Mesa Public Schools is celebrating significant academic progress following the release of school letter grades from the Arizona Department of Education. This year, 33 district schools earned an A rating and 34 earned a B rating, reflecting the continued dedication of students, educators and families across the district.
Among the district's notable achievements, 17 schools improved by one letter grade and two schools improved by two letter grades. The district also increased its number of A-rated schools by eight. Overall, the district's grade point average increased from 3.08 to 3.35.
In a historic milestone, all Mesa Public Schools comprehensive high schools earned an A rating for the first time in district history.
"The significant increase in school letter grade outcomes over prior years reflects the commitment of our teachers, school leaders and staff to providing high-quality instruction, at and above grade level, for every student," said Dr. Strom, superintendent of Mesa Public Schools. "We are seeing meaningful progress in proficiency and growth towards proficiency in our core subjects, and I am grateful for the dedication of our educators, the hard work of our students and the partnership of our families. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when we maintain high expectations and work together, from home to school, to support student success."
Building on this momentum, Mesa Public Schools is emphasizing four foundational areas of student learning during the 2026-27 school year: reading, writing, academic discussion and mathematical fluency.
The district's instructional priorities focus on ensuring students engage with challenging, grade-level texts across all subjects, develop strong writing skills with and without technology, participate in meaningful academic discussions and strengthen the numerical understanding needed for advanced mathematical reasoning.
"Our focus remains on what students are learning and how they are demonstrating that learning every day," Strom said. "Reading, writing, speaking and mathematical fluency are essential to academic success. By strengthening these foundational skills, we are preparing students for continued achievement in school and beyond."
The district is also celebrating encouraging enrollment news, with approximately 250 more students enrolled than originally projected for the school year.
"Families have many educational choices, and we are grateful for the trust they place in our robust school portfolio offerings within Mesa Public Schools," Strom said. "We recognize the importance of each parent’s decision and remain committed to providing the educational opportunities and support every student deserves. Thank you to our families for choosing Mesa Public Schools."
Mesa Public Schools will continue building on these academic gains through a focus on rigorous instruction, continuous improvement and strong partnerships with families and the community.