Contributed article
PIMA — Pima Unified School District announced the new high school, located across U.S. Highway 70 from the Pima Speedway, will officially open its doors to students Aug. 6, and the district is making a pivotal shift to a comprehensive P-20 education system.
The transition to the new high school campus frees up valuable space in the former facility, enabling two key initiatives that will benefit students of all ages and the wider Gila Valley community.
Little Riders Academy: Nurturing Early Learners will occupy eight rooms in the former high school building. The new program will offer:
- Preschool space for more than 60 students aged 3 to 5, representing one in four projected kindergarten students
- Childcare services for children aged 0 to 5.
These programs will be staffed by the same high-quality teachers and aides from existing Pima School programs.
“Our goal is to give more children the opportunity to be well prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond,” said a district spokesperson.
At the other end of the old high school campus, the district is extending its partnership with Eastern Arizona College through the establishment of EAC at Pima.
A 12,000-square-foot career education building will be leased to EAC for the next 10 years. EAC plans to offer a variety of programs designed to develop marketable skills and personal interest courses. This collaboration represents a significant expansion of educational opportunities for students and the community.
A decade ago, Pima Schools began working towards a 2+2+2 program, aiming for students to complete a 30-credit EAC degree by high school graduation, then utilize EAC’s university partnerships to achieve a four-year degree by age 20. This vision is now part of a broader transition from a K-12 to a P-20 system.
While K-12 systems have served well for many years, P-20 systems provide crucial support for children aged 3 to 5, ensuring a strong foundation for learning. They also offer students access to the credentials needed for career and academic success after high school.
These changes will primarily benefit Pima residents, providing access to excellent local educational opportunities. However, due to declining birth rates, Pima Unified School District also has a limited number of seats available at each grade level for students residing outside the district.
Information on how to enroll is available on the district’s website at www.pimaschools.com.
