Robert Pappalardo

Independent Newsmedia

Our district’s schools show significant improvement, a testament to the dedication of our educators, support from parents and the community, and our students’ determination.”

AJUSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Pappalardo

Letter grades

What does each letter grade mean?:

• A (excellent): Distinguished performance on the statewide assessment, significant student growth, high four-year graduation rates, students on track to proficiency; overall performance is significantly higher than state average.

• B (highly performing): High performance on statewide assessment and/or significant student growth and/or higher four-year graduation rates and/or moving students to proficiency at a higher rate than the state average.

• C (performing): Adequate performance but needs improvement on some indicators, such as proficiency, growth or graduation rate.

• D (minimally performing): Inadequate performance in proficiency, growth and/or four-year graduation rate relative to the state average.

• F (failing): Systematic failures in proficiency, growth and graduation rates (below 67%); performance is in bottom 5% of the state.

Source: Arizona State Board of Education

state accountability labels

Apache Junction district schools make grades B and C

Apache Junction Unified School District has one “A,” one “B” and three “C” rated school grades in the 2022-23 state accountability labels released in October.

That is an increase over last year where AJUSD had two “B” and three “C” rated school grades in the 2021-22 state accountability labels.

“Our district’s schools show significant improvement, a testament to the dedication of our educators, support from parents and the community, and our students’ determination,” AJUSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Pappalardo said in a release.

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, according to the website of the Arizona State Board of Education.

The AJUSD school that received an “A” rating was:

• Peralta Trail Elementary School, 10965 E. Peralta Road in Gold Canyon, up from a “B” rating last year.

The AJUSD school that received a “B” rating was:

• Cactus Canyon Junior High School, 801 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction, up from a “D” rating last year.

AJUSD schools that received a “C” rating are:

• Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive, down from a “B” last year;
• Desert Vista Elementary School, 3701 E. Broadway Ave. in Apache Junction, the same as the “C” in the last rating.
• Four Peaks Elementary School, 1785 N. Idaho Road in Apache Junction, the same as the “C” in the last rating.

AJUSD leaders are working on comprehensive plans for ongoing improvement and credit educators, students and community support as the underpinning of recent success, the release stated.

“Our commitment to students and educational excellence remains unwavering,” Pappalardo said. “We encourage engagement, participation, and feedback from parents, community members, and stakeholders. We appreciate your support. Together, we foster growth and excellence for our students.”

Go to ajusd.org.