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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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Jacobson Elementary (2023-2024) 
Fourth grade students in Mrs. Vanderah's class honor Native American Heritage Month at Jacobson. Fourth grade students completed a unit that highlighted two students bringing in family photos and artifacts from their very own Native American families, and sharing traditions from their tribe's culture. Then each student created a special project by researching a Native American Tribe and presenting the class with an overview of the tribe's customs. All students made a Native American skin written with traditional symbols and translated that story to English as well.
Casteel High (2023-2024) 
Congratulations are in order for COLTech Robotics, specifically Casteel's FRC Robotics team 905. Over the past two months, they have been actively participating in the Arizona Robotics League, an off-season competition designed for high school robotics teams that engage in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). This past weekend, they showcased their skills at the Arizona Robotics League (ARL) Championship hosted at Cactus High School. Their journey was nothing short of remarkable, as they remained undefeated all the way to the finals while collaborating with their teammates. Regrettably, they were narrowly defeated in the final matches of the competition. The Arizona Robotics League (ARL) is an off-season event tailored for high school robotics teams involved in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The league's primary mission is to offer additional opportunities for Arizona FRC Teams to engage in spirited competition and foster collaboration among teams, all while increasing awareness in the local community. This collaborative spirit aims to inspire mutual cooperation and elevate the level of competition within Arizona.
Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus (2023-2024) 
Skye Myers, a second-grade student enrolled in the Dual Language Program at CTA Liberty Elementary, commemorates her Hispanic heritage as she embraces Dia De Los Muertos. She embodies the spirit of La Catrina, representing her cultural roots.
Chandler Unified School District (2023-2024) 
Once again, CUSD received an A-rating from the Arizona Department of Education! This top rating is a testament to our unwavering dedication to academic excellence and our relentless pursuit of providing the best possible education for our students. We attribute this growth to our highly dedicated instructional staff and their focus on high-yield instructional strategies for all students to have access to a rigorous and relevant curriculum and content. Click for more details about our letter grade report from the Arizona State Department of Education.
Chandler Unified School District (2023-2024) 
The Chandler Unified School District is embracing Native American Heritage Month by officially proclaiming the significance of this cultural celebration and adorning computer screensavers with inspiring artistic tributes. VIDEO: CUSD Indigenous Heritage Month 2023
Hamilton High (2023-2024) 
Manasi Vegesna, a senior at Hamilton High School, recently achieved the publication of a children's book aimed at assisting students with immune disorders. Maya's Tiny Warriors: An Immunology Book for Kids, is tailored for children aged 4-8. By embarking on a journey alongside Maya's valiant warriors, young readers will gain a deeper comprehension of their immune systems and various illnesses.
Hamilton High (2023-2024) 
Hamilton Teacher Ran An was among four outstanding educators from the Chandler Unified School District who were honored with the prestigious Milestone Award by the United Chinese Association of Arizona (UCAA) and the Chinese Language Teacher Association of Arizona (CLTA-AZ). This award is a testament to their remarkable contributions to education in Arizona. Notably, among the nine teachers recognized statewide, an impressive four belong to the CUSD community: Ran An - Hamilton High School, Hongyu Yang - Tarwater Elementary, Linyong Yao - Tarwater Elementary and Hong Zhou - Tarwater Elementary. Click for more information about the Chinese Teacher Milestone Award award.
Knox Gifted Academy (2023-2024) 
In the 2023 Arizona PBS Kids Digital Video Contest, Ryan Park from Knox Gifted Academy, a kindergarten student, emerged as the 1st place winner in the kindergarten grade level category. Ryan's winning video creatively demonstrates how to brush teeth like a vampire, educating fellow kids on proper oral care while featuring their favorite spooky creatures.
Perry High (2023-2024) 
Megan Driving Hawk of Perry High School is the 2023 Arizona State Art Educator of the Year! Megan wears many hats at Perry High (Traditional Photography Program, Visual Arts Level Lead, Fine Arts Department, Indigenous Student Advisor, Indigenous Education Program, Teacher Equity Leader, Equity & Inclusion) and we are so honored to have her on team CUSD! This prestigious accolade, from the Arizona Art Education Association, is testament to Megan's dedication to quality art education in the state.
Santan Junior High (2023-2024) 
Donna Gustafson, a Social Studies teacher at Santan Junior High, was chosen to take part in National History Day's professional development program for fall 2023. This program utilizes the resources available in the online Library of Congress to enhance the development and backing of historical arguments. This opportunity is made possible through NHD's affiliation with the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Consortium. Donna's selection is particularly noteworthy, as she is one of just seven educators in Arizona to receive this prestigious honor.
Tarwater Elementary (2023-2024) 
Four outstanding educators from the Chandler Unified School District, including three from Tarwater Elementary, have been honored with the prestigious Milestone Award by the United Chinese Association of Arizona (UCAA) and the Chinese Language Teacher Association of Arizona (CLTA-AZ). This award is a testament to their remarkable contributions to education in Arizona. Notably, among the nine teachers recognized statewide, an impressive four belong to the CUSD community: Hongyu Yang - Tarwater Elementary, Linyong Yao - Tarwater Elementary, Hong Zhou - Tarwater Elementary, and Ran An - Hamilton High School. Additionally, Tarwater's recognition for being named an outstanding Chinese Language School was published this month in the Chinese Language Teacher Association Journal. Click for more information about the Chinese Teacher Milestone Award award.
Jacobson Elementary (2023-2024) 
Students at Jacobson study United Nations 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Project Based, authentic learning has taken over the JPG (Jacobson Gifted Program)! Learners in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 studied the United Nations Global Goals, then wrote down their top three choices. Scholars were paired together based on their passion or interest level of the global goal. Partners or small teams then researched together to find out more about their assigned global goal, creating a final showcase project that was shared with the whole school. Besides researching, writing, and drawing, this project required learners to collaborate with each other and share their findings and ideas. Scholars also had to manage their time so that their posters were finished for presentations. Their overall work was impressive! PHOTO ALBUM: Students at Jacobson study United Nations 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development
Jacobson Elementary (2023-2024) 
Jacobson is a one-to-one school! Every child in every classroom has access to a personal device in their classroom and those devices link to our new IFP (Interactive Flat Panel) screens in each classroom. We are grateful that CUSD supports every child at our amazing community school. Congratulations to Mrs. Gahn in sixth grade who welcomed Superintendent Frank Narducci and the CUSD marketing team to her classroom! Mrs. Gahn shared how the new IFPs are like a huge computer, and students are now using the graphics and new media in their classrooms! Some Jacobson sixth grade students even showed Superintendent Narducci how to use the new HUGE computer! #JETSflywithPRIDE PHOTO ALBUM: Jacobson is a one-to-one school!
Jacobson Elementary (2023-2024) 
All Jacobson scholars use thinking maps or mind maps to help organize their thoughts and ideas. Thinking maps reduce anxiety by providing visual patterns for thinking and working with complex ideas. The maps are used in grades kindergarten through six and offer opportunities to learn through collaboration and create solutions to difficult questions, so kids understand complex ideas. Most of all thinking maps help our students organize their thoughts and help develop good writers! PHOTO ALBUM: Thinking Maps
Hamilton High (2023-2024) 
Hamilton High School has the largest enrollment of international student in the district. Recently the students attended a welcome lunch in the HHS Career Center. In addition to being treated to some great food, the students met many of the important staff members available to help them throughout the year. Students in the picture have traveled across the globe to come to school in Chandler. Countries represented are: Brazil, France, Vietnam, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Austria and Japan.
Knox Gifted Academy (2023-2024) 
CS100 Awards Recognize elementary schools nationwide that commit to teaching at least ten hours of computer science to every K-5 student in the 2023-2024 school year. Congratulations to KGA for being awarded the CS100 "All In" Award! 2023 CS100 Awards
Basha High (2023-2024) 
Five amazing Basha students, Kalia Cole, Emily Metheny, Gillian Wirtz, Annabelle Sanborn, and Lindsay Graham, traveled to Denver, Colorado in July to compete at Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Nationals, bringing home four silver medals and one gold medal. Annabelle Sanborn was a Top Ten National Finalist in the Early Childhood Education STAR Event, and Emily Metheny took FIRST place in the nation in the Promote and Publicize STAR Event, earning a perfect score! Additionally, the Basha FCCLA Early Childhood Chapter was recognized on stage as one of six national service project challenge award winners from the Lead4change organization.
Rice Elementary (2022-2023) 
We are so proud of our Rice Rhinos who participated in the National Mathleague Competition in June 2023. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for math brought them to this prestigious event.
Rice Elementary (2022-2023) 
Congratulations to Jennifer Kraemer who was named 2023 CUSD Educator of the Year by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding commitment and dedication to education. We are incredibly proud of her well-deserved achievement.
Basha High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Shelby Gilkerson of Basha High School loves art of all kinds. Shelby enjoys fashion, boba, music and time with friends. She's an incredible singer and loves jamming on the guitar. She will be pursuing a Bachelor's in Illustration with a focus in video game character design at her dream school, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), with scholarships. Basha High Graduate Spotlights
Chandler Early College (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Jack Norton from Chandler Early College plans to attend a trade school to pursue auto mechanics. One of his high school highlights was graduating a semester early. Chandler Early College Graduate Spotlights
Chandler High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Gillian LaFlam of Chandler High School loves singing in choir. She is a member of NHS, cheer captain, and president of the choir program. She works with Kids Express in CUSD Community Education. She will be attending Northern Arizona University to study elementary education. Chandler High Graduate Spotlights
Hamilton High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Isabelle Strambi of Hamilton High School loves gaming, reading, and listening to music. She is very funny, smart and beautiful. She will be attending the East Valley Technical Institute. Hamilton High Graduate Spotlights
Perry High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Peter Vierthaler of Perry High School is a hardworking student who also enjoys playing tenor saxophone both in marching band and jazz band. He is excited to make an impact in the world. He will be studying mechanical engineering, focusing on energy and sustainability at Arizona State University. Perry High Graduate Spotlights
Arizona College Prep High School (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: David Perez of Arizona College Prep High School loves all things basketball. His dad made the family a half court basketball gym in the barn so they could practice daily. He is the best helper on the chicken egg farm. He is a compassionate soul who loves well. He has the best smile and brings fun and craziness to his house. David currently works at Tractor Supply and with League Me basketball trainer Desmond Howard. Desmond is a huge reason has so much success with basketball. Desmond Howard is a family friend and mentor who's David with his whole heart and has given David one of kind opportunities to train with the top high school and college basketball players. ACP High School Graduate Spotlights
Basha High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Dylan Post of Basha High School enjoys football. He will play football at New Mexico State University while studying for a degree in education. Basha High Graduate Spotlights
Casteel High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Kadyn Venson of Casteel High School is a one-of-a-kind kiddo. She has always been known to wear her heart on her sleeve. She has such an energy about her that she can light up any room she enters. She knows how to be serious, but you will most often find her being goofy with her epic dance moves and silly facial expressions. She loves surrounding herself with her family and friends, watching scary movies, and mastering every dance on JUST DANCE. At 10 years old, she decided to try softball, and her love for the sport has been ongoing. She has learned so much from the sport, and the life lessons she's learned alongside her "softball family" will be something she will cherish for the rest of her life. She will attend Central Arizona College in the fall where she received an athletic scholarship, and she will be pursuing a degree in sports medicine. Casteel High Graduate Spotlights
Chandler Early College (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Thomas Miller from Chandler Early College plans to attend a trade school after graduation. One of his high school highlights was graduating a semester early. Chandler Early College Graduate Spotlights
Chandler Early College (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Emily Myers from Chandler Early College will continue attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College to study mortuary science. She has several high school highlights, which include several Quarter Awards and finishing her credits a semester early. Chandler Early College Graduate Spotlights
Chandler High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Gabriel Fuentes of Chandler High School has been on the wrestling team all four years, captain for the last two. He has a purple belt in jiu jitsu. To know him is to love him. He is always upbeat, happy, and inspirational. He is hardworking in everything he does. Once he sets his mind to something, he's all in. He will be attending community college and plans to continue with wrestling and coaching. He will also be taking the state boards to obtain his barber's license and hoping to get into the field of sports medicine. Chandler High Graduate Spotlights
Hamilton High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Jackie Nedved of Hamilton High School played soccer for all four years at HHS, 2 on varsity, and in club. She is a kind-hearted and a generous person. She enjoys reading and hanging out with friends and family. She is a National Honor Society member and enjoys volunteering. She will be attending Clarke University in the fall, playing on their soccer team while pursuing a biology/pre-med degree as she hopes to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. Hamilton High Graduate Spotlights
Perry High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Katalena Gillespie of Perry High School loves to work with animals. She attended EVIT her junior year, and she also participated in Puma Pals. She is working in Dogtopia and would like to own her own business one day. Perry High Graduate Spotlights
Arizona College Prep High School (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Griffin Wirth of Arizona College Prep High School played varsity ACP golf and participated in DECA. Griffin joined yearbook his senior year in which he used photography skills. Whether in the classroom or on the course, he strived to show up as a leader. He was selected to join the State Leadership Athletic Council for his junior and senior year. He loves hiking, exploring, fishing, and playing pickle ball. Griffin became a Knight in 7th grade at Arizona College Prep - Middle School. One of his highlights was being selected as a commencement speaker at graduation. He will study finance at University of Idaho. ACP High School Graduate Spotlights
Basha High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Ava Johnson of Basha High School played tennis for all four years while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She loves to collect vinyl and brings her film camera with her everywhere. She is passionate about the mental health field and plans to do whatever she can to help those struggling with their mental health. Ava plans to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner after college. She will attend the Honors College at Northern Arizona University to pursue a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Basha High Graduate Spotlights
Casteel High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Camren Gorecki of Casteel High School is an avid rock climber and loves to hike and climb mountains. Due to Camren's work ethic, he was quickly promoted to manager at a local food chain. He also enjoys skateboarding, playing the piano and gaming. This National Honor Society member maintained a 4.8 GPA. Camren is very down to earth. He is always happy to help someone in need and loves trying new things. He will be attending Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University to study aerospace engineering. Casteel High Graduate Spotlights
Chandler Early College (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Ellyn Wagema from Chandler Early College plans on joining the U.S. Airforce after graduation. Her ability to speak multiple languages will be a benefit in her pursuit of becoming a translator. Chandler Early College Graduate Spotlights
Chandler High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Leonardo Mata of Chandler High School likes to stay to himself most of the time but he also likes to stay positive and is hardworking. He enjoys video games, bowling and spending time with his family. Leo will be attending the University of Florida to study marine biology. He wants to eventually work in ocean engineering. Chandler High Graduate Spotlights
Hamilton High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Malaya Pitre of Hamilton High School enjoys Book Club and volunteerism. She is a member of the National Honor Society and will be attending the University of Colorado at Boulder to study biology. Hamilton High Graduate Spotlights
Perry High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Millay Cooke of Perry High School enjoys dance and photography. She is a people person, kind, and adventurous. She will be attending Northern Arizona University to study tourism and marketing. Perry High Graduate Spotlights
Arizona College Prep High School (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Luz Portilla-Villota of Arizona College Prep High School loves school, is an avid reader and dedicated learner. In sports, she has been a synchronized swimmer competing most of her life at local, state, and national level and dedicated diver at ACP. Luz enjoys reading, baking, and traveling. She is interested in psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. A dedicated member of her school speech and debate team. In essence, Luz is a beautiful person inside and out. She is a bright girl who loves learning, having fun, being a great friend, spending time with family and helping others. Something to remark, for what she is very passionate about it, she currently is the athlete representative for diversity equity and inclusion for USA artistic swimming. She will be attending Brown University to study biomedical engineering with future plans to attend med school. ACP High School Graduate Spotlights
Basha High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Riley Hunter of Basha High School will be striving to attend medical school to become a surgeon. She will attend the University of Arizona after graduation. Basha High Graduate Spotlights
Casteel High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Bianca Lorraine Osterling of Casteel High School has been playing the violin since 5th grade and is in chamber orchestra at school. She loves to read books, customize clothing with paintings, and play classic video games. She tutors in her spare time, has an affinity for spicy Asian cuisine, and likes all things with bears. She is a summa cum laude graduate, U.S. Presidential Scholar Program nominee, Flinn Scholarship semi-finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Dual Enrollment Honor student, CEF Scholar, Chandler Impact Scholar, Chief Science Officer for SciTech Institute and international delegate, Gilbert's Mayor Youth Advisory Councilmember, President of HOSA and President of Science Olympiad at Casteel, Vice President of Casteel's Orchestra Council, Vice President of Letters for Rose, and National Honor Society member. Bianca Lorraine will go on to study biomedical engineering at Stanford University. Casteel High Graduate Spotlights
Chandler High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Mirella Gomez of Chandler High School loves to dance. She was awarded a fine arts seal and plans on getting a degree in the fine arts department and becoming a choreographer. She plans on attending Mesa Community College, then Arizona State University. Chandler High Graduate Spotlights
Hamilton High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Garrett Gibson of Hamilton High School enjoys computer science, chess, basketball, and the gym. Garrett has worked really hard throughout all high school. Garrett plans to major in computer science engineering at Arizona State University. Hamilton High Graduate Spotlights
Perry High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Connor Cochran of Perry High School enjoys wrestling, social media, his hair, girls, social life, and work. He has a lot of charm and personality. He will be attending Coconino Community College to study business. Perry High Graduate Spotlights
Perry High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Jimmy Inelus of Perry High School enjoys video games and sports. He is looking forward for the next chapter of his life. He will attend Phoenix Community College to major in sports medicine. Perry High Graduate Spotlights
Basha High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Kendal Snyder of Basha High School is a fantastic big sister and friend. She is a dedicated student and passionate individual. She can do anything she puts her mind to. She has spent three years in varsity track and field, lettering in sprints. She loves to thrift shop and works for CUSD Community Education's Kids Express. Kendal is a brilliant young woman who is quick-witted, funny, and not afraid to speak her mind. She is good at most things the first time she tries them. She will study Exercise Physiology at Northern Arizona University's Honors College, then a PHD in Physical Therapy. Basha High Graduate Spotlights
Basha High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Brandi Vallera of Basha High School is a kind, loving, generous individual who works hard and is passionate about her choices. She is a cross country runner and a volunteer. She will continue to work and go to school to achieve her goals. Brandi plans to attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College and then study sports medicine in college. Basha High Graduate Spotlights
Casteel High (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Denver Dickenson Jr. of Casteel High School enjoys musical theatre, choir, dance, reading, and video games. He is a National High School Scholar and in the National Society of Leadership and Success (collegiate leadership honor society). He is very determined, caring, hardworking, and focused. After graduating magna cum laude, he will be attending Pace University in NYC to pursue a Bachelor's of Arts in Musical Theatre. Casteel High Graduate Spotlights
Chandler Early College (2022-2023) 
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Alec Lemmons from Chandler Early College will continue attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College to study computer science. One of his high school highlights was receiving the Portrait of a Learner Award. Chandler Early College Graduate Spotlights
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