A+ School of Excellence Archive

Arizona Charter Academy has proven to provide academic success for a variety of students. Their use of ongoing assessment data allows for immediate intervention and enrichment support of all students. The staff champion one another and speak highly of both their collaboration with leadership and colleagues, while also maintaining a high degree of autonomy. The school is recognized for working with students from diverse backgrounds and providing opportunities for connection to their larger community.

Navajo Elementary School provides an inclusive environment for staff, students, parents, and community members. There is a strong sense of community and pride on campus and it was evident that teachers have built close relationships with their students and know their strengths and weaknesses. Parents feel very welcome on campus and are invited to attend many school and community events throughout the year. STEAM is a focus in all classrooms on campus, fostering an environment that values discovery, innovation, continuous learning, and problem solving. There is a high teacher retention rate and staff love coming work. We highly recommend Navajo Elementary School for the A+ School of Excellence designation!

Rio Rico High School is a gem in southern Arizona. The school is completely student focused. The school strives to connect each student to the school, and to their futures. Starting with the inspirational leadership of principal Mr. Hector Estrada, each member of the staffulty works to ensure that all students are valued, have a voice, and have access to the programs needed to help them be successful. It is clear that the students love their school, feel safe, have connections to caring adults, and get involved with clubs, sports, and special academic programs in great numbers.

While on our site visit, it was apparent that Pueblo Elementary School in Scottsdale, AZ is deserving of an A+ school of excellence award. Their Dual Language programming has not just a focus on fluency but also on becoming global citizens as they set a strong foundation for their students to obtain the Seal of Bi-Literacy. It is the sense of community felt as you walk the halls and enter the classrooms. Staff are focused on positive praise and encouragement which speaks to their philosophy of supporting students not just academically but socially and emotionally. All have a shared responsibility that when they see something, they say something. From all stakeholders, it was apparent that PUEBLO is a “family.”