53 Arizona schools get A+ School of Excellence Award
The Arizona Educational Foundation developed the recognition 42 years ago to combat negative stereotypes surrounding public schools by spotlighting their successes. The A+ designation can lead to broader recognition, such as the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon Award.
While the award is different from the Arizona State Board of Education's A-F letter grade system, only schools with an A or B rating from the state can qualify for the A+ status.
Hundreds of schools apply every year for the award, according to the foundation. The award is given to schools with qualities such as strong leadership, high-quality teachers and a rigorous curriculum that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
Schools submit applications for the award each August. Staff and a panel of judges then determine which schools warrant an interview and, finally, a site visit. Schools then hold the award for four years, with this year's batch of schools earning the designation for 2025-29.
Over the four-year period, principals of the A+ schools will mentor and develop participants in the foundation's Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona. They'll also assist with training and workshops as part of the Arizona Educational Foundation Academy.
Gilbert Public Schools was the district with the most schools to make the list this year, with six being named an A+ School of Excellence. Kyrene School District had four schools make the cut.
These are the 2025-29 A+ Schools of Excellence:
Canyon del Oro High School
The Innovation Academy
Lawrence W. Cross Middle School
Youngker High School
Black Mountain Elementary
Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology
Bogle Junior High School
Chandler Traditional Academy — Freedom Campus
T. Dale Hancock Elementary
Highland Lakes School
Stetson Hill School
Terramar Academy of the Arts
Ashland Ranch Elementary
Augusta Ranch Elementary
Boulder Creek Elementary
Carol Rae Ranch Elementary
Gilbert Elementary
Quartz Hill Elementary
Greenway High School
Sossaman Middle School
Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy
Kyrene de la Brisas Elementary
Kyrene de las Lomas Elementary
Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary
Nautilus Elementary
Starline Elementary
Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy
Belen Soto Elementary
Verrado Middle School
Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary
Booker T. Washington Elementary
Porter Elementary
Camp Mohave Elementary
Desert Shadows Middle School
Robert M. Bracker Elementary
Clarendon Elementary
Osborn Middle School
Paradise Honors High School
Rim Country Middle School
Zuni Hills Elementary
Wrightson Ridge School
Hohokam Elementary
Navajo Elementary
Pueblo Elementary
Village Meadows Elementary
Sonoran Science Academy East
Aguilar Elementary
Desert Vista High School
Marcos de la Niza High School
Mountain Pointe High School
Andrada Polytechnic High School
Mira Mountain High School
Desert View Elementary
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 53 Arizona schools get A+ School of Excellence Award
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Buzz Feed
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Boston Globe
3 days ago
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Family, friends remember Gabriel House fire victims as strong elders with a knack for storytelling
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