The Agua Fria High School District has received designation as Arizona’s first “Academies” school district by the organization Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL). This prestigious recognition underscores the District’s commitment to integrating classroom learning with real-world industry needs, setting a new benchmark for educational excellence and community collaboration.
“Becoming Arizona’s first ‘Academies’ school district validates our commitment to transforming education. The designation and launch of the Academies of the Southwest Valley are significant achievements for our community, reflecting our commitment to preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand, well-paying careers,” said Superintendent Mark Yslas. “It underscores the District’s role in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in our region. Our community can take great pride in this milestone, which marks a new era of educational innovation and business collaboration.”
This achievement is supported by a range of committed partners, including the cities of Avondale, Buckeye, and Goodyear; the Center for the Future of Arizona; WESTMEC; the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce; Estrella Mountain Community College; and WESTMARC, the lead convener. These partnerships are crucial in aligning educational strategies with regional business needs and workforce demands.
Sintra Hoffman, CEO of WESTMARC, emphasized, “This designation showcases the successful partnership between businesses and educators to address regional workforce needs. It represents a shared commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and fostering economic development.”
This launch of the Academies of the Southwest Valley in Fall 2024, signified the District’s shift from traditional career and technical education (CTE) to a more integrated, industry-focused approach, aligning educational strategies with modern workforce demands. Specialized career academies at each of the District’s five high schools—Agua Fria, Canyon View, Desert Edge, Millennium, and Verrado—provide students with practical skills, industry certifications, and meaningful work-based experiences, enhancing their employability and readiness for higher education. The Academies also support students who are college or military-bound by offering tailored pathways that meet diverse post-graduation goals. This approach represents high-impact learning, integrating academic rigor with real-world practical application.
This initiative responds directly to feedback from the community via the District’s 10-year strategic plan, which emphasizes focusing on career readiness and workplace skills development. The academy model reflects the district’s proactive approach to addressing these needs and preparing students for future success.
A key component of the designation includes a master plan to ensure the academy transformation is sustainable. This comprehensive plan outlines strategies for maintaining program quality, continuous improvement, and long-term success, ensuring that the benefits of this transformation are enduring and impactful.
Others are taking notice of the District’s efforts. AZ Big Media recently recognized the District as one of Arizona’s 40 most creative businesses, due the Academy transformation. This recognition highlights the District’s creativity and responsiveness to the region’s needs and as a leader in shaping the educational landscape in Arizona.
The Agua Fria High School District will celebrate this significant achievement with a special designation ceremony on Jan. 29. This event is open to the public, offering an opportunity to honor the community’s role in achieving this milestone. Limited seating is available; interested attendees are encouraged to inquire early. For more details and to reserve a spot, please contact Megan Griego at [email protected].