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Scottsdale Desert

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Podcast thumbnail for SUSD Spotlight Episode 56

In this episode, Copper Ridge Principal Brittany Walker and Assistant Superintendent Lea Mitchell reveal how the Scottsdale Unified PreK-8 campus is rolling out an all honors curriculum for sixth and seventh graders, setting the stage for eighth grade the following year. They unpack the data-driven strategy behind the shift, share how WIN advisory periods, AVID practices, and a strong gifted-cluster model give every student the support they need, and explain why high expectations paired with high support drive achievement.

The conversation also spotlights the vibrant culture that makes Copper Ridge unique: a uniform school community, long-tenured teachers, and signature events like the annual Art and Garden Walk where student performers showcase band, strings, and choir alongside a campus garden cared for by fifth graders. Listeners will hear how the CRS Way (Character, Responsibility, Safety) guides everything from daily routines to big-picture goals, ensuring academics, wellness, and community spirit grow together at Copper Ridge School.

Learn More about Copper Ridge School Launches an All Honors Middle School and Champions the CRS Way
Podcast room with captain, crisis canine

This episode of SUSD Spotlight steps inside the newly revamped Coronado Community Closet, where Counselor Arielle Schindler and School Resource Officer Michelle Mitchell describe how a room full of unsorted donation bags evolved into a free, student-run boutique open to every family in Scottsdale Unified. They explain the partnership with the Scottsdale Police Department Foundation, the hands-on involvement of students who designed the closet’s new logo and layout, and the ongoing remodel that now features dressing rooms, a checkout station, and brand-new flooring. Listeners will hear how the closet doubles as the district’s prom-wear hub, accepts everything from infant clothes to business attire, and even hosts visits from Captain, Coronado’s crisis canine, who helps create a welcoming atmosphere. The conversation highlights how dignity, community service, and real-world skills grow side by side when schools, students, and law enforcement work together.

Learn More about Coronado Community Closet Offers a Dignified Experience for Families in Need
Showcase Magazine Spring Summer 25 Thumbnail

We are thrilled to share this edition of Showcase magazine, which highlights how Scottsdale Unified School District continues to partner with our community to elevate excellence. By offering new and unique opportunities both in the classroom and beyond, we ensure our students are prepared for success in the real world.

Our cover story features one of many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that provides students with hands-on learning and industry certifications. Chaparral High School's criminology program equips students with investigative skills, an understanding of forensics, and insight into the justice system and corrections. Beyond preparing them for future careers, this program fosters informed citizenship by deepening students' awareness of their rights and those of others.

Learn More about Showcase Magazine - Spring / Summer | 2025
Kristine Harrington, Scott Menzel, and their guests at a podcast table

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we learn about Kiva Elementary’s unique community and meaningful opportunities for students by chatting with Principal Matt Gromek and Kiva alum Trey Chappell of College X-ing. Listen to learn about the strong school culture and lasting relationships that helped inspired the Kiva to College scholarship, a program that supports Kiva alum on their path to higher education in high school. We also reflect on Kiva’s rebuild, its thriving community, and how students past and present are helping shape the school’s future.

Learn More about Kiva to College: A Legacy of Learning and Giving Back
SUSD Spotlight Episode 53 Thumbnail

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we talk all things Tavan Elementary with Principal Julie Ballard and third-grade teacher Tanner Bollman to explore how Innovation Grants are bringing hands-on, student-centered projects to life. From hydroponic gardens to a student-designed sound garden, we learn how creative learning environments are helping students grow, literally and figuratively. Julie and Tanner also share what makes Tavan such a unique and connected school community, how kindness and AVID practices shape their campus culture, and why innovation at Tavan is rooted in student voice and inclusive learning. Plus, we hear about hatching chicks, gifted offerings, and why teaching kindness remains a 20+ year tradition on campus.

Learn More about Growing Minds at Tavan: Innovation Grants in Action
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Join us on location at Hohokam Elementary School for a special celebration of their prestigious 2025 Arizona Educational Foundation A+ School of Excellence designation. Principal Chuck Rantala reflects on his 12-year tenure at Hohokam, sharing insights into the school's journey to this remarkable achievement, while incoming Principal Maggie Finan discusses her vision for the future and continuing the school's tradition of excellence. Hear from students about what makes their school special. Featuring lively highlights from the celebration itself and heartfelt stories from educators who have inspired leadership and community spirit, this episode captures the pride and optimism at the heart of Hohokam's vibrant school community.

Learn More about What Makes Hohokam Elementary A+
people talking around a table

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we explore Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), Scottsdale Unified School District’s new elementary literacy curriculum. Join Diane Murphy, Elementary Language Arts Curriculum Specialist, first-grade teacher Sheena Byerley (Sequoya Elementary), and fourth-grade teacher Rebecca Bentivegna (Echo Canyon School) as they share their experiences implementing CKLA. With engaging cross-curricular lessons on ancient civilizations and inventive thinking, hear how CKLA is reshaping literacy instruction in Scottsdale schools. Our guests discuss the science behind effective reading strategies, success stories, and practical tips for parents to support literacy at home!

Learn More about Unlocking Literacy: Inside SUSD’s New CKLA Approach
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In this 50th episode of SUSD Spotlight, we sit down with Cocopah Middle School’s Principal Joe Olney and Assistant Principal Kristina Ambri to explore what makes Cocopah a standout in the Chaparral Learning Community. From its vibrant student culture to its recent recognition as a Blue Zones Project Approved School, Cocopah is leading the way in student wellness, sustainability, and community connection. This duo shares how Cocopah has become a hub of connection, growth, and student leadership. Hear how the school’s recent Blue Zones recognition is just one example of its commitment to whole-child wellness, and why they believe Cocopah truly has something for everyone.

Learn More about Cocopah Middle School: A Place of Wellness for Everyone
ingleside students in INN studio hosting podcast

In this special on-location episode of SUSD Spotlight, Dr. Paula Slamowitz invites us to Ingleside Middle School to speak with students about two standout programs: Forensic Science and Video Production! Recorded inside the student-run INN Studio, this episode gives some Ingleside middle schoolers the mic, literally, as they share how these hands-on electives are helping them explore storytelling, science, and real-world problem solving. Hear how students are gaining confidence, collaborating on news broadcasts, and applying investigative thinking, all before high school!

Learn More about Lights, Camera, Investigation: Forensics & Video Production at Ingleside MS

OUR COMMUNITY

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Learning Communities

Legend

Elementary

Ansazi
Cherokee
Cochise
Desert Canyon Elem
Hohokam
Hopi
Kiva
Laguna
Navajo
Pima
Pueblo
Redfield
Sequoya
Tavan
Yavpai

K-8

Cheyenne
Copper Ridge
Echo Canyon

Middle

cocopah Middle
Desert Canyon Middle
Ingleside Middle
Mohave Middle
Mountainside Middle
Tonalea Middle

High

Arcadia High
Chaparral High
Coronado High
Desert Moutain High
Saguaro High

Map Points 2

Anasazi Elementary School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

12121 N. 124th St.

Scottsdale 85258

(480) 484-1700

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Cherokee Elementary School
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Chaparral Learning Community

8801 N. 56th St.

Paradise Valley 85258

(480) 484-8700

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Cochise Elementary School
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Chaparral Learning Community

9451 N. 84th St.

Scottsdale 85258

(480) 484-1100

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Desert Canyon Elementary School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

10203 E. McDowell Mtn. Ranch Rd.

Scottsdale 85255

(480) 484-1700

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Hohokam Elementary School
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Coronado Learning Community

8451 E Oak St.

Scottsdale 85257

(480) 484-1800

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Hopi Elementary School
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Arcadia Learning Community

51110 E. Lafayette Blvd.

Phoenix 85018

(480) 484-2000

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Kiva Elementary School

Saguaro Learning Community

6911 E. McDonald Dr.

Scottsdale 85250

(480) 484-5200

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Laguna Elementary School
Map Point

Desert Mountain Learning Community

10475 E. Lakeview Dr.

Scottsdale 85258

(480) 484-2400

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Navajo Elementary School
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Saguaro Learning Community

4525 N. Granite Reef Rd.

Scottsdale 85251

(480) 484-2600

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Pima Elementary School
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Coronado Learning Community

8330 E. Osborn Rd.

Scottsdale 85251

(480) 484-1800

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Pueblo Elementary School
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Saguaro Learning Community

6320 N. 82nd St.

Scottsdale 85250

(480) 484-3100

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Redfield Elementary School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

10203 E. McDowell Mtn. Ranch rd.

Scottsdale 85260

(480) 484-4000

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Sequoya Elementary School
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Chaparral Learning Community

11808 N. 64th St.

Scottsdale 85254

(480) 484-3200

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Tavan Elementary School
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Arcadia Learning Community

4610 E. Osborn Rd.

Phoenix 85018

(480) 484-3500

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Yavapai Elementary School
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Coronado Learning Community

701 N. Miller Road

Scottsdale 85257

(480) 484-3800

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Cheyenne Traditional School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

13636 N. 100th St.

Scottsdale 85260

(480) 484-5600

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Copper Ridge School
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Chaparral Learning Community

10101 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

Scottsdale 85255

(480) 484-1400

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Echo Canyon School K-8
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Arcadia Learning Community

4330 N. 62nd St.

Scottsdale 85251

(480) 484-7500

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Cocopah Middle School
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Chaparral Learning Community

6615 E. Cholla St.

Scottsdale 85254

(480) 484-4400

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Desert Canyon Middle School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

10203 E. McDowell Mtn. Ranch Rd.

Scottsdale 85255

(480) 484-4600

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Ingleside Middle School
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Arcadia Learning Community

5402 E. Osborn Rd.

Scottsdale 85018

(480) 484-4900

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Mohave Middle School
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Saguaro Learning Community

8490 E. Jackrabbit Rd.

Scottsdale 85250

(480) 484-5200

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Mountainside Middle School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

11256 N. 128th St.

Scottsdale 85255

(480) 484-5500

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Tonalea Middle School
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Coronado Learning Community

6720 E. Continental Dr.

Scottsdale 85257

(480) 484-5800

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Arcadia High School
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Arcadia Learning Community

4703 E. Indian School Rd.

Scottsdale 85018

(480) 484-6300

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Chaparral High School
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Chaparral Learning Community

6935 E. Gold Dust Ave.

Scottsdale 85253

(480) 484-6500

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Coronado High School
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Coronado Learning Community

7501 E. Virginia Ave.

Scottsdale 85257

(480) 484-6800

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Desert Mountain High School
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Desert Mountain Learning Community

12575 E. Via Linda

Scottsdale 85259

(480) 484-7000

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Saguaro High School
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Saguaro Learning Community

6250 N. 82nd St.

Scottsdale 85250

(480) 484-7100

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OUR HISTORY

Arizona has always been a destination for adventurers and visionaries. Chief among them, Scottsdale’s founder, Chaplain Winfield Scott. Within a couple of years of arriving in the Valley of the Sun, he quickly realized offering a premiere educational experience was key to providing pioneers a reason to stay in Scottsdale and, with that, the Scottsdale School System was born.

building
  • 1896

The Scottsdale Unified School District was founded in 1896 by Major Winfield Scott, also the founder of the city of Scottsdale.

Read More about 1896
Scottsdale's Little Red Schoolhouse
  • 1909

The District's first bond election was held May 1, 1909, with 13 citizens voting "yes" and zero citizens voting "no."

Read More about 1909
The Scottsdale community sitting at the steps of a school in black and white
  • 1912-1913

In the 1912-1913 school year, Scottsdale's enrollment reached 56 students and for the first time in its 16-year history, Scottsdale had TWO teachers!

Read More about 1912-1913
building
  • 1923

The School Board provided a truck to transport those children living more than one and a half miles from school.

Read More about 1923
Scottsdale Grammar School 1928
  • 1928

To accommodate growth in student population, the Scottsdale School District opened the Scottsdale Grammar School in September 1928 on the southwest corner of Second Street and Marshall Way.

Read More about 1928

OUR EVENTS

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