By Jonathan Eberle |
Six Arizona campuses have been named Blue Ribbon Schools, a distinction announced Monday by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and the Arizona Department of Education, recognizing standout academic achievement and sustained student growth.
The schools earning the honor this year include the Academy of Math and Science in Peoria, Chinle Elementary School in Chinle, Empire High School in Tucson, the Maricopa Institute of Technology in Phoenix, Saint John Bosco Catholic School in Phoenix, and Ward Traditional Academy in Tempe.
Horne said the recognition reflects the department’s emphasis on academic rigor and measurable results.
“My primary focus as superintendent is on academic excellence, and these schools can be justifiably proud of this accomplishment because it is based on academic success,” Horne said. “Students and educators should always work toward continuous improvement in academic achievement, and Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate that when schools lead students into challenging themselves, they will excel academically.”
The Blue Ribbon Schools program, now administered at the state level, highlights campuses that show strong performance on state assessments or demonstrate significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Established in 1982, the program is open to both public and private K–12 schools nationwide.
Arizona’s newly recognized schools will join a long-running tradition of campuses that exemplify high standards, strong instruction, and a commitment to raising student outcomes across diverse communities.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
