education
thanks to early-enrollment classes through Central Arizona College and will have most of her education at Northern Arizona University paid for as she pursues becoming a math teacher. “We worked very closely with Lealani and her family to get scholarships and grants and help her get almost all of her college paid for,” Reese said. “This is a perfect example of what we mean by working with the whole child and how kids are not just a number here. Justin Price supported her through the entire process of college enrollment. She is our first graduate, she’s graduating early, and she embodies the kind of experience we want to provide for our students and their families.” Price echoed Reese’s point and added that A+ strives to offer students more than just a grade. “A+ Charter Schools provide more than an education but a sense of family and belonging,” he said. “We may have a small campus, but we have big hearts, we work together, and students and teachers know one another. The atmosphere on campus is great, and Archers enjoy coming every day to campus to see what challenge they can overcome next.”
program suffered the most and this is one of the biggest attractions for students in Maricopa. That challenge required someone with the right mentality, disposition, and knowledge in the area of building a sports program. “We solved this problem by hiring Nate Wong as our Athletics Director. Wong has made a huge difference in our school; his energy and positivity is contagious. He has built great relationships with our students.” Said Reese. New Athletic Director Nate Wong stated: “We completed five sports programs this fall and our high school boys and girls basketball and wrestling teams are in season. Our partnership with the city of Maricopa has more than doubled our eSports program. For spring, we will begin other programs, including high school baseball, junior high boys basketball, high school and junior high track and field, as well as high school softball and golf.” Wong explained that while the intent of A+ is to have a competitive Varsity and feeder program for the future, their primary goal this year is to offer as many opportunities as possible for the students to participate
in something following the onset of the pandemic and provide for them a sense of pride and belonging. Reese added, that preparing students for the future is not taken lightly by the staff by A+. “It’s not just us talking, it’s us actually supporting these students to help them achieve the goals they have set for themselves after high school,” said Reese. Reese illustrated that point through the school’s first graduate, junior Lealani Escalade. She said Escalade is a perfect example of the benefits of the close working relationships the school fosters between students, faculty and staff. Escalade will graduate a full year early
Awesome Kids Have Awesome Parents and Awesome Parents talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol.
GAMING · ENTERTAINMENT RESTAURANTS · HOTEL & POOL SPA · SHOPPING · SPORTSBOOK
For more information go to www.BeAwesomeYouth.life
YOUTH DEVELOPING CONFIDENT. CONNECTED. SUCCESSFUL
For more information visit us at www.beawesomeyouth.life
PLAY FOR ALL.
Visit the Caesars Rewards ® Center for details. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start. ® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2021 Caesars License Company, LLC.
40 New Resident & Visitor Guide 2022 • InMaricopa.com/NewResidentGuide
InMaricopa.com/NewResidentGuide • New Resident & Visitor Guide 2022 41
Powered by FlippingBook