How to Apply

Ward Traditional Academy is a choice school within Tempe Elementary Schools, providing students from K-8 with an accelerated, and fast-paced curriculum. As a choice school, all students must apply to attend. 

Students who wish to attend Ward must also meet the following criteria:

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.

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.