With 16 schools located in Gilbert and Queen Creek, Higley Unified School District’s exceptional employees prepare students today to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Educators focus on providing continuity from preschool to high school and offer a well-rounded education with academics, music, arts, languages, athletics, physical education, technology, and character education.

Higley's fundamental goal is to empower students to be responsible citizens with the knowledge, skills, and work ethic required for success in their future endeavors. To accomplish this, the district strives to be a shining example of how a modern educational institution can embrace choices for parents and students.

First and foremost, Higley recognizes that a parent’s commitment of time, energy, and goodwill is critical to promoting success for his or her student. That is why HUSD actively encourages parental involvement and works closely with parents to best serve the needs of students.

Parents also have a say in shaping their child's educational experience through parent-teacher associations, school committees, regular conferences, and other initiatives.

These choices extend into the classroom as well. HUSD educators are committed to providing a well-rounded and personalized education through a range of educational options that empower families and students to make choices that best suit their individual needs.

Every student is unique with varying interests, learning styles, and goals. To serve these needs, the district offers a wide array of educational pathways.

Higley's A-Rated schools provide a solid foundation, while specialized programs cater to students seeking alternative methods of learning.

Whether a student is interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, arts and humanities, or vocational education, HUSD has options available.

The Higley Traditional Academy offers a back-to-basics curriculum, accelerated pace of studies and specific expectations for academic achievement, behavior, and dress.

At Bridges Elementary, Higley’s THINK! Highly Gifted Academy provides personalized instruction and accelerated learning to actively engage exceptional learners in an innovative thinking environment.

At Chaparral Elementary, students focus on leadership development through the Leader in Me program based on the Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. Unique programs allow parents to choose the best fit for their child’s future.

In addition to the 35-plus Advanced Placement and dual enrollment classes offered in HUSD high schools to better prepare students for college and careers, the district also offers a STEM diploma requiring a weighted GPA of 3.5.

Students can also seek out the Honor for Excellence in Service Learning Seal that requires 200 hours of service learning or the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency that is awarded to Arizona graduates who complete an arts pathway.

Extracurricular activities begin at the elementary-school level, with dozens of options available at the high schools.

At the elementary level, students may find clubs based on the arts, robotics, writing, student government or community service.

Options increase in middle school to include National Junior Honor Society clubs.

At the high school level, students have nearly 60 options available in the arts, athletics, STEM-focus, academics, service learning and more.

Recognizing the importance of flexibility in education, HUSD also offers online and blended learning options. These programs are particularly valuable for students who require more flexible schedules due to extracurricular activities, medical conditions, or other circumstances.

Parents and students can choose from a variety of virtual courses that allow for self-paced learning while maintaining the high standards of a traditional education.

By offering a multitude of educational pathways, magnet programs, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for parental involvement, HUSD ensures that families are partners in their children's education.

This commitment to embracing choices for parents and students not only enhances the educational experience but prepares students for limitless opportunities.

We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.