Academy of Tucson awakens passionate learners with our focus on growth mindsets. Our rigorous, traditional curriculum and smaller class sizes ensure every student gets personalized attention. Even in an online learning environment — we are close-knit, personally connected and positive. 

Our certified teachers create encouraging, caring educations in a safe and supportive learning environment. Every student is known by name — not only to faculty — but also to staff, administrators and other students. And as this year gets underway online - we still commit to knowing everyone’s names and learning all we can about one another - until we can safely be together in the classroom. 

By keeping class sizes small, Academy of Tucson meets each student where they are. Every student blossoms with individualized attention, fostering independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Principal Hancock working online  

Over the summer we received funds from the CARES Act. This is allowing us to extend the hours of our social worker at our Academy of Tucson Middle School. We also hired another Google certified instructor to train our faculty on best practices and we rounded out our spending on PPE and sanitization supplies. 

We have had many families reach out with questions and concerns about our reopening and our plans for the year ahead. Keep them coming! We are happy to answer anything we can — to help keep you and all of our students — safe and healthy. Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions and how we are adapting:

• What distance learning platforms will Academy of Tucson use? 

All students and teachers will use Google Classroom. They will be utilizing Zoom for classroom meetings. 

• Will there be shorter days during the soft opening between 8/6-8/17? Will kids have 1:1 meetings with their teachers online to meet them?

Students will have schedules and are expected to work for about 4 hours per day online. Teachers will be in their classrooms, working remotely. The goal is for students to work in the mornings with about 2 hours in the afternoon for homework, teacher follow-up and/or tutoring. 

• How will we meet our newest Kinder and first grade students and help all of our AOT new students to acclimate?

There will be virtual and written communication for new student orientation, depending on ages of students. 

 

Back to School 2020 

• Will there be traditional grades?

Yes. Elementary will be in cohorts when we return to in-person instruction, and specials will travel. Currently, middle and high school students will transition from class-to-class. We are looking at solutions to adhere to social distancing guidelines, such as staggering release times. 

• What protocols are in place at the three campuses for when schools do reopen? 

The front desks at each school have been outfitted with plexiglass. There will be hand sanitizer in each room, with refills. Gloves will be stocked in each classroom. Regular hand-washing will be encouraged and scheduled throughout the school day. Signage will be posted throughout campus. 

• Masks and PPE - will the school give them out if needed?

Masks will be available if needed and required for all students in all classrooms. Students are encouraged to bring their own clean mask daily.

• Any new sanitation protocols/signage up around the campuses we can mention and show details of?

There will be hand washing and sanitizing protocols. Signage will be posted throughout campuses. Classrooms will be cleaned in between sessions if applicable. 

• Are visitors and volunteering off limits for the foreseeable future?

Yes.

• How will HS kids move about campus when the time comes? Middle school?

We are considering our best options such as setup lines for transition traffic, staggered release times.

• What is happening for Theatre? Band and choir? Sports and extracurriculars?

Performing and visual arts classes will be available in distance learning. When they return to in-person, they will follow CDC guidelines for music classes. For sports, fall sports will not start until it is safe to do so. As of right now, practices will not begin at the start of the school year. There will be no in-person school events in the fall. 

Our AOTES smile by in March

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 

Do you have questions about reopening, distance learning or enrollment? We are here to help. Give us a call today. 

Elementary School: 520-886-6076

Middle School: 520-749-1413

High School: 520-733-0096

Campus Tours:  

To ensure everyone's safety, our campuses are open for tours 9 AM-3 PM by appointment only. In accordance with the Tucson/Pima County mask mandate, masks must be worn during tours. Please call to schedule.

About AOT

Since 1986, Academy of Tucson public charter schools partner rigorous, traditional curriculum in smaller and more innovative classrooms, ensuring an individualized education for every student. Academy of Tucson’s public charter school district comprises three schools – an elementary, middle and high school and regularly receives an “A” average rating from the state of Arizona. Academy of Tucson is very proud of its 100% graduation rate. Come find your new school family at Academy of Tucson!