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Congratulations to Ward Traditional!
One of Six Arizona Schools to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Achievement!
Visit our OPEN HOUSE NIGHT December 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Applications open December 12, 2025 for the 26-27 school year.
Applications open December 12, 2025 for the 26-27 school year.
We Are
Tempe Elementary Schools
Welcoming, achieving, eye-opening, and future-ready Preschool-8 education to free the boundless potential in each child – so they are fully prepared to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow and excel for a lifetime.
150
Tempe celebrates 150 Years of Community Inspired Education and a longstanding heritage of investment in all its students.
14
Tempe Elementary Schools have earned an "A" and "B" rating from the Arizona State Board of Education.
250+
Over 250 Community partners have donated materials, resources and learning experiences- freeing the boundless potential in each child.
330
Tempe Elementary Schools educators have earned over 330 advanced degrees in education, counseling, psychology, social work, fine arts and music.
Reasons To
Believe
Welcoming Community. Destination District.
Academic Achievement for All
Eye-Opening Discovery in the Classroom
Empowering the Confident, Future-Ready Child
Celebrating Our 150th...Discover Our Legacy!
Only in Tempe
Unparalleled
Advantages For All
Tempe is a world-class education destination committed to accessible, equitable, high-quality education for all. Every Tempe Elementary student has access to enriching programs and support services to meet their individual needs and empower them to expand their interests, develop their gifts, and discover their true potential - often at little or no cost to the family.
Voted #1 Elementary School District
We've been voted #1 in 2025, for a second year in a row, by our staff, parents, and community ranked by Arizona's largest and most comprehensive business opinion poll, Ranking Arizona.
Celebrating 150 Years of Academic Excellence
In 2024, Tempe Elementary Schools proudly celebrates 150 years of community-inspired education serving families within and the surrounding areas of Tempe, Phoenix, and Guadalupe.
Revolutionizing Education
Tempe Elementary Schools has an intentional clear set of beliefs, goals, and strategic framework to guide the District for today and the future.
Experiential Learning & Real-World Experiences
Through collaboration and creativity, our local community partners are critical for all students' success, giving them access to essential resources and real-world experiences.
Resources & Evidence-Based Support Services
Our team of professionals is dedicated to fostering the social, emotional, and healthy development of students and their families.
The Complete K-8 Experience
At Ward your child will enjoy our small, close-knit, accelerated curriculum community where they can learn and grow from early childhood through the middle school years!
Who we are
One Community, Many Stories
Celebrating 150 years of rich history and community-inspired learning, Tempe is a unique cultural hub connecting the three vibrant communities of Tempe, Phoenix, and Guadalupe.
![Out-of-District Family Finds Home in Tempe Elementary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762359990/tempeschoolsorg/d3x65y7zwcqmamx0zpyx/KinderOpenEnrollment00_00_39_06Still002.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762359990/tempeschoolsorg/d3x65y7zwcqmamx0zpyx/KinderOpenEnrollment00_00_39_06Still002.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762359990/tempeschoolsorg/d3x65y7zwcqmamx0zpyx/KinderOpenEnrollment00_00_39_06Still002.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762359990/tempeschoolsorg/d3x65y7zwcqmamx0zpyx/KinderOpenEnrollment00_00_39_06Still002.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762359990/tempeschoolsorg/d3x65y7zwcqmamx0zpyx/KinderOpenEnrollment00_00_39_06Still002.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762359990/tempeschoolsorg/d3x65y7zwcqmamx0zpyx/KinderOpenEnrollment00_00_39_06Still002.jpg","width":1920}])
When the Jacksons were looking for a school for their incoming kindergartener, they wanted a place where their son Everett was embraced and could build a strong foundation for success.
![Seven Tempe Elementary Schools Receive 'A' Rating for 2024-2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762376845/tempeschoolsorg/lqo3lg8bdh0tpr6nbzkm/2023-24A-Rated_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762376845/tempeschoolsorg/lqo3lg8bdh0tpr6nbzkm/2023-24A-Rated_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762376845/tempeschoolsorg/lqo3lg8bdh0tpr6nbzkm/2023-24A-Rated_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762376845/tempeschoolsorg/lqo3lg8bdh0tpr6nbzkm/2023-24A-Rated_1.png","width":1080}])
Congratulations to our seven schools who received an 'A' rating for the 2024-2025 school year by the Arizona Department of Education!
![Tempe Elementary Nutrition Services Team Earns Three USDA Awards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762285535/tempeschoolsorg/gvtcho42dsuq2klblucy/IMG_5782.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762285535/tempeschoolsorg/gvtcho42dsuq2klblucy/IMG_5782.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762285535/tempeschoolsorg/gvtcho42dsuq2klblucy/IMG_5782.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762285535/tempeschoolsorg/gvtcho42dsuq2klblucy/IMG_5782.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762285535/tempeschoolsorg/gvtcho42dsuq2klblucy/IMG_5782.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762285535/tempeschoolsorg/gvtcho42dsuq2klblucy/IMG_5782.jpg","width":2200}])
The Tempe Elementary Schools Nutrition Services team has received national recognition for its outstanding innovation and commitment to student health, earning three USDA Best Practice Awards for 2025.
![October 31, 2025 Newsletter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729794264/tempeschoolsorg/cpgqpx5957jyz3v2to7i/WardIG2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729794264/tempeschoolsorg/cpgqpx5957jyz3v2to7i/WardIG2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1729794264/tempeschoolsorg/cpgqpx5957jyz3v2to7i/WardIG2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729794264/tempeschoolsorg/cpgqpx5957jyz3v2to7i/WardIG2.jpg","width":1160}])
Learn more about all the exciting things going on at Ward Traditional Academy!
Learn more about all the exciting things going on at Ward Traditional Academy!
Awards &
Recognition
Ward Traditional Academy earned an 'A' from the Arizona Department of Education.
Tempe Elementary is honored to have been named the #1 Elementary School District for a second year in a row in 2025 and voted in the Top 7 winners for Best Places to Work in 2024 by Arizona's largest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Tempe Elementary Schools has also been named as a Best Communities for Music Education district by the NAMM Foundation for the last seven years.
“When we were looking for schools, we wanted smaller classrooms, more traditional-style settings. That's why we picked Ward. Ward has a very good “one team, one school, one pride, one everything. It's like a village raising your kids.”
Larry and Leandria Macon | Parents, Ward Traditional Academy
“Ward is not just a school. It's a family. It's a big community and a very special thing. Everyone knows everyone. It's not an easy thing to make this kind of connection in a big community.”
Alpana Bharti | Parent, Ward Traditional Academy
“When my kids come to Ward, I feel that I can trust the environment. They're going to receive a very stellar education, but also, the “whole [child]” is going to be taken care of. That opportunity to get that from a school is monumental. It puts my heart at ease."
Faye Farmer | Parent, Ward Traditional Academy
“Our students receive a comprehensive education that focuses on critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Our emphasis on academics prepares students to excel in their high school and college career.”
Amy Bemis | Principal, Ward Traditional Academy