Which Ariz. schools received an A+ this year?
Thirty-six public schools in Arizona received an A+ School of Excellence Award from the Arizona Educational Foundation this year.
The award started in 1983 and recognizes educational excellence in Arizona schools by evaluating success in teaching and learning strategies, student achievement, leadership and community integration.
According to the foundation, the award can boost public confidence in the awarded schools, which may result “in greater parent and community involvement and even serves as an economic driver for some communities.”
Schools must engage in an extensive application process to be eligible for recognition. The foundation said the application process provides educators with a comprehensive framework that can be a basis for school self-assessment and planning.
How are A+ schools chosen?
The schools that apply for the award are evaluated on several fronts, including student focus and support, school culture, active teaching and learning, curriculum, leadership, community and parent involvement and assessment data.
The free application involves multiple steps, starting with an online written application, which a panel reviews.
If the written application is successful, a team of judges visits the school and vets its programs and activities.
Throughout the process, schools must show high academic achievement or growth over time. Schools must also detail the school’s leadership and commitment to excellence, equity and service.
The schools that are awarded the accolade receive $500 and a banner.
The requirements to be eligible to apply for the recognition include:
● Applying schools must be an Arizona-accredited public school or school operating under the Bureau of Indian
Education.
● In the most recent rating, applying schools must be rated as an A or B institution by the Arizona Department of Education.
● The principal must have completed at least two complete and consecutive years as the school leader.
What the A+ recognition means to educators
Jack Barnes Elementary School in Queen Creek was one of the schools awarded this year. The principal said she was proud to see the school recognized for its hard work.
“This award recognizes the outstanding instruction and culture we have at JBE, letting our community and parents know that we not only have high expectations for ourselves and our students, but we meet and exceed those high expectations,” Principal Dawn Kennaugh said.
Northwest Valley schools Canyon Ridge School, El Mirage Elementary School and Willow Canyon High School, all part of the Dysart Unified School District, also received the award.
More than 90% of Dysart Unified’s schools received an A or B grade in 2022 from the Education Department. Over the past 13 years, Dysart has had 11 schools receive the A+ accolade.
“In Dysart, we strive to compete at
the highest level, and I could not be more proud of these schools for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Superintendent Jim Dean. “Canyon Ridge, El Mirage Elementary, and Willow Canyon are clearly doing great things, which is reflective of the hard work that our staff does each and every day.”
Which schools received A+ School of Excellence Award in 2023?
The Arizona Educational Foundation announced the 2023 A+ School of Excellence award winners on Feb. 22.
The list below includes all the schools that received the award this year, separated by school district.
Chandler Unified School District
● John and Carol Carlson Elementary School
Creighton Elementary School District
●
Deer Valley Unified School District
● Deer Valley High School
● Legend Springs Elementary School
● Sandra Day O’Connor High School
● Sierra Verde STEAM Academy Dysart Unified School District
● Canyon Ridge School
● El Mirage Elementary
● Willow Canyon High School Flowing Wells Unified School District
● Flowing Wells High School
Biltmore Preparatory Academy
Gilbert Unified School District
● Highland Park Elementary School
● Neely Traditional Academy
● Oak Tree Elementary School
● Sonoma Ranch Elementary
● Val Vista Lakes Elementary School Glendale Union High School District
●
Washington High School Higley Unified School District
● Higley High School
Kyrene Elementary School District
● Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School
● Kyrene de la Paloma Elementary School
● Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary School
● Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School
Litchfield Elementary School District
● Rancho Santa Fe Elementary
● Verrado Elementary School
Mesa Unified School District
● Franklin East Elementary
● Red Mountain High School
● Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School
● Shepherd Junior High School
● Whitman Elementary School Pendergast Elementary School District
● Garden Lakes Elementary
Phoenix Elementary School District
● Kenilworth Elementary School Queen Creek Unified School District
● Jack Barnes Elementary School Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District
● Rio Rico High School
Tempe Elementary School District
● Nevitt Elementary School
Vail Unified District
● Senita Valley Elementary School
● Vail Blended Learning Washington Elementary School District
● Acacia Elementary School
Renata Cló is a reporter on The Arizona Republic’s K-12 education team. You can reach her at rclo@arizonarepublic.com and follow her on Twitter @renataclo.