48 Arizona Public Schools Earn the A+ School of Excellence Award

February 18, 2026

Phoenix, Ariz., February 18, 2026 – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) announced 48 Arizona public schools have qualified for the prestigious A+ School of Excellence Award®. The A+ School of Excellence Award is the highest state-level recognition given to a public school.

The A+ School of Excellence adjudication process was initially developed 43 years ago as a way of identifying which Arizona public schools would be recommended for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award.

Hundreds of schools apply each year to obtain this highly sought after designation, which is given to those who demonstrate attributes that define the best of the best in education. Some of the qualities judges look for include: strong leadership that inspires collaboration and embraces professional development; high-quality teachers and staff who create engaging learning experiences and help students thrive academically and socially; a rigorous standards-aligned curriculum that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving; engaged parents and community involvement; and a student-centered learning approach with extracurricular activities and a safe and nurturing environment.

“A+ designation isn’t something that simply happens,” said Brett Bonner, AEF’s Director of Professional Development and Dean of the AEF Academy. “It’s the result of unrelenting dedication to excellence in all areas of education, innovation, and community involvement.”

The selection process begins each August when schools submit an online application. From there, AEF staff and a panel of judges determine which schools warrant an interview and finally, a site visit. All judges must be either A+ School of Excellence recipients or have previously served in an A+ School of Excellence. The recognition covers a four-year period, with this year’s group earning the 2026-2030 designation. During that time, the A+ School principals will mentor and develop participants in AEF’s Principal’s Leadership Academy of Arizona, a professional development program for new and aspiring school leaders. Additionally, the A+ school leaders and administrators will assist with training and workshops as part of the AEF Academy.

Not to be confused with the “A-F” rating system given by the Arizona Department of Education, the A+ School of Excellence Award is open to any school with an “A” or “B” rating that meets all facets of exemplary practices. The schools that earn the designation show a strong commitment to academic excellence; respond successfully to the changing environment of education; cultivate learning-centered, safe school environments; encourage innovative instruction by supporting teachers; and demonstrate superior ability to go above and beyond the norm in providing services to children, families, and the local community.

“A+ School recognition began in 1983 as a way of identifying and celebrating exceptional public schools throughout Arizona,” said AEF Chief Executive Officer Kim Graham. “But it doesn’t only benefit those who are recognized. The application process itself is a useful self-assessment tool for schools. It provides a framework to analyze what they’re doing and how they can improve. AEF then facilitates learning and mentorship opportunities, so schools have tangible paths to progress. In that way, every school benefits and everyone wins.”

Schools interested in applying for the 2027-2031 A+ Schools of Excellence Award can learn more about the program and sign up for updates at www.azedfoundation.org/a-schools.

The 2026-2030 A+ School of Excellence® schools are:

  1. Anasazi Elementary School, Scottsdale Unified School District
  2. Apollo High School, Glendale Union High School District
  3. Campo Verde High School, Gilbert Public Schools
  4. Carrillo K-5 Communication and Creative Arts Magnet School, Tucson Unified School District
  5. Chandler High School, Chandler Unified School District
  6. Continental Elementary School, Continental Elementary School District #39
  7. Cooley Middle School, Higley Unified School District
  8. Copper Creek Elementary School, Amphitheater Public Schools
  9. Copper Ridge Elementary School, Vail Unified School District
  10. Cortina Elementary School, Higley Unified School District
  11. Dobson High School, Mesa Public Schools
  12. EduPrize Gilbert, EDUPRIZE Schools
  13. EduPrize San Tan Valley, EDUPRIZE Schools
  14. Estrella Foothills Global Academy, Laveen Elementary School District
  15. Gilbert Classical Academy, Gilbert Public Schools
  16. Haley Elementary School, Chandler Unified School District
  17. Winifred Harelson Elementary School, Amphitheater Public Schools
  18. Helen Keeling Elementary School, Amphitheater Public Schools
  19. Highland Junior High School, Gilbert Public Schools
  20. Howard K. Conley Elementary School, Chandler Unified School District
  21. Huachuca Mountain Elementary School, Sierra Vista Unified School District
  22. John Jacobs Elementary School, Washington Elementary School District
  23. John M Andersen Elementary School, Chandler Unified School District
  24. Julia Randall Elementary School, Payson Unified School District
  25. Kerr Center for Agriscience, Mesa Public Schools
  26. Kiva Elementary School, Scottsdale Unified School District
  27. Knox Gifted Academy, Chandler Unified School District
  28. Kyrene de los Lagos Elementary School, Kyrene Elementary District
  29. Kyrene del Norte Elementary School, Kyrene Elementary District
  30. Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School, Kyrene Elementary District
  31. Lincoln Elementary School, Prescott Unified School District
  32. Littleton STEM Academy, Littleton Elementary School District
  33. Marana High School, Marana Unified School District
  34. Maurice C. Cash Elementary School, Laveen Elementary School District
  35. McClintock High School, Tempe Union High School District
  36. Metcalf Elementary School, Morenci Unified School District
  37. Navarrete Elementary School, Chandler Unified School District
  38. Pantano High School, Vail Unified School District
  39. Playa del Rey Elementary School, Gilbert Public Schools
  40. Redfield Elementary School, Scottsdale Unified School District
  41. Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School, Peoria Unified School District
  42. Sentinel Peak High School, Flowing Wells Unified School District
  43. Silver Valley Elementary School, Queen Creek Unified School District
  44. Sunrise Drive Elementary School, Catalina Foothills Unified School District
  45. Tempe High School, Tempe Union High School District
  46. Ventana Vista Elementary School, Catalina Foothills Unified School District
  47. Vernon Elementary School, Vernon Elementary School District
  48. James K Zaharis Elementary School, Mesa Public Schools

About AEF
Since 1983, the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) has been at the frontlines of Arizona’s PreK–12 public education system celebrating excellence and addressing persistent challenges facing schools, educators, and students. Founded by former Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner, AEF is the state’s only education foundation charged with elevating Arizona education by showcasing schools and educators that exemplify best practices and to confront issues facing schools and educators. As such, our 11 statewide initiatives serve as beneficial interventions that help increase academic opportunities for schools, build leadership pipelines, support teacher retention, and expand opportunities for students and districts who too often go without. Public education is the heart of a community, and AEF remains focused on ensuring every student, in every community, has access to the resources, educators, and opportunities required to succeed. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org or email info@azedfoundation.org.