A+ School of Excellence Archive

When you visit Senita Valley Elementary, you will embrace a family setting where students are at the heart of all decision making. It is evident that great care has gone into making Senita Valley safe, immaculate, and a leader in the state for teaching and learning. When we spoke with the staff about what makes Senita Valley so special, they had numerous stories, but the overwhelming sense of pride for the staff was relationships. The staff truly value the intentional relationships that are created with students, one another, and their community. They love their students and champion their successes.
Senita Valley offers multiple opportunities for students and families to engage with their community, from clubs, community events , home visits, site council, or simply through a phone conversation. One testament to the feeling of home that Senita Valley offers is the fact that so many staff members were once parents, volunteers, and now a part of the Senita Valley staff. Even if their children leave, it is apparent that the staff remains and the reasons abound.
Thank you to Senita Valley for welcoming the A+ judges with open arms and for sharing what makes you special with each of us. You are an A+ School of Excellence!

Located in the heart of Corona de Tucson, Sycamore is proud to be the first elementary school located in Corona de Tucson and truly represents a neighborhood school. The students will agree that at Sycamore Elementary School, everyone is included! Kindness and consideration are prevalent, and teachers genuinely care about their students, as well as make learning interesting. Because of this, students genuinely love their teachers and it shows! Displayed across campus are mosaics, art, gardens, and student designed projects which provide a welcoming place for visitors and students alike. Mr. Graff the principal has been at the helm for seventeen years, and his consistent, empowering leadership shows. This little gem in the Vail School District is truly deserving of the A+ designation.

McClintock High School is being recommended for the A+ School of Excellence Award because it exemplifies the true spirit of Once a Charger, Always a Charger through its strong sense of community, both on campus and beyond. The Charger Way is reflected in the school’s culture of connection, where staff, students, families, and community partners work together to ensure every student feels supported and valued. McClintock offers diverse opportunities that meet the needs of all learners: academic, extracurricular, and social while maintaining a responsive approach that adapts to student needs and elevates their overall experience. With its commitment to continuous improvement, inclusive practices, and meaningful relationships, McClintock High School stands as a model of excellence and a place where every Charger can thrive.

Mountain Pointe High School stands as a beacon of excellence, celebrating diversity, fostering a family-like atmosphere, and cultivating leadership that empowers others to rise. Under the outstanding leadership of Mrs. Banks, the school has built a culture rooted in relationships, ensuring every student feels seen, respected, and valued. This commitment to inclusivity, connection, and personal growth creates an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Mountain Pointe’s dedication to embracing differences and building strong, meaningful relationships truly embodies what it means to be an A+ school. Congratulations, Pride!

"Tempe High School

Founded in 1908, Tempe High School is the flagship high school in the Tempe Union High School District, boasting a rich 117-year history at the corner of Broadway and Mill, adjacent to Arizona State University. The school received the Arizona Education Foundation’s “A+ School of Excellence” award in 2014 and has proudly earned this prestigious honor again in 2026.

The campus is in immaculate condition, given its age and the years it has endured the Arizona heat. This is a remarkable achievement. Students, known as the Buffaloes, take pride in their environment and consistently pick up after themselves. The bathrooms have recently been upgraded and are clean, with minimal signs of vandalism.

Tempe High School is a generational institution, with many staff members having attended the school as students. The Buffalo Nation feels a strong connection to the school and its achievements. Like many schools across the country, they embrace the mantra “once a (mascot), always a (mascot).” At Tempe High, this sentiment resonates deeply with families in the community.

Students, parents, and guardians report feeling safe on campus, with very few instances of disruption. The security team is exceptional, providing effective coverage despite having only seven guards. Many of these guards also serve as coaches, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere at Tempe High School.

Support staff feel valued within the learning community, describing the environment as family-like. Many support staff members have been promoted from other roles within the school, indicating a low turnover rate. Like many public schools, Tempe High faces the challenge of operating with limited personnel due to funding constraints.

Certified staff at Tempe High recognize the importance of nurturing relationships to achieve high levels of student success. Although they did not explicitly mention collective efficacy as a strategy, they serve as a model for other schools. Teachers willingly sacrifice their lunch hours to support a variety of student clubs and activities, and students feel comfortable seeking help from staff for both academic and personal matters.

During classroom observations, judges noted effective management techniques and inviting environments. Classrooms maintained a respectful tone and focused on clear learning targets. Teachers demonstrated positive attitudes and appeared to enjoy their roles, as reflected in observations and low turnover rates.

The strong culture of the Tempe Buffaloes has been fundamental in shaping the student body, which is generally well-behaved and friendly. Students are proud to attend Tempe High and enthusiastically share their experiences. This positive behavior allows the administration to be proactive rather than reactive, minimizing crises and conflicts during the school day.

Judges expressed concern that the A+ application was completed under the previous principal's leadership, who resigned at the end of June 2025. However, the new principal, Adam Johnson, who was an assistant principal before his promotion, appears to be the icing on a delicious dessert cake.

Even before the end of his first semester, Mr. Johnson shows the poise of a seasoned veteran. His approach focuses on collaboration rather than ego and aligns with existing successful initiatives. He is a highly visible principal who visits classrooms daily, and every focus group highlighted his outstanding communication and follow-through skills during the visit. Principal Johnson also benefits from an excellent administrative team.

A special acknowledgment goes to Shelley Arrendondo, who has served as the athletic director for 29 years. She is considered the school historian and truly embodies the Tempe Buffaloes’ pride.

After earning an A+ in 2014, Tempe High School experienced significant changes, including staff promotions to district offices and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The school faced challenges and might have received a “D” grade if grades had been released during that time. However, it has successfully rebounded to an “A” grade through remarkable academic growth and currently hosts the Arizona I/B Student of the Year on its campus.

We are proud to champion Tempe High School for the Arizona Education Foundation’s prestigious “A+ School of Excellence” program, signifying that the Buffaloes are back and thriving like never before. This revitalized spirit is our heartfelt message to the entire Tempe community, celebrating a legacy of 117 years of academic achievement and proud graduates. We believe that the experience of current and future Buffaloes at Tempe High School will be filled with promise and excellence for everyone who walks through its beautiful learning community."

Tombstone High School (THS) stands as a worthy candidate for A+ School of Excellence recognition due to its exemplary attributes that set it apart in the realm of education. The school boasts robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, providing students with valuable skills and practical knowledge that prepare them for future endeavors. Beyond academics, the unique strength of THS lies in its close-knit familial culture, fostering a sense of belonging and support among students and staff alike. The collaborative spirit is evident in the readiness of all staff members to assist each other, creating a cohesive and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, THS draws students from diverse locations who actively choose to be part of the school community, demonstrating a collective commitment to taking ownership of their campus. This combination of academic excellence, a familial atmosphere, and a strong sense of community renders Tombstone High School highly deserving of A+ School of Excellence recognition.