Queen Creek schools get ‘A’ grades from state

The Queen Creek Unified School District and 10 of its schools received an “A” grade from the Arizona Department of Education.

In a report issued this week, the department gave an A grade to the elementary schools Desert Mountain, Faith Mather Sossaman, Frances Brandon-Pickett, Katherine Mecham Barney, Queen Creek, Schnepf and Silver Valley.

Also receiving an A grade are Queen Creek and Eastmark High schools and Newell Barney College Prep for seventh and eighth graders. Overall, QCUSD received an A as well.

“We are incredibly proud that Queen Creek Unified School District has once again been named an A-rated district. This recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional teachers, staff, students and families who work together every day to ensure student success — one of our district’s key priority areas,” stated QCUISD Superintendent Perry Berry in an email.

Under state statute, the Arizona Department of Education develops an annual achievement profile for every public school in the state based on an A through F scale.

According to the department’s website, the system measures year-to-year student academic growth, proficiency on English language arts, math and science, the proficiency and academic growth of English language learners, “indicators that an elementary student is ready for success in high school and that high school students are ready to succeed in a career or higher education and high school graduation rates.”

Among public charter schools, Legacy Traditional Schools Queen Creek and San Tan Valley campuses each earned an A. Benjamin Franklin’s elementary and high schools in Queen Creek also received the top mark.

“We are excited that Legacy students, teachers and staff members have continued to excel with each of our public schools receiving a strong grade from the Arizona Department of Education,” stated Arizona Superintendent for Legacy Traditional Schools Mia Vega in a press release. “These grades reflect the academic excellence of our students and dedicated teachers and staff, as well as the engagement of Legacy parents and families.”

Combs High School in the J.O. Combs Unified School District in San Tan Valley earned an A. In the Florence Unified School District, Skyline Ranch Elementary also received an A grade.

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