NW Valley Times

The Arizona Department of Education has announced that the Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) has achieved an "A" rating in its annual letter grading. Additionally, all nine comprehensive high schools within the district—Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, Thunderbird, and Washington—have also received an "A" grade.

The department's A-F letter grading system evaluates schools based on several key performance indicators. These include results from statewide assessments measuring student performance; English learner assessment results tracking progress for English language learners; and attendance rates assessing student presence at school. Other metrics involve evaluating special education performance, graduation rates within four years, progress towards graduation requirements, college and career readiness for post-secondary success, year-to-year academic growth improvements, English language proficiency in arts, and math and science proficiency.

The State Board of Education establishes specific "cut scores" to determine the points needed for each letter grade. An “A” represents excellent performance that significantly exceeds the state average.

"This significant accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, support staff, administrators," said a spokesperson for GUHSD. They added that it reflects "the hard work of our students and the strong support of our families." The achievement underscores the community's commitment to high standards and academic excellence.