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About the Scottsdale Unified School District
Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the Scottsdale Unified School District serves the educational needs of students and families of over 20,000 students across 29 campuses and one online school.
Approximately 240,476 people reside within its boundaries. The District’s award-winning academic, arts and athletic programs draw students from Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment to develop the potential in every individual learner. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Media Releases
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 14, 2026) — Three students from Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) are making waves in the world of innovation, after capturing the Arizona Track I High School state title in the prestigious Presidential AI Challenge.
Arnav Hingorani, Lukas Burgan, and Levi Gerken, guided by Desert Mountain Science Teacher Michael Knight, rose above more than 2,500 submissions nationwide with their standout project, Artificial Intelligence Recognition (AIR). Their work earned them a place among just 328 state-level winners, advancing them to the highly competitive regional round.
The Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide initiative, empowers K–12 students and educators to design cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions that address real-world community challenges, while promoting responsible and ethical AI use.
Scottsdale, Ariz. — A global perspective, a passion for service, and a commitment to learning have earned SUSD fifth-grade student, Rose Gorman one of Arizona’s highest student honors.
The fifth-grade student at Anasazi Elementary School has been named a 2026 Arizona International Baccalaureate Schools (AZIBS) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Student of the Year, distinction awarded to just two students statewide. She was recognized at the AZIBS Quarterly Meeting on March 27.
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is setting the bar for educational excellence once again, earning designation as a National Board District of Distinction by the Arizona K12 Center.
This prestigious honor recognizes districts that go above and beyond in supporting teachers through the rigorous National Board Certification process and SUSD stands at the top. With 79 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), the district currently has the highest number in the state of Arizona, a powerful reflection of its commitment to both educator growth and student success.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 21, 2026) – The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is proud to announce that another two of our schools has been recognized as Scottsdale Blue Zones Project® approved schools, highlighting our ongoing commitment to student health and wellness. Navajo and Tavan Elementary Schools now join several other SUSD schools in earning this distinguished designation.
With this designation, Navajo and Tavan join a growing group of SUSD campuses intentionally creating environments that make healthy choices easier, for students, staff, and families alike.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) students will take center stage March 6 and 7, 2026, as Scottsdale Family ArtsFest returns for its fourth year, offering students the opportunity to perfect their craft and proudly showcase their artistic talent through mural displays, exhibitions and live performances.
The free festival will take place at the Scottsdale Civic Center, bringing two days of performances, interactive art experiences and family-friendly activities to the heart of downtown Scottsdale. After three inaugural years at ASU SkySong, this year’s Family ArtsFest moves to Scottsdale Civic Center, expanding opportunities for families and community members to gather, create and connect.
Media Contacts
Kristine Harrington
480-404-2417
Cymphanie Sherman
602-615-7325