RAK magazine Schools, etc. 2020

An annual publication from

2020

Questions to ask when choosing a

K-12 SCHOOL How to create PROBLEM-SOLVERS

ARIZONA’S 2020 TEACHER of the YEAR

Feeling Safe at School FINANCIAL LITERACY

Q&A with AZ’s State Treasurer

Schools and education resources in greater Phoenix Preschools • Private Schools • Charter Schools Public School Districts • Online Learning Programs Special Needs Schools • Education Support

Self Development Academy student Avery (7) of Mesa.

RaisingARIZONAKids

IMAGINE THE

POSSIBILITIES. Developing Character, Enriching Minds Imagine Schools is built upon expectations high enough to live up to a child’s potential. It is imperative for student success that academics go deeper and outcomes go higher. Our values-based culture inspires learners to become leaders. In our non-profit, free public charter schools, success means developing character and enriching minds as we graduate students well-prepared for college, career, and life.

FIND A SCHOOL NEAR YOU

Imagine serves students on twelve school campuses throughout the Greater Phoenix Area.

At Imagine we: • Value parents as partners in their child’s education • Promote academic excellence • Instill values of Justice, Integrity and Fun in our students IMAGINE CAMPUSES

IMAGINE HIGH SCHOOLS

Imagine Avondale PreK-8 Van Buren and Dysart 623.344.1730 ImagineAvondale.org

Imagine Coolidge K-5 AZ 87 and Vah Ki Inn 520.723.5391 ImagineCoolidge.org

Imagine East Mesa PreK-8 Southern and Crismon 480.355.6830 ImagineEastMesa.org

Imagine Prep Coolidge 6-12 AZ 87 and Vah Ki Inn 520.424.2790 ImaginePrepCoolidge.org

Imagine Bell Canyon PreK-8 Union Hills and I-17 602.547.7920 ImagineBellCanyon.org

Imagine Cortez Park K-8 Dunlap and 35th Ave 602.589.9840 CortezPark.org

Imagine Rosefield PreK-5 Cactus and Bullard 623.344.4300 ImagineRosefield.org

Imagine Prep Superstition 6-12 Southern and Ironwood 480.355.0530 ImaginePrep.org

Imagine Camelback K-8 Camelback and 19th Ave 602.344.4620 ImagineCamelback.org

Desert West Elementary K-5 Desert West Middle 6-8 McDowell and 67th Ave 623.344.7150 DWDragons.org

Imagine West Gilbert PreK-8 Ray and Gilbert 480.855.2700 ImagineWestGilbert.org

Imagine Prep Surprise 6-12 Reems Rd and Acoma Rd 623.344.1770 SurprisePrep.org

For more information, please visit imagineschools.org

Public Charter Schools Developing Character, Enriching Minds

Metropolitan Arts Institute A tuition-free charter school in Phoenix.

You already have good grades, great attendance and an appreciation for art. Now enroll in a school where you fit in, a school that appreciates you, your talents and will offer you a challenge - every day.

Metro-Arts is a tuition-free charter school for grades 7-12. Focusing on visual, performing and literary arts, college prep academics, and honors classes in a safe, closed campus with small class size.

ENROLL TODAY! Please visit the “How to Enroll” section of the website for an application.

For more information, please call our Admissions Department at 602-258-9500 ext. 13. Apply early as spaces fill up quickly. www.metro-arts.org

CONTENTS FEATURES 28 Lynette Stant, Arizona’s 2020 Teacher of the Year Stant, a third-grade teacher at Salt River Elementary in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, shares her thoughts on equitable education, challenges Arizona’s teachers still face and why she loves walking into her classroom.

32 Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee This year, high school students in Arizona must learn how to balance a checkbook, understand the consequences of long-term credit card debt and more. Yee explains why financial education is so important.

34 Choosing a quality early learning environment Eric Bucher, an early childhood education expert, offers tips for finding a quality preschool.

ARTICLES 4 About “Schools etc.”

Finding the right fit

6

Arizona school tuition organizations

28

A new hurdle to filing for public-school tax credit

7 8

FAF$A Challenge aims to raise Arizona’s share of college financial aid Arizona’s letter-grade system Emotional Intelligence improves school performance Planning for those after-school hours

9

Consider running for your local school board AZ Education Department’s first Student Advisory Council United Way offers virtual tutoring program

10 Homework help for kids (and parents) 12 Free homework help at local libraries 14 A+ Schools of Excellence in Greater Phoenix 16 National Blue Ribbon Schools 18 Top-ranking Maricopa County high schools 20 Feeling Safe at School: What Arizona schools are doing 22 Common Sense Media’s free DigCit curriculum 24 5 things to consider when choosing a school 26 Teaching kids to be problem-solvers SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 38 Schools and education resources in greater Phoenix Preschools, private schools, charter schools, public school districts, online learning programs, special needs schools and sources for education support.

2 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

24 32

EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO

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Plan rankings by Savingforcollege.com

(As of June 30, 2019 — Performance rankings among national advisor-sold plans including maximum sales charges)

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10-Year: #8 out of 17 plans. Savingforcollege.com helps individuals and financial advisors understand how to meet the challenge of paying for higher education. It tracks the universe of 529 plans and ranks those plans each quarter.¹

Contact your financial advisor or visit IVYINVESTMENTS.COM/529 to check out this top-ranked plan.

¹Source: Quarterly 529 plan performance review – Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst.

This analysis describes the movement among plan rankings during the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods. Savingforcollege.com, 06/30/2019. Rankings include maximum sales load. The Savingforcollege.com Plan Composite Rankings are derived using the plan’s relevant portfolio performance in seven unique asset allocation categories. The asset allocation categories used are 100% Equity, 80% Equity, 60% Equity, 40% Equity, 20% Equity, 100% Fixed, and 100% Short Term. The plan composite ranking is determined by the average of its performance score in the seven categories. Plans sold directly to consumers are ranked separately.

Risk factors: Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. An investment in the Ivy InvestEd 529 Plan is subject to risk. Your investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and your investment, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than your original cost. investments under the Program. lt your tax advisor regarding your personal tax situation.

Accounts are not insured by the State of Arizona, the Family College Savings Program Trust Fund (“the Trust”), the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, or any other governmental entity, Waddell & Reed, Inc.,

Before investing, investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the IVY InvestEd℠ 529 PLAN. This and other important information is contained in the IVY InvestEd℠ 529 PLAN Program Overview, IVY InvestEd℠ 529 PLAN Account Application, and the prospectuses, or if available, summary prospectuses, all of which may be obtained at ivyinvestments.com or from a financial advisor. Read them carefully before investing.

IVY FUNDS® mutual funds are managed by Ivy Investment Management Company and are distributed by Ivy Distributors, Inc. InvestEd℠ Portfolios are managed by Ivy Investment Management Company and are distributed by Waddell & Reed, Inc. Ivy Distributors, Inc. and Waddell & Reed, Inc. -

NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK GUARANTEE NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

WADDELL & REED, INC. 43929 (10/19)

about “Schools, etc.”

Finding the right fit “CHOICE” IS A BIG BUZZWORD in Arizona education. Parents can choose learning institutions based on almost any set of criteria they might value — from proximity to home or work to academic proclivity, extra-curricular activities, lifestyle choices, special needs and social concerns.

While all that choice can feel liberating and empowering, it also puts extra pressure on parents to understand the options so they can make educated decisions for their children.

Those decisions begin early: Choosing an appropriate preschool learning environment can go a long way toward preparing your child for successful learning in the K-12 years and beyond.

“Schools, etc.” — an annual publication by Raising Arizona Kids magazine — began more than 20 years ago, with the introduction of charter schools to our state. Our staff recognized the complexities and confusion the evolving education landscape could create for families, especially those new to our state.

In Arizona, we have three basic categories of choice: traditional public district schools, public charter schools and private, tuition-based schools. Within each of those categories there are further divisions offering varied schedules, specialties, teaching-delivery methods (like online learning), and more.

PUBLIC DISTRICT SCHOOLS. Despite the fact that Arizona is still lagging behind other states in funding public education, a lot of positives favor public district schools: Well-educated teachers (college degree plus mastery in their content area); ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity; a sense of community (everyone in the neighborhood’s property taxes are funding the school, after all) and stability. Plus, it’s free.

Many public schools now offer specialized “signature” programs that define an elementary

4 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

school, middle school or high school. Some of the signature programs you’ll find include language immersion, performing or visual arts, STEM, computer coding, International Baccalaureate, back-to-basics, Montessori and programs for the highly gifted.

Public schools are also, by law, required to address a student’s unique needs. Counselors, occupational therapists and other professional staff must be available to kids who qualify for those services. The vast majority of public district schools also partner with the National Food Program to offer free or reduced-fee breakfast and lunch programs, bus service for in-district students, optional before- and afterschool programs, and extracurricular activities, including clubs and athletics.

Arizona’s open enrollment law allows students to apply for admission to any public school, but admittance is based on available classroom space, with in-district students getting first priority.

schools offer many benefits: Schools and classes are often smaller and curriculum can be more specialized — International School of Arizona, for example, offers bilingual education in Spanish or French.

In the case of parochial schools, children learn within a faith-based environment. Tuition assistance is often available through programs offering scholarships based on income/need or merit. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix offers the largest network of faith-based schools, with seven high schools, 29 elementary schools and 29 preschools located throughout the Valley.

Private schools are not required to have special programs for learning differences, but there are several private schools in the Valley — including New Way Academy in Phoenix — geared specifically toward kids who need extra support. Empowerment Scholarship Accounts can help defray tuition costs for private schools catering to children with special needs.

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS. Also funded by the state, charter schools share many traits with public district schools — they are tuition-free, participate in standardized testing and enforce anti-discrimination policies — but they are independently run and have more autonomy and flexibility than public district schools.

Charters vary widely in teaching philosophies, from Montessori, Waldorf, and arts or STEM-based schools to accelerated, rigorous academics.

In recent years, the concept of charter school “districts” has arisen with the growth of multi-location school systems like Basis Charter Schools, Great Hearts Academies, Imagine Schools, Legacy Traditional Schools and more.

EDUCATION CONTINUES to be a hot-button issue in Arizona, as we continue to debate how and to what extent public education should be funded. Arizona has yet to restore education funding to pre-2008 levels. Meanwhile, more teachers are running for public office. And more parents are paying attention to the tools our kids will need to succeed in life. We hope “Schools, etc.” is one helpful tool for parents looking to find the right educational fit.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS. Tuition-based private

Karen Davis Barr, Publisher karen@RAKmagazine.com

about the cover sponsor

SELF DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 2020

PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Lisa Morrell

ALLEN PATROU

EDITOR Kara G. Morrison COPY EDITOR Debra Citron CONTRIBUTORS Amy Carney, Eric Bucher, Ilana Lowery, Sheri Smith, Christine Thompson ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Allen Patrou OPERATIONS MANAGER Tina Gerami-Bynum MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg

“S chools, etc.” is an annual publication of R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295), which was created in 1990 to connect Valley families to local resources and share real life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copyright 2020 by R a i s i ng A r izon a K i ds , Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Additional copies of “Schools, etc.” are available for purchase online or by phone. Bulk-quantity discounts available.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

CONTACT US: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 5229 N. Seventh Ave. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85013-1974 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com

We cracked THE RENAISSANCE and turned it into our KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM TUCKED DEEP INTO THE GOOGLE RESULTS of “what my kindergartener should know” is a video from Self Development Academy’s Facebook page: Kindergartners are reading with a keen understanding of character development to Dr. Majeed, the founder of the accelerated and enrichment-based school. Dr. Majeed does this every year. It’s exhilarating to watch. Every child reads like a child actor, but Dr. Majeed is testing them to see if their superb reading skills truly translate into comprehension. Can they make predictions, or extrapolate these facts to the real world? Watch and see.

Self Development Academy, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020, is steeped in theory but also practice. Loads of it. And with some stellar results. Named Arizona’s Charter School of the Year a couple years back for its commitment to its kindergartners and later grades, Self Development Academy was ranked the No. 3 elementary charter school in the nation in 2018.

Never satisfied with merely being at the top, the school has innovated again. In 2020, Self Development Academy rolls out a one-of-a-kind creative writing program. Kindergartners learn the art of storytelling and building themes to construct a full story. What parent wouldn’t want to see his or her child tell a vivid, gripping — and most importantly, succinct — story?

Self Development Academy is nothing if not balanced. For every math or science award the school receives, it breaks new ground on the academic level of its literature courses. Its educators have balanced their creative writing program with a Logic program: Whole brain thinking, whole brain learning, full self development. The Logic program answers a common problem: how do you transfer the precise reasoning that accompanies learning different math concepts into everyday thinking? It’s “thinking” distilled, filtered and consumed — like fresh, spring water.

Self Development Academy’s kindergarten program works, because for parents, it is everything that their child needs by seeming like everything their child wants. It’s a rigorous program done right — high expectations mixed with creativity in a nurturing environment. And the new creative writing and logic programs makes you wonder what great stories the kindergartners will tell Dr. Majeed at the end of year.

Go to facebook.com/SelfDevelopmentCharterSchool/videos to see the video!

Self Development Academy’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of selfawareness, self-knowledge and self-acceptance. Our award-winning, tuition-free charter schools serve grades K-8 in Mesa, South Mesa, Phoenix and Glendale.

Learn more at selfdevelopmentcharterschool.com or call 480-641-2640.

good to know

ISTOCK

Arizona school tuition organizations What are school tuition organizations?

Tuition organizations are legal entities that have been approved by the state Department of Revenue to collect state tax-credit donations and then disperse them in the form of tuition scholarships or grants to qualified K-12 private schools. The DOR maintains a list of approved organizations on its website.

fill out and include Form 323, which asks you how large a donation you made and which organization or organizations received it.

Your tax bill will be reduced by an equivalent amount: It’s a wash. If you hadn’t made a taxcredit donation, you would end up paying that $250 as part of your regular tax obligation and you’d have no control over how it was used.

Who can make tax-credit donations? Only individuals can make dollar-for-dollar taxcredit donations to STOs.

How much can I give? For tax year 2019, the maximum credit allowed is $569 for single, heads of household and married filing separate filers and $1,138 for married filing joint filers. For tax year 2020, the maximums will raise to $593 and $1,186.

How does it work? It’s important to realize a tax-credit donation does not reduce your overall tax obligation as determined by your income and qualifying tax deductions. The law simply allows you to direct a specific amount of your tax obligation to a specific purpose. Don’t be fooled by language encouraging you to “get back” your donation.

Can you give me an example? Let’s say you decide to give $250 to an approved STO. Be sure to document your donation and obtain a receipt. When you file your taxes, you must

Can I designate a tax-credit donation in a way that directly benefits my child?

Your cash contribution to the STO will not qualify for the credit if you designate the cash contribution for the direct benefit of your dependent.

How can I apply for STO scholarship funds for my child? Families must submit an application each academic year in order to

participate in the tax credit tuition program.

Your school will be able to direct you to the appropriate STOs and the application process.

How are scholarship applications evaluated? STOs have complete control and administration over the distribution of funds donated. While recommendations from donors are considered, other factors include merits of the student: character, perseverance, scholastic ability, citizenship, leadership, community involvement, other family needs (financial, health, employment, etc.).

Swapping recommendations with another family as a way to reduce your own tuition liability is strictly prohibited.

Is it possible to obtain enough scholarship funding to pay the entire cost of tuition?

Students may receive tuition tax credit awards from more than one organization, up to the annual cost of tuition. Any excess funds must be returned to the last awarding school tuition organization.

Source: Arizona Department of Revenue (azdor.gov)

A new hurdle to filing for PUBLIC-SCHOOL TAX CREDIT THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE now requires taxpayers to collect a bunch of extra numbers to qualify for state tax credits for donations made to public schools.

You must now include a school’s country code, type code and district code and site number (a nine-digit number that Arizona Department of Education uses to identify public and charter schools) when completing Form 322, “Credit for Contributions Made or Fees Paid to Public Schools.” The change went into effect for the 2018 tax-filing cycle.

An individual may claim a nonrefundable tax credit for making contributions or paying fees directly to an Arizona public

6 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

school for support of extracurricular activities. The maximum credit allowed is $400 for married filing joint filers and $200 for single heads of household and married, filing-separate filers. That cap has not changed in 19 years, while tax-credit deductions allowed for private education have risen 13 percent since 2014.

You must include Form 322 with your state tax filing. Visit Arizona’s Department of Revenue to learn more, download the form and find a list of site numbers for Arizona schools: https:// azdor.gov/forms/tax-credits-forms/credit-contributions-madeor-fees-paid-public-schools

College Goal Arizona

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

FAF$A CHALLENGE

MORE THAN 400 PUBLIC high schools in Arizona are participating in the FAF$A Challenge — a statewide initiative to raise the completion rate of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) among Arizona high school seniors to 52 percent. The completion rate for the class of 2019 was 47 percent.

The FAF$A Challenge, which runs through the end of June 2020, encourages friendly competition among participating high schools and offers monthly recognition and prizes, based on students’ FAFSA completion rates during the school year. The effort is a partnership among the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, the Arizona Governor’s Office of Education, Achieve 60AZ and the Governor’s FAFSA Completion Coalition.

The larger mission for the effort is to increase the amount of aid provided to students, ultimately helping more students find a pathway to some form of higher education.

“As a state, our students are missing out on millions of dollars in potential student aid,” April L. Osborn, executive director of the Commission for Postsecondary Education, said in a statement. “Filing a FAFSA correctly

FACEBOOK.COM/COLLEGEGOALAZ

aims to raise Arizona’s share of college financial aid

and on time has a direct impact on the number of Arizona students that can afford to pursue higher education. Moreover, each added graduate attaining a bachelor’s degree adds $600,000 over a lifetime to the state’s economy.”

In the class of 2018 alone, more than 18,000 Arizona students who were eligible for $3,900 in Pell Grant funding failed to complete the FAFSA. In total, more than $65 million was left on the table for Arizona students.

At the end of the Challenge, schools will be recognized for the greatest overall improvement and the highest overall completion rates.

“FAFSA is an easy but highly necessary part of the college application process,” says FAF$A Challenge Project Manager Julie Sainz. “The FAF$A Challenge is a fun way to encourage Arizona high schools to assist their seniors with the application. We don’t want any student to miss out on the opportunity for financial aid that can help get them to and through college.”

On average, it takes an estimated 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA if you already have collected the required information, including parents’ identification, social security, tax and income records. Learn more at fafsachallenge.az.gov.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

2020

7

good to know

STUDY:

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE improves school performance

Avondale Elementary School District’s superintendent Dr. Betsy Hargrove working on reading fluency with a student.

ARIZONA’S LETTER-GRADE SYSTEM

measures achievement at public schools THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION develops an annual achievement profile for every public school in the state. Based on an A-F scale, the system measures year-to-year student academic growth:  proficiency on English language arts, math and science  proficiency and academic growth of English language learners  indicators that an elementary student is ready for success in high school  indicators that high school students are ready to succeed in a career or higher education  high school graduation rates Profiles are subject to final adoption by the State Board of Education. To find out how your child’s school ranks, visit azsbe.az.gov/f-school-letter-grades

SCHOOL’S OUT, but you’re still at work. What’s a parent to do?

The nonprofit Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence maintains a database of 1,500 quality after-school programs.

Simply plug in your ZIP code (or your child’s school’s ZIP code) and search for nearby programs. Some programs even offer transportation.

AzCASE’s Afterschool Directory is the only comprehensive, statewide bilingual resource designed to connect after-care providers and parents. azafterschoolorg/directory

8 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

AMELIA FOX

Planning for those after-school hours

KIDS WHO BETTER understand and manage their emotions perform better in school, according to a new study published in the American Psychological Association’s journal Psychological Bulletin.

“Although we know that high intelligence and a conscientious personality are the most important psychological traits necessary for academic success, our research highlights a third factor, emotional intelligence, that may also help students succeed,” says lead author and University of Sydney researcher Carolyn MacCann. “It’s not enough to be smart and hardworking.

Students must also be able to understand and manage their emotions to succeed at school.”

Academic research on emotional intelligence is relatively new, dating to the 1990s, according to MacCann. MacCann and her colleagues analyzed data from more than 160 studies, representing more than 42,000 students from 27 countries, published between 1998 and 2019.

The elementary school to college-age students with higher emotional intelligence tended to get higher grades and better achievement test scores than those with lower emotional intelligence scores.

This held true even when controlling for intelligence and personality factors.

“Students with higher emotional intelligence may be better able to manage negative emotions — such as anxiety, boredom and disappointment — that can negatively affect academic performance,” MacCann says. “Also, these students may be better able to manage the social world around them, forming better relationships with teachers, peers and family, all of which are important to academic success.”

20

students selected as AZ Education Department’s

first Student Advisory Council

IN NOVEMBER 2019, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the Education Department’s 2019-20 Student Advisory Council members. These 20 students represent fifth through 12th grades and will meet with Superintendent Hoffman three times during the 2019-20 school year to discuss their perspectives on school safety testing and more.

“I was very impressed by the Arizona students who applied to be a part of our first-ever Student Advisory Council,” Superintendent Hoffman said in a statement. “Out of more than 300 applications, the 20 finalists stood out for their leadership, passion and curiosity. It’s vitally important to elevate student voices as we implement policies that affect their lives. I look forward to hearing the perspectives of these young leaders on topics like school safety, technology, arts education, testing and more.”

SARA BEN ABDALLAH, 10th-grader at Arizona College Prep Academy

JOSE MUNOZ, 11th-grader at Bioscience High School

PARIS BENIQUEZ, 12th-grader at Sunnyside High School

SEDONA ORTEGA, 10th-grader at Tri-City College Prep High School

BLANCA BRETON, 11th-grader at Douglas High School

TYLER PUHUYAOMA, fifth-grader at Washington Elementary

JAMES DRISCOLL, 11th-grader at Mountain View High School

SOPHIA ROSA, eighth-grader at Colonel Smith Middle School

JESSE FIMBRES, 10th-grader at Bourgade Catholic High School

PRATIK SHAH, 11th-grader at Mountain View High School

IZZY GARCIA, fifth-grader at Canyon View Elementary

XANDER SIMMONS, eighth-grader at Sonoran Trails Middle School

BENJAMIN KAZANAS, sixth-grader at Clarendon Elementary

DYLAN SWARTZ, 11th-grader at Arizona School for the Arts

JORDAN LEWIS, 10th-grader at Sandra Day O’Connor High School

AHAMADULLAH ABDULHAYY SYED, seventhgrader at Basis South Chandler

MAEVE LLOYD, seventh-grader at Highland Junior High School

YI-JEN YANG, 11th-grader at BASIS Oro Valley

KATE MCDOWELL, 10th-grader at Chaparral High School

MALACHI ZIEGLER, seventh-grader at Laveen Elementary School

Valley of the Sun United Way offers virtual tutoring program VELLO — a virtual one-to-one tutoring program created by the Valley of the Sun United Way — fosters personal tutoring relationships between United Way volunteers and elementary school students who are looking to improve literacy and overall academic progress. It was launched locally two years ago in about 25 Valley classrooms and is now featured in more than 50 classrooms.

Vello allows tutors to connect directly to classrooms through an online portal in a format similar to a web conference. More than 75 corporate partners have signed on to aid in the effort.

ASU, Wells Fargo, American Family Insurance, Vanguard, Desert Financial, Freeport McMoRan, Burns and McDonnell, Maricopa Community Colleges, Edward Jones, Arizona Cardinals and local retiree communities are involved in the campaign, with their workers and representatives making up some of the nearly 1,000 active tutors. Vello’s curriculum focuses on literacy, volunteerism and advocacy, and may include a STEM emphasis in the near future. Visit vello.org

Consider running for your local

SCHOOL BOARD THE BEST WAY to improve Arizona’s schools is to make sure every public school has a well-functioning school board. That’s according to the nonprofit Arizona School Boards Association, which provides training, leadership and essential services to public school governing boards statewide.

ASBA is urging parents and community members to consider running to be a local school board member. Those interested should start planning now and collecting signatures by early spring.

Signatures must be submitted to county superintendent offices by August for the November 2020 election.

To run for the office, a candidate must: 1. Get an information packet from the county superintendent of schools.

2. Collect signatures on a nominating petition. 3. File a political committee statement of organization with the county elections department or superintendent of schools upon reaching a combined total of $1,100 in contributions and expenses.

4. File signatures pages with the county superintendent of schools within the filing deadline. 5. Run a campaign.

While it may sound intimidating, ASBA offers help and can send someone to speak to your neighborhood or group about the process for running for elected office. Visit azsba.org/becoming-a-board-member for details about the process and instructive videos for would-be school board candidates.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

2020

9

LIGHT FIELD STUDIOS

Homework help for kids (and parents) AS A FORMER ELEMENTARY school teacher, JoAnn Crohn knows what it’s like to assign homework and have it come back undone.

As a Chandler mom of two, she also knows what it’s like getting kids to tackle nightly homework with few tantrums and little hand holding.

Crohn recently wrote “Drama Free Homework,” a book offering tips she’s learned (some from mistakes) as a teacher and a parent. Ultimately, she says the goal is shifting the responsibility to kids early on, so they learn better study habits and life skills.

“With a solid homework routine, your kid should be done with homework in less than 30 minutes for third grade and younger, and a little more than 30 minutes for fourth grade and up,” writes Crohn, who is also the founder of noguiltmom.com.

Here are a few of Crohn’s tips from a Q&A in the October 2019 issue of Raising

10 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Arizona Kids that can make homework a little easier on everyone: 1. HELP KIDS PLAN A DAILY ROUTINE. Sit down

and ask them what time they would like to do homework each day, and then stick to it. Every child is different; one may want to do homework in the morning, another after school or at night. Set reasonable limits such as no texting or TV watching during homework, but let them choose how/where to complete their task. If a child picks the living room floor instead of the kitchen table for doing homework, let them give it a shot.

2. START A HOMEWORK BOX. This is a pencil

box filled with essential supplies: a pencil and pencil sharpener, an eraser, colored pencils, scissors and a glue stick. Tape a checklist of supplies to the lid; your child is responsible for all supplies staying in the box.

3. DON’T MICROMANAGE. Let kids be in charge

of and responsible for their work. A student should be able to do his or her homework independently. Parents can look over homework and give feedback, such as: “You might want to check this answer again,” but don’t feel a need to reteach. If you both have questions, reach out to the classroom teacher.

4. UNDERSTAND WHY HOMEWORK IS IMPORTANT.

Homework teaches kids: • Focus — staying with a project for an increasing amount of time, • Persistence — pushing through when a question stumps them, • Time management — Prioritizing what to get done now and what can be pushed to later or not done at all, and • Responsibility — finishing an assignment and bringing it back to school.

FREE homework

ISTOCK

help at local libraries

KIDS CAN GET ANSWERS to their most complicated homework or research project questions online or on-site at local public libraries. Libraries also provide computers and internet service, letting kids access some of the most exclusive, expensive databases available — for free. Here’s a roundup of free homework resources: Chandler Public Library 480-782-2800 • chandlerlibrary.org The four-branch library offers free Wi-Fi, public computers with library card or fee, wireless printing and apps. The Learning Lab — located in the Citrus Room on the first floor of the downtown branch — offers free, live, basic homework assistance for students through high school most weekday afternoons.

Glendale Public Library 623-939-3537 • glendaleaz.com/library Three locations offer patrons computer and internet access, Wi-Fi, printing (including mobile) services and reservable study rooms (Foothills branch only). GPL is the only public library that offers Brainfuse — online, live-chat, all-subject homework assistance for library card-holding students from kindergarten through college — available in Spanish or English.

12 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Maricopa County Library District 602-652-3000 • mcldaz.org MCLD has 19 branches serving county residents living outside the greater Phoenix area, but any county resident may apply for a library card and use its services. Go to the website and click on the “Homework Help” button to connect with 14 free databases offering research and learning resources for children, teens and adults.

Mesa Public Library 480-644-3100 • mesalibrary.org The four branches that comprise MPL offer patrons computer, internet, Wi-Fi, copying and printing services. MPL’s online homework help resources (several databases) are on the library’s homepage under “Research.”

Phoenix Public Library 602-262-4636 • phoenixpubliclibrary.org All 17 locations offer free Wi-Fi, public computer access with a library card and mobile and on-site printing. Many have reservable study rooms and/or carrels. For online homework help, go to the main website and click on either “Browse the Library,” then “Learning & Research” and finally, the “Student HQ” button; or, “Teens” and the “Homework?” button, which takes you

to “Student HQ.” Both routes let you access any of 16 databases for kids, teens and adults.

A few branches offer personalized, on-site homework help and tutoring.

Scottsdale Public Library 480-312-7323 • scottsdalelibrary.org SPL has five branches with study rooms, computers, free Wi-Fi, fee-based copying, printing and scanning and wireless printing.

For online homework assistance, go to the library website, click on the “Teen” tab and then “Homework Help” to access 22 education-related databases for students of all ages.

Tempe Public Library 480-350-5500 • tempe.gov/visitors/tempepublic-library TPL has study rooms, a kids’ learning lab and a youth computer lab. On the library’s homepage, go to the “Kids & Teens’ menu and select “Youth 5-12” or “Teens 12-18” and the “Homework” button, which takes users to the “Students” page, full of advice on how to tackle a school project. It explains how to find overviews and books, use encyclopedias and other, more detailed resources and provides access to 23 databases as well as other specialized online tools.

LUTHERAN* SCHOOLS OF THE VALLEY

Great Places to Grow!

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Preschool–grade 8) 4001 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale 85308 623-374-3019 • school@atonementlc.org www.atonementlutheranschool.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Preschool–grade 8) 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix 85018 602-957-7010 • clsinfo@cclphoenix.org www.clsphx.org CHRIST’S GREENFIELD LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Age 2½–grade 8) 425 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert 85234 480-892-8314 • ogarcia@cglschool.org www.cglschool.org SHEPHERD OF THE DESERT PRESCHOOL (Ages 2-5 years) 9400 E. Mountain View Rd., Scottsdale 85258 480-860-0488 • dosman@sotdaz.org www.shepherdaz.school TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Age 1–grade 8) 830 E. Plaza Circle, Litchfield Park 85340 623-935-4690 • office@trinitylcs.org www.trinitynewthinking.org VALLEY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9–12) 5199 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix 85013 602-230-1600 • info@vlhs.org www.vlhs.org * Schools listed are affiliated with The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.

FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTAINPOINTEHS

Left: Mountain Pointe High School students making pottery.

Right: Arrowhead Elementary School student with his display.

A+ Schools of

Excellence

in Greater Phoenix THE ARIZONA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION recognizes outstanding district or charter public schools through its A+ School of Excellence designation. To be eligible, a school must be in at least its sixth full year of operation, must be

Current A+ Schools in greater Phoenix include: Agua Fria Union High School District: Desert Edge High School, Goodyear (2016) Avondale Elementary School District: Wildflower School, Goodyear (2019)

rated by the Arizona Department of Education as an “A” or “B” school (for the most recent school year for which letter grades are available) and must demonstrate high student academic achievement or growth over time for all students through other assessments.

Schools that earn the designation retain their status for three and a half years, after which they must reapply. Applications are due Jan. 10, 2020 for the 2020 A+ Schools of Excellence. Learn more at azedfoundation.org

14 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Cave Creek Unified School District: Sonoran Trails Middle School, Cave Creek (2018) Chandler Unified School District: Andersen Jr. High School, Chandler (2016) Arizona College Prep Erie, Chandler (2019) Audrey and Robert Ryan Elementary School, Chandler (2019) Basha Elementary School, Chandler (2019) Basha High School, Chandler (2018) Chandler High School, Chandler (2019) Chandler Traditional Academy- Freedom Campus, Gilbert (2019) Chandler Traditional Academy-Independence Campus,

Chandler (2019) Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School, Chandler (2017) John and Carol Carlson Elementary School, Chandler (2018) John M. Andersen Elementary School, Chandler (2017) Perry High School, Gilbert (2017) Riggs Elementary School, Gilbert (2016) San Marcos Elementary School, Chandler (2016) Santan Elementary School, Chandler (2017) Santan Junior High School, Chandler (2017) Shumway Leadership Academy, Chandler (2019) T. Dale Hancock Elementary School, Chandler (2018) Willie and Coy Payne Junior High School, Queen Creek (2017) Deer Valley Unified School District: Anthem School, Anthem (2019) Arrowhead Elementary School, Glendale (2019) Canyon Springs STEM Academy, Phoenix (2016) Constitution Elementary School, Phoenix (2018)

Copper Creek Elementary School, Glendale (2019) Deer Valley High School, Glendale (2018) Diamond Canyon School, Anthem (2019) Gavilan Peak School, Anthem, (2016) Legend Springs Elementary School, Glendale (2016) Mountain Ridge High School, Glendale (2018) Park Meadows Elementary School, Glendale (2019) Sandra Day O’Connor High School, Phoenix (2018) Sierra Verde STEM Academy, Glendale (2018) Stetson Hills School, Phoenix (2016) West Wing School, Peoria (2017) Dysart Unified School District: Rancho Gabriela School, Surprise (2018) Shadow Ridge High School, Surprise (2019) Valley Vista High School, Surprise (2019) Eduprize Schools LLC: Eduprize Schools – Gilbert (2017)

FACEBOOK.COM/AHPANTHERS

Fountain Hills Unified School District: McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills (2019) Gilbert Public Schools: Gilbert High School, Gilbert (2017) Greenfield Jr. High School, Gilbert (2018) Islands Elementary School, Gilbert (2017) Meridian Elementary School, Mesa (2018) Oak Tree Elementary School, Gilbert (2017) Patterson Elementary School, Gilbert (2017) Pioneer Elementary School, Gilbert (2016) Playa del Rey Elementary School, Gilbert (2019) South Valley Jr. High School, Gilbert (2018) Superstition Springs Elementary School, Mesa (2017) Towne Meadows Elementary School, Gilbert (2019) Val Vista Lakes Elementary School, Gilbert (2016) Higley Unified District: Gateway Pointe Elementary School, Gilbert (2019) J.O. Combs Unified District: Combs High School, San Tan Valley (2016) Kyrene School District: C.I. Waggoner Elementary School, Tempe (2019) Kyrene Aprende Middle School, Chandler (2019) Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School, Phoenix (2018) Kyrene de la Esperanza Elementary School, Phoenix (2018) Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary School, Phoenix (2017) Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School, Tempe (2019) Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary School, Chandler (2016) Kyrene de la Paloma Elementary School, Chandler (2018) Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School, Phoenix (2018)

Kyrene de las Brisas Elementary School, Chandler (2016) Kyrene de las Manitas Elementary School, Tempe (2018) Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy, Phoenix (2017) Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy, Phoenix (2017) Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School, Phoenix (2019) Kyrene Traditional Academy, Chandler (2019) Laveen Elementary School District: Maurice C. Cash Elementary School, Phoenix (2018) Rogers Ranch School, Laveen (2019) Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy, Laveen (2018) Liberty Elementary School District: Estrella Mountain Elementary School, Goodyear (2018) Litchfield Elementary School District: Litchfield Elementary School, Litchfield Park (2019) Mabel Padgett Elementary School, Goodyear (2017) Palm Valley Elementary School, Litchfield Park (2019) Scott Libby Elementary School, Litchfield Park (2016) Verrado Elementary School, Litchfield Park (2018) Verrado Middle School, Litchfield Park (2018) Western Sky Middle School, Litchfield Park (2016) Madison School District: Madison Camelview Elementary School, Phoenix (2018) Maricopa Unified School District: Pima Butte Elementary School, Maricopa (2019) Mesa Public Schools: Booker T. Washington Elementary, Mesa (2019) Brinton Elementary School, Mesa (2016) Crismon Elementary School, Mesa (2017) Francis M. Pomeroy Elementary School, Chandler (2017) Eugene Field Elementary School, Mesa (2018) Emerson Elementary, Mesa (2019) Irving Elementary School, Mesa (2018) James K Zaharis Elementary School, Mesa (2018) Jefferson Elementary School, Mesa (2017) Las Sendas Elementary School, Mesa (2016) Lincoln Elementary School, Mesa (2019) Mountain View High School, Mesa (2016) Ramon S. Mendoza Elementary School, Mesa (2019) Red Mountain High School, Mesa (2018) Shepherd Jr. High School, Mesa (2016) Sirrine Elementary School, Chandler (2019) Smith Jr. High School, Mesa (2016) Stapley Junior High School, Mesa (2017) Summit Academy, Chandler (2016) Taft Elementary School, Mesa (2016) Westwood High School, Mesa (2016) Whitman Elementary School, Mesa (2016)

Zedo Ishikawa Elementary School, Mesa (2019) Osborn School District: Clarendon Elementary School, Phoenix (2017) Encanto School, Phoenix (Osborn Elementary District) (2016) Longview Elementary School, Phoenix (2019) Osborn Middle School, Phoenix (2017) Paradise Valley Unified School District: Desert Shadows Elementary School, Scottsdale (2019) Horizon High School, Scottsdale (2017) Sonoran Sky Elementary School, Scottsdale (2019) Peoria Unified School District: Centennial High School, Peoria (2018) Copperwood Elementary School, Glendale (2016) Marshall Ranch Elementary School, Glendale (2017) Santa Fe Elementary School, Peoria (2017) Zuni Hills Elementary School, Sun City (2018) Phoenix Union High School District: Metro Tech High School, Phoenix (2017) Saddle Mountain Unified School District: Tartesso Elementary School, Buckeye (2018) Scottsdale Unified School District: Chaparral High School, Scottsdale (2016) Cherokee Elementary School, Paradise Valley (2017) Cochise Elementary School, Scottsdale (2016) Copper Ridge School, Scottsdale (2016) Hohokam Traditional School, Scottsdale (2016) Laguna Elementary School, Scottsdale (2018) Navajo Elementary School, Scottsdale (2016) Redfield Elementary School, Scottsdale (2018) Sequoya Elementary School, Scottsdale (2019) Tavan Elementary School, Phoenix (2017) Tempe Elementary School District: Arredondo Elementary School, Tempe (2019) Connolly Middle School, Tempe (2017) Ward Traditional Academy, Tempe (2019) Tempe Union High School District: Desert Vista High School, Phoenix (2017) McClintock High School, Tempe (2016) Mountain Pointe High School, Phoenix (2018) Washington Elementary School District: Acacia Elementary School, Phoenix (2018) Source: azedfoundation.org/aplus-school-list

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

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15

ARIZONA COLLEGE PREP ERIE CAMPUS

KYRENE DE LA SIERRA

Left: Arizona College Prep, Erie Campus.

Right: Kyrene de la Sierra.

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS IN GREATER PHOENIX THE NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among at-risk students. The U.S. Department of Education determines which schools receive this award. More than 8,800 schools have earned the honor in the program’s 36-year history.

Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Several greater Phoenix schools have earned National Blue Ribbon status each year from 2015 to 2019:

(Kyrene Elementary School District) • Montessori Education Centre Charter School (Mesa Charter School)

2018 • Gilbert Classical Academy High School (Gilbert Unified School District) • Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler Unified School District) • Mesa Academy For Advanced Studies (Mesa Unified School District)

• Alhambra Traditional School – Phoenix (Alhambra Elementary School District) • Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus (Chandler Unified School District) • Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School – Phoenix

16 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

• Madison Meadows Middle School (Madison Elementary School District) • Vistancia Elementary School (Peoria Unified School District)

2014 • Franklin Police and Fire High School (Phoenix Union High School District) • Valley Academy (Reid Traditional Schools)

2013 2017 • Seton Catholic Preparatory (Chandler) • Arizona College Preparatory – Oakland (Chandler Unified School District) • Franklin at Brimhall Elementary School (Mesa Unified School District)

2016 EXEMPLARY HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS 2019

2015

• Fuller Elementary School (Tempe Elementary School District) • Jack Barnes Elementary School (Queen Creek Unified School District) • Vista Del Sur Traditional School (Laveen Elementary School District)

• Chandler Traditional Academy – Liberty Campus (Chandler Unified School District) • Xavier College Preparatory – Phoenix (Catholic Diocese of Phoenix)

EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENT GAP CLOSING SCHOOLS 2018 • Franklin Junior High School (Mesa Unified School District) • Vista College Preparatory (Phoenix Charter School)

2015 • Kyrene Traditional Academy (Kyrene Elementary School District)

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT | LEADERSHIP | MAKING THE COMMUNITY BETTER | EXTRAORDINARY SKILLSET

DO YOU KNOW ONE OF ARIZONA’S 18 UNDER 18?

Who are the 18 most extraordinary young people in Arizona? We are looking for young people that represent future leaders, change makers and innovators in our community.

These students are making our state a better place. Their skills and accomplishments are matched by few. We are looking for the academic achievers, driven athletes, young artists, cooks, photographers, dancers, public speakers and anyone else that has already achieved some level of success in youth.

If you know an impressive young role model on the path to a successful future, we want to hear about them!

NOMINATIONS OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2020.

NOMINATE ONLINE AT WWW.18UNDER18.ORG

FACEBOOK.COM/MADISONHIGHLANDPREP

Left: Madison Highland Prep.

Below: Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics.

U.S. News & World Report’s

Top-ranking Maricopa County high schools U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT annually ranks what it considers to be the top high schools in the nation and in each state. For its 2019 rankings, released in April 2019, U.S. News reviewed more than 23,000 high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and ranked 17,245 schools. The rankings were done in conjunction with the nonprofit research firm RTI International, and are based on revamped methodology that weighs six indicators of school quality: • College readiness: The proportion of high school seniors who took and passed Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate exams.

• College curriculum breadth: The proportion of 12th-graders who took and passed AP and/or IB exams in multiple content areas.

• Math and reading proficiency: Student performance on state-required tests.

• Math and reading performance: Whether performance on state assessments exceeded expectations given the school’s proportion of underserved students.

• Underserved student performance: How black, Hispanic and low-income students performed on state assessments compared with those who are not underserved in the state.

• Graduation rates: The proportion of students who entered ninth grade in 2012-2013 and graduated four years later.

18 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Here are the publication’s 2019 rankings for public district and charter high schools in Maricopa County.

TOP HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE NATION No. 3: BASIS Scottsdale No. 18: BASIS Chandler No. 21: BASIS Peoria No. 35: BASIS Phoenix No. 52: BASIS Mesa No. 70: Gilbert Classical Academy (Gilbert Public Schools)

TOP HIGH SCHOOLS IN ARIZONA No. 1: BASIS Scottsdale No. 2: BASIS Chandler No. 3: BASIS Peoria No. 7: BASIS Phoenix No. 9: BASIS Mesa No. 10: Gilbert Classical Academy High School (Gilbert

TIM TRUMBLE

Public Schools) No. 11: Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (Chandler Unified School District) No. 12: Arizona School for the Arts - Phoenix No. 14: Paragon Science Academy - Chandler No. 16: Tempe Preparatory Academy No. 18: Sunnyslope High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 19: Chaparral High (Scottsdale Unified School District) No. 21: Desert Mountain High School (Scottsdale Unified School District) No. 22: Madison Highland Prep - Phoenix No. 23: Hamilton High (Chandler Unified School District) No. 25: Horizon Honors Secondary School - Phoenix No. 26: Perry High School - Gilbert (Chandler Unified School District) No. 28: Thunderbird High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 29: Campo Verde High School (Gilbert Unified School District) No. 30: Pinnacle High School (Paradise Valley Unified School District) No. 31: Basha High School (Chandler Unified School District) No. 32: Higley High School (Higley Unified School District) No. 33: Washington High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 34: Phoenix Union Bioscience High School (Phoenix Union High School District) No. 35: Desert Vista High School (Tempe Union High School District) No. 38: Moon Valley High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 39: Franklin Police and Fire High School (Phoenix Union High School District) No. 40: North Pointe Preparatory - Phoenix No. 42: Fountain Hills High School (Fountain Hills High School District) No. 43: Benjamin Franklin High School - Queen Creek No. 45: Cactus Shadows High School - Scottsdale (Cave Creek Unified School District) No. 46: Highland High School (Gilbert Unified School District) No. 48: Mountain Ridge High School (Deer Valley Unified School District) No. 49: Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Deer Valley Unified School District) No. 50: Red Mountain High School (Mesa Unified School District) No. 51: James Madison Preparatory School - Tempe No. 52: Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics - Phoenix No. 53: Apollo High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 54: Greenway High School (Glendale Union High

School District) No. 55: Chandler High School (Chandler Unified School District) No. 56: Coronado Del Sol High School (Tempe Union High School District) No. 57: Mountain View High School (Mesa Unified School District) No. 59: American Leadership Academy - Queen Creek No. 60: Horizon High School (Paradise Valley Unified School District) No. 61: Independence High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 62: Great Hearts Academies - Scottsdale Prep No. 64: Queen Creek High School (Queen Creek Unified District) No. 67: Metro Tech High School (Phoenix Union High School District) No. 69: Arcadia High School (Scottsdale Unified School District) No. 71: Boulder Creek High School (Deer Valley Unified District) No. 72: Williams Field High School (Higley Unified School District) No. 73: Desert Heights Preparatory Academy - Glendale No. 75: Glendale High School (Glendale Union High School District) No. 76: Cortez High School - Phoenix (Glendale Union High School District) No. 77: South Ridge High School - Phoenix No. 78: Saguaro High School (Scottsdale Unified School District) No. 79: Sunrise Mountain High School (Peoria Unified School District) No. 80: Agua Fria High School - Avondale (Agua Fria Union High School District) No. 81: Verrado High School - Buckeye (Agua Fria Union High School District) No. 83: Great Hearts Trivium Prep - Goodyear No. 84: Ironwood High School - Glendale (Peoria Unified School District) No. 85: North High School (Phoenix Union High School District) No. 86: Millennium High School - Goodyear (Agua Fria Union High School District) No. 88: Desert Ridge High - Mesa (Gilbert Unified District) No. 90: Great Hearts Academies - Glendale Prep No. 91: Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center - Estrella No. 92: Paradise Honors High School - Surprise No. 94: Great Hearts Academies - Chandler Prep No. 98: Foothills Academy - Scottsdale No. 99: Desert Edge High School - Goodyear (Agua Fria Union High School District) No. 100: Gilbert High School (Gilbert Unified District) Source: usnews.com/education/best-highschools/arizona

Explore BASIS.

Discover excellence in accelerated education.

Explore RSVP for School Tour enrollBASIS.com

Grades K–12 1912_036

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

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19

Far left: A protest at The US Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. Left: Sign held at the Arizona State Capitol.

Below: Moms Demand Action volunteers from the Arizona chapter at the Arizona State Capitol advocating for SB 1219.

Feeling SAFE at School What Arizona schools and parents are doing to help kids feel secure

By Sheri Smith | Photos courtesy of Moms Demand Action

It

’s Thursday morning at 10 am. In half an hour, I have a pre-scheduled phone interview with a representative from a local school district to discuss school safety in the age of mass shootings. As I gather my notes, a Breaking News alert flashes on my smartphone: there’s an “active shooter” at a Santa Clarita high school in Southern California. A familiar chill runs through me: It’s happening again.

By 10:30, when I begin my interview, at least two students are being treated for critical injuries and neighborhoods are on lockdown.

By the time I hang up, the suspect is in custody, and a high schooler interviewed at the scene says he “grew up knowing this was a thing that happens.”

The fact that there is an active school shooter situation — and that two students ultimately died — while I am conducting an interview about school shooting situations, does not feel like a coincidence. To state the obvious:

20 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

No one should be OK with this. The fact that these incidents happen is scary, but equally as frightening is that we are getting used to it.

Of course, school shootings — and gun violence in general — is a complex problem with no simple solutions. In Arizona, each school district sets its own school safety protocols based on state-wide guidelines.

Mitch von Gnechten, director of student services for the Paradise Valley Unified School District, explains that every district must come up with an Emergency Preparedness Plan that meets certain minimum requirements, including options like lockdown and shelter-in-place drills.

Security measures — perimeter fencing, single points of entry, security cameras in high schools (with plans for expansion into grade schools) — are standard protocol. Faculty also receive Incident Command System training, which follows national guidelines. But campus security is complex, because schools also need

to provide a warm environment where children feel nurtured so they can learn. Lockdown drills and other security measures can have the opposite effect. There’s also some ambiguity about their effectiveness.

Other than security, prevention is a big conversation. As Marie Thearle, local group lead for Moms Demand Action, puts it: “How can we make it so a gun doesn’t make it to school in the first place?”

Arizona’s legislature did allocate a $20 million School Safety Grant to the Arizona Department of Education during the 2019 legislative session. Of the 896 applications submitted to the education department last fall, 284 school districts and charter school organizations from across the state had requested adding more than 1,100 new positions: 40 percent of the requests were for school counselors, 34 percent were for a school-based social worker, and about 26 percent were for a school resource officer.

MOMS DEMAND ACTION AZ

SPONSORED CONTENT

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman says demand and need far exceed the available $20 million and is calling on the state legislature and governor to make more funds available.

The Department of Education also has created a task force that’s working to help pinpoint best practices and research-based procedures to help students stay safe at school.

Anti-bullying and kindness campaigns are being implemented by some school campuses to help students feel safe.

Of course, the broader and more contentious topic surrounding school shootings is the problem of gun violence. As Thearle says, “School shootings make the news, but in the United States, gun violence is a daily occurrence.”

Moms Demand Action has created a “Be Smart” public safety campaign on the website besmartforkids.org, where parents and children will find tips on safe gun storage and responsible gun behavior The group also is advocating for what it calls “Gun Sense Laws,” which acknowledge gun ownership as a personal choice, but make sure gun owners accept the responsibility that goes with this decision.

Safe storage is a top priority of the campaign because, as Thearle says, “Eighty percent of guns in school shootings come from home or from a family member.” Moms Demand Action also advocates for “Red Flag Laws,” so that guns can be taken away temporarily if an individual is identified as an “extreme danger.” Other legislation being considered includes gun purchase waiting periods, raising the age for semi-automatic weapon ownership and improving background checks and gun registration.

“We want students to feel safe while they’re at school and to feel good while they’re there,” von Gnechten says. “Constant vigilance is required. We want students to know that we are focused on doing everything we can and being diligent about this.”

Sheri Smith is a Scottsdale freelance writer and the mother of two teenagers.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS?

BETTER GET YOUR MAP MAPS ARE A MUST HAVE for outdoor enthusiasts. 1. You don’t need cell phone coverage. 2. It doesn’t use up your battery life. 3. Paper maps allow you to see the big picture. And paper maps will show all route options, highways, back roads and trails you may want to explore.

Wide World of Maps, Inc. is the most complete map store in the Southwest, carrying every U.S.G.S. 7.5 Topographic map for Arizona, along with thousands of other recreational maps, hunting maps and national forest maps for other states. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent the stores for maps, books and related items covering Arizona and the West for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, off-road travels, prospecting, treasure hunting and other activities.

The unique map-related business has thrived for more than four decades. Founded in 1975, the company was one of the first to make a wall map and street atlas for the entire Metropolitan Phoenix area. These maps are designed for both professional and personal needs. The map business has grown and changed over the years, becoming Wide World of Maps, Inc. in 1979.

Both stores have an amazing selection of U.S. and foreign maps along with travel books and accessories. Current and antique wall maps and globes are also popular for home and office decor. The stores stock or can obtain city, state, U.S., foreign, world and celestial maps, as well. Laminating, mounting and custom framing services are also offered.

Wide World Maps and MORE! also provides “custom mapping services” and

can produce specialty wall maps, folded maps or map enlargements of the Phoenix Metropolitan area or Arizona.

TWO RETAIL STORES are located in Central Phoenix and North Phoenix, (addresses below). Wide World of Maps and More! also has a satellite location inside LowerGear Outdoors in Tempe at University Drive and the 101. Don’t hesitate to contact Wide World of Maps & MORE! for anything related to maps, recreation, travel, adventure, history, business, education and MORE!

www.maps4u.com 1.800.279.7654 Central Phoenix 602-279-2323 2133 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85016 (Between SR 51 and 24th St) North Phoenix 602-795-4868 17232 N. Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85032 (2 blocks N. of Bell on Cave Creek Rd.)

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

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21

COMMON SENSE MEDIA offers free digital citizenship curriculum to schools

By Ilana Lowery

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NAME

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ion commonsense.org/educat .

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Lesson slides and student handouts from the 9th grade Digital Citizenship curriculum.

K

IDS ARE IMPRESSIVELY tech-savvy.

But the digital world — just like the non-digital world — requires all kinds of skills that kids don’t simply pick up as they go. Early on, kids develop habits of media use in their everyday lives that they’ll carry into adulthood. Young people, whether they are consuming media, accessing online information or communicating with their peers, face an entirely new ecosystem of communication and social norms.

“The world is changing so fast. All of us (including children) are bombarded with so many stimuli and attempted manipulations that are hard to manage,” said one Peoria Unified School District parent, who asked not to be identified. “Children have access to media — some of which is clearly unsuitable for certain ages.”

How do kids tell the difference between trustworthy and false information on the internet? What should they do if they witness cyberbullying? How do they keep their personal information private online?

These are questions that are hard for adults to answer, let alone children.

Common Sense Media, a national nonprofit organization focused on the digital well-being of all children, uses the

22 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

phrase “digital citizenship” to describe a way of thinking, acting and “being” online. It’s about thinking critically, and not trusting everything you see. It’s about being safe with information and who you connect with online. It’s about acting responsibly in how you communicate and behave.

Common Sense offers a free Digital Citizenship Curriculum to help educators, administrators and schools navigate the tricky online world their students inhabit.

First launched in 2010, then updated in 2018, the K-12 curriculum was developed in collaboration with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. It provides lessons and resources that empower students to make safe, smart and ethical decisions online.

The curriculum is used in classrooms across all 50 states, in more than 65,000 schools and by more than 650,000 educators.

Gilbert Public Schools is the first district in Arizona to use the K-12 DigCit curriculum districtwide, and about 15,000 Arizona educators are now using the curriculum in their classrooms. DigCit ulitizes a “train the trainer” model that makes it efficient and effective for schools to roll out the curriculum to teachers, then to students. The commitment is two to three

hours of training; Common Sense Media then supports teachers and administrators virtually as needed. Some parent volunteers have also gone through the training to assist in its implementation.

“My children today are exposed to more technology before they even hit kindergarten then I was my whole childhood,” said Tara West, a Paradise Valley Unified School District parent who admits kids’ media usage can be hard to navigate. “I feel that digital citizenship is important for kids to learn about, because there seems to be a ‘one-strike rule’ in the world. You mess up once, and there is no going back. There is no forgiveness online.”

Common Sense Media’s DigCit curriculum is available at commonsense. org. Schools interested in using the program can contact Regional Manager Victoria Saylor at 415-553-6737 for professional development support.

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense Media. She can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org.

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

2020

23



things to consider when choosing a school W

hen my twin boys were born, I was elated. I’d never experienced anything as wonderful as being a mom. While I had a lot to learn about being a great parent, I knew I wanted to do everything I could to ensure my sons would grow up happy and healthy. One of my first concerns was their education. Which preschool was best? What high school would put them on a path toward career success?

Outside of a family’s impact, school is the biggest influence in a child’s life. After all, during the school year, a child will spend nearly half of his or her waking hours in the classroom. So it’s no wonder parents stress over choosing a school. Especially in Arizona’s open enrollment environment, the number of options can be overwhelming.

Here are five things to consider when evaluating your choices:



Academic programs: Consider what programs are in place to help your child learn. This will vary widely depending on age. Some considerations include whether the school offers full-day kindergarten, specialized hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses that help students gain college credit before graduating — or even strong career and technical education programs. Understanding your child’s aptitudes and interests will help guide these questions.



Performance: Ask how the school rates on measurable outcomes. These could include AzMERIT test scores, graduation rates and the number of students who continue on to complete training or education after high school. Many of these can be found on the Arizona Education Progress Meter at expectmorearizona.org. While test scores can be valuable, they aren’t the only measure of a school. After all, you wouldn’t judge your own child based only on their AzMERIT score. How experienced are the teachers? How involved is the principal?



Extracurricular activities: Consider the hobbies your child enjoys and whether they’ll have access to a well-rounded experience at the school. Does the school offer art? Sports? Clubs? Of course, this depends largely on your child’s interests, but even having

24 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

ISTOCK

By Christine Thompson

basic specials (P.E., music, etc.) during the school day can make a big difference for any child’s growth.



Campus atmosphere: How big is the student body? How big does it feel? Some students thrive in the bustle of a large school, while others seek the pace of a smaller campus. There are benefits and drawbacks to both, and it’s also important to note how large classes are and whether students have access to adequate support staff, including school counselors.



School philosophy: Check out the school’s website, then talk to teachers and other parents to better understand the school’s approach to learning, as well as its disciplinary policies. The values championed by faculty and staff are paramount to the success and well-being of your child. For instance, does the school have a guiding philosophy and if so, how does it show up in the classroom? Does the school support its teachers, or is there a high turnover rate? How are behavioral problems addressed?

Every child is unique, and parents or caregivers know best what kind of school environment will be the best fit. Currently, my boys don’t attend our neighborhood school, because another school in the district offered a program I felt would be invaluable for them over the long term. I’m lucky, both because I’m able to drive them to the school we chose every day, but also because our neighborhood elementary school would have been a great option. As parents and community members, I believe we should advocate for every student to have access to an excellent education every step of the way. Ensuring that all kids get the education they deserve will build stronger communities and a stronger state.

Christine Thompson is the president and CEO of Expect More Arizona, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization working to bring communities together to create positive change in education at all levels. Learn more at expectmorearizona.org.

A checklist for interviewing schools If you’ve just started on this journey of school choice, it can seem daunting. Here are questions to help get you started finding a quality school that fits your child’s interests, goals and temperament.

Consider asking prospective schools these questions:  How large are individual classes?  What is the student-to-teacher ratio?  How do your teachers stand out, and how are they aided and evaluated by administrators?  What is a typical class schedule? Is traditional or block scheduling used?  What’s your school’s educational philosophy or overall approach to learning?  How does your school stand apart?  How much homework is required?  How are parents involved in the school, and how do you communicate with parents?  Do students get recess, exercise or breaks during the school day?  Is your school accredited? If so, how, and if not, why not?  What is your school policy on technology and tech devices, such as tablets or smartphones?  What after-school activities are available to students?

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2020

25

By Amy Carney

NO

matter where our sons and daughters go after they graduate high school — whether to college, trade school, the military or into the workforce — they will be expected to be problem-solvers.

Here’s the problem: Local university deans and professors say that young adults today are lacking the confidence or ability to do just that, which means K-12 educators and parents need to do better at instilling these skills.

“Students, in general, don’t come to my office to solve problems. They want their parents or the dean to do it for them,” says Margaret Nelson, vice dean of Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

“I love it when students come in, because then I can help them figure out how to solve their problem. But I can tell that they are disappointed that I’m not solving it for them.”

Many educators are making similar observations and are striving to strengthen students’ critical thinking and problemsolving skills from the elementary grades on.

In general, educators who prioritize creating problem-solvers encourage kids to make mistakes in the classroom and to learn from those mistakes. They ask lots of questions, and let kids struggle to formulate answers,

26 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

rather than jumping in immediately to help.

They prefer teaching methods that champion conversation and debate. And they urge parents to reject the trend toward “snowplow parenting,” an excessive effort to clear every obstacle in a child’s path.

STARTING EARLY Beginning in elementary school, and with each passing year, parents should step back and allow their kids more responsibilities and opportunities to solve problems for themselves. Parents must purposely slow down and recognize opportunities for their children to solve the problems that naturally arise throughout childhood, knowing they are intentionally strengthening them for adulthood.

“I have seen a shift in students relying so much on mom and dad that they don’t know how to make their own decisions,” says Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth, associate athletic director and professor in the sports management undergraduate program at the University of Arizona. “Parents are not allowing their children to figure out life on their own.”

Parents may also want to seek out schools with smaller classroom sizes or educational institutions that build problem-solving skills

into their curriculum. Advanced Placement programs or extra-curricular programs such as debate or Odyssey of the Mind emphasize problem-solving skills.

“One of the best things parents can do is to coach their children to be problem-solvers,” says Nelson of ASU. “If parents don’t, it will impede their future.”

ALLOWING MISTAKES “Students are struggling to solve problems these days because they do not have a healthy relationship with failure,” says Tracey Lopeman, superintendent of Maricopa Unified School District. “It’s a societal issue. It’s a parenting issue. It’s an ongoing challenge in education. Not every kid is afraid to fail or shies away from challenges, but enough so that it is a regular topic of our discourse.”

Lopeman’s school district is encouraging critical thinking by working to implement project-based learning in all grade levels, requiring students to collaborate and solve realworld problems.

Mark McAfee, principal of Benjamin Franklin Charter High School in Queen Creek, says his teachers utilize the Socratic method — a teaching method based on active

YARUTA IGOR

Teaching kids to be PROBLEM-SOLVERS

discussion and debate to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas.

“Students ought not to be taught to simply regurgitate information given to them, but to be able to think through situations to their logical conclusions,” says McAfee.

“Challenging students with a question that begs an explanation helps students develop logic and rhetoric which lie at the heart of the ability to think well. Questions are the best way to teach, assess and immediately modify instruction simultaneously.

“These discussions are led by experts in their field who understand that the end goal of a quality education is not to create heads stuffed with knowledge so that students can become better worker bees, but to instead produce virtuous and articulate citizens,” adds McAfee, who says the school’s assessments of its students “are based on discussion, participation and understanding, rather than ‘right’ answers on a worksheet.”

“Kids just want me to tell them how to do something, and then they’ll do it,” says Jill Platt, principal of Notre Dame Preparatory High School, a private Catholic school in north Scottsdale. “But I want them to suffer a bit and think harder than that. When we tell our kids exactly what to do without allowing them to think for themselves, we all suffer the consequences in the end.”

Notre Dame has upped its arts offerings, because administrators believe the arts are crucial to developing a child’s whole mind. “We must understand that we need to develop the other side of the brain that helps with critical thinking,” says Platt, adding the school also has a business department and an entrepreneurial class that emphasizes problem-solving skills.

Overall, educators says parents and schools need to understand what’s at stake.

“We have taken the hard work from our students and then expect them to do hard things,” McAfee explains.

Let’s allow our children to do the hard work and learn to think for themselves so that when we send them out into the real world, they are more confident and capable of solving whatever problems may arise on their own.

Amy Carney is a Paradise Valley writer, speaker and founder of Parent on Purpose. The mother of five is married to retired pro hockey defenseman Keith Carney of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Learn more at amycarney.com.

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

2020

27

Q&A with Lynette Stant,

Arizona’s 2020

TEACHER of the YEAR

By Kara G. Morrison • Photos by Allen Patrou

YNETTE STANT, a third-grade teacher at Salt River Elementary in the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community, hopes to be a voice for equitable education for kids in rural areas and on Native American reservations in Arizona. Stant, who is Navajo, is Arizona’s 2020 Teacher of the Year — the first Native American woman to earn the title.

“I became a teacher because I don’t ever want a Native American student to feel they are not prepared to meet the challenges of college,” Stant has said. “Every student, no matter their background or learning ability, deserves an equitable education.”

As Teacher of the Year, Stant earned a $15,000 cash award and a classroom makeover. She will enjoy a week at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and will compete for National Teacher of the Year. She’ll also have a busy year of state and national appearances. During just one of those busy weeks, she shared her thoughts on the challenges Arizona teachers still face, her proudest moments as an educator and why she loves walking into her classroom (of 38 students!) every day.

Arizona Educational Foundation chose you as Arizona’s 2020 Teacher of the Year in October. What has this experience been like so far? My experience so far has been wonderfully overwhelming. I did not expect so much to happen so quickly. The moment I walked off the stage after being named 2020 Teacher of the Year, I was whisked away for interviews and photo ops. Each day, I am offered opportunities that never would have come my way had it not been for this award. Some of the opportunities are big, and some are small, but all of them are meaningful.

You plan to focus on the subject of equity this year. Can you elaborate? An equitable education means having the training and resources necessary to support the academic needs of students so that they have access to success.

Ensuring students in rural and reservation schools are getting the support they need to be successful is truly important.

Putting systems in place to ensure each student has a chance for success encompasses not only funding, but other resources as well. Native American students do not see themselves in educational programs that are not a reflection of themselves, their community or their tribe. They have unique challenges that require individualized support; therefore, teachers who work within these schools need the support and training to help design meaningful opportunities that promote success. I tell my students that just because their skin is brown, they are going to have to work twice as hard as their non-Native peers, because the playing field is not always equitable.

Tell us about Salt River Elementary. The school began as Salt River Day school in 1934, built by Phoenix Indian School students, funded by the Civilian Conservation

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

2020

29

Previous ARIZONA TEACHERS of the YEAR 2019: K areem N eal , Maryvale High School (Phoenix Union High School District)

2018: J osh M eibos , David Crockett Elementary School (Balsz Elementary School District)

2017: M ichelle D oherty, Encanto School (Osborn Elementary District)

2016: C hristine M arsh , Chaparral High School (Scottsdale Unified School District)

2015: J ohn -D avid B owman , Westwood High School (Mesa Public Schools)

2014: B eth H utchins -M aloney, Sunset Hill Elementary School (Dysart Unified School District)

Corps. The school offers grades K-6, as well as a FACE Program [Family and Child Education, an early childhood/parental involvement literacy program] and serves approximately 380 students. It is a tribally controlled and grant-funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

What are the best parts of your job? The best parts of my job are the 38 third-graders that I get to see every day. Building a relationship with each student and having the opportunity to support their academic growth is what makes me happy. I see among my students the future teachers of Salt River Elementary, the future leaders of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian community. My job is to prepare them for those future role and deliver the promise that they are deserving, and to show them the value of their diversity as they make their way in their educational journey.

What remain the biggest challenges for educators in Arizona?

2011: A manda M c A dams , Apollo High School

Funding is an obvious one, but teachers are under pressure to not only teach content but also to keep pace with the real-world needs that increasingly confront students. Teachers must now teach hygiene, coping strategies, addiction awareness, anger management, manners and behavior, self-care and many other life skills. Left to solve the diverse needs of our students, teachers are not given the training or preparation to help students with needs beyond academic growth.

2010: J oy W eiss , Balsz Elementary School, Phoenix

What do you think of the recent Red for Ed movement? The Red for

2013: N ancie L indblom , Skyline High School (Mesa Public Schools)

2012: K ristie M artorelli , Thompson Ranch Elementary School (Dysart Unified School District)

(Glendale Union High School District)

30 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Ed movement was a momentous moment for teachers. Although

I did not participate in the rallies, I supported the advocacy the Red for Ed movement started. What I think it did for Arizona schools is rally for students. Many people think the movement was just about teacher salaries, but it is so much more than that. It brought to light the conditions and lack of opportunities Arizona students face when it comes to education. Arizona continues to be at the bottom of the national rankings when it comes to student investment and teacher pay. The Red for Ed movement works toward ensuring Arizona does not lose sight of its most valuable stakeholders: it students.

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Why do you think Arizona continues to have a high teacherturnover rate? Arizona’s teacher-turnover rate is a symptom of

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What’s been your proudest moment as an educator? My

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You mentioned your parents were sent to American Indian boarding school. What was their experience, and how did that contribute to you wanting to teach? My parents did attend

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boarding schools, and from what I know about their experiences, they worked to be the best students they possibly could be. Although I did not start out wanting to be a teacher — I initially wanted to be a lawyer and started as a political-science major — I think I had the qualities of a natural teacher. My parents understood the value of a good education and always told me that a college degree was the one thing that no one would ever be able to take away from me. I am a first-generation college student, and my successes are reflective of the support I received from my parents.

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Tell us about your family. My husband, Spencer, and I have been married for almost 2 years (our anniversary is in March). My daughter, Taylor, is a senior at Arizona State University and is majoring in Global Health. Together we love traveling and hiking.

raisingarizonakids.com/ newsletter

How does it feel to be the first Native American woman to be named Arizona Teacher of the Year? I am a Díne woman, a Díne educator, a product of reservation schools, a first-generation college student. My role is to instill in students an immense sense of pride and show them that they matter and they have something meaningful to contribute to their communities and the world. I take my role seriously, because I want one of our Salt River Elementary students to stand in my position one day.

Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (7). Reach her at kara@rakmagazine.com.

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FINANCIAL LITERACY •

101

•

By Kara G. Morrison Photos courtesy of Kimberly Yee

Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee on why kids need to learn money-management basics AS ARIZONA’S STATE TREASURER, Kimberly Yee oversees a $40 billion state budget, manages $16 billion in assets and makes disbursements to state agencies, local governments and schools. Yee is also a mom with two young sons, and she has long been concerned that kids today are not learning the financial skills they need to ultimately be successful.

Yee was one of many supporters behind recent legislation to make financial education mandatory in Arizona high schools. This year, high school students must learn to balance a checkbook, understand the consequences of credit card debt and more.

“Financial education empowers young people to achieve financial freedom so they can attain their personal and professional goals,” Yee explains. “With [financial] freedom, our young people can achieve anything.”

Yee answered our questions about making financial literacy a priority. Her responses have been edited for length and clarity.

32 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Why are you so concerned about today’s kids being financially literate? Financial education is so important as a

basic life skill. If we teach children at a young age about smart money practices, they will be responsible with their money as adults. I have made financial literacy a cornerstone of my administration, because the fiscal health of our state depends on it.

It is important to recognize that student loan debt in our country stands at $1.6 trillion dollars, up from $1.5 trillion last year. A record 7 million Americans are three months behind in car payments. Nearly 40 percent of millennial women [ages 18-34] say they don’t pay their bills on time, and they are twice as likely as their male counterparts to take out a high-interest loan to cover a $2,000 emergency.

What first made you realize kids are not prepared? Twelve

years ago, when I worked as a staff member in former Arizona State

Left: Arizona’s State Treasurer, Kimberly Yee reads “Curious George Saves His Pennies” to a group at the Tempe Boys and Girls Club.

Below: Kimberly Yee at Alhambra Elementary School District.

Treasurer Dean Martin’s administration, I visited students at [an Arizona] university during their orientation week. I saw the credit card companies lined up to help those students open their first credit card accounts. I asked the students at that orientation whether they’d applied for their first credit card, and most of them raised their hands.

When I asked whether any of them had ever taken a personal finance course, sadly, none of the students raised their hands. That’s when my passion to improve financial education began.

How can parents start teaching kids about money and saving? Parents can teach their children the importance of earning money

by compensating them when they do chores around the house. When children learn that it takes work to earn money, they can appreciate the value of money and be mindful of how they use it. For older children who are learning how to spend money, it is helpful to use the envelope system that allows them to categorize the funds. One envelope can be for giving, another for saving and a third for spending. As children see the money being spent, it encourages them to keep doing chores to earn more money or to start slowing down their spending. I also encourage parents to start personal savings accounts when their children are born and to consider a 529 college savings plan so they can begin early on to grow their money with interest.

parental supervision. This is a perfect time to begin teaching older children how to balance a checkbook.

How important is balancing a checkbook in this age of online banking and smartphone apps? The practice of balancing

a checkbook and creating a simple budget is a skill needed now more than ever. It is important to keep track of how your money is going in and out. An while it is easy to rely on electronic apps and online banking programs, if there is a mistake, it might go unnoticed.

When does legislation go into effect requiring that kids learn financial literacy? In the first weeks of my new

administration, I put forward legislation that requires high school students to have a course on personal financial management during their economics semester. For many years, Arizona students were not required to have any kind of financial education before graduation.

Schools offered these classes as electives, so we missed a lot of students who didn’t know the first thing about managing their money. S.B. 1184 went into effect in August and this is the first school year when financial education must be included. Students will be equipped to manage their money and be ready to survive in the real world.

What did you do with your own kids to teach them to be financially literate? My children earn their money by doing

What other specific financial skills do you think kids need to learn before college? Parents can engage their children in simple

household chores, and they put aside money to save and to spend.

I teach simple concepts like the fact that saving money for a longer period of time will buy a bigger toy, so we’ll circle a picture in a toy catalog and work toward buying that toy over time. For little purchases, we’ll go to the dollar store so they can understand that each dollar means one toy, and they can count their purchases with each dollar. I have also taught them about giving to others and I show them pictures to provide examples of how their money can be used to help people.

things to learn about saving money. For instance, show children what your household utility bill looks like month to month. Make it a family goal to decrease utility usage with the goal of getting a smaller bill in the mail the next month. You’ll soon see children start turning off the lights in empty rooms and helping as a family unit to save a little money. A nice incentive for the children is to buy them a little treat with the money that is saved from the lower utility bill.

What would you like to add? This past June, I formed Arizona’s

Do you think kids should have access to savings/checking accounts or credit cards before college? Yes. I encourage parents

to start savings accounts for their children early on. When their kids are in junior high and high school, they should establish joint checking accounts so children learn how to deposit and withdraw money with

first-ever Financial Literacy Task Force to ensure that all Arizonans, from all walks of life, can attain a better grasp of how to manage their finances.

We want to help advance financial education for students, emerging adults, senior citizens, vulnerable families, veterans and military families and more. Everyone deserves to achieve financial freedom.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

2020

33

Choosing a quality early learning environment

By Eric Bucher

I

have dedicated 13 years of my career to building the brains of children and supporting their families here in the Valley. For many of those years, I was a preschool teacher — constructing tall block towers with little architects, mixing hues of paint with creative artists and investigating Arizona’s desert on nature walks with young scientists.

I had the opportunity to teach in a Quality First program; my preschool was part of the First Things First statewide partnership to improve the quality of educational programs for kids from birth to age 5. It meant our school was committed to continuously improving the quality of its services to children and parents and providing professional learning for its teachers.

What I learned from my early childhood experience is this: You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Your positive relationship sets the foundation for lifelong learning. But in today’s busy world, many families also must rely on early learning programs to provide safe, secure, responsive caregiving so they can get to work or school with peace of mind.

Whether your family needs full-time childcare or a few hours a week in an early

34 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

learning setting, quality matters. Research shows that participating in a quality early learning program impacts children’s lifelong educational outcomes. According to a Harvard Study, quality preschools can improve child wellness, increase educational engagement, and reduce the need for special education placement or grade retention.

There are many great options out there, and there are many factors to look for when choosing a preschool that is a good fit for your family. The way the program feels, interactions between caregivers and children, and commitment to quality improvement are important points to consider.

Here are some questions that might guide your search: • Do you feel welcomed and included when you walk in? A welcoming preschool is warm and caring — a place where caregivers take the time to get to know you and your child.

The diversity of the families, languages, and cultures should be reflected in the classroom books, materials, photos, and environment.

• Are there positive, consistent relationships

among caregivers and children? Relationships are at the heart of quality early-learning experiences. Look for a caring community of learners where teachers are engaged in play with children. The caregivers should seem to genuinely enjoy teaching to support children’s learning and development.

• Does the environment encourage play and foster social and emotional development?

Quality programs understand that children are unique learners with individualized strengths and interests. Teachers should plan and provide many experiences that support children’s whole development of social-emotional, cognitive, language/literacy and physical skills. Social and emotional development — the ability to regulate emotions, persist and pay attention, and play cooperatively with others — are important skills that build the foundation for success in school and beyond.

• Are the teachers well-supported? Quality programs invest in ongoing professional development and training so teachers can continue to hone their skills to provide activities that challenge children to their next

Left: A matching exercise at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church and School in Flagstaff.

level of development. The work of building brains is complex and demanding. Wellsupported teachers should have access to coaching, comprehensive health care, mental health and well-being services — and worthy wages that reflect the importance of their job.

KAREN BARR

• Is the program participating in Quality First? Quality First is an initiative of First Things First, the state early childhood agency.

Quality First works with more than 1,000 licensed and regulated preschool providers in Arizona to improve the quality of early learning in ways that help young kids learn, grow and thrive. Participating in Quality First is voluntary, but shows a commitment to go beyond regulatory requirements to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers be ready for success in school and beyond. For more information and to find a Quality First center near you, visit qualityfirstaz.com.

• Is the program NAEYC accredited?

Accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the gold standard of quality for early childhood programs. Programs that are NAEYC accredited have committed to maintaining high standards for culturally and developmentally responsive teaching, collaborative relationships with families, staff competencies and qualifications, and continuous quality improvement. For more information on local programs that have this accreditation, visit www.azaeyc.org/connect/ arizona-naeyc-accredited-early-learningprograms.

Across Arizona, thousands of early childhood professionals work day in and day out to provide quality early learning experiences for children and families. Learning environments, caregiver interactions, Quality First participation, and NAEYC Accreditation are just some factors that can guide you to find a good fit for your family.

Eric Bucher, Ed.D., is the executive director of the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children and program manager of Community Education and Preschool for the Madison School District.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

RESOURCES Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children azaeyc.org A 501(c)(3) non-profit early childhood membership organization dedicated to ensuring all of Arizona’s teachers have the resources they need to build the brains of young learners.

AzAEYC provides professional development, training and technical assistance to early childhood professionals on topics that elevate their voices as professionals, access to the AZToolkit (a comprehensive resource for early learning providers), and a list of NAEYC-accredited early learning and higher education programs.

Arizona Department of Health Services: Bureau of Child Care Licensing azdhs.gov/als/childcare Regulates and monitors childcare facilities, public school childcare programs and certified group homes statewide. A “Parent and Community Information” page links to a variety of resources for parents and childcare providers.

Association for Supportive Child Care asccaz.org Connects parents with resources on reliable child care, techniques to encourage healthy brain development and parenting. Provides innovative early education programs for kids and families (Kidding Around Yoga, Kith and Kin, Play and Learn, VROOM!) and training sessions and seminars for parents, caregivers and early childhood educators.

Arizona’s Early Intervention Program des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmentalinfant AzEIP is Arizona’s statewide interagency system of services and supports for families of infants and toddlers (birth to 3) with disabilities or delays.

Child Care Resource and Referral - Arizona azccrr.com Find childcare providers in your area, download a Quality Care Checklist (in English or Spanish), access links to financial assistance opportunities, find support for a child whose behavior has resulted in expulsion, learn how to become a childcare provider, submit a provider complaint.

DES Child Care Assistance des.az.gov/childcare The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) offers a Child Care Assistance program to provide financial support for childcare costs to eligible low-income working families, teen parents enrolled in high school or GED classes, homeless or domestic violence shelter residents, and individuals who are unable to work because of physical or emotional conditions.

First Things First firstthingsfirst.org Arizona’s only public funding source dedicated exclusively to early childhood, First Things First: • Invests in proven programs and innovative strategies that strengthen families in their role as their child’s first teacher, expands access to and improves the quality of early learning environments, and promotes prevention and early identification of health problems that impact learning.

• Administers Quality First, a partnership with more than 1,000 child care providers statewide to improve the quality of educational programs for kids from birth to age 5.

• Offers a downloadable checklist that parents can use when visiting preschools.

• Provides the free Arizona Parent Kit to parents of all newborns in the state before they leave the hospital or birthing center. The kit includes instructional DVDs that are available for checkout at libraries statewide.

• Funds the Southwest Human Development Birth to Five Hotline (877-705-KIDS) to provide answers to child development questions.

National Association for the Education of Young Children naeyc.org Administers a national, voluntary accreditation system to evaluate and help raise the quality of all types of preschools and childcare centers.

Maintains a list of programs that are currently accredited to help parents find NAEYCaccredited programs in their area.

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Self Development Academy - Mesa.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Preschools, private schools, charters schools, public school districts, online learning programs, special needs schools and resources for educational support in greater Phoenix.

Phoenix Union High School District.

Christ Lutheran School.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PRESCHOOLS ARIZONA SUNRAYS ACTIVE PRESCHOOL 15801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix • 602-992-5790 • arizonasunrays.com Ages: 3–5 years Enrollment: Year-round. Morning, afternoon or full-day programs.

Active bodies build active minds! At Arizona Sunrays, our licensed preschool cultivates teaching through movement. Studies show that children learn and retain information while being physically active. Three to 5-year-olds participate in gymnastics, dance, yoga, music, art, and Ninja Zone.

Instruction in ZooPhonics, the multi-sensory approach to language arts, incorporates movement to the ABCs. Class sizes are small with an 8:1 ratio. Sibling discounts and flexible payment plans available. Our teachers and coaches provide a caring and safe environment in our Valley’s premier, gymnastics, dance, and preschool facility. We are families serving families.

CAMELBACK DESERT SCHOOL 9606 E. Kalil Drive, Scottsdale 480-451-3130 • camelbackdesertschool.com Ages: 12 months–first grade during the school year; ages 1–grade 8 during the summer. Enrollment: Year-round. Open house dates: 5-7 p.m.

Jan. 16 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21. Tuition: Varies depending on program; sibling discounts and STO tuition assistance for kindergarten.

Our school combines academic learning and structured play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Children are given plenty of room to discover, explore and learn. This is their introduction to a lifetime of learning, and it’s a journey that should start on the right foot. We carry this enthusiasm into our year-round programs, including summer, spring, winter and school break camps for children through 8th grade.

SPIRIT OF HOPE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 14403 N. 75th Ave., Peoria • 623-334-9171 • spiritofhopemontessori.com Ages: 3–5 Enrollment: August-May Tuition: $6,500; sibling discounts and scholarships available Spirit of Hope Montessori School is a child-centered educational environment offering morning, afternoon and full-day programs designed to assist each child in reaching his/her full potential. By helping children develop self-confidence, self-control and independence, our curriculum helps them grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.

VALLEY CHILD CARE & LEARNING CENTER valleylearningcenters.com Locations: Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Glendale, El Mirage, Surprise, Anthem, Tempe, South Phoenix. Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years We offer high-quality, full-day childcare and preschool programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Scholarships and flexible payment plans available. We make children smile!

XTREME GYMNASTICS 15821 N. 79th St., Suite 3, Scottsdale • 480-596-3543 • xtremegymnastics.com Extensive research shows a direct and significant relationship between early childhood motor development and scholastic success. Our Move-NLearn curriculum takes advantage of our unique ability to seamlessly combine instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, art, science, locomotor and group fitness, creating a comprehensive educational program that provides the foundation for future academic and athletic achievement.

Trusted by Scottsdale families since 1996, we are known for our child development expertise and positive teaching techniques. Preschool Director Amy Bucknell has taught and coached since 2003 and is completing a PhD in educational policy. With a profound understanding of the importance of early childhood education and motor development, she brings knowledge and balance to Move-N-Learn. Our 16,000-square-foot facility offers a unique preschool experience featuring trampolines, bars, beams, rings, foam pit, climbing ropes and inspired classrooms. Your child will enjoy endless opportunities to play, explore and learn!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARIZONA

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARIZONA 9522 E. San Salvador Drive, Scottsdale • 480-874-2326 • isaz.org Grades: Age 18 months–grade 8 Enrollment: Year-round Open House: January (TBA) Tuition: $15,000. Flexible payment plans and sibling discounts available.

The International School of Arizona (ISA) prepares students to become bilingual, valued citizens of the world. The fully accredited French and Spanish language immersion programs start in early childhood at 18 months and go through 8th Grade. For over 21 years, ISA has been passionately offering a progressive international education and advanced multi-lingual academics in a safe, diverse and nurturing environment.

The evolving, adaptive curriculum follows the requirements of the French and Spanish Ministries of Education. Studies show that bilingual students outperform their counterparts on English tests, are more likely to seek a higher education and exhibit greater communication skills. In today’s world, a second language is one of the greatest assets your child can bring to their future. Contact ISA today to book a tour and to give your child the lifelong gift of a second language!

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PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS AVONDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 295 W. Western Ave., Avondale • 623-772-5000 • avondale.k12.az.us Grades: Pre-K–8 Avondale Elementary School District is proud to be the district of choice – serving students from preschool through eighth grade. AESD has the highest percentage of A-rated schools in the Southwest Valley. Offering STEM opportunities, accelerated learning and dual language programs. Art, music, band, choir, coding and computer science are offered daily. The Avondale Elementary Schools District has been recognized at the national and state levels for its passion and commitment for educational excellence. Having obtained numerous “A” ratings for its schools, the district continues to be a leader in public education.

DEER VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 20402 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix • 623-445-5000 • dvusd.org Grades: K–12 DVUSD has more schools (95 percent) with an “A” or “B” rating for achievement by the Arizona Department of Education than most Valley districts.

Our 38 campuses serve students from Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Anthem, New River, Cave Creek and Maricopa County. Opportunities for students include: instruction by 100 percent Highly Qualified teachers, free full-day kindergarten with specials every day (art, music, P.E.), Mandarin Chinese language curriculum, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment classes, nearly one-to-one computer-to-student ratio and award-winning fine arts programs. Student-to-teacher ratio is 18 to 1.

DYSART UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise 623-876-7000 • dysart.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Enrollment: Ongoing throughout the year. Tours are also available year-round Dysart is a vibrant, growing school district focused on academics, arts and athletics. With 20 elementary schools and 4 high schools (each with a Signature Program), a preschool, alternative program, and online iSchool offerings, there’s something for everyone. Dysart is celebrating 100 years of providing extraordinary experiences and a wide variety of extracurricular activities and services to all students. We offer free full-day kindergarten, athletics beginning in middle school and arts at all levels. There is no shortage of opportunities to pique every student’s interests.

Discover Dysart today!

GLENDALE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 7650 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale • 623-435-6000 • guhsdaz.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Enrollment: Begins Jan. 6 Glendale Union High School District, founded in 1911, serves the communities of Phoenix and Glendale. Comprised of nine high schools, grades 9-12, the urban district enrolls over 16,800 students and has approximately 140,000 constituents in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The district’s nine schools are ranked among the best high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and all are part of the College Board’s 2013 National Advanced Placement District of the Year. GUHSD strives to fulfill its mission of empowering all students for the choices and challenges of the twenty-first century. Excellence: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow #WeAreGUHSD

MADISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix • 602-664-7900 • madisonaz.org Grades: Elementary and middle school For more than 125 years, Madison Elementary School District has been one of the top elementary school districts in the state, with eight schools consistently earning high honors. Madison serves approximately 6,000 students in the heart of Phoenix from 32nd Street to Seventh Avenue and between Indian School and Northern Avenue. Its outstanding “signature” educational programs are locally and nationally recognized, including the International Baccalaureate program, Spanish immersion, REACH - Profoundly Gifted program, visual and performing arts, STEAM, and traditional curriculum. For more information about Madison, visit madisonaz.org

PHOENIX UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 4502 N. Central Ave., Phoenix • 602 764-1100 • phoenixunion.org Phoenix Union is the largest high school district in Arizona, serving 28,000 students with a portfolio of 21 schools. Within the 220-square miles of central Phoenix, there are 10 comprehensive high schools, one college and career magnet school (Metro Tech), four small specialty schools (including nationally acclaimed Bioscience, National Blue Ribbon School - Franklin Police & Fire, Phoenix Coding Academy, and Wilson College Prep), two micro schools (Gifted and Talented Academy at Maryvale and the only public Montessori high school in Arizona) and four support schools (including the newly launched PXU Digital Academy). The district features 11 magnet programs and over 30 Career and Technical Education programs.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SCOTTSDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 8500 E. Jackrabbit Road, Scottsdale • 480-484-6100 • susd.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Enrollment: Priority open enrollment begins Nov. 1. Regular enrollment is ongoing.

Everything we do across our 29 campuses creates a culture of learning that supports our 23,000-plus students. We’re developing the leaders of tomorrow so they can contribute to a smarter, safer and more sustainable world. We offer: rigorous academics, career and technical education, Pre-K, full-day kindergarten, distance learning, dual language immersion, traditional schools, STEAM/STEM, gifted learning, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses, performing and fine arts, championship high school athletics, middle school sports, special education services, in-class and online high school summer school, a variety of special interest clubs and even before- and afterschool care on-site. For more information, visit susd.org/schools, follow our social media feeds at susd.org/connect or enroll at susd.org/enroll

CHARTER SCHOOLS ACADEMIES OF MATH AND SCIENCE Nine campuses in Avondale, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Tucson. • 904-699-6895 • amsschools.org Grades: K–8 Open House: Sign up online.

We utilize research and evidence-based methods in use at the highest performing schools in the world. With an award-winning academic program, a fully equipped state-of-the-art campus complete with advanced science and computer labs, full-sized courts and recreation areas, and top-notch security, AMS offers Arizona students a K-8 education that prepares them for lifelong success. Specifically, AMS students participate in a rigorous, STEM-focused program that includes robotics and technology classes, Mandarin, Russian, guitar, piano, choir, art, and drama. The Academies of Math and Science are also the No. 1-rated school network in the Phoenix area based on the number of 5-star parent reviews on greatschools.org.

At the Academy of Math & Science, students become scholars and scholars become tomorrow’s global visionaries.

ACCELERATED LEARNING CENTER 4105 E Shea Blvd., Phoenix • 602-485-0309 • acceleratedlearningcenteraz.com Grades: High school Accelerated Learning Center is an is an “A” rated alternative high school with a traditional setting. For 24 years, ALC has been offering small classes, half-day sessions, certified teachers, and the opportunity for success. In addition to one-on-one interaction with teachers on campus, students have opportunities to earn additional credits outside of school. We believe that every student can learn, and at ALC we make a difference for students.

AMERISCHOOLS ACADEMY PHOENIX CAMELBACK 1333 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix • 602-532-0100 • amerischools.org Grades: K–8 AmeriSchools Academy staff are committed to fostering and enhancing student growth by providing effective instructional support dedicated to superior achievements. We share this goal to maintain high academic and social standards, to motivate, inspire and model for our students as we work together to learn and become active participants in our community. We are dedicated to fostering academic excellence through individualized, tuition-free instruction of core curriculum supported by enrichment and acceleration opportunities. To accomplish this mission, our goal is to teach integrated curriculum by utilizing multi-age ability groups for instruction. Come explore, grow and become a life-long learner with us.

ARIZONA SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 1410 N. Third St., Phoenix • 602-257-1444 • goasa.org Grades: 5–12 Enrollment: Oct. 1–Feb. 19, 2020 Founded in 1995, Arizona School for the Arts (ASA) is a nonprofit, public charter school committed to equity and access where no prior arts experience is required and all students are welcome. ASA is an innovative model in education with a concentration on college preparation through immersion in the performing arts. The school serves more than 840 students in grades 5 through 12, providing each student with two hours of performing arts education every day in addition to a rigorous academic curriculum. The school regularly receives high-level recognition for academic and civic excellence, Robotics, Mock Trial, and Model UN accolades, in addition to countless honors for every genre of the performing arts. ASA enjoys a diverse population of students from over 100 zip codes across the Valley and is located in downtown Phoenix.

BASIS CHARTER SCHOOLS Locations: Ahwatukee, Chandler, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale • 480-289-2088 • enrollBASIS.com Grades: K–12.

The mission of BASIS Charter Schools is to empower students to achieve at globally competitive levels with a transformative K–12 academic program. The signature of our learning community is the combination of creativity, innovation, and disciplined experimentation that is powered by traditional content knowledge. We are steadfastly dedicated to celebrating and passing on a love of learning, and a shared understanding of the value of critical thinking, responsibility, and motivation to all our students. That is what the BASIS Charter School Curriculum, and every one of our teachers in every one of our schools truly represents.

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The best high schools in Phoenix are at PXU. Prepare for the future with one of our 21 innovative schools of opportunity.

From learning to code apps to nursing to fire fighting and police training, we have the programs that will help you go places and do things that matter.

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Schedule a tour today! susd.org/Schools (480) 484-6100

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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CHARTER SCHOOLS Four campuses in Gilbert and Queen Creek • bfcsaz.com Grades: K–12 Enrollment: Begins Jan. 7 (Kindergarten enrollment starts in November); See website for open house dates.

Founded in 1995, Benjamin Franklin Charter School was one of Arizona’s first charter schools, and we’ve been “Educating Arizona…One Student at a Time”™ ever since. We currently have three K-6 campuses that follow a Traditional/Classical Education Model and one 7-12 Classical/College Preparatory secondary school, all of which are tuition free. We offer our students an exceptional, well-rounded education, both in intellect and character. Our goal is to help our students become educated, responsible, and honorable citizens, who are ready to go out and change the world.

Please visit our website to learn more or schedule a tour of a campus.

CANDEO SCHOOLS 9965 W. Calle Lejos, Peoria • North Scottsdale opening August 2020 • 623-979-6500 • candeoschools.com Grades: K–8 Enrollment: Peoria: Ongoing. North Scottsdale: Begins Jan. 23-31.

Candeo Schools is a tuition-free, top performing K-8 charter school. We believe college preparation begins in elementary school, where cognitive growth is richest. Our rigorous classical liberal arts program is designed to meet the needs of children who thrive in an environment of academic intensity, challenge, curiosity, and wonder. Finally, who your children become is as important to us as the academic skills and knowledge they will amass. Candeo Peoria ranked in the Top 1 percent of schools since its 2008 inception. We are proud to open our North Scottsdale campus August 2020.

HERITAGE ACADEMY Locations in Mesa, Laveen/Phoenix, Gateway/Queen Creek and Maricopa • 480-969-5641 • heritageacademyaz.com/enroll Grades: 6–12 Enrollment: Oct. 1–Feb. 15 Open House: See website for dates/times.

Top Charter School. Best Teachers in Arizona. Promoting Personal Greatness. Focus on Founding Fathers. Providing a Classical Education. Small campus. Close-Knit. Success. Friendship. Character Development. Extensive Dual Enrollment. Associate Degree in High School. Teachers Who Care. Student Success. High Graduation Rates. Excellent Arts Programs. Strong Athletics. Advanced Academics. Operates Monday - Thursday. No School on Fridays. A/B Schedule. Accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED). Uniforms Required.

HIRSCH ACADEMY 6535 E. Osborn Road • 480-488-9362 • hirsch.teamcfa.school Grades: K–6 Enrollment: Year-round Open House: Throughout the summer; Spring Festival every May We are an ‘A’ rated free charter school in South Scottsdale. We provide a high-quality personalized educational experience for every child. We know that every child learns at a different pace and needs support to be challenged and to be encouraged. We have small class sizes, highly qualified teachers and we provide small group and 1:1 instruction opportunities daily. Utilizing the Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum, we embed many social studies and science concepts through our non-fiction reading units, and Singapore Math allows children to experience math in a visual and hands-on manner. Our daily Special Areas include STEM, Art, PE and Performing Arts. We also offer free after-school academic tutoring, music classes and various clubs.

HORIZON HONORS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 16233 S. 48th St., Phoenix • 480-659-3100 • horizonhonorselementary.org Grades: K–6 Horizon Honors Elementary is a public, tuition-free, charter school located in Ahwatukee. The school’s integrated, “gifted education for all” approach involves students solving real-life problems through cooperative, thematic, hands-on/minds-on experiences so students understand how their classes, like life, are linked together. In addition to an outstanding core curriculum, Horizon Honors Elementary provides Spanish, daily Physical Education, Music, Communications. Art, and extra-curricular clubs at all grade levels. The School is ranked an “A” school by the Arizona Department of Education. Lottery Forms accepted through January 20, lottery held January 30.

HORIZON HONORS SECONDARY SCHOOL 16233 S. 48th St., Phoenix • 480-659-3000 • horizonhonorssecondary.org Grades: 7–12 Ranked a “Best High School” by U.S. News & World Report, Horizon Honors is a public, tuition-free, charter school located in Ahwatukee. Horizon Honors offers a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum in a nurturing, small-school environment. Students are held to high academic standards and are offered an integrated approach that involves solving real-life problems through cooperative, thematic, hands-on/minds-on experiences. In addition to an outstanding core curriculum, the school offers AP and dual enrollment courses, as well comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Horizon Honors is ranked an “A” school by the Arizona Department of Education. Lottery Forms accepted through January 20, lottery held January 30.

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Why choose Self Development Academy?

Reason #6 Advanced Course Offerings

Now Enrolling for 2020

Accelerated, captivating curriculum at one of our nation’s top 20 K-8 Charter Schools. We teach Geometry alongside Logic, Physics alongside Philosophy, and Literature alongside Creative Writing.

See more reasons and how to enroll on our website.

SelfDevelopmentAcademy.com Mesa • Phoenix • Gilbert • Glendale

A better future. One student at a time.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

IMAGINE SCHOOLS imagineschools.org Imagine Schools-affiliated campuses operate in nine states and Washington, D.C. In Arizona, there are 12 campuses. College-preparatory elementary, middle and high schools emphasize individualized learning, character education, accelerated curriculum, high expectations and a values-based culture.

All schools are accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED). Uniforms are required. Pre-K is offered at some K-8 campuses. Proprietary Imagine Schools Curriculum is aligned to Arizona state standards and is designed to help students develop deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career and civic life. Additional programs vary by campus and grade level but include Advanced Placement, Character Counts, National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, athletics and many more opportunities.

LEGACY TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS Campuses in Avondale, Casa Grande, Chandler, East Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Laveen, Maricopa, North Chandler, Northwest Tucson, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Surprise and West Surprise (opening Fall 2020). • legacytraditional.org Grades: K–8 Enrollment: Ongoing Open House: Schedule a tour at legacytraditional.org This A-rated, public charter K-8 district was founded in 2007 in Maricopa and now includes 16 Arizona campuses. In 2019, the Legacy schools earned more “A” ratings than any other K-8, tuition-free charter school network. Legacy Traditional Schools offers students a well-rounded and accelerated education. Character development, patriotism and citizenship underpin Legacy’s educational approach, while Saxon math and Spalding reading/writing as well as rigorous social studies, history, geography, and science programs form the basis of the curriculum. Highlights include PE (K-2), music (K-2), computers (K-6), art (K-6), Spanish (K-6), Mozart Musical Track (3-8) , Momentum Fitness Track (3-8) and a choice of numerous junior high electives.

Eligible students may take part in Recognizing Individual Student Excellence (RISE) gifted program (1-8). All students may also join after-school clubs and extracurricular activities and/or try out for sports teams. Fee-based Legacy Kids care offers before-and after-school activities. Legacy teachers are all certified. Schools are accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).

LEADING EDGE ACADEMY Campuses in East Mesa, Gilbert, Maricopa, Queen Creek and online • leadingedgeacademy.com Grades: K–12 Enrollment: Ongoing as openings are available The Leading Edge Academy is a six-campus K-12 charter school with locations in Gilbert, East Mesa, Queen Creek, Maricopa and online. We promote an emphasis on advanced academics and character development, utilizing a best practices/data-driven instruction model and current, research-based curriculum. Leading Edge Academy has a history of academic excellence and student achievement. Additionally, we use a valuesbased program to challenge our students to improve their character and enhance their relationships. These values are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Our schools have small class sizes and a safe, family feel.

METROPOLITAN ARTS INSTITUTE 1700 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix • 602-258-9500 • metro-arts.org Grades: 7–12 Tours: Every other Tuesday Metropolitan Arts Institute is a college-preparatory charter school emphasizing arts (dance, film, music, theater and visual arts), excellence, authenticity, integrity and tolerance. Our mission is to help students set goals, master techniques and develop skills and self discipline. Metro prepares students for college and instills a life-long love of the creative process. We focus on developing academic and artistic excellence along with the socialemotional maturity and authenticity of each student. Honors coursework is available in conjunction with all standard core and elective courses.

REID TRADITIONAL 1520 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix • 623-516-7747 • valleyacademy.com • 14800 N. 25th Drive, Phoenix • 623-466-8855 • paintedrockacademy.com Grades: K–8 and private preschool As one of the first traditional schools is Arizona, Reid Traditional Schools has a 25-year record of academic success. Our students have gone on to become doctors, attorneys, and engineers, and many of them have enrolled their own children in the school that gave them their great start in life. The Reid schools have many state and national accolades, but our real accomplishment shows in the bright eyes of our intelligent, enthusiastic students. We’ve carefully honed a curriculum that has kindergarten students reading within the first five months and all students well prepared for higher level math and science explorations. Our new robotics and foreign languages labs are exciting, and art and music classes focus on the humanities in a historical context.

SAN TAN CHARTER SCHOOL 3959 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert • 3232 S. Power Road, Gilbert • 480-222-0811 • santancharterschool.com Grades: Infants–grade 12 Enrollment: Interest forms accepted year-round for lottery draw San Tan Montessori Preschool, located on the Recker campus of San Tan Charter School, offers private Montessori education for infants through 6 years. Our Infant, Toddler, and Primary class experience includes multiple recesses per day, Music Together™, Outdoor Environment, and on-site fieldtrips. San Tan Charter School offers tuition-free public elementary, junior high, and high school programs in Gilbert. Recker is a K-6 campus offering Mainstream, Montessori, and self-contained Gifted programs. Power is a 7-12 campus offering college and career ready courses, Honors/ AP, Scholars Prep, Concurrent/Dual enrollment and robust electives.

46 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

There are schools, AND THERE ARE CANDEO SCHOOLS. SINCE 2008

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Apply at candeoschools.com CLASSICAL LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

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RIGOROUS CONTENT CURRICULUM

Tuition-Free Advanced K-8 Program Russian and Mandarin language classes for all grades.

Enriching, hands-on K-8 music program with choir, guitar, and piano.

Extracurriculars include: Robotics, competitive sports, grades K-5 sports, spanish club, and more!

Find your school and RSVP for a tour today!

Visit RAK.amscharters.org or call (602) 584-6625

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SCOTTSDALE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale • 480-452-5777 • scdsaz.com Grades: K–8 Enrollment: Open enrollment while available; see tour dates online Scottsdale Country Day School class sizes range from 15-22 students, which ensure teachers work with excellent ratios. All teachers are Arizona certified and have a real passion for educating children. SCDS has a modern and secure building, with a full-time police officer on campus.

Specials such as art, music, entrepreneurship, P.E., Spanish, and STEM complement a rigorous, yet fun, academic program.

SELF DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY Locations in Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix • 602-675-0125 • selfdevelopmentacademy.com Grades: K–8 Enrollment: Year-roun. Open House: Feb. 8 and 22 The advanced K-8 Self Development Academy provides accelerated, enriched, and captivating curriculum focusing on critical and creative thinking.

We believe that an individualized, nurturing environment allows students to thrive. Year after year our approach has proven successful-we rank in the top 10 in the state and top 15 in the country! Critical thinking is explored through our gifted program and our nationally recognized math and science program, teaching middle schoolers pre-calculus, physics, and other subjects traditionally taught in high school. Creative thinking is taught through an enrichment-based instructional model and our upcoming creative writing program. Exceptional futures start here.

VAL VISTA ACADEMY 4120 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert • 480-656-5555 • valvistaacademy.org Grades: Pre-K–8 Enrollment: Year-round; open house on Jan. 23 Val Vista Academy is a tuition-free public charter school. Our small class sizes and hands-on learning environment make us a great home for all students, from kindergarten through 8th grade. Students are provided with STEM infusion throughout the entire curriculum. Special classes include P.E., music, technology and Spanish. We truly believe in growing every child’s potential. Schedule a tour today. Limited space available.

VILLA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2802 E. Meadowbrook Ave., Phoenix • 602-955-2210 • villamontessori.com Grades: K–8; also offers private preschool Growing greatness in mind, body and spirit. Villa is an American Montessori Society associate member school. As the first Montessori school in Phoenix (opened in 1964) and one of the first charter schools in Arizona (1995), Villa remains committed to finding innovative and effective ways of meeting the needs of children. Also offers private preschool.

PRIVATE CAMELBACK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley • 602-957-0215 • www.camelbackchristianschool.com Grades: Age 2–kindergarten Enrollment: Jan.13 until full Open House: Jan. 13-17 Tuition: $2,600-$6,000. Need-based financial aid, flexible payment plans and scholarships available.

Jump Start with us Aug. 17-28 if you want or need to begin the year a little early. Our full array of CCS programing begins on Aug. 31st with our Core Program from 9 a.m. to noon, early arrival at 8 a.m. and our Extended Day School (XDS) classes from noon to 4 p.m. These additional awesome learning experiences include STEM, LEGO CLUB, Science, Language and Literacy, Art Masterpiece, Music & Movement, KIDS BEneFIT (fitness and fun!) and Gymnastics. Full details of our educational program can be found at our website!

CARITAS CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL ACADEMY P.O. Box 1317, Chandler • 480-528-6646 • caritasacademyaz.org Grades: K–6 Enrollment: January-May Open House: Jan. 16. Tuition: $5,000 Caritas Christian Classical Academy nurtures the next generation of believers to live a life transformed by a deeper love of Christ, His universe, His people, and His way. Caritas employs a hybrid model of education where students split their time between school on campus and participating in remote-learning days. Our aim is to work side-by-side with parents to give them structure, accountability, and community while we teach children to think about all things from a biblical perspective using a traditional liberal arts curriculum.

48 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

CHILDREN DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY CAN’T SEE. Children rarely complain about vision problems.

They believe everyone sees the world the way they do.

Learn more about children’s vision health at EyesOnLearning.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHRIST CHURCH SCHOOL 4015 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley • 602-381-9906 • ccsaz.org Grades: Pre-K–4 Tuition: Varies by class; flexible payment plans and scholarships available.

Emphasis is educating the whole child — mind, heart, and spirit — with small class sizes and low teacher-student ratios. Interactive, integrated and accelerated curriculum incorporates age-appropriate educational enhancements including Spanish, PE, music, chapel, art, religion, theater, library and outreach activities. Accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools and affiliated with the Episcopal parish of Christ Church of the Ascension.

CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL 3901 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix • 602-957-7010 • clsphx.org Grades: Preschool (2 and up)–grade 8. Tuition: Varies by age (check website); accepts STO payments and CLSTO (based on financial need).

We are thrilled to be in the business of high academic standards, service in the community and extracurricular activities, but ultimately sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you and your children. We opened in 1955 and are an NLSA-accredited school. Offerings at CLS Include: religious instruction, strong and challenging academics, STEM program, art program, PE and interscholastic sports, instrumental and vocal music programs, service learning, leadership programs, school nurse and bus transportation. Affiliated with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

GARY K. HERBERGER YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale • 602-543-8274 • herbergeracademy.asu.edu Grades: 7–12, with intellectual ability significantly higher than age peers. Enrollment: Applications will be accepted through Dec. 1 for spring 2020 enrollment and on an ongoing basis for the 2020-2021 school year.

The Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy embodies a highly challenging and hands-on learning environment. Here, in non-traditional fashion, exceptional adolescents integrate technology and advanced methods into their learning culture to achieve substantial growth. HYSA’s access to resources and scholarly professionals from Arizona State University prepares our students for tomorrow by learning how to collaborate today.

HOLY TRINITY ACADEMY 1973 E. Maryland Ave. Phoenix • 602-248-3881 • htaphx.org Grades: Age 3–kindergarten. Enrollment: Enrollment for the following year begins Dec. 1. Open House: 9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 16 Tuition: $3,240 - $5,850. Flexible payment plans, need-based financial aid, religious/parish discounts, sibling discounts and scholarships available.

Our rich curriculum emphasizes a strong academic foundation that develops curiosity and an early love of learning through the use of songs, dance, play, and a variety of hands-on activities. Our advanced learning programs are designed to promote every aspect of early childhood development – cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. HTA is a safe and caring environment with small class sizes that meet and exceed the academic Arizona standards. Fine art, music, gardening, religious studies, and Greek language are part of the daily curriculum. Before and After Care is available.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARIZONA

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARIZONA 9522 E. San Salvador Drive, Scottsdale • 480-874-2326 • isaz.org Grades: Age 18 months–grade 8 Enrollment: Year-round Open House: January (TBA) Tuition: $15,000. Flexible payment plans and sibling discounts available.

The International School of Arizona (ISA) prepares students to become bilingual, valued citizens of the world. The fully accredited French and Spanish language immersion programs start in Early Childhood at 18 months and go through 8th grade. For over 21 years, ISA has been passionately offering a progressive international education and advanced multi-lingual academics in a safe, diverse and nurturing environment.

The evolving, adaptive curriculum follows the requirements of the French and Spanish Ministries of Education. Studies show that bilingual students outperform their counterparts on English tests, are more likely to seek a higher education and exhibit greater communication skills. In today’s world, a second language is one of the greatest assets your child can bring to their future. Contact ISA today to book a tour and to give your child the lifelong gift of a second language!

THE JONES-GORDON SCHOOL 4800 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley • 480-563-5588 • jonesgordon.org Grades: 1–12 Tuition: $25,000. Flexible payment plans and scholarships available.

An innovative, accredited private school, JGS delivers a truly individualized education that is strengths-based and student-centered. Small class sizes, low student/teacher ratios. Robust, technology-infused and experiential college-prep curriculum. A structured, “whole child” approach integrating executive function and social/emotional learning. Daily FLEX hour further supports students with learning differences. Community service/service learning opportunities. A positive, supportive environment and a “culture of kindness.” Experienced, nurturing faculty and staff including reading specialists, occupational and speech-language therapists, school social worker and psychologist.

50 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

“Give your child the life-long gift of a second language.�

Growing Greatness in mind, body and spirit.

Private School • Infants – Kindergarten (Ages 3 months and up)

Enrolling now for Early Childhood (18 months), Lower and Middle School Bilingual accredited education in Spanish or French

charter School • Tuition-free • Kindergarten – Eighth PluS we offer • Before and after care • Summer Programs (Grades 2-6)

Greater cultural awareness and diversity After-school activities and Extended Care Summer camps available

Contact us for more information

www.villamontessori.com

602-955-2210 2802 E. Meadowbrook Ave Phoenix, AZ 85016

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARIZONA Contact us to book a school tour!

Email: admissions@isaz.org or call: 480-874-2326

RAK School Edition 2.25"x4.75" 4c

10/2/17

3:05 PM

Page 1

open CCS house Learning and Growing Together

Beginner–Competitive: Boys & Girls Ages 3–12 years Risk FREE Trial: All Ages FREE Parent/Tot classes: Ages 10–24 months Limitations apply.

Our rich curriculum for preschool and kindergarten emphasizes a strong academic foundation combined with religious studies, foreign language, fine art, and gardening program that develops curiosity and a love of learning.

Small Class Size, Licensed Preschool, Full Day Kindergarten, Safe and Caring Environment, Affordable Before and After Care

APPLY NOW FOR 2020-2021 Educating the WHOLE Child

Heart

Mind

(480) 596-3543

Spirit

4015 E. Lincoln Dr. 602.381.9906 info@ccsaz.org

xtremegymnastics.com

1973 E. Maryland Ave, Phx, AZ 85016

15821 N. 79th St #3, Scottsdale, AZ

602.248.3881 • htaphx.org

PRESCHOOL-ELEMENTARY

ccsaz.org

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ENRICHED BY FAITH

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NEW WAY ACADEMY 5048 E. Oak St., Phoenix • 602-389-8600 • newwayacademy.org Grades: K–12 Enrollment: Rolling admission Open House: 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. Tuition: Need-based financial aid, flexible payment plans and scholarships available.

New Way Academy provides a transformative education for students in grades K-12 with learning challenges. Students learn via an individualized educational approach, using multi-sensory techniques, evidence-based curriculums, and specialized interventions for academic success. Each student’s curriculum is planned based on academic, psychoeducational, speech/language and motor skills assessments. Students have access to on site speech, reading, and occupational therapy conducted by accredited specialists during their school day. New Way provides an education to serve the whole child with athletics, clubs, extracurricular activities, and social-emotional supports. Our students graduate as confident and capable learners prepared for college or career!

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 16401 N. 43rd Ave., Phoenix • 602-978-5134 • ncsaz.org Grades: Infant–grade 12 Enrollment: Year-round until full, then constantly added to our wait-list Open House: Jan. 16, Feb. 4, March 5 and April 16 Tuition: $2,629 - $11,253. Sibling discounts. A variety of tuition assistance, including low-income and needs-based programs, is available for those that qualify!

For nearly 40 years, Northwest Christian School has been devoted to an educational program that upholds high standards of scholastic and behavioral excellence and furnishes instruction in Bible-based Christian faith. Our greatest honor is to enable students to develop a Christian worldview and prepare them to fulfill their God-ordained roles. We recognize that each of our students is individually endowed with talents, aptitude, dreams and needs. Our highest aspiration is to help students understand that they are each “mission critical” in God’s plan. Students come to realize that they are loved, that they are special, that they are part of a supportive community, and that God has a purpose for their lives.

This spirited enthusiasm is on display in our classrooms, our chapels, in our art rooms and on our athletic fields. NCS has been recognized as a top private school in Arizona and AIA School of Excellence. Accredited with ACSI Exemplary status and Cognia (formerly AdvancED).

PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL 12753 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale • 480-991-9141 • pardesschool.org Grades: K–8 Enrollment: Rolling admissions for the 2020-2021 school year Tuition: $16,100. Need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, religious/parish discounts and flexible payment plans available.

Pardes Jewish Day School is an independent day school providing a dynamic K-8 secular and Jewish education in a welcoming environment that values each child’s individual strengths. Our program combines a comprehensive academic curriculum that actively engages students in learning through inquiry, investigation, creation and demonstration. Students explore Hebrew, Jewish Studies, Makerspace, art, Spanish, PE and musical theatre in addition to core classes. Our inclusive Pardes community embraces students from diverse Jewish backgrounds. We impact and enrich our students’ Jewish identities through the teaching of Jewish thought, culture, and ritual.

PATHWAYS SCHOOL 1540 N. Burk St., Gilbert • 480-259-7788 • pathwaysschool.org Grades: K–12 Enrollment: Year-round. Enrollment for the following school year begins in February Tuition: Need-based financial aid and flexible payment plans available.

Pathways School is a non-profit private day school serving students with various learning differences such as Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism. Pathways was established in 2013 and has two locations: Gilbert and Tucson. Both campuses provide services to more than 50 students in grades K-12.

PHOENIX CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL 1751 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix • 602-265-4707 • phoenixchristian.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Enrollment: Applications available in January Open House: Jan. 25 and April 4 Tuition: $7,879 to $11,267. Flexible payment plans and sibling discounts.

Founded in 1949, this college preparatory non-denominational Christian school offers concentrations in fine arts, STEM, humanities and spiritual and leadership formation. A missional model welcomes students of all backgrounds to study and grow in a Christ-centered atmosphere. It offers a history of athletic excellence (state championship teams) with over 15 middle and high school sports teams; fine arts performances; weekly student-led chapels; an annual high school retreat, 8th and 5th grade camp traditions; an international program and dual-enrollment partnerships with Arizona Christian University, Colorado Christian University and Grand Canyon University. Class of 2019 (55 students) earned over 2 million in scholarships. Accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and the Association for Christian Schools International.

52 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

Saving today means less debt tomorrow.

Start saving now with an AZ529 account.

Download your free AZ College Savings Planner at AZ529.gov.

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SAINTS SIMON & JUDE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL 6351 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix • 602-242-1299 • simonjudeschool.org Grades: Pre-K–8 Enrollment: Rolling admissions Open House: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 Tuition: $6,355. Flexible payment plans, need-based financial aid, religious/parish discounts, sibling discounts and scholarships available.

We are a Catholic elementary school in the heart of Phoenix that opened in 1954 under the guidance of five brave nuns from Navan, Ireland. We are more than just a school – we’re truly a community! Our Loreto Sisters are still here with us, and their loving direction along with a dedicated and highly educated lay staff, coupled with our new/remodeled state-of-the-art facilities. We are fully accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association and we breathe the teachings of Jesus Christ into every subject and extracurricular activity. We offer a rigorous curriculum, enhanced by using the latest technology, and we offer a wide array of spiritual, academic and fine arts enrichment opportunities for our students.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER JESUIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix • 602-266-5364 • school.sfxphx.org Grades: Preschool (age 3 and up)–grade 8. Enrollment: We begin accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year after Nov. 1.

Tuition: $7,989 to $10,890. Flexible payment plans, need-based financial aid, religious/parish discounts, sibling discounts and scholarships available.

St. Francis Xavier School fosters a learning environment whose community members appreciate God’s presence in the world and respond generously in action to God’s love. In the Ignatian tradition, St. Francis Xavier School sees spiritual formation as integrally connected to the academic, social, emotional and physical development of the whole child. The excellent educational traditions of St. Francis Xavier School are strongly supported by the families in the community, many of whose roots at the school go back three generations. St. Francis Xavier School challenges students to embark on a lifelong journey of discovery of their God-given gifts and to share these gifts in service to God. ​

SUMMIT SCHOOL OF AHWATUKEE 4515 E. Muirwood Drive, Phoenix • 480-403-9500 • summitschoolaz.org Grades: Pre-K–8 Enrollment: Rolling admissions Open House: Feb. 20, 2019 Tuition: $8,470 - 14,675. Need-based financial aid, sibling discounts and flexible payment plans available.

Summit School stimulates intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, and creative problem solving by building a foundation for students to become innovative thinkers, world-changers, and impactful leaders. Summit School helps preschool through eighth-grade students pursue lives of meaning, purpose, and passion through an integrated learning environment that includes: a rigorous STEAM and project-based curriculum, small class sizes, social-emotional and character growth, and separate classes for technology, music, art, Spanish, science, and physical education.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS High school: 6900 W. Galveston St., Chandler, 480-900-7100 • Junior high: 1005 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe, 480-705-8888 • valleychristianaz.org Grades: K–12 Tuition: $8,950 (grades 6-8); $11,400 (high school); offers flexible payment plans, need-based financial aid, sibling discounts and scholarships. Enrollment: Begins Nov. 5. Open houses: Nov. 8 and 29, Jan. 24, Feb. 26 and 28, March 30 and April 24 Valley Christian Schools offer students in kindergarten through 12th grade big school opportunities in a small school environment. Established in 1982, Valley Christian provides 700+ students a distinctly Christian education with excellent academics, championship athletics, award-winning fine arts, and a supporting community that encourages spiritual growth and the success of our students in and out of our classrooms across our three East Valley campuses. Valley Christian is ranked as one of the Top 50 Christian high schools in the U.S. by The Best Schools, the #1 Christian School in Arizona by Niche.com, and as one of the Top 125 Places to Work in Arizona by The Arizona Republic.

XAVIER COLLEGE PREPARATORY 4710 N. Fifth St., Phoenix • 602-240-3104 • xcp.org Grades: 9–12 Enrollment: 9th grade application available online October-January. Entrance exam for 8th graders (for spring 2020 applications): Jan. 11 or Jan. 25. Open House: Sunday, Oct. 25 Tuition: $20,619; $16,110 for Parish members. Flexible payment plans, need-based financial aid and scholarships available.

As a Catholic high school for young women, Xavier offers a unique faith-based environment with an outstanding college preparatory curriculum.

Since 1943, Xavier’s mission has been to prepare young women of faith with knowledge, skills and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner.

ONLINE SCHOOLS VALOR PREPARATORY ACADEMY OF ARIZONA 13185 W. Thomas Road, Goodyear • 623-298-4520 • arizona.valorprepacademy.org At Valor, we understand going to a traditional school isn’t always the best option. Some students need more flexibility to excel in their education. That’s why our hybrid learning model changes the game — it opens more doors and creates more opportunities for students. Valor’s hybrid learning model takes the personalization and flexibility of online learning and combines it with the structure and support of traditional schools. It’s part online, part in school. This allows students with different academic backgrounds, circumstances and lifestyles to get the education they need to succeed.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS AUTISM ACADEMY FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT Chandler Campus• 2716 N. Dobson Road, Chandler • Tempe Campus • 7541 S. Willow Drive, Tempe • Phoenix Campus • 2929 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix • 480-240-9255 • aaed.org Grades: K–12 Tuition: $27,000-$28,500. Flexible payment plans and scholarships available.

Autism Academy for Education and Development specializes in education for K-12 students with autism. Our highly qualified teachers, therapists and support staff cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance, compassion and encouragement. Students receive differentiated instruction in academics, the arts, PE, daily skills, vocational and work-based learning. Instruction is delivered through a variety of modalities and according to the needs of the student. Campuses are conveniently located in Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix and Tucson. Schedule a tour at one of our campuses today!

BREAKTHROUGH ACADEMY 3427 E. Bell Road, Phoenix • 866-620-9380 • azbreakthroughacademy.org Breakthrough Academy is a small, private day school for students with various disabilities. We specialize in the application of theory, principles and technology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) using PEAK, ACT, TAGteaching, Precision Teaching, intervention and social training.

We use the student’s natural curiosity along with natural motivation strategies to foster learning.

NEW WAY ACADEMY 5048 E. Oak St., Phoenix • 602-389-8600 • newwayacademy.org Grades: K–12 Enrollment: Rolling admission Open House: 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. Tuition: Need-based financial aid, flexible payment plans and scholarships available.

New Way Academy provides a transformative education for students in grades K-12 with learning challenges. Students learn via an individualized educational approach, using multi-sensory techniques, evidence-based curriculums, and specialized interventions for academic success. Each student’s curriculum is planned based on academic, psychoeducational, speech/language and motor skills assessments. Students have access to on site speech, reading, and occupational therapy conducted by accredited specialists during their school day. New Way provides an education to serve the whole child with athletics, clubs, extracurricular activities, and social-emotional supports.

MAKE THE MOST OF PLAYTIME LAUNCH RIGHT IN WITH . . .

a SUPER SPACECRAFT!

GATHER THESE MATERIALS:

Pencil

2 toilet paper tubes

Paper towel tube

2. Draw a rounded 1. Lay a toilet

paper tube on top of a piece of cardboard.

Trace it.

nose to the traced shape. Then draw two rounded triangles for wings.

Small piece of cardboard

Markers or paint

3. Cut out the shape.

Scissors

(with an adult�s help)

Paper

Glue

5. Glue your cut tube on top of the cardboard in the shape of a spacecraft, and let it dry.

4. Trace the bottom of

6. Color or paint your spacecraft. You

a toilet paper tube on top of another. Then cut out the round shape.

can also decorate it with stickers. Place a small toy inside and go for a ride. Tell a story about where you’re going!

TinkerActive Workbooks cover essential skills using curriculum-based exercises and interactive tinkering, making, and engineering activities using common household materials!

The Active Way to learn through play

Odd Dot

An imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

RaisingARIZONAKids.com •

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PATHWAYS SCHOOL 1540 N. Burk St., Gilbert • 480-259-7788 • pathwaysschool.org Grades: K–12 Enrollment: Year-round. Enrollment for the following school year begins in February. Tuition: Need-based financial aid and flexible payment plans available.

Pathways School is a non-profit private day school serving students with various learning differences such as Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism. Pathways was established in 2013 and has two locations: Gilbert and Tucson. Both campuses provide services to more than 50 students in grades K-12.

EDUCATION RESOURCES ALL SCHOOLS CONSULTING Arizona and Oregon • 602-686-4480 • allschoolsconsulting.com Preschool to grade 12 educational consultants will assist families who are living in or relocating to Arizona or Oregon with finding the best school “fit” — for general, special or gifted education — through public district schools, public charter schools, private schools or homeschooling. All Schools Consulting provides personalized, caring and professional guidance to families, working to match culture and fit with school and child. We are recognized as the leading experts for local school search services, ensuring children thrive -- discovering interests, passions, strengths and opportunities. ASC services are sought by families, often referred by former client families or their friends, schools, physicians, recruiters, human resources offices and relocation service providers. Choose a personal school search with a trusted education professional to find the best school fit.

ARIZONA PRIVATE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND 6909 E. Greenway Parkway, Suite 240, Scottsdale • 480-699-8911 • apesf.org APESF is a nonprofit School Tuition Organization that provides tuition scholarships to students in grades K-12 attending qualified private schools in Arizona. Scholarships are made possible by the support of individuals and corporations, and individuals and corporations receive a dollar-fordollar credit on Arizona state income tax they owe, up to annual allowable limits. Ongoing partnerships with donors, schools and students are the foundation of APESF’s mission to serve Arizona families who desire to provide effective and sustainable solutions for their children’s education.

LIVELY MINDS TUTORING 480-406-8114 • livelymindstutoring.com Lively Minds Tutoring provides one-on-one, in-home educational services from professional, experienced educators. We offer academic tutoring for students who need support in specific content areas, academic coaching for students who need help developing study and executive functioning skills, and academic interventions for students who have differentiated learning needs. We create customized learning goals for each student, and we consistently help students achieve academic success.

MENG CHINESE ACADEMY 16674 N. 91st St., Suite D103, Scottsdale • 602-587-4621 • mengacademy.com Chinese classes for children and adults, math/abacus classes, private tutoring in language arts, Chinese Immersion Preschool Program as well as Chinese Immersion Summer Camps. Meng Chinese Academy has been serving the Valley for over ten years, providing excellent teaching through these years. Since first opening its doors in 2007, Meng Academy has quickly gained a reputation for top-notch Chinese language and culture education. Our classes are offered from Monday through Saturday. For more information, please visit mengacademy.com or www.facebook/ mengacademy.

ON-TRACK TUTORING 4800 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley • 480-563-5588 • ontracktutoring.com Providing one-on-one tutoring at home or on-site, tailored to individual needs, since 1999! OTT provides experienced educators who are passionate about learning; academic tutoring in a wide range of subjects and levels; special education and gifted expertise; specialized programs in multisensory reading, test prep, executive function (study skills and organization); strategies for independent learning incorporated into sessions; no long-term contracts, prepayments, or minimums required; flexible scheduling.

56 RaisingARIZONAKids.com • 2020

A Fun and Educational Adventure for your Students *******************************

All Aboard the Cow-Spotted Tram With more than 10,000 cows standing by, our farm tour is a hands-on field trip. Climb aboard our customized tram for an hour-long glimpse of life on a real working dairy farm.

shamrockfarms.net