23/24 School Year Brings A-Rating and More to Dysart

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/28/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools had a stellar 2023-2024 school year, which was kicked off with being named an “A” rated school district by the state of Arizona. Successes and celebrations continued throughout the year in academics, arts, and athletics for the district and its 26 schools. 

Dysart had 92% of its schools rated as “A” or “B,”, and the number of “A” rated schools increased by 50%, to a total of 18.  Five schools scored in the top 10% of the state, with another five in the top 20%. Freedom Traditional Academy was ranked #6 among all K-8s in the entire state, and for the second year in a row, it had the highest test scores among any other school in Surprise and El Mirage. 

For the second straight year in a row, Dysart Schools was voted the Favorite Public School District by the community in the West Valley Favorites competition. All four of the district’s high schools were named Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Luke Elementary School was named the first Purple Star School Candidate in Arizona for their strong support of military families. Additionally, Luke was voted a Top Public School by the Best of the Desert Awards and Willow Canyon was named a SkillsUSA Models of Excellence School for their technical skills programs for the fourth time since 2018. 

Dysart students are excelling in academics. This year brought another Flinn Scholar, four National Merit Finalists, two U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education, an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy, Air Force High School Scholarship Program Scholarship, among many other student accolades, including over $40 million in college scholarships. Dysart High School’s JROTC program qualified for the prestigious 2024 Army JROTC Academic Bowl Championships. Valley Vista High School came in first and second place in the state for the annual AZ Council of Economic Education’s (ACEE) Stock Market Game. The Shadow Ridge and Dysart High DECA programs won Gold-Level Certifications for their school-based enterprises, and several Willow Canyon High School students won Cambridge Scholar Awards of Merit or Distinction, in addition to one Top in Country Award for History.  

In the arts, Dysart students earned the most Arts Seals of Proficiency in the entire state, at 228 seals, up from 139 last year. We also saw multiple students win honors in the Congressional Art Contest. Dysart schools earned numerous top ratings for their bands and choirs at regional and state festivals, solo and ensemble festivals, marching, and choral competitions.  This year, five students won the New Horizons High School Student Art Exhibit, and we had a third place winner in the Oceanside Sound Off Choir Competition. 

Competitive sport options abound for Dysart students that want to play. With championship teams, athletic classes, and numerous sport offerings, student athletes can truly excel. This year, Dysart schools had 14 region champions, 25 state qualifiers, and 10 state championships. Fourteen students made the All Conference 1st or 2nd team, 145 made All-Region 1st or 2nd team, and 27 students earned Player of the Year awards. Dysart coaches brought in eight AIA Coach of the Year awards for their regions, and two Arizona Republic Top 50 Softball Players in the state were from Willow Canyon.  

Student safety is always a top priority in the district. This year, we added School Resource Officers and School Safety Officers to all of our elementary schools. Also, our camera system was expanded and upgraded, along with site radios, and public safety access boxes. Classroom window coverings were installed, and several schools received new lockdown systems and alarm panel upgrades. We continue to prioritize strong partnerships with law enforcement, specific safety protocols, planned drills and training, and coordinated Threat Assessment Teams and School Safety Committees to strengthen our practices. 

As the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, Dysart employs more than 3,000 teachers and support staff. Accolades are abundant with 66 National Board Certified staff members, a Maricopa County Exemplary Principal, DECA Administrator of the Year, Rio Salado Outstanding Adjunct Faculty member, Grand Canyon University Principal of the Month, and a Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher. Dysart was voted a runner-up for Favorite Place to Work by the community in the West Valley Favorites competition, and has won various accolades for its employee wellness program. Dysart Schools are always hiring, and openings are posted at Dysart.org/Careers. 

Fiscal responsibility is a priority in Dysart, and the district has earned the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 28 years in a row. Additionally, Dysart has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for 19 years in a row. Administrative costs in Dysart (8.9%) are lower than the state average (10.3%), and those of peer districts. Budget details are always available at Dysart.org/Budget. 

Looking ahead, Dysart has some exciting things on the horizon. In the 2024-2025 school year, Dysart will launch a new EMS/EMT Program in partnership with the City of Surprise, which will give high school seniors the chance to earn an Emergency Medical Certified Technician (EMCT) certification upon graduation. Additionally, Girls Flag Football is being added to the athletic line-up for the fall at all four high schools. The 2024-2025 school year begins on Thursday, August 1, and enrollment can be completed online at Dysart.org/Enroll.