The top reported proficiency rate is 29% in English language arts. The lowest is 18% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on P.l.c. Charter Schools (6235)
P.L.C. Charter Schools is a K-8 charter district in Maricopa County, Arizona, operating a single school called Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain. The district serves a modest enrollment across kindergarten through eighth grade. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a smaller share of Black students and White students, and very few students from other racial or ethnic groups. Data on free or reduced-price lunch eligibility, special education, and English learner status were not reported, so a clear picture of economic and academic support needs is not available from the information provided. The school's name suggests an arts-oriented program, but no specific course or program offerings were available to confirm that emphasis.
State assessment results show that across math, English language arts, and science, the share of students scoring proficient is low. In math, proficiency rates across grades 3 through 8 fall in a narrow range, with no grade reaching a level that would be considered typical statewide. English language arts results are somewhat higher but still low, with the highest proficiency seen in grade 4 and grade 7. Science results for grades 5 and 8 are also low. Overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades places the district in the bottom quarter among Maricopa County's districts. Only one year of assessment data was available, so no trend in performance can be described.
Chronic absenteeism, a measure of students missing a substantial number of school days, is high and also falls in the bottom quarter relative to other districts in the county. This rate is worth a closer look, as high absenteeism often correlates with lower academic outcomes and may indicate underlying challenges that a family would want to discuss with the school. Spending per student is on the lower side compared to other districts in the county, though not at the very bottom. The district brief noted that a publicly reported internal audit deficiency was found, but no information about lasting curriculum changes, new programs, or tax or referendum changes was available. No data on staffing ratios, discipline, or course access was reported.
Because P.L.C. Charter Schools ends at eighth grade, families must plan for high school in another district or charter. The academic results are well below the county median, which a parent considering this school would want to investigate further by visiting, speaking with staff about how the school supports students who are behind, and asking about the arts program and attendance efforts. The combination of low proficiency, high chronic absenteeism, and limited publicly available program information means that the school may not be a strong fit for families seeking a high-performing academic environment, but a direct conversation with the school could reveal strengths not captured in the data.
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