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Scottsdale Unified School District is inviting parents, staff, business owners, and community members connected to the Desert Mountain Learning Community (including Copper Ridge School) to apply for the Phase II Design Advisory Team

On November 25, 2025, a student and her parents contacted Saguaro High School officials to share concerns regarding direct messages over a social media app between the student and a school administrator.   The District is grateful that the student had the courage to come forward and inform the administration of the inappropriate behavior.  The staff member was immediately put on paid leave pending the outcome of an investigation.  The District reported the matter to the Scottsdale Police Department and to the State Board of Education’s Investigative Unit.  December 9, 2025, the Governing Board accepted the employee’s resignation. 

Scottsdale Unified School District is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.  When concerns like this are raised, we take immediate action to investigate, confirm the facts, and respond accordingly.  The District also ensures that it complies with its reporting responsibilities.   

The Scottsdale Unified School District announced the 2025–26 recipients of its Innovation Startup Grants, recognizing educators who transformed teaching and learning through creativity, collaboration and hands-on exploration.

The grants supported projects that inspired student engagement, deepened critical thinking and prepared learners for a rapidly changing world. Each of the selected projects exemplified SUSD’s commitment to fostering innovation across grade levels and disciplines.

While turmoil continues over possible school closures, the Scottsdale Unified School District collectively “aced” state tests.

According to new grades 3-11 assessment test scores released by the Arizona Department of Education, SUSD students are leading the way.

“With 62% passing overall in English Language Arts and 58% in math (combining all grade levels) … we’re the top public school district in Maricopa County in both ELA and math,” said Kristine Harrington, the district’s chief communications and information officer.

Scottsdale, Ariz. — A global perspective, a passion for service, and a commitment to learning have earned SUSD fifth-grade student, Rose Gorman one of Arizona’s highest student honors.

The fifth-grade student at Anasazi Elementary School has been named a 2026 Arizona International Baccalaureate Schools (AZIBS) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Student of the Year, distinction awarded to just two students statewide. She was recognized at the AZIBS Quarterly Meeting on March 27.  

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is setting the bar for educational excellence once again, earning designation as a National Board District of Distinction by the Arizona K12 Center.

This prestigious honor recognizes districts that go above and beyond in supporting teachers through the rigorous National Board Certification process and SUSD stands at the top. With 79 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), the district currently has the highest number in the state of Arizona, a powerful reflection of its commitment to both educator growth and student success.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) students will take center stage March 6 and 7, 2026, as Scottsdale Family ArtsFest returns for its fourth year, offering students the opportunity to perfect their craft and proudly showcase their artistic talent through mural displays, exhibitions and live performances.

The free festival will take place at the Scottsdale Civic Center, bringing two days of performances, interactive art experiences and family-friendly activities to the heart of downtown Scottsdale. After three inaugural years at ASU SkySong, this year’s Family ArtsFest moves to Scottsdale Civic Center, expanding opportunities for families and community members to gather, create and connect.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (February 11, 2026) – Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been selected to receive a significant investment in student safety through a community partnership with HonorHealth and the Scottsdale Charros. Following a highly competitive application process, HonorHealth Sports Medicine was awarded one of the Scottsdale Charros Foundation’s annual grants to support the purchase and distribution of five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for SUSD high schools.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (February 3, 2026) – Curious why families love Laguna Elementary School? Laguna invites families and community members to experience it all firsthand at its Annual Family STEAM Night, Thursday, February 5, from 5:00–6:30 PM. 

This isn’t your average school event; it’s a high-energy, hands-on evening where classrooms turn into discovery zones and curiosity leads the way. Every grade level will host interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, including making homemade ice cream, creating slime, exploring shadow puppetry, and more. 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 26, 2026) Nerves and excitement filled the Saguaro High School auditorium as students gathered for the 2026 SUSD Spelling Bee. The event gives students in grades 3 through 8 the opportunity to face off and showcase their spelling skills, highlighting the academic excellence across the district.

By the end of the event, Camden Hernandez, a seventh grader from Desert Canyon Middle School, had outlasted a field of 23 competitors to claim the 2026 SUSD Spelling Bee Championship.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 21, 2026) The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Spanish Spelling Bee concluded with an exciting final round as students from across the district competed for the championship title. The event highlights student achievement in world languages and celebrates bilingualism and biliteracy.

The competition began with a strong field of student spellers and ultimately narrowed to an intense head-to-head matchup between two seventh-grade finalists, who competed through 11 rounds. The championship was decided by the final word. Adrian Cortes Ramon, a seventh grader from Tonalea, correctly spelled the word to secure first place. Following confirmation by Spelling Bee Host Dr. David Priniski, Cortes Ramon was announced as the 2026 SUSD Spanish Spelling Bee Champion.