We are very grateful for our Academy of Tucson community. We take this tremendous AOT community energy and harness it as momentum as we undergo our 2020-2021 back-to-school efforts.

We are delighted to welcome our new students and families to the dynamic year ahead. We also welcome our beloved returning students and families back for another Academy of Tucson adventure. You have all found your school family with us!

The Governor's Executive Order from July 23, 2020 allows school leaders to determine when it is best to return to in-person learning. Our Board of Directors recently approved continuing distance learning for the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. This decision will be reevaluated on or before the quarter ends, October 9, 2020. We begin distance learning on August 6, 2020!

Academy of Tucson distance learning approach

Academy of Tucson will begin the school year on Thursday, August 6, 2020, with a purposeful distance learning approach.

What does distance learning mean for my child?

Academy of Tucson distance learning means --

• All classes will be led by Academy of Tucson teachers.
• As needed, students will have access to school-issued Chromebooks.
• Access to virtual Specials and electives throughout the semester.
• Social and emotional supports will be available to promote student and family well-being.
• Students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities such as performing arts and high school athletics, following the in-person guidelines and safety measures.
• The special education team will work with families to schedule required in-person therapies, including teletherapy when appropriate.
• Students will have schedules and are expected to work for about 4 hours per day online. Most teachers will be in their classrooms, teaching 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.

What does blended learning mean for my child?

Academy of Tucson blended in-person student learning means --

• Students will participate in a blended model that provides both in-person and distance learning experiences. One possible example is: a student may learn in-person on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, on one week switch to Tuesday and Thursday the following week. On the days the students are not on campus, they will learn remotely using a teacher-provided digital curriculum.
• While on campus, students will adhere to all in-person learning protocols.
• This model allows for physical distancing by reducing the number of students in the classroom.
• Students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities such as performing arts and high school athletics, following the in-person guidelines and safety measures.
• As needed, students will have access to school-issued Chromebooks.
• Social and emotional supports will be available to promote student and family well-being.

Enhanced safety precautions

We have worked hard all summer to establish our enhanced safety precautions for when it is safe to attend in-person school again. Our Academy of Tucson general daily safety measures include:

Hand hygiene

• Frequent hand washing will be encouraged at regular intervals throughout the day with both soap and water and hand sanitizer.

Face coverings

• The most recent Governor's Executive Order (as of July 23, 2020) states that schools must require masks above age 5. The CDC recommends the use of face coverings for anyone above age 2. Face coverings are mandated in the classrooms and outside when social distancing is difficult.

Visitors on campus

• No outside visitors or volunteers except for the safety and well-being of students.
• Parents will report to the front office and not go beyond unless it is for the safety or well-being of their child.
• All visitors must follow all safety protocols.

Training and signage

• Training will be provided for all employees, students and parents on the expected safety protocols.
• There will be hand washing and sanitizing protocols. Signage will be posted throughout campuses. Classrooms will be cleaned in between sessions (within the blended model).

Front desks

• The front desks at each school have been outfitted with plexiglass. There will be hand sanitizer in each classroom, with refills as well as gloves.

Our plans and protocols are informed by the CDC and are being updated in real-time as we maintain our vigilance with the evolving landscape for Arizona and Pima County.

Please visit our Instagram, Facebook and Fall 2020 Reopening page for the most up-to-date school opening information! We are starting school — distance learning — on August 6th!

If you have any questions please call our three Academy of Tucson Campuses at:

Elementary School: 520-886-6076

Middle School: 520-749-1413

High School: 520-733-0096

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 with us!