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District Stories

Laguna Elementary School Profile Video

 

Welcome to Laguna Elementary School, where education is an exciting adventure in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). We're not just STEAM-certified; we're a vibrant hub of learning that nurtures well-rounded, critical thinkers for the future. Explore our science lab, makerspace, STEAM classroom and a warm, inviting library that sparks the imagination.

Beyond the classroom, we offer a spectrum of clubs, from drama to robotics, where young minds can shine. Enjoy annual plays, band concerts, and other engaging events. Our educators are passionate about learning. They lead clubs, mentor, and make sure every student reaches their full potential!

Early Childhood (2's, 3's, 4's) - 5th Grade

  • Laguna-Story
Desert Canyon Elementary School Profile Video

 

Desert Canyon Elementary School takes pride in fostering a learning environment that goes beyond academic achievement. It's about preparing our students to become global leaders. With a strong emphasis on high achievement, dual language immersion in Mandarin, and a robust set of specials, Desert Canyon is dedicated to shaping young minds for success in an interconnected world.

Desert Canyon Elementary School's campus exudes natural beauty and blends seamlessly with its surroundings at the base of McDowell Mountain. The campus is home to dedicated teachers, involved parents, and enthusiastic students.

  • DCES-Story
Mountainside Middle School Profile Video

 

Mountainside Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th and encourages them to think beyond the ordinary and pursue the extraordinary.

As one of only three wall-to-wall comprehensive public IB schools in Arizona, Mountainside’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme empowers students through rigorous academics, global learning, STEM exploration, world languages, athletics, and real-world problem solving.

Students are required to study a foreign language, with opportunities to learn Mandarin and Spanish, helping prepare them for global communication and future success.

Beyond the classroom, students can participate in tiered sports programs and explore the arts through music and theatre, building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills. F

rom robotics and sustainability projects to accelerated high school credit opportunities, Mountainside helps students grow into confident, globally-minded leaders ready to make an impact both in and beyond the classroom.

  • Mountainside-Story
Hohokam Elementary School Profile Video

 

Hohokam Elementary School ensures every child in Prekindergarten through Fifth grade is immersed in a rich educational experience, fostering academic excellence, artistic expression, physical well-being, and a clear path to college and career readiness. Hohokam is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school, setting high expectations and instilling a college-readiness mindset in every student. AVID principles are embedded in our daily activities, fostering a culture of aspiration and achievement. The Coronado Promise - a K-12 commitment to college readiness and the promise of tuition support upon high school graduation, instills an awareness that sets our students on a trajectory for success.

Hohokam students are introduced to potential careers through partnerships with organizations like EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology). Field trips and experiences, such as the STEM trip for fifth graders, expand their horizons and inspire them to think beyond traditional boundaries.

At Hohokam, academic excellence is not just a goal; it's a way of life. We implement Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to ensure a holistic approach to student growth. SOAR stands for Safety, Ownership, Achievement and Respect. Regular celebrations of student achievements are celebrated routinely. Students can earn SOAR Tickets and a SOAR Student of week is named. High Flying Falcons are recognized quarterly at celebratory breakfast that families are invited to attend.

We tailor the educational experience to meet the individual needs of each learner.

  • Hohokam-Story
Anasazi Elementary School Profile Video

 

At Anasazi Elementary, students are challenged to think deeply, explore boldly, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme school, Anasazi is committed to providing a world-class education that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Anasazi is one of only eight elementary IB World Schools in Arizona, offering a globally recognized framework known for its rigorous academic standards, inquiry-based learning, and focus on developing compassionate, knowledgeable students who make a positive impact in their communities.

Located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, Anasazi Elementary serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Scottsdale Unified School District.

Recognized as both an A+ School of Excellence® by the Arizona Educational Foundation and a National Gold Star School by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Anasazi empowers students to become confident learners, creative problem-solvers, and engaged global citizens. Through a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and service, students are encouraged to take meaningful action and make a difference both in the classroom and beyond.

  • Anasazi-Story
Roni's Remarkable 50 Years

On the 2025-26 season finale of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with someone who has truly helped shape generations of students in Scottsdale. We’re joined by Roni Scholz of Ingleside Middle School, who is celebrating 50 years in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

In this conversation, Roni reflects on the moments, challenges, and successes that have defined her five decades in education. She shares how teaching has evolved over the years, what has remained constant about supporting students, and why the influence of a dedicated educator can extend far beyond a student's time in the classroom. Her story is a testament to the lasting impact teachers have on the lives of young people and the communities they serve.

Desert Mountain Congressional Gold Medalist

Today’s episode features an inspiring student from Desert Mountain High School. Eric, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program, recently earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress awards to civilian youth.

Through more than 425 hours of volunteer service, Eric has made a meaningful impact in his community. As the founder of Students for Shelter, he leads efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness through donation drives, meal service, and connecting people with critical resources.

His leadership doesn’t stop there. From founding math clubs at Title I schools to mentoring international STEM scholars and developing tools for nonprofits, Eric is using his skills to create real change.

Today, we’re talking with Eric about what drives his passion for service, how he turned ideas into action, and what he’s learned along the way.

  • Desert-Mountain-Story
Laguna Innovators in STEAM

Today, we’re highlighting an exciting new initiative at Laguna Prep, one of the recipients of SUSD’s 2025–26 Innovation Startup Grants.

Through this grant, Laguna is expanding its makerspace by integrating robotics and other STEAM technologies, giving Pre-K through 5th grade students more opportunities for hands-on, creative learning.

  • Laguna-Story
Tavan Elementary Makers in Motion

Today, we’re spotlighting one of the 2025–2026 recipients of SUSD’s Innovation Startup Grants, an initiative that celebrates educators transforming teaching and learning through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on exploration.

We’re joined by Katie Khan and Susan Green from Tavan Elementary School, the team behind Tavan Makers in Motion, a makerspace that gives students hands-on opportunities to design, create, and solve problems through authentic, cross-curricular projects.

This space will foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing students for future academic and career success.

  • Tavan-Story
Kiva Named An A+ School of Excellence

Kiva Elementary has been named a 2026 A+ School of Excellence® by the Arizona Educational Foundation, a prestigious honor that recognizes schools going above and beyond in all the ways that matter most. Joining us today to talk about being recognized as an A+ School of Excellence is principal Matt Gromek and Assistant Principal Rebecca Pentland.

  • Kiva-Story
Redfield Unlocking Learning for Student Innovation

Today, we’re excited to feature teacher Ginna Cummings and principal Amanda Rand from Redfield Elementary School to talk about Unlocking Learning for Student Innovation, one of the 2025–2026 recipients of SUSD’s Innovation Startup Grants.

In her classroom, Ginna is bringing learning to life through gamified, hands-on experiences that engage students in collaborative problem solving. Students are building critical thinking skills, strengthening teamwork, and deepening their understanding of content, all while ensuring every learner is supported, including those developing English language skills.

In this episode, we’ll explore how creativity, collaboration, and innovation are shaping the classroom of tomorrow.

  • Redfield-Story
Coronado Innovation Lab

Today we are highlighting a classroom at Coronado that has been transformed into something truly special. The Coronado Innovation Lab is an inclusive makerspace designed for special education students with cognitive and motor delays. Using immersive Augmented Reality tools and hands-on exploration, the lab removes learning barriers and helps students engage with STEM in creative and meaningful ways.

This innovative project was also recognized as one of five recipients of SUSD’s 2025–2026 Innovation Startup Grants, which celebrate educators who are transforming teaching and learning through creativity, collaboration, and hands on experiences.

Joining us today to share the story behind the Innovation Lab are teacher Jennifer Kinsey and assistant principal Chad Johnson. 

  • Coronado-Story
Math Powers Possibility

Today’s episode is all about a powerful idea: Math Powers Possibility. In SUSD, math is more than numbers on a page. It’s problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. It’s about giving every student the tools to explore, discover, and see what’s possible for their future.

So what does Math Powers Possibility really look like in action and how is it changing the way students experience math, and why does it matter for their future? That’s what we’re exploring today.

Disney Musicals In Schools at Hohokam

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we’re taking you behind the scenes of something truly magical at Hohokam Elementary.

For 17 weeks, students rehearsed twice a week, building confidence, strengthening teamwork, and discovering a love for the arts. Their hard work culminated in a performance of The Jungle Book Kids, as one of just five schools selected to participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools program.

And the best part? They even performed one of their songs on the prestigious ASU Gammage stage.

Joining the show are third grader Olivia, fourth graders Elon and Cooper, 2nd grade teacher and music director Lindsay Neville, and principal Maggie Finan, all sharing how this unforgettable experience came to life.

  • Hohokam-Story
Student Life at Arcadia High School

In this student-led episode, Bete Gelan and Luciana Villanueva from the SUSD Student Advisory Board share what life is like at Arcadia High School. 

From academics to clubs, athletics, and opportunities beyond the school day, they give an inside look at what makes the Arcadia experience stand out.

  • Arcadia-Story
  • Student Advisory Board

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