A+ School of Excellence Archive

Mountain Shadows Elementary is a "Leader In Me LIghthouse School" that is creating leaders at school, and home. This distincition was awarded by the Franklin Covey Co. in 2018 and recertified as a Lighthouse School in July 2020. These traits are postiviely impacting the personal and professional lives of students, staff and families. Mountain Shadows has developed a strong sense of community amongst all of its stakeholders, evidenced by the testimony of parents and their families who have been at Mountain Shadows for generations. They are also recognized as a Model PLC at Work School where teacher teams meet regularly to analyze student data to inform their instruction. Despite the many challenges all schools have experienced over the last couple of years, Mountain Shadows has continued to show positive academic growth under the caring and compassionate leadership of their Principal, Dr. Janet Gilbert.

Willow Canyon High School has created an inclusive, accepting, cohesive learning environment centered around their “winning culture” where students and teachers strive for high levels of achievement in all facets of the school. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Adam Schwartz, student success is placed at the center of decision-making and a focus on caring about students is evident. The culture of mutual respect and support between students and staff shines through when you walk on campus, as evidenced by students describing teachers that “push you but are open to your ideas”, “invest in us as individuals,” and are “always helping you to get better!” Parents rave about Willow Canyon as a school that is “welcoming” and “awesome” with a positive culture where students “don’t have to be perfect to be supported” and the administration who “listens and gives help” when needed. The faculty at Willow Canyon has been consistent for the past three years due to the support of the administration; staying because they see Willow Canyon as “community”, “culture”, “growth”, “ambitious”, “supportive”, and “home”. Due to the outstanding efforts of all involved, we are proud to announce that Willow Canyon High School has earned the A+ School of Excellence Award from the Arizona Education Foundation.

EDUPRIZE Gilbert is truly all about the kids, doing whatever it takes to help every student succeed and master the content with confidence. Teachers go above and beyond, creating a kind, welcoming, and safe environment where learning is fun, hands-on, and even filled with humor. Instruction is thoughtful and supportive—students are encouraged to try their best, correct their work, and fully understand concepts rather than just complete assignments. EDUPRIZE Gilbert evolves with its students, meeting their changing needs while maintaining strong academics and a passion for excellence. Congratulations EDUPRIZE Gilbert for your well-deserved 6th A+ School of Excellence award! Congratulations!

The words family, culture, offerings, acceptance, responsiveness, and intentional are all used that were used by the staff, students, parents, and community members to describe the experience they've had at OHS. It is clear from the time we spent on the campus that from the top down this is a place where students are at the center of it all. We experienced classrooms where teachers set high expectations and design lessons that pull kids into the learning. We heard kids describe their school as a community that worked together to provide the support they needed both academically and emotionally. We listened to parents and community members list a myriad of reasons that they choose to send their kids to OHS over other options because they felt that no matter the interests there was something for their child. We sat with the administrative team as they described not only the challenges the school has faced and the steps that were taken to address those challenges, but more importantly, heard them express their optimism for what lies ahead as well as their gratitude to the staff, students, and community members for their commitment to the Eagles.

OHS is undoubtedly a special place and one we feel has earned the A+ Award of Excellence.