A+ School of Excellence Archive

Red Mountain Ranch has staff has developed a strong framework for their STEM Institute. The teachers are dedicated to implementing the use of STEM in the classroom and through the collaborative us of their Thinker Space. Students are excited about their involvement in the Thinker Space and cannot get enough! This community school is open to students across the district and it is evident that that needs of all students are met by the classified and certified staff.

Zaharis Elementary School deserves an A+ for its commitment to creating a welcoming, positive and supportive environment for all students and staff. With consistent systems in place, including teaming, inquiry based learning, clarity with goals, and community engagement, Zahris fosters academic excellence and a growth-mindset culture where individual needs are met and all students can thrive. Zaharis consistently prioritizes academic achievement, creativity, and social-emotional development while fostering meaningful family and community partnerships. Their passion and dedication to their community is a powerful driving force that allows them to consistently strive for excellence and achieve remarkable results. Zaharis Elementary School exemplifies what it means to be an A+ School of Excellence through its strong commitment to whole-child education, innovative learning experiences, and a deeply supportive school culture. This well-rounded, student-centered approach reflects the core values of the A+ School of Excellence program and makes Zaharis a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.

Jefferson Elementary School is the hub of the community and it is evident there is a strong sense family, kindness, and support. It is a very inclusive environment where all stakeholders feel welcome, important, and valued. Parents and staff see the Principal as visible, involved, responsive, caring and compassionate. She truly cares about the well being of their whole child. Students think school is fun and they want to be at school. They enjoy "family time" by being able to interact and build relationships with students across all grade levels. One parent stated,“To come here is to see Mrs. Montes with open arms. She and her staff are invested. It always starts up top. She surrounds herself with a supportive staff.”

Dobson High School continues to demonstrate excellence, innovation, and collaboration to ensure that students are successful. The Class of 2025 earned over $10.5 million in scholarships, averaging $36,000 per student, while the school saw a 9% increase in math proficiency and 7% increase in science proficiency through data-driven instruction. The school launched three specialized College & Career Academies in Health and Medical Sciences, Public Service, and Digital Media and Creative Arts, and the number of students earning CTE industry certificates more than doubled from 68 to 145 in a single year. Dobson fosters a strong culture of inclusion, with over 50 student clubs, fully integrated special education programs, and reclassification rates for English learners rising from 10.4% to 15.4% since 2023. Community engagement is a cornerstone of the school, highlighted by an annual junior mock interview project with local business leaders, a biannual Makers Market, and a ceramics-and-culinary fundraiser that raised over $4,000 for a local food bank. Massive student-led events like Unity Week and Culture Fest draw over 700 participants celebrating international cultures, contributing to a campus widely described as a safe and welcoming environment. Staff stability has improved significantly, with decreased teacher turnover and a collaborative leadership model that empowers teachers through weekly Professional Learning Communities. Overall, Dobson has undergone a remarkable transformation, building a school community defined by academic achievement, innovative programming, and a genuine culture of care for every student.

ECFI is a remarkable school characterized for its comprehensive approach to supporting students. The school utilizes various effective strategies to ensure student success and well being. The school places a strong emphasis on standards-based assessments, with strategic instruction specifically geared towards improving AZELLA scores. Aliento, the innovative learning platform, has been seamlessly integrated into the educational framework. Counseling staff is out in classrooms and are actively intervening to help students. Adults are present everywhere, know the students, and are tuned into their well being. Teacher collaboration centers on strategies to meet individual needs. Recess is well-supervised, promoting appropriate behavior and social development. What truly sets this school apart is its unwavering commitment to prioritizing students' needs, ranging from basic necessities to academic and behavioral support. The pervasive presence of caring adults who are attuned to the well-being of students creates a nurturing atmosphere. Collaborative efforts among staff ensure that individual needs are met, and the school is led by a strong leadership team that firmly believes in the capacity of every student. Students-first philosophy drives decision-making at every level, making this institution a obvious choice for A+ School of Distinction recognition.

Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School deserves the A+ designation for its exceptional dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enriching educational environment. The school excels in building strong communication between teachers, parents, and students, utilizing tools like apps and emails to ensure seamless collaboration. Parents commend the nurturing atmosphere, the emphasis on safety, and the efforts to involve them in the community, even amidst busy schedules. The school goes above and beyond with individualized support, offering programs for students with special needs, counseling, tutoring, and creative learning experiences such as after-school clubs and the sixth-grade Mexican restaurant project. Through traditions like the Senior Parade and the “grad walk,” Rattlesnake Ridge instills a sense of pride and belonging, creating lifelong connections. With its focus on character building, PBIS badges for kindness, special classes in PE, music, and art, and dedicated teachers who actively participate in leadership and decision-making, Rattlesnake Ridge stands out as a family-like community that inspires academic and personal growth for all its students.