Dysart Celebrates Year of Academic, Artistic, and Athletic Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/27/25

DYSART SCHOOLS - “A” rated Dysart Unified School District (DUSD) is proud to celebrate a year filled with exceptional student and staff achievements, and significant district honors that illustrate a commitment to educational excellence and fiscal responsibility. 

Dysart received an "A" rating from the State of Arizona for the second year in a row, and for the first time in district history, 100% of our schools achieved either an “A” or “B” rating. Overall, 18 schools earned “A” ratings, and six earned “B” ratings. This academic success was further highlighted by Freedom Traditional Academy being ranked the 7th best K-8 school in Arizona, and Shadow Ridge High School ranked 29th among all Arizona high schools. Eight elementary schools were listed in US News & World Report’s list of Best Elementary or Best Middle Schools. Shadow Ridge High School became the first high school in the west valley to be named a National Blue Ribbon School in over 40 years, became a Purple Star School for their support for military families, and won the Racing the Sun Solar Go Kart Competition in the Maker Class division for the fifth year in a row. For the third consecutive year, Dysart was named the Best Public School District in the West Valley in the 2024 West Valley Favorites awards. Growing Minds Preschool received dual honors for Favorite Preschool and Favorite  Childcare/Daycare, and Den Club was named Favorite Youth Organization.  

Demonstrating a dedication to fiscal responsibility, Dysart is proud to have earned the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 29 years in a row. Additionally, the district has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for 20 years in a row. Administrative costs in Dysart (8.5%) are lower than the state average (10.3%), and those of peer districts. Budget details are always available for the community to view at Dysart.org/Budget. 

Numerous students earned prestigious scholarships and recognitions, including Dorrance and Dell Scholarships, as well as Questbridge honors. Two students earned perfect ACT scores for the entire test, and 13 more had perfect scores in subjects. Together, Dysart seniors garnered a total of $63.2 million in college scholarships to continue their education, and graduates earned an impressive 748 AZ State Seals of Personal Finance. Dysart’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs also enjoyed a banner year, as students were named in the top 10 nationally for DECA, claimed high honors at state competitions, and earned numerous SkillsUSA Arizona Statesman Awards. 

In the arts, students earned 261 AZ State Seals of Arts Proficiency, the highest count in the state for the past two years, and the Festival of the Arts was named the Favorite Festival in the 2024 West Valley Favorites awards. School performance groups were awarded numerous “superior” and “excellent” ratings at various solo, choir, and one-act festivals over the year. Valley Vista’s Vanguard team earned first place in their division and received awards for Best Music Performance, General Effect, and Auxiliary Guard at the ABODA festival. Additionally, there was a student that took fourth place nationally in the SAR Elementary School Poster Contest. 

On the athletic front, Dysart celebrated four state championships. Willow Canyon High School claimed the state title in coed cheer, Valley Vista High School took top honors in unified soccer and volleyball, and Shadow Ridge High School was crowned 6A boys soccer State Champions. Shadow Ridge cheer earned a USA Spirit National Championship, and there were four State Runners Up with Valley Vista girls basketball, unified football, unified badminton, and Shadow Ridge High School boys triple jump. Numerous student-athletes received All-Region, and All-Conference titles, and two students were named to the National Football Foundation Elite Scholar Athlete Team. 32 student athletes were named AIA Players of the Year, 11 coaches were named Coach of the Year, and there was a Suns/Mercury Coach of the Month. It was also the inaugural year of flag football for the district, with teams at all four high schools.  

As the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, Dysart employs more than 3,000 teachers and support staff. District was voted Favorite Place to Work in the 2024 West Valley Favorites competition, and has long been recognized for its employee wellness program. The Arizona K12 Center honored Dysart for its commitment to National Board Certification, with 59 employees with this rigorous added certification. Dysart Schools are always hiring, and openings are posted at Dysart.org/Careers. 

Dysart Schools remains the primary source of education for students in our community, and we are honored to serve and impact the future generation of leaders. This year’s accomplishments reflect the extraordinary skills, dedication, and hard work of its students, staff, and community. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Thursday, July 31, and enrollment can be completed online at Dysart.org/Enroll.