The Arizona Educational Foundation announced its 2025 A+ School of Excellence Awards. Of the 53 on the list, 12 are in Southern Arizona.
- Andrada Polytechnic High School, Vail School District
- Canyon del Oro High School, Amphitheater Public Schools
- Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology, Central Arizona Valley Inst of Tech
- Desert Shadows Middle School, Nogales Unified School District #1
- The Innovation Academy, Amphitheater Public Schools
- Lawrence W. Cross Middle School, Amphitheater Public Schools
- Mica Mountain High School, Vail School District
- Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary, Marana Unified School District
- Robert M. Bracker Elementary, Nogales Unified School District #1
- Sonoran Science Academy East, Sonoran Schools
- Village Meadows Elementary, Sierra Vista Unified School District
- Wrightson Ridge School, Sahuarita Unified School District
The AEF lists differs from the letter grades given by the Arizona Department of Education, though a school must earn an A or B grade on that report to qualify. Another differentiation is that schools apply for the A+ honor.
The criteria to receive an A+ designation includes
- "Strong leadership that inspires collaboration and embraces professional development
- High-quality teachers and staff who create engaging learning experiences and help students thrive academically and socially
- A rigorous standards-aligned curriculum that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving
- Engaged parents and community involvement; and a student-centered learning approach with extracurricular activities and a safe and nurturing environment."
Three Amphitheater School District schools made the list, while Vail and Nogales school districts had two apiece.
One charter school and one joint technical education school received A-plus grades.
Most of the schools were from the Tucson area, though some in Coolidge, Sierra Vista and Nogales also received the honor.
A list of all 53 schools in the state to receive the honor is available here.
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