GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) recently announced 48 schools in Arizona that have earned the A+ Schools of Excellence designation and Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School in the Peoria Unified School District is among those being recognized. Recognition as an A+ School of Excellence by the AEF is the highest state-level recognition given to any Arizona public school.
Through a rigorous application and interview process, Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School exhibited excellence in the following areas: strong leadership that inspires collaboration and embraces professional development; high-quality teachers and staff who create engaging learning experiences and help students thrive academically; 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.
"Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School is Peoria Unified’s second A+ School of Excellence, and I am so proud to have them receive the recognition that they deserve. I want to commend the students, staff, families and community for working so hard to receive this remarkable achievement," said Dr. KC Somers, Peoria Unified’s superintendent.
The Peoria Unified School District has 43 neighborhood schools, including one virtual school designed to meet the needs of all preK-12th grade students. For the past 135 years, Peoria Unified has been an Arizona public school district of choice, where students can receive a high-quality education rooted in the values that their families share. Students experience the best in academics, athletics and arts education where education is personalized to meet the needs of each child. Peoria Unified invests in programs which prepare every student for a successful future, including free full-day kindergarten, special education, gifted education and career and technical education. To continue its long history of success, the district maintains its focus on five key components of its strategic framework: Student Success, Learning and Teaching, Safety and Wellness, Stewardship of Resources and Parent and Community Engagement. The Peoria Unified School District continuously pursues its vision of “Every student, every day, prepared to shape tomorrow.”