53 Arizona Public Schools Earn the A+ School of Excellence Award
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Feb 21, 2025
Phoenix, Ariz., February 20, 2025 – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) announced 53 Arizona public schools have qualified for its prestigious A+ School of Excellence Award®. The A+ School of Excellence is the highest state-level recognition given to a public school.
The A+ School of Excellence adjudication process was initially developed 42 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; 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 served in an A+ School of Excellence. The recognition covers a four-year period, with this year’s group earning the 2025-2029 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 2026-2030 A+ Schools of Excellence Award can learn more about the program and sign up for updates at azedfoundation.org/a-schools.
The 2025-2029 A+ School of Excellence® schools are:
1. Aguilar Elementary, Tempe Elementary Schools
2. Andrada Polytechnic High School, Vail School District
3. Ashland Ranch Elementary, Gilbert Public Schools
4. Augusta Ranch Elementary, Gilbert Public Schools
5. Belen Soto Elementary, Litchfield Elementary School District
6. Black Mountain Elementary, Cave Creek Unified School District
7. Bogle Junior High School, Chandler Unified School District
8. Booker T. Washington Elementary, Mesa Public Schools
9. Boulder Creek Elementary, Gilbert Public Schools
10. Camp Mohave Elementary, Mohave Valley School District
11. Canyon del Oro High School, Amphitheater Public Schools
12. Carol Rae Ranch Elementary, Gilbert Public Schools
13. Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology, Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology
14. Clarendon Elementary, Osborn School District
15. Chandler Traditional Academy – Freedom Campus, Chandler Unified School District
16. Desert Shadows Middle School, Nogales Unified School District
17. Desert View Elementary, Washington Elementary School District
18. Desert Vista High School, Tempe Union High School District
19. Gilbert Elementary, Gilbert Public Schools
20. Greenway High School, Glendale Union High School District
21. Highland Lakes School, Deer Valley Unified School District
22. Hohokam Elementary, Scottsdale Unified School District
23. The Innovation Academy, Amphitheater Public Schools
24. Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy, Kyrene School District
25. Kyrene de las Brisas Elementary, Kyrene School District
26. Kyrene de las Lomas Elementary, Kyrene School District
27. Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary, Kyrene School District
28. Lawrence W. Cross Middle School, Amphitheater Public Schools
29. Marcos de Niza High School, Tempe Union High School District
30. Mica Mountain High School, Vail School District
31. Mountain Pointe High School, Tempe Union High School District
32. Nautilus Elementary, Lake Havasu Unified School District
33. Navajo Elementary, Scottsdale Unified School District
34. Osborn Middle School, Osborn School District
35. Paradise Honors High School, Paradise Schools
36. Porter Elementary, Mesa Public Schools
37. Pueblo Elementary, Scottsdale Unified School District
38. Quartz Hill Elementary, Gilbert Public Schools
39. Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary, Marana Unified School District
40. Rim Country Middle School, Payson Unified School District
41. Robert M. Bracker Elementary, Nogales Unified School District
42. Sonoran Science Academy East, Sonoran Schools
43. Sossaman Middle School, Higley Unified School District
44. Starline Elementary, Lake Havasu Unified School District
45. Stetson Hills School, Deer Valley Unified School District
46. T. Dale Hancock Elementary, Chandler Unified School District
47. Terramar Academy of the Arts, Deer Valley Unified School District
48. Verrado Middle School, Litchfield Elementary School District
49. Village Meadows Elementary, Sierra Vista Unified School District
50. Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy, Laveen School District
51. Wrightson Ridge School, Sahuarita Unified School District
52. Youngker High School, Buckeye Union High School District
53. Zuni Hills Elementary, Peoria Unified School District
About AEF
AEF celebrates excellence and cultivates opportunity in Pre-K through 12th grade Arizona public education through a variety of programs. Some of the programs shine a spotlight on excellence while others provide a steppingstone to support schools and educators on the road to awesomeness. AEF was founded in 1983, by then-State Superintendent of Public Education Carolyn Warner and annually reaches almost 600,000 teachers, administrators, and students throughout Arizona. For more information visit azedfoundation.org or email info@azedfoundation.org