GUHSD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

2025-2026 COMMUNITY PUBLICATION

Glendale Union High School District is proud to be an “A” rated district by the Arizona Department of Education, with all nine comprehensive high schools also earning an “A.” For generations, families in Phoenix and Glendale have chosen GUHSD because of its tradition of excellence and its legacy of preparing students for college, career, and life. With nationally acclaimed programs and highly qualified professionals guiding every student, GUHSD provides a world-class education that is locally available. Every day, the district is dedicated to

Keeping the Promise of Their Potential.

IN THIS ISSUE

A

Realizing their potential “ Top Scholarship recipients from GUHSD

Fiscal responsibility How GUHSD exemplified responsible fiscal management

Maximize your impact Unlock tax savings while empowering students

”

GUHSD

GLENDALE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

The District Of Choice: Excellence is at the heart of Glendale Union High School District, and it is the reason parents continue to choose GUHSD. The district believes every student has the capacity to succeed and is committed to preparing them for life beyond high school. Whether students aspire to attend college, pursue a specialized program, serve in the military, or begin a career, GUHSD provides the foundation they need.

With rigorous academics, high expectations, and comprehensive support, GUHSD helps students cultivate their talents, unlock their potential, and step confidently into the future.

AMERICA’S BEST HIGH SCHOOLS All nine GUHSD high schools are proudly ranked among America’s

By The Numbers

Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition places GUHSD in the top tier of nearly 25,000 public high schools nationwide. The rankings highlight the district’s strong performance on state assessments and its proven success in preparing students for college and beyond.

$95 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS From the Class of 2025, GUHSD students earned nearly $95 million

$95M

IN SCHOLARSHIPS

6,735

IN COLLEGE CREDITS

1,374

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS EARNED

in scholarships during their high school years. These prestigious awards highlight the hard work, talent, and potential of GUHSD students. Their achievements are a testament to the district’s commitment to excellence and are proudly celebrated as graduates take their next steps in college, career, and life.

6,735 COLLEGE CREDITS EARNED The Class of 2025 earned an extraordinary 6,735 college credits while still in high school. This achievement showcases the opportunities available through GUHSD’s Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs. By gaining college credit before graduation, students save time and money and demonstrate that they are well prepared for their future.

1,374 INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS EARNED Students across Glendale Union High School District earned more than 1,374 industry certifications this year through Career and Technical Education programs.

While many students in Arizona wait until community college to pursue these credentials, GUHSD students are achieving them while still in high school.

These certifications provide real-world skills and industry-recognized credentials that validate student knowledge in high-demand fields such as health services, information technology, and construction trades.

Approved by the Arizona Department of Education, these credentials demonstrate mastery for higher

#WeAreGUHSD

education and employment, ensuring GUHSD graduates leave high school workforce-ready and positioned for future success.

Our High Schools Apollo 8045 N. 47th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85302 623-435-6300

Greenway 3930 W. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85053 623-915-8500

Sunnyslope 35 W. Dunlap Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 623-915-8760

Cortez 8828 N. 31st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85051 623-915-8200

Independence 6602 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85303 623-435-6100

Thunderbird 1750 W. Thunderbird Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 623-915-8900

Glendale 6216 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301 623-435-6200

Moon Valley 3625 W. Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85029 623-915-8000

Washington 2217 W. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 623-915-8400

Northern Academy, Next Step or Online Learning Academy 7650 N. 43rd Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301 623-435-7300

ENROLL NOW guhsdaz.org/OurSchools guhsdaz.org/Enroll 623-435-6000

TOP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FROM GUHSD

Realizing their potential

Throughout the past year, many Glendale Union High School District students have earned prestigious scholarships to some of the most respected universities across the nation. These accomplishments reflect their talent, dedication, and the tradition of excellence that continues across GUHSD schools. Guided by highly qualified teachers and counselors who are committed to preparing students for college, career, and life, GUHSD students continue to achieve at the highest levels and bring pride to their schools and community.

QUESTBRIDGE SCHOLARS

DORRANCE SCHOLARS

Glendale Union High School District congratulates ten outstanding

Glendale Union High School District proudly congratulates four

students on earning full scholarships to distinguished universities,

students from the Class of 2025 who were selected as Dorrance

including Boston University, Cornell University, Stanford University,

Scholars. This prestigious and highly competitive award highlights

the University of Notre Dame, Columbia University, Brown

the exceptional accomplishments of GUHSD students. In addition

University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The

to a $12,000 annual grant for attendance at any state university,

highly competitive QuestBridge Match Scholarship provides more than

the scholarship provides a remarkable range of benefits, including a

$350,000 in support over four years, covering full tuition, housing,

summer bridge program, cultural enrichment, community outreach, and

meals, books, and travel expenses.

international travel.

Annalisa Raji

Joel Morgan Del Valle

Evelyn Guzman

Raul Elizarraraz

Apollo High School

Apollo High School

Glendale High School

Glendale High School

Jose Chavez Aldama

Karen Rivera

Lynn Ong

Independence High School

Moon Valley High School

Moon Valley High School

Angel Santana Torres

Mayline Sanchez Torres

Asia Martin

Sunnyslope High School

Sunnyslope High School

Sunnyslope High School

Yesenia Vito Icelo

Michelle Cruz Perez

Apollo High School

Sunnyslope High School

Alexandra Cruz Arvizu

Eleanna Garcia De La Torre

Washington High School

Washington High School

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR Glendale Union High School District proudly recognizes three students from the Class of 2025 who have earned the distinction of National Merit Scholar. This honor places them among the top academic achievers in the nation. National Merit Scholars may receive scholarships ranging from a one-time $2,500 award to renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 per year, along with recognition, access to honors programs, and opportunities such as research and study abroad at leading universities.

Zade Moabi

Joshua Katzman

Naomi Walsh

Greenway High School

Thunderbird High School

Thunderbird High School

We’re now accepting new students.

Visit our website or scan the QR code to learn more.

LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS

Matthew Belden Superintendent

Patty Kennedy President

Patti Hussey Clerk

Excellence Recognized Glendale Union High School District is a beacon of excellence in the Phoenix metropolitan area. With a steadfast commitment to student achievement and continuous improvement, GUHSD has earned both local and national recognition. The district has been honored as the College Board’s Advanced Placement National District of the Year and continues to be ranked among America’s Top High Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Guided by its mission to prepare all students for the choices and challenges of the twenty-first century, GUHSD creates a community of excellence where parents, students, teachers, and administrators work together. The district’s schools prioritize student success, offering a comprehensive education while always striving for improvement.

In the 2024–2025 school year, GUHSD students earned $95 million in scholarships and completed 6,735 college credits through Advanced Placement and dual enrollment. These accomplishments show why GUHSD is nationally acclaimed, globally respected, and locally available. Families can be confident that their teens are in the best hands with GUHSD, a district that is keeping the promise of their potential.

Laura Arita Member

Paul Ulan Member

Natalie Veidmark Member

Mission To empower all students for the choices and challenges of the twenty-first century.

Vision All students will graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in college, career, and life.

Fiscal responsibility According to the Auditor General’s 2024 Classroom Spending Report, GUHSD invests a greater share of its funding in classrooms than both the state average and its peer districts. The report also shows that GUHSD spends a smaller proportion of its budget on administration compared to state wide and peer district figures.

For more than 35 years, GUHSD has demonstrated responsible fiscal management of taxpayer dollars, earning recognition from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The district takes pride in managing funds with care and integrity, ensuring resources directly benefit students. Parents and community members can trust that GUHSD is a responsible steward of taxpayer funding and remains committed to providing every student with the highest quality education.

Maximize your impact: unlock tax savings while empowering students Did you know you can support GUHSD students while also saving on your state taxes? By making a tax credit contribution to a GUHSD school or extracurricular program of your choice, you can receive up to $400 back when you file your taxes. Every dollar you contribute comes back to you as a credit, and every dollar directly benefits students.

Not only does your tax credit contribution save you money, but it also plays a pivotal role in providing students with meaningful and life-enhancing opportunities.

Your tax credit contribution helps provide meaningful opportunities such as athletic programs, fine and performing arts, college preparation tests, and more. These experiences enrich students’ lives and prepare them for future success. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference for students while keeping more money in your pocket.

Put $400 back into your own pocket while making a meaningful difference in the lives of students at GUHSD.

*Please consult a tax professional for additional details.

The Arizona State Public School Tax Credit Law allows taxpayers a tax credit of up to $400 for those filing personal taxes as “married filing jointly” or $200 for those filing “head of household” or “single,” if they contribute to a public school.

Name:

Tax Year:

Address:

AZ

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Phone:

Student(s) Name: (optional)

Amount of Donation $

School to Receive Donation:

(up to $200* or $400* if married filing jointly)

I wish to designate this money to the following area(s): Contributions are nonrefundable. For a complete list of activities, visit the tax credit page at guhsdaz.org.

Make checks payable to the school to which you are donating.

Mail this form and your check to the Glendale Union High School District 7650 N. 43rd Ave or donate online at www.guhsdaz.org. Tax credit donations must be made by April 15.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS 7650 N. 43RD AVENUE GLENDALE, AZ 85301 623-435-6000 GUHSDAZ.ORG

CLASS OF 2030

FUTURE FRESHMAN NIGHT You’re Invited November 13, 2025 SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE APOLLO • CORTEZ • GLENDALE • GREENWAY • INDEPENDENCE • MOON VALLEY • SUNNYSLOPE • THUNDERBIRD • WASHINGTON ANNUAL PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF NONDISCRIMINATION: Glendale Union High School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission to its programs, services or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. GUHSD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. GUHSD Career & Technical Education Department does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of the programs available, such as business, applied technology, FACS, nursing and fire science.

The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. GUHSD does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinators by calling 623-435-6070 or 623-435-6067, or write to 7650 N. 43 Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301.

NOTIFICACIÓN PÚBLICA ANUAL DE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN: Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) no discrimina en base a raza, color, nacionalidad, género, edad, o discapacidad de admisión a sus programas, servicios, o actividades, en acceso a ellas, en el tratamiento a individuos, o en ningún aspecto de sus operaciones. GUHSD provee el acceso igual a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos designados para los jóvenes. El departamento de Educación Técnica y de Carreras de GUHSD no discrimina en su matriculación ni en el acceso a cualquier de sus programas disponibles, como negocios, la tecnología aplicada, FACS, enfermería, y formación para bomberos. La falta de habilidades con el inglés no será una barrera a la admisión ni la participación en las actividades del distrito y sus programas. GUHSD tampoco discrimina en sus contratos o prácticas de empleados. Esta noticia es provista y requerida por el Título VI del Acto de Derechos Civiles de 1964, Sección 504 del Acto de Rehabilitación de 1973, Título IX de la Enmienda Educativa de 1972, en el Acto de Era de Discriminación de 1975, y el Acto de los Estadounidenses con Habilidades Diferenciadas de 1990. Ud. puede comunicarse con el coordinador de cumplimiento sobre preguntas, quejas, o para más información con respecto a estas leyes, 623-435-6070 o 623-435-6067, o escribe a 7650 N. 43rd Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301.