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Awards

District Awards

At Avondale ESD, we are proud of the outstanding accomplishments of our schools, staff and students. Our commitment to providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment has garnered us numerous accolades. We are proud to be recognized for our dedication to student achievement, teacher excellence, financial reporting, and communications/community engagement.

A logo that says "Best of the Best 2023" with a crown on top.

2024 Community's Choice Awards logo

U.S. News Best Elementary Schools award logo

Our Awards and Recognitions

Best of the Best Awards

  • Best School District (2024, 2023, 2022)
  • Best Elementary School – Desert Star (2024) 
  • Best Preschool/Desert Star School (2022)
  • Best Elementary School Teacher - Michelle Sanchez, Eliseo C. Felix School (2024), and Amanda Houser, Centerra Mirage STEM Academy (2023)

 

Best of the Desert Awards

  • Best Place to Work (2024, 2023)
  • Best Public School (2023)
  • Best Preschool (2024, 2023)
  • Best Childcare (2024, 2023)

 

State Education Awards

  • Avondale ESD is an “A” rated district
  • Six of our schools are “A” rated schools
  • Wildflower was named an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Education Foundation (2024, 2019)
  • Golden Bell Award for Lattie Coor’s Literature Hub (2024); and G.E.A.R.S. Program (2022) from Arizona School Boards Association
  • Healthy Arizona Worksites Gold Recognition (2024) from Arizona Department of Health Services

National Awards

  • District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
  • U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary & Middle Schools:
    Best Elementary and Middle Schools
    Centerra Mirage STEM Academy (2024, 2022)
    Desert Thunder School (2024)
    Wildflower Accelerated Academy (2024, 2022)

    Best Middle Schools
    Michael Anderson School (2024)
    Copper Trails School (2024, 2022)
    Desert Star School (2024, 2022)
    Desert Thunder School (2022)

Financial Reporting Awards

  • Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting:  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This marks the 29th year Avondale ESD has earned this distinction!
  • Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting:  This award recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. This marks the 30th year Avondale ESD has earned this distinction!

 

Awards for Communication Efforts and Community Engagement

  • Award of Excellence:  All Things Avondale weekly newsletter
  • Award of Excellence: AESD ConnectED newsletter
  • Award of Excellence:  Choose AESD Marketing Campaign
  • Award of Merit:  AESD Scoop Podcast
  • Award of Merit:  A Future Without Limits 15 Days of December video/social media campaign

Why Choose Avondale ESD?

At Avondale ESD, we believe every child deserves a quality education that prepares them for a bright future. Our award-winning programs and dedicated educators ensure that students not only meet but exceed academic standards. Join us in our mission to grow every child as a thinker, problem solver, and communicator to pursue a future without limits!

Enroll Today

Experience the excellence that sets Avondale ESD apart. Enroll your child today in the District of Choice and be part of a community where success is a tradition.

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