Three elementary schools in outlying districts of the Tucson area have been named A+ Schools of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.
Fourteen other schools in the state received the honor, which is based on student focus and support; active teaching and learning; curriculum; leadership; community and parent involvement; and assessment data.
The schools are:
• Quail Run Elementary in Marana Unified School District. The principal is Pennie Harcus.
• Sopori Elementary in Amado in Sahuarita Unified School District. The principal is Desiree Raulston.
• Sycamore Elementary in Corona de Tucson in Vail Unified School District. The principal is Ken Graff.
The A+ Program strives to create a comprehensive framework of successful programs for other schools throughout the state and nation to follow, foundation officials said in a news release.
The rigorous process of being considered for the award includes site visits and applications that involve a school’s administration and faculty, and also students and the surrounding community.
Once the schools are selected, Arizona Educational Foundation officials create a list of A+ Best Practices that can be used by anyone.
The list can be seen at www.azedfoundation.org.