City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Education

Telephone: (520) 225-6000

Address: 1010 E. 10th St.

Description: Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) was one of the first public school districts established in Arizona and today is the second-largest in the state, encompassing the most populated part of the metropolitan area—it covers 231 square miles. Beset by ongoing budget cuts, the district has been forced to close and merge schools within its boundaries. Despite this, there are many excellent schools and programs. Class sizes are limited to 28. Total enrollment in 2011 was 52,837 in 60 elementary schools (many with pre-K and all with full-day kindergarten), 14 middle schools including 2 magnet schools (Dodge and Utterback School of the Arts), 12 high schools, and 1 K–12 school.The high school count includes 5 magnet schools and the Museum School for the Visual Arts as well as 4 alternative schools, including 1 especially for teenage parents. Certain high schools offer Air Force and Army JRTOC, career and technical courses through JTED including fire science, culinary arts, automotive, and finance, and AP classes including Latin, Chinese, and Japanese.The district also has a dual credit program through Pima Community College where students can receive college credit for select courses. Dozens of programs and clubs at the high school level include astronomy, music theater, Future Farmers of America, forensics, and Special Olympics.All of the district’s schools operate on a traditional school-year calendar, which ends by late May and resumes in mid-Aug. Among the district’s most unique and popular features are its 19 magnet schools, which offer special curricula. Examples include math and science, engineering and technology, creative and performing arts, law, international studies, health, and aviation and aerospace.Unique schools in the district include Cholla High Magnet School, the only Pima County school that offers a 2-year international baccalaureate diploma program in addition to Arabic and Mandarin language programs, and the Ochoa Elementary School, which has introduced the Reggio Emilia educational program schoolwide.Another unique option provided to TUSD students is the opportunity to apply to University High School, which specializes in college-prep course work for very high-achieving students. Please note that students must meet admission criteria and pass an entrance exam to be selected to attend.A comprehensive support system for students with special needs is also available through the district. Most students receive special education services at their home school; however, there are specialized programs for students with complex needs. Gifted students in the district have access to self-contained classes for gifted and talented education, also known as GATE, at several elementary and middle schools.Programs continue to be offered after school lets out for the summer break. More details regarding these and other TUSD programs as well as updated information on school closings can be viewed at the district’s website. The district is one of the largest employers in Pima County.