For Paradise Valley Unified School District, this year’s letter grades are something to celebrate, but the district says the true measure of success lies far beyond the alphabet.
When the Arizona Department of Education released its 2024-25 school letter grades, PVSchools earned an overall district “B” grade, with 21 A-rated campuses, 10 B-rated campuses, and only three C-rated campuses Every district high school received an A or B, with Horizon, Paradise Valley, Pinnacle and Shadow Mountain High Schools earning top marks.
Even the district’s online and specialty programs earned recognition. Sweetwater Community School received an A in both its alternative and specialty categories, while pvONLINE earned a C, reflecting the challenges and opportunities of hybrid education models.
“The success of our students is a testament to the incredible partnership between our dedicated staff, involved parents and guardians, and our hardworking students,” said Dr. Jason Reynolds, interim superintendent of PVSchools. “While school letter grades offer a glimpse into this success, they don’t fully capture the vibrant learning environment and commitment to growth found here in Paradise. This is truly a special district with a pathway for every passion, supporting all learners.”
A strong showing across campuses
Across the district’s traditional K-8 schools, academic excellence remained consistent. Boulder Creek, Copper Canyon, Desert Trails, Fireside, Mercury Mine and Liberty elementaries were among those earning A ratings, while Desert Shadows Middle, Explorer and Greenway Middle received strong B grades.
At the high school level, PVSchools continued to shine. All five traditional high schools scored in the top two tiers, reinforcing the district’s commitment to college and career readiness.
Beyond the scoreboard
Arizona’s A-F system, required by both state law and the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, measures growth, proficiency, readiness and graduation rates. The ESSA model provides transparency, but district leaders emphasize data alone can’t tell the whole story.
“Accountability works best when it informs support, not punishment,” Reynolds said. “Our focus is on using data to strengthen what’s already working — from academic growth to student well-being.”
That approach is visible in PVSchools’ ongoing initiatives, including multi-tiered systems of support, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and professional learning communities. Each is designed to ensure students thrive both academically and emotionally.
A community effort
Parents echo that the district’s heart is what makes the difference.
“Our schools are more than report cards,” said Emily Lopez, a PVSchools parent. “They’re places where kids learn confidence, kindness and how to care for each other — and that’s what really matters.”
As Arizona leaders debate how to modernize accountability systems, PVSchools continues to serve as a model for balancing performance with progress. Its message to families is while the letters may change, the district’s commitment to students never does.
“Letter grades matter, but they’re only one part of our story,” Reynolds said. “What defines PVSchools is how our students grow — not just in what they know, but in who they become.”
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
Meet Stacy Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.
Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.
Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!
Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.
Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.
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