Each year, U.S. News & World Report evaluates public elementary and middle schools nationwide, assessing their academic achievement through state assessment data. These rankings consider two main factors: students’ proficiency in mathematics and reading and the context of the school’s socioeconomic demographics. Schools excelling in these areas demonstrate an ability to educate all students effectively, making them eligible for recognition.

Schools in the top 40% of their state earn the prestigious U.S. News Best Elementary Schools and/or Best Middle Schools award “badge,” a symbol of educational excellence and achievement.

We are thrilled to announce that seven of our schools have earned badge eligibility for 2025, a testament to their commitment to academic excellence and student success. Please join us in congratulating the following schools and their leadership:

• Desert Meadows School
  Principal JP Ketcham
  Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools.
• Estrella Foothills Global Academy
  Principal Erin Lebish
  Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools.
• Laveen Elementary School
  Former Principal Dr. Robert Caplinger and current Principal Melissa Garcia
  Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools.
• Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy
  Principal Jonathan Rohloff
  Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary schools.
• Rogers Ranch STEM Academy
  Principal Dr. Kaitlin Gretkierewicz
  Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools.
• M.C. Cash Elementary School
  Principal Nicole Goodwin
  Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona middle schools.
• Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy
  Principal Jessica Epacs
  Special recognition for ranking #24 among all public elementary schools in Arizona and #5 among all public middle schools in Arizona.

Enrolling a kindergartner next school year? Join us for an exploration of Laveen’s kindergarten program on February 4  from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at all Laveen schools.

Each of our nine schools will host an information night for prospective families. Our school principals will navigate you through everything you need to know as you prepare to launch your child into a successful academic career.

Registration* for the 2025-26 school year will open on February 4. Apply online at www.LaveenSchools.org/registration. Enrollment requirements may apply.

Students may be enrolled in any of our schools regardless of where they live, space permitting. Families living outside of a school’s transportation zone will be responsible for providing transportation.

*Children must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025 to register for kindergarten. Preschool for children ages 3-5 is offered at Desert Meadows, Estrella Foothills, Paseo Pointe, and Vista del Sur.

Visit www.LaveenSchools.org/Kindergarten for more information.