Six Chandler schools earn prestigious A+ Schools of Excellence awards | The Locally Times
The recognition marks a district milestone, with the six schools accounting for 12% of all A+ awards given statewide by the Arizona Educational Foundation in 2026.
The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) conferred the honor on Andersen Elementary School, Chandler High School, Conley Elementary School, Haley Elementary School, Knox Gifted Academy, and Navarrete Elementary School. According to the announcement, this is a historic and unprecedented multi-school recognition for the district in a single year, representing 12% of all A+ designations granted to Arizona public schools in 2026. CUSD Superintendent Frank Narducci, cited in the release, credited the success to the collective efforts of educators, students, families, and community partners. The announcement suggests the awards prove the district’s commitment to excellence is actively demonstrated in its classrooms. ## District Touts Long-Term Success The 2026 awards add to a long-standing record of achievement for the district. The district’s announcement highlights this history as a demonstration of its sustained commitment to high academic standards and visionary leadership. ## The A+ Award Criteria The district’s announcement presents the A+ School of Excellence™ program as the highest honor for public schools in Arizona. It contrasts the A+ evaluation with state-mandated letter grades, which it states focus primarily on test scores. The release describes the A+ award as an assessment of a school's entire environment. To earn the designation, schools must demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, including providing superior instruction. The district’s press release does not include the complete list of evaluation criteria, the weighting of various components, or the full application process used by the Arizona Educational Foundation.