We want to thank everyone who participated in our Academy of Tucson survey regarding the reopening of our campuses. We heard your wishes that we move forward, prioritizing these 3 things:

1. The health and safety of all
2. Ensuring the quality student learning to which we are accustomed
3. A sense of normalcy and routine to help tie it all together

It is for these reasons that the Academy of Tucson will be starting school as planned via distance learning on Thursday August 6, 2020, and will continue for the first semester, unless it is deemed safe to return to in-person instruction after the first quarter. Here's a breakdown of our flexible learning options!

What does distance learning mean for my child?

Distance learning means --

• All classes will be led by Academy of Tucson teachers.
• Students will have access to school-issued Chromebooks as needed.
• 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.

What does blended learning mean for my child?

Blended in-person student learning means --

• Students will participate in a blended model that provides both in-person and distance learning experiences. For example, 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.
• We allow for physical distancing by reducing the number of students in the classroom using this model.
• 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.

General daily safety measures

Hand hygiene

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.
• Signage will be posted and visible throughout the campus.

What does in-person learning mean for my child?

The in-person student day means --

Before leaving home

• A parent will check their child for any symptoms that would prevent them from attending/remaining at school.
• A parent will check that their child has at least one clean face covering and a filled and labeled water bottle with them.

At school

• Physical distancing will be expected.
• Face coverings may be required, per local or state mandates.
• Students will proceed directly to their classrooms; common and recreational areas will be closed before and after school.
• Student transitions will be minimized; teachers will transition rooms.
• At elementary recess, classrooms will stay together and limit the sharing of equipment.
• The Principal will meet with families to address concerns of students with unique health considerations.
• The social and emotional needs of our students and employees continues to be a priority and will be a focus for the 2020-21 school year.

In the classroom

• Desks will be physically distanced and facing forward.
• Materials will not be shared.
• Electives/Specials will observe classroom physical distancing and safety protocols.
• Cleaning solutions will be available in the classroom for spot sanitization as needed.
• Sanitization will take place between AM and PM sessions.

At lunch

• Students will eat in the classroom when possible.
• Class groupings will be spaced apart when classroom dining is not an option.
• Additional lunch groupings may be added to allow for physical distancing.
• Athletics and extracurricular activities Athletics will follow league-recommended guidelines.
• Visual and performing arts will follow specific safety protocols that include frequent sanitation of shared instruments and no sharing of woodwind instruments or supplies when possible.
• Student and staff field trips or travel have been canceled for fall semester.
• School events (assemblies, concerts, etc.) will be modified or rescheduled. Virtual events will be held whenever possible.
• Within the school ecosystem the preferred method is Google Meet while outside activities may be conducted via Zoom.

General daily safety measures

Hand hygiene

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.
• Signage will be posted and visible throughout the campus.

You can read our Academy Of Tucson superintendent Jose Garcia’s full letter here.

Our most recent update from Governor Ducey was July 23. He signed an Executive Order allowing 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. Check our Fall 2020 Reopening page regularly for updates regarding these plans. At Academy of Tucson, we will resume our distance learning together on Thursday, August 6, 2020.

For questions or to make an appointment for a tour:

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:

Academy of Tucson Elementary School: 520-886-6076 

Academy of Tucson Middle School: 520-749-1413 

Academy of Tucson 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!