The Arizona Educational Foundation has named the Scottsdale Unified School District’s Desert Canyon Elementary School as one of its 2024 A+ Schools of Excellence.

The starting point of Scottsdale Unified’s optional Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program, Desert Canyon is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

“We are proud of our inclusive, close-knit family and the robust support and engagement we receive from our community,” said principal Kim Mills. “We foster a sense of community and inclusivity as students from diverse linguistic backgrounds come together to learn, grow and become proficient in a second language.”

Desert Canyon, located at 10203 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, is home to nearly 500 preschool through fifth-grade students. The school prides itself on offering both a Mandarin path of study, as well as general instruction in English. DLI students spend half of their school day studying subjects in Mandarin and the other half learning in English. The DLI program continues across campus at Desert Canyon Middle School. The schools’ feeder high school, Desert Mountain, offers standard, honors and advanced placement courses of study in Mandarin, should students wish to pursue an Arizona Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.

“It is heartwarming to witness the friendships and mutual respect that develop among them as they navigate the challenging, yet rewarding, Mandarin language acquisition journey,” Mills adds. “Now, they are gaining an appreciation of the Chinese culture and language, but in our increasingly globalized world, they are also building skills that may benefit them later.”

Undertaking the process of becoming an A+ School of Excellence requires the collaboration of teachers, parents and students. Schools put their practices and culture under a microscope to evaluate what is working and where there is room for improvement.

A team of AEF judges toured Desert Canyon Elementary’s classrooms and campus last month, meeting with staff, parents and students.

“We are immensely proud of our Desert Canyon Elementary School and all of the people who contribute to its success every day,” said Dr. Scott Menzel, Scottsdale Unified’s superintendent. “To receive this distinction from the Arizona Educational Foundation is a testament to Mrs. Mills, her staff and DCES families.”

The A+ School of Excellence designation is good for four years. Schools must reapply to continue their A+ status.

A community celebration of Desert Canyon’s award is planned for the spring. Scottsdale Unified’s Cherokee Elementary and Pueblo Elementary schools are also AEF A+ Schools of Excellence.