Staff Reports | Community Updates
Three Scottsdale Unified School District campuses have been named 2026 A+ Schools of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.
The designation recognizes public schools across Arizona for leadership, academics, school culture and community engagement, according to a press release.
At Anasazi Elementary School, located at 12121 N. 124th St. in Scottsdale, Principal Jennifer Waldron said the recognition reflects years of collective effort.
“This recognition reflects the achievement of our amazing students, the dedication and expertise of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families and community. This honor truly belongs to all of us,” Ms. Waldron said.
The A+ evaluation process invited the Anasazi community to review its practices and identify opportunities for continued growth. This is the school’s fifth time receiving the designation.
At Kiva Elementary School, located at 6911 E. McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley, Principal Matt Gromek shared the news with students and staff.
“This recognition honors the relentless dedication of our whole community. Parents and staff were deeply moved as we celebrated the countless ways Kiva supports students, a powerful reminder that when a school and its families unite, extraordinary things happen,” Mr. Gromek said.
Kiva, part of the Saguaro Learning Community, emphasizes academic progress along with character development and social‑emotional learning.
At Redfield Elementary School, located at 9181 E. Redfield Road in Scottsdale, Principal Amanda Rand said the process was meaningful for the school community.
“Welcoming the A+ judges onto our campus was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing work happening every single day. Their reflections affirmed what we know to be true: Our students demonstrate respect and responsibility each day, and our culture is grounded in kindness, belonging, and high expectations for every learner,” Ms. Rand said.
This is Redfield’s second A+ designation, with the first awarded in 2020.
“These schools represent the very best of who we are as a district,” Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel said. “They demonstrate what happens when talented educators, supportive families and motivated students come together around a shared commitment to excellence. This recognition reflects not just strong academics, but vibrant school cultures where students are known, challenged and inspired every day. We are incredibly proud of these school communities and grateful for the leadership that made this achievement possible.”
Judges from the Arizona Educational Foundation toured all three campuses before making their decisions.
Each school plans to hold a celebration, with details to be announced.
Anasazi, Kiva and Redfield join Hohokam, Navajo, Pueblo, Cherokee and Desert Canyon Elementary schools as SUSD A+ Schools of Excellence.
