How to Apply
2026-2027 Application NOW OPEN!
As a choice school, Ward Traditional Academy requires all students to apply to attend.
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT fill out the 2025-2026 application for the 2026-2027 school year.
Requirements for the 2026-2027 School Year
Kindergarten through first-grade students:
- There are no minimum qualification criteria for incoming kindergarten and first-grade students, however instruction will be provided at an accelerated level and pace.
2nd through 8th grade students*:
- Most recent standardized and/or state testing showing ‘proficient’ or ‘highly proficient’ in reading and/or math
*This criteria applies to both in- and out-of-district student applications.All parents of Ward Traditional Academy students will need to read and sign a Parent Contract annually.
If your child currently attends a school within Tempe Elementary Schools, school administration has access to and will review the documents pertaining to minimum qualification criteria. If your child is not currently attending a school within Tempe Elementary Schools, please send all requested qualification files to pamela.burnsworth@tempeschools.org.
Applications for the current 2025-2026 School Year
Kindergarten through first-grade students:
- There are no minimum qualification criteria for incoming kindergarten and first-grade students, however instruction will be provided at an accelerated level and pace.
2nd through 8th grade students*:
- Most recent standardized and/or state testing showing ‘proficient’ or ‘highly proficient’ in reading and/or math
*This criteria applies to both in- and out-of-district student applications.All parents of Ward Traditional Academy students will need to read and sign a Parent Contract annually.
If your child currently attends a school within Tempe Elementary Schools, school administration has access to and will review the documents pertaining to minimum qualification criteria. If your child is not currently attending a school within Tempe Elementary Schools, please send all requested qualification files to pamela.burnsworth@tempeschools.org.
Parents will be notified by email if their child has been accepted or placed on a waitlist. Pending acceptance, parents will be notified with next steps.
Contact Us
Pam Burnsworth
Front Office Manager
(480) 491-8871
Email
Application Questions?
Lia Furiga
Assistant Office Manager
(480) 491-8871 ext. 5301
Email
For general questions regarding enrollment, email enrollment@tempeschools.org.
Transportation Information
Ward Traditional Academy is a specialty school in which all students attend under open enrollment. Please understand that transportation to and from Ward is the parent/guardian responsibility.