PIA Earns Third Consecutive "A" Rating

We did it again! Phoenix International Academy has earned an "A" letter grade from the Arizona State Board of Education for the 2024-2025 school year. This is our third year in a row achieving this top rating!

This accomplishment means so much to us because we've never been a test-driven school. We focus on student needs, personalized learning, and preparing our young people to thrive in a diverse, interdependent world. This recognition tells us we're on the right track. When we stay true to our mission and prioritize curiosity, empathy, boldness, and innovation, academic excellence follows naturally.

What This Rating Measures
The state's A-F letter grade system looks at critical skills for your child's future. These include academic proficiency in math, reading, and science. It measures student growth, which shows the progress each child makes from year to year, regardless of where they started. The system also evaluates English learner progress and how well we're preparing students for the next educational level.

Phoenix International Academy scored 91.98 out of 100 possible points. I'm especially proud of our perfect scores in three areas. We earned 50 out of 50 points in Student Growth. This is the third consecutive year we've achieved this! We also received 10 out of 10 points in English Learner Proficiency and Growth, and another 10 out of 10 in Acceleration Readiness.

These perfect scores in growth reflect what we believe most deeply. Every student is capable of making profound progress when we meet them where they are and provide the support they need to succeed.

Why This Matters
Only 35% of K-8 schools statewide earned an "A" rating this year. For us, this is a huge validation of our innovations! 

Three consecutive years of "A" ratings show that our model works. Project-based learning that mirrors real life produces strong academic outcomes. Personalized learning works. When students learn based on readiness rather than just time, they thrive. Restorative practices create an emotionally supportive environment where students can grow. Our focus on global competency skills and community-based learning projects develops both character and achievement. And our commitment to curiosity, empathy, boldness, and innovation builds confident, capable learners.

This recognition is particularly important for our community. It shows something powerful. When we believe in our students' ability to make a profound, positive impact on their local and global communities, they rise to meet and exceed expectations.

What the Rating Doesn't Capture
We're celebrating this achievement. But we also know a letter grade cannot measure everything that matters.

It doesn't show the hands-on projects where students solve real-world problems that matter to them. It can't capture the restorative practices that help students learn from mistakes and strengthen our community. The public exhibitions where students showcase their learning with professionalism and pride don't show up in the data. Neither do the creativity, collaboration, and social responsibility we develop every day. And it certainly can't measure the relationships and sense of belonging that make PIA feel like family.

These are the qualities that truly define Phoenix International Academy. They make our school the special place it is for your children.

Looking Ahead
This "A" rating motivates us to keep going. We remain committed to living our values and staying true to our mission. We will continue providing powerful learning experiences that unleash students' natural abilities. We'll keep creating an environment that mirrors real life through authentic, hands-on projects. We're going to keep tailoring learning to each child's strengths and areas for growth. And we'll continue preparing students with the skills they need to make a difference in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Most importantly, we'll keep building a community where every moment is an opportunity for learning.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Thank you for being such engaged partners in this journey. This "A" rating belongs to our entire community. Students, families, teachers, and staff working together with curiosity, empathy, boldness, and innovation.

We are honored to serve our students, families and the broader community. We're excited about the continued success ahead!