The Agua Fria Union High School District and the city of Litchfield Park broke ground on the Hilltop Academy for the Arts on May 1, marking the start of a major investment in arts education and cultural development in the West Valley.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the historic Hilltop site, showcased the talents of student artists from across the district. A jazz band performed, actors presented a monologue on the history of La Loma, dancers and singers contributed to the celebration, a painter created art in real time, featuring a painting of a peacock, the new school’s mascot and a symbol of Paul Litchfield’s legacy.
“This is where their dreams will take shape,” said Agua Fria Governing Board President Kristen Acton. “As a governing board, we are beyond excited. I had a hard time with that word ‘excited’ because it doesn’t capture what we feel.”
The Fine Arts Academy is scheduled to open in August 2026 ahead of the 2026–27 school year. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned to take place in about a year. The campus will include a 700-seat performing arts center for student productions and community events.
“This project is part of a legacy,” Acton said. “It reflects who we are and what we believe in. The students deserve real options. The community thrives through shared experiences in the arts. And the school should match students’ passions.”
The academy will offer pathways focused on arts and entertainment careers. Students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials, college credits, and hands-on experience through internships and capstone projects. The school is designed to serve up to 450 students and fits into the district’s 10-year strategic plan to expand academic options.
“We see the site as a cultural center not just for Agua Fria students, but for the entire community,” said Litchfield Park City Manager Mathew Williams.
The project is funded in part by a $50 million bond passed in 2023, which also supports improvements across the district’s facilities. The new campus will complement the city’s architectural style and sit alongside the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center, the Arizona Farm & Ranch Museum, a new public library, and Hilltop Park.
“For many years, I’ve been working on building up the development situation so the city is sustainable,” said Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf. “We have the property because the Litchfield family wanted to make sure the property was used in a way that was consistent with what Paul Litchfield envisioned back in the 1920s — a cultural and performing arts area.”
“This hilltop provided him with a commanding view, and it still provides a commanding view of our valley today,” Schoaf said. “It would be a wonderful place for the academy.”
Acton closed the ceremony by offering gratitude to the many people who helped make the vision possible.
“On behalf of the governing board, I want to say thank you to our district leaders and industry partners, the incredible teams bringing this vision to life, and our community for supporting us through our bonds,” she said. “And to the city of Litchfield Park, you have our deep appreciation for being extraordinary partners.”
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