Three Chandler Unified schools receive A+ School of Excellence awards
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Summary
Chandler Traditional Academy Freedom, Hancock Elementary and Bogle Junior High were honored with the A+ School of Excellence award; principals, staff and community members described collaborative application processes and school culture as reasons for recognition.
Chandler Unified School District on April 23 recognized three campuses — Chandler Traditional Academy Freedom Campus, Hancock Elementary and Bogle Junior High — with the A+ School of Excellence award for 2025.
The district said the A+ School of Excellence program, established in 1983, identifies and recognizes educational excellence in Arizona public schools. Presenters and school leaders credited collaborative staff work, family engagement, student leadership and intentional programming as central to the schools’ successful applications.
Christina Lucas Sheffield, principal of CTA Freedom, described the application as “a labor of love” that brought parents, teachers and students together to describe the school’s programs and culture. Sarah Ocampo and other committee members who helped prepare the application spoke about the collaborative writing process and student and parent participation during the judges’ visit.
Joe Walters, principal of Hancock Elementary, highlighted his campus’s long record of strong state ratings and said the A+ review helped the staff reflect on strengths and areas for growth. Walters said Hancock serves a diverse student body and that the campus offers accelerated programs and interventions to meet varied student needs.
Amanda Cook, principal of Bogle Junior High, said more than 35 teachers contributed to the application and described new campus practices — including a campus celebration bell to recognize students and teachers — that the A+ judges appreciated.
Community representatives also spoke at the meeting. Mary Kim Titla, executive director of Unity, commended Markela Shirley (a Chandler High student recognized separately at the meeting) for cultural leadership and community service; Sheila Cypress, AIEA executive board member, said Markela’s application stood out among competitive candidates.
District leadership noted that the A+ School of Excellence distinction has been awarded to Chandler schools more than 100 times; presenters said this year’s recognitions bring the district’s lifetime total to 103 A+ honors.
What’s next: Each school will hold local celebrations; the district listed specific dates for campus events and encouraged families and community members to attend.