A+ School of Excellence
Marana High School has earned the A+ School of Excellence designation for 2026-2030.
Marana High School is recognized as an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF). This designation is one of the highest honors awarded to Arizona public schools and is based on a rigorous evaluation process that identifies schools demonstrating exceptional educational practices and student success.The A+ School of Excellence Award is separate from the Arizona Department of Education’s A–F accountability ratings (School Letter Grades).
The A+ School of Excellence program was originally designed to help identify Arizona schools eligible for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award. Today, it continues to recognize schools that exemplify excellence across multiple areas of education.
A+ School Of Excellence Schools Exhibit:
- Strong instructional leadership and collaboration
- Highly effective teaching and staff development
- Rigorous, standards-based curriculum focused on critical thinking and problem-solving
- Active family and community engagement
- Safe, supportive, and student-centered learning environments with meaningful extracurricular opportunities
The designation reflects sustained commitment over time rather than a single accomplishment. The recognition is awarded for a four-year period, after which schools may reapply to maintain their status. Marana High School has earned the designation for 2026-2030.
About the Selection Process
The selection process includes an application, review by AEF staff and trained judges, interviews, and site visits. Judges are typically educators who have previously experienced or supported A+ designated schools. Schools that earn the designation often also participate in leadership development opportunities through AEF programs that support current and aspiring school leaders.
