A+ School of Excellence Archive

Nautilus Elementary School deserves an A+ for its commitment to creating a welcoming, positive and supportive environment for all students and staff. The school prioritizes data-driven decision-making, ensuring continuous improvement and transparency with all stakeholders. With consistent systems in place, including attendance, mission and vision, community engagement and clarity with goals, Nautilus fosters stability, academic excellence and a growth-mindset culture where individual needs are met and all students can thrive. The school has an inclusive feel and every stakeholder goes above and beyond for the students and school as a whole. The school motto is Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. Nautilus Elementary embodies this motto and it is evident to any person who steps foot on their campus. Their passion and dedication to their community is a powerful driving force that allows them to consistently strive for excellence and achieve remarkable results.

"The A+ team recommends Paradise Honors High School receive the A+ School of Excellence designation.

The culture of Paradise Honors High School is strong and student-centered. The staff of Paradise Honors High School are extremely committed to providing a wide range of academic offerings to their students and an environment that makes the well-being of their students a top priority."

"Quartz Hill Elementary should be awarded the AEF A+ designation for several compelling reasons, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and a positive school culture.

The school provides a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background. By implementing inclusive teaching practices and offering additional resources for students with diverse needs, Quartz Hill ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Awarding Quartz Hill Elementary the AEF A+ designation would acknowledge the school’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and the overall success of its students."

The vision statement of the small-town and family-oriented Rim Country Middle School in the Payson Unified School District is “We are committed to excellence by cultivating the unique skills and abilities of all learners to reach their greatest potential.” The Rim Country learning community’s strong belief in this vision is evident through their shared “students first” perspective; inclusive and supportive environment and programs; collaboration and communication; active community involvement; and willingness to embrace growth and change.

Robert M. Bracker Elementary is a gem of a school in Nogales Arizona. A K-5 school, students showed pride and love for their school, teachers, staff, and principal. During the staff meeting, they reiterated repeatedly that they are so successful because they care about their students and have a strong bond and connection. They also relentlessly pursue data, using enrich and reteach strategies to help students reach their goals. The parents insisted that they were constantly made a part of the school, and indeed parent volunteers were everywhere, working with students, building floats, preparing for the upcoming choir concert, and helping teachers. Much of this hard work is fostered by the Parent Engagement Coordinator. However, the students said it best. They admitted it was an A+ school because the teachers and administration always help them to do their best and work hard, and they love it! Situated on a beautiful campus that looked more like a resort with a homemade stained glass window in the media center, Bracker could not have been more welcoming. Led by Joshua Payne the principal, teachers, and staff agreed it was "night and day" with his efforts to be there when needed. He knows every name, students, parents, and even grandparents. He is open to listening, supportive, and above all, cares! Braker is totally deserving of the A+ School of Excellence Designation.

Sonoran Science Academy -East truly believes every child can learn and achieve. Students in class were engaged in academics, group projects, and interactive lessons. The entire staff felt they were a family, and individuals could be themselves. Support staff especially felt as though they had a voice. Rich in administrative leadership (a Principal, Dean of Students, and a Dean of Academics, the school has a vision for what they want to implement next, especially in STEM. One paraprofessional pointed out that they didn't just have rigor, but they truly identified students' needs and met them where they were in order to close gaps and build academic achievement. Adults are invested in student success through "reteach and enrich", and the data demonstrates that. Students are happy, feel supported, and also voiced that there was little or no bullying. The students were incredibly polite: greeting judges in the hallways, asking if we needed directions or help, and coming up in classes or recess and introducing themselves or chatting. This occurred over and over again. The judges all voiced that they had never felt more welcome by a student body.

In an A+ visit, the judges are tasked with verifying that what is represented on a school’s application is observable and evidenced in person. Starline’s A+ application was written by 9 primary authors and 14 contributing authors including leadership, instructional staff, classified staff, and community members. As we came to learn during our time at Starline, this team approach with community partnership permeates every aspect of the school culture. The application boldly spoke of the Starline school community in absolutes such as “we are all advocates for our children and want the same goals,” “every person who comes into our building are all learners and teachers,” “every student and adult is a leader,” “training is available to all stakeholders,” “every child is treated with the same dignity and intentional support as if they were our own,” “protocols allow all voices of stakeholders and staff to be heard,” “all students and staff feel valued.” “we are all committed to learning, sharing, and using PBIS,” “every staff member impacts students,” “all students are taught to be responsible, “all goals are based on student growth data,” “all our kids are all our kids,” “every decision focuses on student impact,” “each student’s potential becomes a reality,” “all staff go above and beyond for students every day,” and “our specialty is being all in for all kids.” “All” can be found 175 times when searched in their application, “each” can be found 168 times, and “every” can be found 67 times. This means that if there was any evidence of a single child, staff member, family member, or community member for which these absolute statements did not apply, their application could not be verified, and they would not be awarded the A+ designation. For Starline, this was not the case. Their alignment, commitment, love, and pride for their school is a testament of absolutes and was evidenced in each, every, and all among their school community. They are a shining star in Lake Havasu, and in the State of Arizona as an exemplar in educational programing, school culture and climate, and a safe and secure place for students to grow, learn, and thrive. Congratulations on this very much well-deserved achievement. You are the definition of an A+ School of Excellence.

Terramar Academy of the Arts truly deserves an A+ recognition for its exceptional commitment to education and the arts. The school’s exemplary application and on-site visit highlight a culture of excellence, where staff members work collaboratively, sharing responsibilities and celebrations to create a positive and supportive environment. Students demonstrate compassion and leadership by helping one another, fostering a strong sense of community. High open enrollment numbers and impressive academic growth achievement reflect the school’s ability to attract and nurture learners. Terramar’s dedication to the whole child is evident in its varied arts and performing arts programs, including ceramics, an artist-in-residence initiative, and band, chorus, and piano lab offerings, all of which cultivate creativity and self-expression. With high expectations, welcoming staff, and a focus on holistic development, Terramar Academy of the Arts is a shining example of educational excellence.

Innovation Academy exemplifies the highest standards of educational excellence and stands out as a premier institution deserving of the A+ School of Excellence Award. Below are the key factors that demonstrate why Innovation Academy is a model of success:

Project-Based Learning: At the heart of Innovation Academy’s approach is its commitment to project-based learning, fostering a dynamic, hands-on environment that encourages students to engage in real-world challenges. This approach not only deepens understanding but also prepares students for future careers by developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative skills.

An Amazing Place to Work: The faculty and staff at Innovation Academy are passionate and dedicated, creating a workplace culture that is both motivating and supportive. The school provides a professional, nurturing environment where educators feel valued and empowered to innovate. This positive atmosphere translates directly into effective teaching, which is evident in the students' success.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Innovation Academy consistently uses data to inform instructional practices and enhance student outcomes. The school closely monitors student progress through regular assessments and adapts its teaching strategies to ensure that every learner receives the attention and resources they need to thrive.Meeting the Needs of Students and Staff: The school recognizes the diverse needs of both students and staff, offering personalized support and a range of resources. Whether it's academic tutoring, behavioral support, or professional development for teachers, Innovation Academy is committed to providing the necessary tools and strategies for success.

Addressing Social and Emotional Needs: Beyond academics, Innovation Academy prioritizes the well-being of its students and staff. The school implements programs that address social and emotional learning (SEL), helping students develop resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills. The positive school culture fosters a sense of belonging, reducing stress and enhancing overall student success.

Cultivating a Love of Learning: Innovation Academy fosters a genuine love of learning by making education both engaging and meaningful. Teachers create dynamic learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire students to take ownership of their education. This passion for learning instills a lifelong desire for knowledge in all students.

"Unanimously, the judges for the Village Meadows Elementary School Site Visit
recommend this school to receive the Arizona Education Foundation, A+ School of Excellence in Education Award for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Principal Michelle Wambach has earned the respect of all of her stakeholders and her transparent leadership instills confidence in her teachers, staff and the
Village Meadows community. The positive atmosphere is authentic and reaches
each and every member of this A+ School. Highlights from our visit include the
overwhelming show of collegiality which was evidenced at every level of the
certified and classified staff members. The Customer Service starts in the
office and is observable in every room on campus. The staff at Village Meadows are true champions for each and every child as well as for each other.

Principal Wambach walks her talk and honors everyone for their skills and allows
each member of the Village Meadows Family to contribute and students to lead. She values opinions and listens in order to communicate the best outcomes for the school community. Staff is empowered and strive to be their best utilizing the 'best practices' that are consistently taught in Professional Development and followed up by the principal. Each member is invested. Consistent expectations for academic and behavioral goals are evident across this school.

Staff value the importance of genuine and authentic relationships with ALL
students and families. Students are leaders in their education at VMES.

Students, staff, and community members all agree that Village Meadows Elementary School is a safe place with high expectations. It is a true family.
Over and over we heard that families are blessed to enroll their children in this school. It is a place that all staff members know every students name and story in this tight community. This makes it hard for student to fall through the cracks.

It is a pleasure for this team to recommend Village Meadows Elementary School for its first A+ School of Excellence Award. They have truly earned this recognition as a TEAM!"