its graduates go on to complete college education and contribute to the betterment of their community.

This is an oasis for kids not built for traditional schools. I owe them 100% for helping get my son graduated. We had been in and out of many schools trying to find the right fit. Thank God for them because my son is now 23, bought his first home at 21 and is successfully running his own business. Kino saved my family and I am forever in debt! If your child is struggling in public school, you owe your child an opportunity to learn and grow here. You won`t be disappointed!

Most important in education and in my child's education is building relationships. Students at Kino are fostered and cared for not only academically but also emotionally in the most positive way. This is best for creating happy healthy members of our society.

Kino School actually covers all grade levels through 12th Grade. The academic programs are unique in that they are truly designed around the students . I have 2 sons that attend, 7th and 9th graders, and they are learning and having fun at the same time. They go out on field trips all the time - since learning and life are one.