School District Info

Deer Valley School District In the hands of children, our future rests. The mission of Anthem’s schools is to instill children with the skills and the know-how to be good caretakers and productive citizens, helping to ensure their place in a prosperous tomorrow. That mission begins anew every single day with the ringing of the school bell. Anthem’s schools rely on advanced teaching techniques; solid fundamentals; qualified, caring teachers and administrators; enthusiastic, motivated students; and active parent-teacher-student organizations to bring about positive results. Thus far, we’ve received nothing but good marks. In recent years, students have consistently scored above the national average on the Standard 9 test, which measures aptitude in grades 2 through 11.

Two K-8 schools part of Deer Valley Unified School District Barry Goldwater High School Boulder Creek High School Schools follow traditional school calendar Bus service available First elementary school opened in 1999 Gifted programs Special Education Resource Fine arts curriculum Before and after school program for K-12 Special-needs preschool Accelerated Reader Program Band, chorus, student council, competitive sports Several private schools in proximity to Anthem

Anthem Elementary School Elementary 623-376-3700 Anthem School opened its doors to welcome students from kindergarten through eighth grade in August of 1999. Through a unique collaboration between the Del Webb Corporation and the Deer Valley Unified School District, Del Webb Corporation donated the land and built the Anthem School complex to serve the district. The Anthem School community embraces the spirit of cooperation that resulted in its creation. Parents, students, community volunteers, business, faculty, staff and administrators are active participants in building a strong school community dedicated to educational excellence. Through Action Planning Committees, the Campus Improvement Team, an active volunteer program, and organizations such as the Parent-Teacher-Student Association, the school is able to gather input and tap the rich human resources of the Anthem community. A dedicated and well-trained staff provide the expertise to implement an educational program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Anthem School is committed to delivering high quality education with challenging academic expectations. The success of all students will be promoted through the development of skills that enable them to contribute responsibly as an individual and a member of our society.

Boulder Creek High School High School 623-445-8600 Boulder Creek High School is the 5th high school built by the Deer Valley Unified School District and serves students from across the North Valley, including parts of Phoenix, New River, Desert Hills and Anthem. The school is built on 55 acres and has more than 300,000 square feet of usable space.

The campus plan maximizes natural light into classrooms and is centered around students, built with students in mind. Small learning communities give students a more personable experience. There are eight distinct “houses” or clusters of classrooms so that students can change classes within the house, rather than walk across the large campus from one building to another.

The purpose of Boulder Creek High School is to provide an educational environment that encourages student success and support continued educational opportunities in small learning communities. Instruction is centered on a standards-based philosophy where students are expected to meet and exceed standards. Flexibility is a key component where teachers integrate instruction through sharing of themes, projects and assignments.

The Performing Arts Theatre is 68,346 square feet and can seat 500. It provides study and performing areas for music, theatre, band, dance and other performing arts. A smaller, 96-seat theatre is included in the central building.

Deer Valley has partnered with Maricopa County for the North Valley Regional Library, a 26,000 square foot school/county library on the Boulder Creek High School campus. The library is open to the general public, housing 40,000 books, a meeting room, a set of computers, and a full-time librarian and staff to answer questions.

Deer Valley High School High School 602-467-6700 In 1980, Deer Valley High School opened its doors for the first time to 750 new students. Housed on more than 60 acres, Deer Valley High School currently has approximately 2,200 students enrolled. The school has developed many lasting traditions and is proud to offer exceptional academic courses. Deer Valley High School has a growing dual enrollment college credit program that offers students exceptional opportunities to meet their academic goals. Students have an opportunity to participate in quality clubs and activities as well as a sound, award-winning athletic program. The Deer Valley High School staff is currently comprised of 100 teachers, five counselors, one psychologist, four administrators and numerous support personnel. Deer Valley High School’s strong academic emphasis supports both the district and school mission statements. The Campus Improvement Team goals have mirrored the mission statements and established plans to encourage and promote student success.

Deer Valley High School has long been recognized for outstanding student achievement in a wide range of academic and athletic areas. The following are a sampling of the accomplishments Deer Valley proudly proclaims: National Merit Scholars; National Scholastic Press Association awards for yearbook; Arizona Republic Scholastic Journalist awards; All-State Honor Band; National Championship Mock Trial Team; and National Championship Spirit line Team.

Deer Valley Middle School Middle School 623-445-3300 Deer Valley Middle School serves middle school students with four eighth grade academic teams and four seventh grade academic teams. Academic teams consist of four academic area teachers serving approximately 130 students each. Exploratory classes in art, technology, computers and family and consumer science, along with band, chorus and P.E. provide each student with a highly developed and well rounded education. The focus of Deer Valley Middle School is to equip all students with the tools for success in high school. As a school we have created a reading period for all students, and enroll all students in the Accelerated Reader Program. As a middle school we teach the following math courses: Math 7, Pre-Algebra and Geometry. All students are expected to successfully complete pre-algebra by the end of the eighth grade. The Deer Valley Middle School English teachers utilize a 6-trait rubric to teach and evaluate student writing. In addition to academic achievement, we stress character development in traits such as respect, responsibility, perseverance, diligence and integrity. Diamond Canyon Elementary School Elementary 623-445-8000 Diamond Canyon School is the newest elementary school addition to the Deer Valley Unified School District. Opening in 2004-2005, the school will be a modular campus and will have grades kindergarten through 7th grade. The 2005-2006 school year will bring Diamond Canyon to its permanent location at 40004 N. Liberty Bell Way and will also include 8th grade students. The mission of Diamond Canyon is to meet the needs of all students by maintaining high standards in partnership with the community.

Gavilan Peak School Elementary 623-445-7400 Gavilan Peak Elementary School is a special place to learn and grow. Our beautiful new facility was funded by the state’s School Facilities Board as well as the successful passage of a building bond in 2001. Gavilan Peak is expected to quickly reach capacity with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The Gavilan Peak staff is committed to the educational success of every student by creating a positive community of learners. Our school philosophy is based on the belief that all children will learn. They learn in a variety of ways. Teachers have the power to create systems that promote student success. In addition to learning the academics, children will experience the arts, appreciate the diversity of our nation, be provided opportunities to utilize basic skills and apply them to real life situations.

Administration and staff work cooperatively with our Continuous Improvement Team (CIT) to set the goals and direction of the school. Our motto is Gavilan Peak: Designed for Success. Decision making is based on two tenets: “What is best for students?” and “What data is available to inform our decisions?” Teachers are organized into grade level teams that stay together for two years at a time, whenever possible. Students benefit from the continuity of service from teachers who know them. Teachers use traditional as well as more progressive and innovative techniques to create the most effective learning environments for students.