The news was announced as nearly 12,000 students in preschool through high school began their first day of the 2014-15 school year.

 

For the last four years, the Arizona Department of Education has rated school performances with letter grades based on academic growth and student achievement. This is the fourth year in a row that the Higley Unified School District has earned an “A” grade. Higley Unified School District was the top point earner for large, public school districts in Arizona this year. In fact, five of our eight elementary schools are in the Top 10 percent of all K-6 schools in Arizona.

 

“We are elated to share our ‘A’ grades with Higley families, the Towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek and the entire Valley,” said Superintendent Dr. Denise Birdwell. “It is a testament to the work of our teachers, staff, students and families. Finding out Higley is the top, large school district in the state brings recognition to the hard work of the entire Higley schools community. From students and their parents to the teachers, bus drivers, classroom aides and school principals, we wish to thank everyone for their efforts that contribute to making Higley the best district in the Valley.”

 

Higley Unified School District is ranked second among Arizona’s large school operators – district and charter - with just 4 points separating Higley Schools from BASIS Schools.

 

“Higley is proud to be alongside the high performing school districts in the East Valley, including Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek,” said Dr. Birdwell. “We would also like to congratulate Glendale Union High School District and Tempe Union High School District for being the only other districts in the state to have all ‘A’ rated schools.”

 

“Regardless of the financial challenges and new state mandates, the Higley District has remained steadfast in focusing on individual student achievement.  When we connect with every student, engage every student and inspire every student, regardless of these challenges, our students will come out on top. I’m grateful to the entire Higley team for its focus on our core values that impact our students,” said Higley Governing Board President Venessa Whitener.

 

Higley’s Centennial Elementary School and Power Ranch Elementary School, both located in Gilbert, are ranked first and third respectively among K-6 district schools in Arizona.

 

In addition to recognizing our two high schools – Higley and Williams Field – as “A” schools, we learned that both of our new middle schools – Cooley and Sossaman – also earned A ratings. Both schools opened in August 2014.

 

“Cooley Middle School Principal Dr. Randy Mahlerwein and Sossaman Middle School Principal Nancy Diab have done a tremendous job bringing our students into the new schools and creating rigorous and robust programs for our seventh- and eighth-graders,” Dr. Birdwell said.

 

Cooley and Sossaman are tied as the second highest-point earners among district middle schools in the state, just behind Franklin Junior High School, a school of choice in Mesa Public Schools.

 

Higley Unified School District serves nearly 12,000 preschool through high school students in the southern part of Gilbert and the northern area of Queen Creek. Our eight elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools are joined by two early childhood development centers to provide education for the whole child and prepare them for college and careers.

 

Higley Unified School District is accredited by AdvancED. The district was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as an AP Honors District for student scores on Advanced Placement exams. Our graduation rate consistently exceeds the state and national averages.