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District Stories

 
Chaparral High School transcends the ordinary, empowering students to excel in academics, explore diverse career pathways, and thrive in a dynamic and supportive community. At Chaparral, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive learning environment that positions students for unparalleled success in their post-secondary journey. Known for its rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum, Chaparral High School offers Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Career and Technical Education, Special Education, and English Language Learner programs. Students thrive in a vibrant campus community with award-winning athletics, acclaimed arts programs, and over 70 student clubs. Accredited by Cognia and rated “A” by the Arizona Department of Education, CHS serves students from across Maricopa County, with more than 30% enrolling from outside its attendance boundaries.
 
 
  • Chaparral-Story

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re highlighting the substantial impact of Desert Mountain High School junior Siddhanth Gupta.

He successfully spearheaded the passage of an ordinance prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in public areas.

The ordinance was unanimously adopted by the Scottsdale City Council after more than a year of collaboration with council members, city staff, and leading public health organizations (including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association).

  • Desert-Mountain-Story

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Lea Mitchell to talk about the second annual SUSD Education Expo, taking place on Wednesday, November 5 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Saguaro High School!

Learn how the Expo offers families from across the district and the Valley a one-stop opportunity to explore all SUSD schools and their specialized programs in a single location!

  • District-News
  • District-Story

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Bonow, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary and K–8 schools, to talk about Kindergarten Round Up! Find out what families can expect at these welcoming events and how it helps parents and children feel prepared for that big first day. This episode is packed with helpful insights on making the transition to kindergarten smooth and memorable! Find the Kindergarten Round Up event closest to you at SUSD.org/Kinder.

  • Elementary-Story

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Kaufman, Senior Library Manager for Programs, Outreach, and Training at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. She shares all the details about the library’s brand-new College & Career Corner, a free resource hub providing high school students with guidance, tools, and support as they prepare for college and future careers. Discover how this innovative space is helping students take the next step toward their goals!

Welcome to Tonalea Middle School, where your child will thrive in an AVID-focused environment, benefiting from strategic teaching methods like note taking and WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading).

Grades: 6 - 8th | Enroll Now

Innovation is at the heart of our curriculum, where math students delve into real-world math concepts through "prisms of reality." We offer diverse electives such as forensics and coding, alongside fine arts, band, and middle school sports. Through our various clubs, including robotics, students connect and compete, fostering shared interests and personal growth. Your child's potential will flourish within our dynamic and forward-thinking educational community. Tonalea Middle School is located in south Scottsdale, just north of the Tempe border in the Coronado Learning Community.

Welcome to Copper Ridge School, a community school located in the center of DC Ranch. Copper Ridge is a leading innovative Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade school that fosters academic excellence, character development, and critical problem solving skills.

We engage students in a collaborative and empowering environment that is student-centered and focused on inquiry-based learning. We promote character, responsibility, and safety for every student, every day.

Pre-K - 8th Grade | Enroll Now

  • Copper-Ridge-Story

Welcome to Cheyenne Traditional School, an institution within the Scottsdale Unified School District that sets the bar high for academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.

Pre-Kindergarten (4s) - 8th Grade | Enroll Now

At Cheyenne, we believe in fostering an environment of high expectations where students are inspired to reach their fullest potential. Embracing traditional values of discipline, respect, and hard work, Cheyenne combines these timeless principles with modern teaching approaches.

  • Cheyenne-Story

The Student Advisory Board is a group of high school students from each high school in SUSD that comes together to problem solve and help shape the overall student experience. In this special episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, Arcadia High School senior Avery Liu and Saguaro High School senior Niki Natt discuss campus culture and climate.

  • Arcadia-Story
  • Saguaro-Story

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, we talk with Scottsdale Unified School District’s Director of Security Joshua Friedman and SRO Devinn Phillips. They break down the city’s new e-bike laws and share practical tips to help students stay safe while riding their bikes to and from school. 

  • District-News
The SUSD Spotlight podcast is back! In this episode, we sit down with Shawnee Baca, the new principal of Cheyenne Traditional School. She shares her journey before joining SUSD and highlights what sets Cheyenne’s traditional learning model apart as a unique choice for families in the district.
  • Cheyenne-Story
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.
  • Copper-Ridge-Story
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.
  • Coronado-Story

Spring / Summer Edition | 2024-2025

SUSD Showcase Cover Summer 2025

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.

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  • District-News
  • District-Story
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.
  • Kiva-Story