ASPIRE Academy at Arredondo

• Arizona defines gifted as a child with superior intellect or advanced learning ability who needs specialized services.
• Gifted thinkers exist in all demographics and show exceptional abilities in various areas.
• Giftedness is lifelong and requires challenging and supportive learning experiences.

• Research shows academic, social, and emotional benefits for gifted students with intellectual peers.
• Aspire Academy Arredondo fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and advocacy.

• Provides an immersive community of gifted learners who are like-minded for collaboration

• Teachers are gifted endorsed or working towards a gifted endorsement

• Focuses on high expectations, self-exploration, mentorship, and a supportive environment

• Affective Development 

• Project partnerships

• Focus on Arizona Academic Standards as well as the National Standards in Gifted and Talented Education

• For 2025-2026 we accept applications for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who meet gifted service eligibility criteria.
• Eligibility is based on scoring at the 94th percentile or above in one area and 85th percentile or higher in a secondary score on a state approved test for identification of giftedness.
• Expanding to K-5 for the 2026-2027 school year!
• Check back in January 2026 for specific dates for when applications will be OPEN for the 2026-2027 school year for students who meet gifted service eligibility criteria.

Learn More

Yes, due to demand we are expanding our offerings to offer grades K-5 for the 26-27 school year.  Applications will open in January of 2026. 

• For the 2026-2027 school year we are expanding our classes to incoming Kindergarten through 5th grade students who qualify for gifted education services. 

Requirements as as follows:

• Incoming K-5 students MUST score at 97% or higher in at least one area on a state board approved test for gifted identification OR  

• Incoming K-5 students must score a 94% or higher in at least one area on a state board approved test for gifted identification with an 85th percentile or higher in at least one additional area.

Twice-exceptional children are highly gifted while also possessing learning challenges including ADHD, dyslexia or dyscalculia, autism or sensory processing issues.

ASPIRE Academy supports these students in multiple ways to ensure their success:

• On-site counselor available

• Alternative seating or work environment

• Affective development embedded in curriculum

• Following NAGC Recommendations

• Current ASPIRE Academy students will automatically be accepted into the program for the following school year
• New applications will be reviewed as they are submitted
• Parents will be notified by email if their child has been accepted OR placed on waitlist then provided with next steps

• A waitlist will be utilized for interested families should the program be at capacity.

• Student-centered Problem Based Learning (PBL) model.
• Accelerated math instruction by at least one year.
• Uses research-based curricula and resources like Engineering is Elementary, and Junior Great Books.

Students will attend the following special area classes:

• Music/choir twice weekly
• 5th graders can also choose between Band, Orchestra, or Choir 
• Physical Education twice weekly
• Library once per week

• Supports for students with IEPs or 504s are available.
• Counseling supports are provided, including a full-time counselor.
• Clubs and enrichment opportunities are encouraged.

We want every student to reach their potential in an environment that is safe and free from learning distractions. Our goal is to ensure students are successful academically and that they leave ASPIRE Academy at Arredondo as responsible citizens. The Arredondo dress code was established to help increase a sense of pride for academic and social responsibility. 
See Dress Code 

Yes.
Students are provided an educational pathway to a self-contained gifted program located at ASPIRE Academy at Connolly Middle School from grades 6-8. 

Regional transportation for ASPIRE students has pick-up and drop-off locations at several schools within our district and is open to students who live inside and outside of our District boundaries.
General Busing Questions
(480) 642-1540
Email
Transportation

Yes! The City of Tempe's Kid Zone Enrichment Program is available at the ASPIRE Academy Campus and is a dynamic community response to changing lifestyles and needs of families in Tempe, Arizona. 

Contact (480) 897-2744 X4445 for more information.

Email: kidzone@tempe.gov 

Start: 7:50 a.m. End: 2:50 p.m.
Early Release: 1:00 p.m. Every Friday
Phone: (480) 897-2744
Gifted Education Office (480) 730-7373