Santa Cruz Soars to Top of MUSD Public School Grading Rankings

Santa Cruz Elementary School has achieved an impressive A grade from the Arizona Department of Education, marking it as the top school within the Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD). This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and effective teaching methods.

MUSD Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman expressed pride in the accomplishments reflected in the recent grade evaluations. “Our schools’ letter grades provide a snapshot of our progress, but they never fully capture the daily dedication and hard work taking place in our classrooms,” she stated. Alongside Santa Cruz, other schools such as Saddleback Elementary and Maricopa Virtual Academy have also demonstrated improved performance.

The Arizona Department of Education released preliminary letter grades for MUSD, which included one A, five Bs, three Cs, and two Ds. Lopeman emphasized that these results underscore the collective efforts of staff, students, and parents. “Earning an A grade demonstrates the exceptional work of our students and teachers,” she noted, adding that Saddleback Elementary’s improvement from a C to a B indicates meaningful progress.

In the latest evaluation, the following schools received B grades:

• Butterfield Elementary School
• Pima Butte Elementary School
• Saddleback Elementary School (grade under appeal)
• Santa Rosa Elementary School
• Maricopa High School

C grades were awarded to:

• Maricopa Wells Middle School
• Maricopa Virtual Academy
• Desert Sunrise High School (grade under appeal)

Schools receiving D grades include:

• Maricopa Elementary School
• Desert Wind Middle School

Both D-graded schools are currently under appeal. Notably, Maricopa Virtual Academy has risen from a D to a C, a testament to the success of its virtual learning community and the adaptability of students and teachers.

Several schools, including Santa Rosa Elementary and Maricopa High School, have maintained their grades, showcasing consistent engagement and perseverance from students and staff. Lopeman remarked, “We acknowledge that Butterfield Elementary, Pima Butte Elementary, and Maricopa Elementary have seen changes in their letter grades, and we are committed to supporting these schools as they work to regain their previous levels of excellence.”

Furthermore, she noted that the appeal process aims to ensure that the evaluations accurately reflect the efforts and progress within the schools. Lopeman concluded by stating, “Despite challenges, our classrooms remain vibrant places where dedicated educators and enthusiastic students collaborate daily to improve.”