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Award-Winning Academics
The Chandler Unified School District is a premier district of choice. Academic achievement is a high priority in the district as evidenced by test scores which exceed state and national averages. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding educational programs at all grade levels.
Scroll down to check out our BRAGS in Academics and Instruction below!
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Our BRAGS!
Honors, Awards and Special Programs
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Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Hamilton's "We The People" team won 1st place at the state championship competition in January. We the People, sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation's upper elementary and secondary students. The curriculum is an innovative course of instruction on the history and principles of the United States constitutional democratic republic. The program enjoys active support from the Arizona State Bar Association. Hamilton High School has a strong and well-established program of We the People that annually competes in regional, state, and national competitions.
Andersen Junior High (2021-2022) 
Students in Radhahari Ericson's Science class teamed up with Victoria Heppler's class up to make solar cars and wind turbines for the upcoming Chandler Innovation Fair!
Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022) 
ACP High School students Sohani Sandhu and Nevan Hanford will be hosting a panel discussion at the 2022 Arizona SciTech Festival on Jan 22 at 11.30 am at the Barrett Jackson Auto Show in Scottsdale. The 2022 Arizona SciTech Festival is celebrating STEM in the inaugural ceremony, held on Jan 22 and 23. The panel topic is "Innovation and Entrepreneurship in High Schools and its Opportunities." Panelists will include Dr. Susan Holchek and Dr. Hong Lei from ASU, Dr. Micah Mangione, President of Connect-IO, and Gale Beauchamp from the Office of the Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson. This is a huge honor as the Scitech events are national-level STEM events, and this is the second time that any high school students have hosted panel discussions with professionals in the panel. We wish them all the best!
Basha Elementary (2021-2022) 
For the 100th day of school, Basha Elementary students dressed up and showed us what they have learned!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Mr. Michael Franklin, Chandler High School principal, received the City of Chandler's 2022 Martin Luther King JR: Keeping the Dream Alive Award. This award is in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who exemplified community leadership and made it the cornerstone of his Civil Rights ministry. Honorees have led the Chandler community forward and have inspired others with their vision, passion, dedication, and leadership.
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
In January, Chandler High Air Force JROTC cadets assisted for the 4th year at the annual Chandler Tactical Competition hosted by the Chandler Police Department. Police cadets from all over the southwest compete. Chandler High cadets participated in scenario-type events where they acted as hostages, "bad guys," or other -- playing a key role in the evaluation of the police cadets.
Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022) 
Sanborn students Elijah Gonzalez and Lorenzo Violette were introduced to 2-year-old Angus, the 130-pound Leonberger therapy dog through Gabriel's Angels. Gabriel's Angels will be coming to Sanborn weekly as part of the ABC program to support students with their reading. Elijah and Lorenzo learned that Angus likes to eat hard-boiled eggs and chicken. His favorite sport is playing with his sister and his favorite skill is laying down. Angus also has a book written about him that during the next visit the students will be able to read.
Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022) 
ACP High School junior and Air Force Junior ROTC cadet Haley Hughes was selected for the Air Force Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship Program, identified in the December 2021 announcement from Headquarters Air Force JROTC. The program, also known as the AFJROTC Flight Academy, is an Air Force initiative in collaboration with the commercial aviation industry to address a national pilot shortage. This highly competitive scholarship, valued at over $22,500, is an all-expense-paid flight training and college course credit program conducted during the summer at 25 select partner universities across the country. 250 AFJROTC cadets were competitively selected from a pool of 125,000+ cadets attending 900 high schools across the country and at Department of Defense installations worldwide. Cadet Hughes will receive comprehensive, FAA-certified ground instruction and over 40 hours of flight instruction, giving her the opportunity to earn an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
Arizona College Prep Middle School (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to ACP Middle School spelling bee champion 6th grader Aadi Rao who won runner-up in the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Aadi now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Basha Accelerated Middle School (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Basha AMS school spelling bee champion 8th grader Nethra Chintaboina who won 1st place in the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Nethra now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Basha Accelerated Middle School (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Basha Accelerated Middle School teacher Allison Ekren who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Basha Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Basha Elementary school spelling bee champion 6th grader Josh Ronsayro who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Josh now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Basha High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Basha High teacher Katie Nall who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Bogle Junior High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Bogle Junior High school spelling bee champion 7th grader Owen Leo who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Owen now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Carlson Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Carlson school spelling bee champion 6th grader Maria Parada Ortega who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Maria now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to CTA Independence school spelling bee champion 5th grader Shree Thallikar who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Shree now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to CTA Liberty school spelling bee champion 6th grader Raania Khan who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Raania now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
Four CUSD teachers earned their National Board Re-Certification in December: Jolene Gallup (San Marcos Elementary), Katie Nall (Basha High), Lily Chen (Hamilton High), and Dr. Amy Spilde (Instructional Resource Center). Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
Four CUSD teachers earned their National Board Certification in December: Courtney Cook (Rice Elementary), Wendy Dafoe (Riggs Elementary), Allison Ekren (Basha Accelerated Middle School) and Cristy Wellik (Ryan Elementary). This brings the total number of CUSD Nationally Board-Certified teachers and staff to 62. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Frye Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Frye 6th grade teacher Angelica Abbey who was named a winner in the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration! From their website: "To recognize exceptional teachers who are passionate about using the tool of imagination in their classroom, we're inviting 50 deserving teachers who reflect the creativity and imagination of Walt Disney to attend a one-of-a-kind teacher event. Winners will participate in a half-day inspiration session with Disney leaders and storytellers, gaining key insights and ideas that can be taken back to the classroom. They will also receive an exclusive inside look at the reimagined Disney Imagination Campus workshops reflecting curriculum in Science & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Leadership & Innovation, and Performing Arts. And, of course, they will experience all the magic of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration!"
Haley Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Haley school spelling bee champion 5th grader Chloe Passno who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Chloe now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Hamilton junior and Air Force Junior ROTC cadet Dylan Franklin was recently selected for the Air Force Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship Program, identified in the December 2021 announcement from Headquarters Air Force JROTC. The program, also known as the AFJROTC Flight Academy, is an Air Force initiative in collaboration with the commercial aviation industry to address a national pilot shortage. This highly competitive scholarship, valued at over $22,500, is an all-expense-paid flight training and college course credit program conducted during the summer at 25 select partner universities across the country. 250 AFJROTC cadets were competitively selected from a pool of 125,000+ cadets attending 900 high schools across the country and at Department of Defense installations worldwide. Cadet Franklin will receive comprehensive, FAA-certified ground instruction and over 40 hours of flight instruction, giving him the opportunity to earn an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Hamilton High School JROTC seniors Landry Howard and Viet Zaengle recently earned a total of seven nominations to three U.S. military service academies. To be considered for admission to the US Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Air Force Academy, applicants must be extremely well-rounded students with exceptional academic, leadership, and athletic abilities. They face a rigorous application process and are required to earn nominations from one or more sources, including: Presidential, Vice Presidential, Members of Congress, and high-performing JROTC programs designated as Distinguished Units (Hamilton AFJROTC is a perennial Distinguished Unit).
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Hamilton High teacher Lily Chen who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Hancock Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Hancock school spelling bee champion 6th grader Zoya Siddiqui who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Zoya now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Instructional Resource Center (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Dr. Amy Spilde of the Melinda Romero Instructional Resource Center who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Knox Gifted Academy (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Knox Gifted Academy school spelling bee champion 5th grader Manha Hossain who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Manha now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Rice Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Rice Elementary teacher Courtney Cook who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Riggs Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Riggs Elementary teacher Wendy Dafoe who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Ryan Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Ryan Elementary teacher Cristy Wellik who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
San Marcos Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to San Marcos Elementary teacher Jolene Gallup who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Weinberg Gifted Academy (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Weinberg Gifted Academy school spelling bee champion 6th grader Everett Casper who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Everett now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
Jacobson Elementary (2021-2022) 
Jacobson kindergarten students are authors! Students work on shared writing to create a class story before writing their own piece. This week, students are writing about the upcoming 100th day of school!
Basha Elementary (2021-2022) 
Our Bobcats are taking over Basha Elementary today! Our new principal and dean are busy conducting observations, announcements, and duty! PHOTO ALBUM: Basha Bobcats Take Over the School
Haley Elementary (2021-2022) 
Rep. Jennifer Pawlik visited Rice Elementary and Haley Elementary recently. She shared with students some of her responsibilities in the legislature. We are grateful for her advocacy for students and schools.
Hull Elementary (2021-2022) 
Hull Elementary second graders in Heidi Raaf's class read the story, Olive, the Other Reindeer then were challenged with a STEM project. The kids had to create a flying "contraption" with one piece of paper and attach Olive (the dog) to see whose "reindeer" would fly the farthest. They could also use tape, 1 piece of yarn, and one paperclip, if needed.
Knox Gifted Academy (2021-2022) 
Maricopa County School Superintendent recently recognized Knox Gifted Academy principal Lynn Weed as a semifinalist for the Maricopa County Exemplary Principal Award. She was selected from more than 1,200 principals in Maricopa County. Congratulations!
Rice Elementary (2021-2022) 
Rep. Jennifer Pawlik visited Rice Elementary and Haley Elementary recently. She shared with students some of her responsibilities in the legislature. We are grateful for her advocacy for students and schools.
Bogle Junior High (2021-2022) 
Bogle's Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher, Michelle Mohrweis, printed 3D braille stampers for the vision department. Early braille readers at Bogle, Sanborn, and Bologna get to practice their braille reading using these stampers in play-doh.
Basha High (2021-2022) 
Basha High senior Anokh Ambadipudi was named a Flinn finalist in December, in the running for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $120,000. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals at any of Arizona's three public universities plus study abroad. In March, Anokh will interview with a selection committee of statewide leaders, and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022 will be announced in April. Congratulations, Anohk! Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Simone King, Chandler High School senior, for receiving a full-ride scholarship to Boston College through the QuestBridge Scholar Program. Simone is one of only 1,674 finalists nationwide to receive a four-year Match Scholarship. Well done, Simone!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Gabriella Miller, Chandler High School junior, won a national student writing contest, the Local Letters for Global Change contest, sponsored by the Pulitzer Center. Gabby's letter to US Congressman Greg Stanton raising attention to the critical issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls was chosen from over 925 entries written by students in the US and internationally! Her letter, photo, and bio will be published on the Pulitzer Center website in January.
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Kayla King, an International Baccalaureate (IB) senior, was officially named a Flinn finalist in December, in the running for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $120,000. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals at any of Arizona's three public universities plus study abroad. In March, Kayla will interview with a selection committee of statewide leaders, and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022 will be announced in April. Congratulations, Kayla! Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship
Perry High (2021-2022) 
Perry High senior Moira MacCatherine was named a Flinn finalist in December, in the running for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $120,000. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals at any of Arizona's three public universities plus study abroad. In March, Moira will interview with a selection committee of statewide leaders, and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022 will be announced in April. Congratulations, Moira! Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Shannon Moxley's senior English class dives right in on day one of the third quarter. These seniors are reading and using the clues and timeline in order to solve a mystery. Getting these students prepared for Shakespeare has never been so fun!
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
In January, Hamilton High DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) was named a DECA Membership Achievement Award winner for 2021-22. This award is given in recognition for building a strong local program focused on serving an exceptional number of members, advisors, alumni, and business partners dedicated to academic and career preparation, community service projects, membership recruitment, school outreach activities and other DECA-related endeavors. Of the 3,000 chapters nationwide, only 775 chapters earned recognition in DECA's membership campaign. Congratulations, Hamilton DECA and chapter advisor Dr. Enid A. Thompson.
Fulton Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to 4th grade teacher Jill Lanning, 6th grade teacher Kirstiana Person, and principal Shannon Hannon! Their grant applications were selected and funded by the Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teacher Program! That's $2,500 each! Mrs. Hannon's proposal was for a mindfulness room for our students. Mrs. Lanning and Mrs. Person are adding Chromebooks to their classrooms. We are so excited for them and for the students to reap the benefits of these grants. Thank you, Fiesta Bowl Charities!
Chandler Traditional Academy - Goodman Campus (2021-2022) 
Tarun Sankar, CTA Goodman 3rd grade student, scored 7 out of 7 winning 1st place in the Best of Phoenix Chess Tournament, K-3 section.
Arizona College Prep Middle School (2021-2022) 
City of Chandler Mayor, Kevin Hartke, spoke to the Arizona College Prep Middle School National Junior Honor Society members. He shared inspiration and ideas about leadership. The students learned so much!
Basha Elementary (2021-2022) 
It's "Snow Day" in 1st grade! Basha 1st graders are learning about snow and getting a sweet treat! PHOTO ALBUM: Snow Day in 1st Grade!
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