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53 Arizona schools get A+ School of Excellence Award

Fifty-three Arizona schools have been named A+ School of Excellence Award recipients by the group that names Arizona's teacher of the year. 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