ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY
GROWING LEADERS • INSPIRING CHANGE
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ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY
WHY CHOOSE ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY?
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elcome! We are so committed to being an integral part excited to share many of the local community. Our students of the wonderful things are frequently involved in events our school is doing with that help raise community spirit; our readers. Inside this from blood drives to fundraisers and publication, you will find stories other events, we are honored to be an about Arizona Charter Academy’s active part of the west valley. Melissa Holdaway, Heather Henderson, Stephani Olson, many programs, our devoted and We hope you enjoy reading about Chief Operations Principal, Principal, Junior Officer Elementary and Senior High caring staff, our unique volunteer Arizona Charter Academy, and School School program, and much more. learning more about what helps Since the day Arizona Charter Academy first opened to make our school special. We are truly passionate and its doors, we have strived to offer exceptional education excited about our school, our staff, and our students, and in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Our core mission are extremely grateful for the parents and community is to empower all of our students to be responsible, members who also work hard to help make this such an successful and productive citizens through building their outstanding school. college and career readiness skills. We strongly believe that all of our students can succeed, and our goal is to build future leaders who will have a positive impact on 3 | CREATING A CULTURE OF SUCCESS their community. 4 | A HIGHER STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE Thanks to our low 24:1 student/teacher ratio, our students receive the time and attention they need and 6 | TECHNOLOGY SPARKS LEARNING deserve. Each and every member of our outstanding 6 | CLUBS CREATE FUN AND SELF DISCOVERY staff is truly passionate about helping students do well 7 | WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL in school, and they often go above and beyond to make 8 | EXPLORING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM sure they have a positive experience. Our motto is to help 9 | DIVERSITY HAS NO COLOR each student find his or her purpose, while also building 10 | THE SPORTING LIFE character and providing an education that is truly exceptional. We are so proud of our staff who makes sure 11 | IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO that this motto becomes reality each and every day. PROVIDE EXCELLENCE In addition to our strong academics — which also ACA partners with includes enrichment programs like honors courses, community and National Honor Society and dual enrollment with Grand business leaders for Canyon University — Arizona Charter Academy is student success
ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY STORIES
“P U R P O S E , C H A R A C T E R , A N D E X C E L L E N C E I N E D U C AT I O N ”
CREATING A CULTURE OF SUCCESS ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY INSPIRES CHANGE AND BUILDS LEADERS THROUGH ‘PURPOSE, CHARACTER, AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION’
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rizona Charter Academy expects a lot from its students, and, in turn, these bright and talented youths really deliver. Not only does the accredited, K-12 public school in Surprise boast an impressive 100-percent graduation rate but 86 percent of ACA’s high schoolers also plan to seek postsecondary education. Chalk that amazing statistic up to ACA’s focus on career and college readiness for all students, achieved through high expectations, academic rigor and small class sizes of 24 students per teacher. Those factors, along with a strong network of supportive and involved families, community members and employees, contribute to the student body’s steadily improving scholastic achievements.
TOP MARKS
ACA’s young scholars, however, are much more than motivated students who work hard to earn top marks. They’re also outstanding young citizens and positive role models who uphold the
ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY • Founded: 2001 • Grade levels: K-12 • Demographics breakdown: 53% Hispanic, 18% African American, 26% white, 5% other • Part of the National School Lunch program • 100% graduation rate • 86% of students plan to attend postsecondary education • Accredited through AdvancEd three guiding principles upon which the tuition-free school was founded in 2001: purpose, character and educational excellence. It’s the students, along with the school’s compassionate and award-winning staff, who make the campus the welcoming and inspiring place it is. But the students know how to excel outside of school, too. They’ve shown they’re ready to take on the world, enthusiastically embarking on education-based trips like the junior high’s annual tour of Washington, D.C., and the high school’s annual camping expeditions, which for some is often the first time they’ve slept in a tent. Thanks to the school’s focus on global awareness, the students may soon be exchanging correspondence with pen pals from abroad or even taking a school trip to Africa.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Students also have a real passion for community outreach and volunteerism, and it’s not unusual to find many of them helping with any number of service projects or fundraisers after school or on the weekend. ACA kids have, for example, built a home for charity from the ground up on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, volunteered at a golf tournament, participated in food drives and blood drives, maintained a community garden and “adopted” school families around the holidays so everyone can enjoy the season. Not surprisingly, when academy students are out in public on a field trip or other outing, it’s not unusual for ACA teachers to be told how well-behaved and respectful their pupils are. Happily, the academy’s continued growth means many more West Valley families will be able to experience the educational excellence found at Arizona Charter Academy!
WHAT ARE CHARTER SCHOOLS? Despite an ever-growing presence in Arizona, charter schools remain a mystery to many parents and students. Charter schools are, simply put, public, state-funded schools. Charter schools began appearing in the state nearly 20 years ago and have been growing steadily ever since. There are almost 600 charter schools in the state, and enrollment has continually been increasing, according to the Arizona Charter Schools Association. Charter schools are funded based on enrollment size. Like district schools, charter schools receive money from the state but do not receive any revenue from district bonds or overrides. Charter schools tend to have a “niche” and offer something different to their community. They often provide smaller class sizes and unique learning environments that are centered on providing students and parents with more opportunities to grow.
MAKING THE GRADE ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY OFFERS HIGHER STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
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igor, real-world application and the resolve to ensure every child receives the highest quality education define Arizona Charter Academy. Guided by the philosophy that one’s education should not be dictated by ZIP code, ACA delivers a curriculum that instills confidence, character and the ability to think critically.
COMMON CORE
While schools across the state continue working to adopt Arizona’s Career and College Readiness Standards (national common core standards), ACA has been successfully implementing and improving upon the Common Core model since the school's State of Arizona adoption in 2011. “With Common Core, students not only learn skills and concepts, but also how to apply those skills to real-life problem-solving,” said Heather Henderson, school administrator. “We focus on students’ abilities to comprehend the material, make their own claims and justify those claims, both in written and oral expression.” Henderson describes Common Core as a teaching method in which knowledge is introduced, deepened and, ultimately, applied at a much higher level than ever before. While that approach is certainly paying off with sizeable gains in students’ academic growth, overall academic standing and a 100 percent graduation rate. ACA continues to embrace opportunities to enhance learning at all levels.
“P U R P O S E , C H A R A C T E R , A N D E X C E L L E N C E I N E D U C AT I O N ”
“Our entire curriculum follows the Common Core framework, but we’re always looking to expand upon and supplement that model,” Henderson explained. “For example, we revamped our language arts curriculum to follow the New York State Education Department’s EngageNY program. They are a recognized leader in Common Core and we want to ensure a teaching approach that brings our students up to a higher, more competitive national level.”
STEM LEARNING
Another notable program at ACA is STEM learning, a teaching philosophy dedicated to developing students’ knowledge and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Making the material more practical and relevant for students, concepts are taught in age-appropriate, real-world contexts, often integrating the latest learning technologies. Doing so further challenges students to think critically while giving them the opportunity to see firsthand how math and science are used in everyday life. Along with having the right programs in place, ACA views engagement and active participation as essential to achieving academic excellence. Professional development of teachers and staff, students’ use of innovative classroom technologies, open and consistent communication with students and parents, and partnerships with fellow teaching institutions illustrate how collaboration and a commitment to excellence are advancing academic achievement. Ensuring academic success is a shared responsibility. Maintaining the highest standards in language arts, math, science and social studies while holding students, teachers and even parents accountable is helping ACA and its students make the grade.
HELPING STUDENTS BECOME COLLEGE READY College readiness is a blend of K-12 education, experience and exposure to secondary education. While academic achievement is instrumental to college preparedness, being truly ready for the next step requires understanding the options available and believing that the door is open. From vocational training to two and four-year college education, Arizona Charter Academy students are introduced to the many opportunities that lie ahead. That includes visits to colleges and vocational schools and regular meetings with guidance counselors to tap into students’ college and career dreams. Assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form sheds light on funding options. Practice entrance exams help students assess their strengths and weaknesses. A partnership with Maricopa County Community College gives full-tuition scholarships to the top 10 percent of graduating seniors. “We work hard to create a culture of high expectations,” said Heather Henderson, school administrator. “As a result, our students are setting higher standards for themselves. For many, that means pursuing postsecondary education.” All seventh and eighth grade students complete the practice ACT exam to introduce them to the concept of college readiness. That testing is followed with preliminary SAT exams in high school. Furthermore, seniors visit local colleges and take the entrance examination at the beginning and end of the year to measure progress. Giving seniors a jump start on their secondary education, ACA offers dual enrollment courses with Grand Canyon University as well as career and technical skills training through Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC). As Henderson said, “Arizona Charter Academy supports the interests and passions of our students by providing realistic and feasible steps to achieve them.”
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TECHNOLOGY SPARKS LEARNING
CLUBS CREATE FUN AND SELF-DISCOVERY
ACA OFFERS HIGH-TECH TOOLS, FROM ACA OFFERS GREAT OPPORTUNITIES COMPUTERS TO E-READERS FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION
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ook around Arizona Charter Academy, and it’s evident how much this vibrant school community embraces technology. Not only is the campus wireless, but each student has access to a computer, whether it’s on a desk in a classroom, on a mobile laptop cart or a tablet. Other kinds of technology — like e-readers and smartphones — also are wholeheartedly encouraged. After all, officials note, student achievement rises when students are engaged in the learning process.
HIGH-TECH TEACHING
“We use technology to enhance all of our instruction,” says Stephani Olson, ACA’s junior high and high school principal. “Every classroom has a projector and a document camera, access to technology, and the majority of our texts are online so kids don’t have to bring books back and forth to school every day.” Indeed, the school’s Kindle e-book readers have proven to be a particularly popular. Students can annotate and look up words as they read, Olson explains, as well as take notes and bookmark parts of the novels they’re reading. Then, when they’re done, they just wipe off the work they’ve done and the Kindle’s ready for the next student to use.
STUDENT RESPONDERS
The academy goes the extra mile to make technology relevant. For example, students use a remote controllike device to answer questions in class. The “student responder,” similar to gadgets used on TV game shows, allows an instructor to view individual replies and get a reading on a class’s understanding of the material. The school is developing a way to make students’ smartphones work like the responders. The benefits of having phones in class outweigh other potential issues, says administrator Heather Henderson. “When kids are achieving, you have to take that risk, and our students rise to our high expectations.” The tools help ACA students to think critically and to be 21st-century scholars. “Technology allows them to truly have access to a global education,” Henderson says.
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rom elementary school through senior year, students enjoy a growing selection of clubs and student life activities at Arizona Charter Academy. Student Council, National Honor Society, Lunch for Leaders, the Interact/Rotary Club, DECCA and school dances are a few of the opportunities to build skills, discover careers, explore new ideas, grow leaders and enjoy each and every day at the Academy.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Research shows that the more students are involved in activities, the better they succeed academically. For young scholars, clubs are about exploring and the fun and friends. “Our clubs and activities provide social skill lessons and bonding time for our students so, as they develop great friendships, they feel valued and accepted,” said Melissa Holdaway, COO of the ACA. “Of course, academics are extremely important but also our mission is to build character, leadership skills and help students find their purpose. Student life activities provide a nurturing environment to learn and grow.”
FAMILY ATMOSPHERE
Principal Stephani Olson says that the new Junior High Mentoring Club is a great example of how the school fosters a caring family atmosphere. A group of exceptional high school students was selected and then each paired with junior high students. The mentors help the younger students with the challenges of junior high. Team sports rally school spirit while individual athletic talents are developed. Members of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the Bulldogs play around the state. The school has notable reputations in football, baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball. Information about clubs and other student life activities can be found throughout campus and at www.azcharter.com.
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WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE ACA AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
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very week, Luz Gomez heads to Arizona Charter Academy to volunteer. The mom of three students at ACA has been volunteering at the school for about three years, and typically spends between 10 to 20 hours a week helping out with whatever needs to be done, including working in the office, assisting with class “paw parties” which celebrate students meeting their goals, and helping with hearing and vision screenings. Gomez was inspired to volunteer at ACA because she wanted to be involved with her children’s school. “I love being around all the kids, and have really gotten to know a lot of them,” she said. “I like being able to be there and help out with whatever is needed.” Student Services Coordinator Gloria Ramos said that Gomez is one of about 60 people who regularly volunteer at the school. What helps to make ACA’s volunteer program unique, she said, is that parents, grandparents and community members are all welcome to come in and help. In addition, all volunteers go through an orientation and a background check. Ramos said ACA’s volunteers can assist with a variety of other tasks in addition to working in the classroom— this includes helping with special projects and events, working on the playground and in the cafeteria, and offering assistance on school picture days. “Volunteers are an integral part of our school; they help the school keep going in so many areas,” she said. “As a school we couldn’t keep our focus on academics without the tremendous amount of time and support our volunteers provide.”
BEVERLY BETTES, COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER Bettes, who is retired, is currently in her seventh year of volunteering at ACA. She usually works for three hours, once a week, listening to kindergarten through second graders read, and assisting with a variety of other projects. “After I retired I wanted to do some volunteering to pass my time. Reading is very important to me, and with a teaching background I wanted to help children learn to read. I love volunteering at ACA. The staff is very friendly and appreciative of any extra help they can get. I have seen ACA grow so much in the past few years — not just physically, but academically. Most of all I love working with the children. They are eager to learn and it is exciting to see their progress through the year.”
DIANNE RAKERS, GRANDPARENT VOLUNTEER Rakers began volunteering at ACA when her granddaughter started kindergarten. She is now in her sixth year of volunteering at the school. She spends two full school days a week at ACA, helping out in the first grade class. In addition to grading papers and checking in homework assignments she reads with kids and helps those who need extra assistance in both reading and math. “I’m retired, and I wanted to have something extra to do, and also I wanted to do something that would help me understand what type of school my granddaughter would be attending. I really enjoy interacting with the kids — it’s really nice to get a big hello and a hug each time.”
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EXPLORING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM FIELD TRIPS AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ABOUND AT ACA
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ield trips and after school programs are exciting ways to explore the world beyond the classroom while under the safe care and concern of teachers and staff. From the junior high’s traditional visit to our nation’s capital to community service on nearby American Indian reservations, each excursion is carefully planned to offer maximum academic and personal growth opportunities. “We continually strive to expand their experiences through travel so they can use a broad knowledge of the world to have dreams of lives they might not have known were possible,” said Melissa Holdaway, COO of the Arizona Charter Academy. On this past May’s sophomore camping trip, students learned about Arizona’s formation by navigating through Coconino National Forest’s 700,000-year-old lava caves. The trip also included a hike up Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff, the highest point in the entire state at an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet. The trek is an achievement of a lifetime.
CHANGING LIVES
Equally as life changing are service-learning endeavors such as the trip to San Carlos reservations. Students raised funds and spent four days building a basic home structure from the ground up. “The emphasis on community service that we begin here in kindergarten strongly contributes to the spirit of school of which we are all so proud. Some classes have adopted an
orphanage in Africa while others assist local organizations and collect food for needy families. Helping other people empowers our students with the knowledge they can make a difference in the world. Once they get that feeling of giving to someone in need, they don’t want to stop. They come back wanting to do another project,” said Holdaway. High school principal Stephani Olson points out that service learning projects offer valuable lessons. Her students run the athletic events, learning real-world retail, math and other business skills while having a great time.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
Elementary school students find tutoring and academic enrichment as well as crafts, dance, Spanish, fitness, yoga and more in the 21st Century Learning Center. Available after school, this federally-funded and Arizona Department of Health program complements the student’s regular school day program. “We also have Club Spike for our elementary students. Because it is open until 6 p.m., it is very attractive to working parents,” said Holdaway. “The club provides homework help as well as physical activities and games in a secure and enriching environment.”
“P U R P O S E , C H A R A C T E R , A N D E X C E L L E N C E I N E D U C AT I O N ”
DIVERSITY HAS NO COLOR MELTING POT CULTURE HELPS STUDENTS BECOME GOOD GLOBAL CITIZENS
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urprise has nearly tripled in size in the last 10 years, according to the US Census Bureau. In a city that has experienced explosive growth, Arizona Charter Academy stands out as a melting pot where students get a college prep education and learn to become global citizens. ACA believes that because we live in a global society, it is critical for students to learn about different cultures and develop good communication skills. This belief is part of the school mission, to educate students in a way that encourages cultural awareness, pride and respect for themselves and others. Not only are ACA students racially and ethnically diverse, they also come from a wide range of socio-economic and religious backgrounds. The staff and faculty mirror the diversity of the student body, with a wide age range and various ethnicities represented throughout the grade levels -- from the elementary school to the high school. In this way, the teachers and faculty at ACA have become a model for how a group of diverse adults can work together. The school also invites outside speakers to help break down some of the cultural barriers often seen in other schools. What makes ACA truly unique is the absence of sub groups and cliques. Whether it’s a special education student or someone of a different ethnicity, students and staff accept each other for who they are. From the teachers to the administrators, ACA is intentional about cultivating a rich atmosphere, wherein students can feel safe and don’t have to worry about which groups they align themselves with. As a result the students learn to celebrate differences and often become protective of one another. Indeed, Arizona Charter Academy students are a special breed who display a deep sense of character and compassion.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS Arizona Charter Academy has received numerous awards that serve as a reminder of the top-notch education the school provides for its students. Among its best attributes is the staff culture that is present at the Arizona Charter Academy. The awardwinning culture makes it easy for both students and teachers to learn together. Among the awards the school has received for staff culture are the “Best Place to Work” from the Phoenix Business Journal, the “Top 25 Workplaces for Women in Arizona” from AZ Business Magazine, Top 500 organization on Diveristy by DiversityBusiness.com, and, one of “Arizona’s ‘Best 100’ Companies” according to Bestcompaniesaz and the AZ Business Magazine. Arizona Charter Academy has been one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies for four straight years, according to the AZ Business Magazine. The school has also been recognized for its positive contributions to the community, winning both the Changemaker Award and Peace Through Service Award from the Rotary Foundation. In addition, Arizona Charter Academy was the Community Partner of the Year with the Sun City Elks. These recognitions are a strong testimony to the quality education and passion for community service and volunteerism that ACA provides its students.
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THE SPORTING LIFE ACA FOSTERS PRIDE AND LEADERSHIP THROUGH ATHLETICS, ACTIVITIES
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he mission at Arizona Charter Academy is to provide students with a college prep education and prepare them to be productive and successful citizens. This includes cultivating a diverse environment, where students learn respect for others and develop a sense of pride. In the ACA athletics program, students participate in competitive sports and learn crucial skills such as teamwork, communication and sportsmanship. Athletes are expected to maintain a minimum GPA, which creates a symbiotic relationship between academics and the sports program. The ACA coaches also take responsibility for supporting the academic success of their athletes, creating an atmosphere that helps students become well-rounded individuals.
BREAKING STEREOTYPES
Participation in sports gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents and also helps to break down stereotypes. Students from a multitude of ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds try out and make the different teams. As a result the teams are as diverse as the student body. Indeed, ACA athletes often become an example of character and leadership among their peers. Throughout the year, the student council and athletics department team up to host pep rallies for the football, volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball teams. These rallies include
activities that get students and teachers involved in what’s happening at school and help create a sense of school spirit. The homecoming game and dance are the biggest spirit events of the year, where students get excited to show off their school pride and the ACA high school football team competes on its own turf.
AIA MEMBER
ACA is excited to participate in the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the primary regulatory agency for high school sports in Arizona. The ability to partake in the statewide league makes Arizona Charter Academy an NCAA eligible school, which means national exposure, opportunities for bigger awards and more scholarships for ACA athletes. ACA’s junior high students participate in the Charter Athletic League. Eligible ACA students are invited to try out for a variety of sports including junior high flag football, high school tackle football, high school boys and girls basketball, junior high boys and girls basketball, junior high volleyball, high school volleyball, cheerleading, boys baseball, girls softball, and girls volleyball for both high school and junior high students.
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO PROVIDE EXCELLENCE ACA PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY, BUSINESS LEADERS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
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hen Arizona Charter Academy was established in 2001, its founders wanted the school’s connections to the community to be significant and meaningful. Almost immediately, the school’s leaders began reaching out to the business community for its support. Today, a variety of organizations in the West Valley and in Phoenix interact with ACA to provide students with opportunities to learn skills they’ll need in the real world.
LEADERS DEVOTED TO SCHOOL
National Bank of Arizona executive vice president Deborah Bateman speaks to the students regularly about achieving their dreams. “These are values that school leaders reinforce,” Bateman said. “The school is an icon of what is possible for an educational institution and National Bank of Arizona believes in enhancing entities like ACA that make our community a better place to live and dream. I’m excited about the difference this school is making.” NB|AZ executives also teach the students financial literacy. The City of Surprise, in recognition of what Councilman Jim Biundo calls the school’s “amazing record of success,” supports ACA in part through campus visits. In turn, ACA participates in the city’s Business Roundtable Group. “A strong educational system is so important to our economic development efforts,” said Biundo, a retired higher education professional. “Our relationship with ACA developed primarily because of the school’s impressive track record with its students.” ACA’s connection to the community is reflected in its Advisory Board, whose members represent such organizations as West Valley Arts Council, Apollo Group, City of Goodyear, the Arizona Legislature, Grand Canyon University, Arizona Charter Schools Association, NB|AZ, Surprise and local businesses. Melissa Holdaway, ACA chief operating officer, said representatives of some of the most prominent companies in the Valley — such as environmentally conscious Discount Cab — regularly visit the school to share their perspectives with the students. “This contributes to an academically and intellectually rich environment ... (and) help our students understand the issues facing all of us.”
EXPANDED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACA STUDENTS Arizona Charter Academy partners with West Valley educational institutions to Brian Mueller, Greg Donovan, provide opportunities for juniors Grand Canyon West-MEC CEO University and seniors to earn college credit or acquire technical or vocational training. “We partner with Grand Canyon University to let students take courses such as English, science and psychology for dual high school and college credit,” Holdaway said. “Grand Canyon University is committed to providing an affordable education to students,” said Leigh Critchley, executive director of Non-Degree Studies at GCU. “We appreciate the opportunity to give Arizona Charter Academy students a head start on their college degrees at a substantially reduced tuition rate.” ACA also partners with West-MEC, the Western Maricopa Education Center, a public school district in Glendale that provides students with career and technical education programs that prepare them to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education. In addition, ACA partners with West Valley cities and ASU West. “Students have the opportunity to participate in the West Valley Youth Leadership Council where they learn leadership skills and become part of a project that benefits the community,” Holdaway said. “These partnerships help our students begin to advance their career goals while they’re still in high school. We’re pleased to offer these expanded opportunities.”
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MISSION STATEMENT:
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ARIZONA CHARTER ACADEMY
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16011 N. Dysart Road, Surprise AZ 85374 623-974-4959 www.azcharter.com
N. DYSART ROAD
TO EMPOWER ALL STUDENTS TO BE RESPONSIBLE, PRODUCTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL CITIZENS
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