Scottsdale Unified School District Launches New School Year with Clear Focus on Student Success

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (August 1, 2025) – The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is set to welcome some 20,000 students back to school on Monday, August 4, with renewed energy and purpose, guided by this year’s district-wide theme: “Our Focus, Their Future.”

“This theme is more than a motto. It is a shared belief that when educators, families, and community partners come together around what matters most, there’s no limit to what our students can achieve,” said Dr. Scott Menzel, Superintendent of SUSD.

Over the summer, hundreds of educators dedicated themselves to professional growth through the district’s annual Professional Development Institute and other training opportunities. “When our teachers grow, so do our students,” said Menzel. “We proudly kicked off the new year celebrating this commitment with our staff at our annual Back-to-School Rally, where we recommitted to the core values that define our culture: excellence, integrity, empathy, trust, inclusion, and unity.”

A recap video can be found here.

These core values, uplifted by students, staff and parents in this video series are the foundation of every classroom, every leadership decision, and every interaction across SUSD. 

New for 2025–2026:

• Copper Ridge School introduces an all-honors middle school model for 6th and 7th grades, empowering students to dive deeply into rigorous coursework.
• Mohave Middle School launches the Math and Science Academy (MSA), a direct pipeline to the prestigious MSA at Saguaro High School, preparing future engineers, scientists, and innovators.
• Coronado High School launches new Fire Science Program in partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department, EVIT, and the Scottsdale Charros. This program prepares students for careers in emergency services.

SUSD continues to offer a wide range of academic and enrichment programs including early learning, Dual Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM, Gifted Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and dual enrollment opportunities. Students also thrive beyond the classroom in visual and performing arts and athletics, developing the well-rounded skills needed for success in life.

As the new year begins, SUSD remains committed to preparing every student for the future because our focus is their future.

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About the Scottsdale Unified School District
With more than 20,000 students in 30 schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 128 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. 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: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.