- Phoenix #1
- School Consolidations
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Reimagine Phoenix #1
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School Consolidations: Strengthening Our Future Together
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide quality education while addressing financial challenges, the Phoenix Elementary School District has made the difficult decision to close Paul Laurence Dunbar School and Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary School at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Dunbar students will transition to Bethune or Magnet Traditional, and Heard students will join Capitol or Magnet Traditional. We are confident that these schools are ready to welcome their new students and provide them with an excellent educational experience.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
This decision was driven by a combination of factors, including declining enrollment, reduced federal funding, and the operation of multiple schools below capacity. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the district, we must consolidate resources and focus on maintaining high-quality programs and services.
Supporting Our Families Through the Transition
We understand that changes like these can be challenging, and we are committed to supporting our students and families during this time. Here’s how we’re ensuring a smooth transition:
- Information Meetings: We will hold meetings at the affected schools to provide updates and answer questions.
- Support for Special Populations: We will continue to meet the needs of students receiving special education, English Language Learners, and other essential services.
- Transportation Plans: We will develop transportation options to ensure students can easily access their schools.
- School-Based Transition Teams: Each school will have a team dedicated to helping students and families navigate the transition.
- Family Engagement: We value your input and will work closely with families to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
- Repurposing School Buildings: We are committed to ensuring that no school buildings remain empty and will explore options to repurpose them in a way that benefits the community.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: We will collaborate with local partners to enhance services and programs for students and families during and after the transition.
The Path Forward: Focusing on What Matters Most
While closing schools is a difficult decision, we believe these changes will ultimately strengthen our district’s programs. By consolidating resources, we can ensure that we continue to provide smaller class sizes, full-day kindergarten, preschool, and vital student support services—priorities that are essential to the success and well-being of our students.
We are grateful for your continued support as we move forward with this transition. Together, we will ensure a bright future for all Phoenix #1 students.
Important Information
Bethune Elementary School
1310 S. 15th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007
Grades: Preschool – 8
Hours: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Specialty program: Health Careers PathwaysUniforms
Top Navy Gray White Bottom Black Navy Khaki Capitol Elementary School
330 N. 16th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007
Grades: Preschool – 8
Hours: 8:15 am – 3:15 pmUniforms
Top Navy White Bottom Khaki Navy Magnet Traditional School
2602 N. 23rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Grades: Kindergarten – 8
Hours: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Specialty Program: Math and Science AcademyUniforms
Top Navy White Bottom Khaki Navy
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Do I need to go and enroll my child at another school in the district, or will their information be sent over to the new school?
We will reach out to all families to determine which school they would like their child to attend. You will have the opportunity to make this decision, and then we will automatically enroll your student.
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Can my child attend any school in the district if they have an IEP?
While we must first ensure that the school offers the services detailed in your child’s IEP, each case will be reviewed individually. The school your child attends must be able to meet the needs outlined in their IEP. For students transitioning due to school closures, we are already working on a transition plan for the ED program to Bethune, and our Director of Exceptional Services will meet with all affected families to provide more information.
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If my child has an IEP, will they be accepted for open enrollment at other schools in the district?
Yes, we accept enrollment for students with IEPs within district boundaries. Our Exceptional Student Services (ESS) department will review applications to ensure the school has the capacity and resources to meet the child’s needs. For families living outside of the district, our ESS team will also review applications and determine whether the school can meet the needs of the child based on their IEP. You will receive a determination within two days of your request.
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Will the current bus stops continue for students who were outside of the school’s walking distance?
We are working on a transportation plan that includes both community stops in areas where transportation was already available and school hub stops. These will be used to transport students to their new schools (Capitol, Bethune, or Magnet). A full list of stops will be shared with families soon.
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Can I choose a different school in the district?
Yes, families are welcome to choose a different school. Our enrollment specialist can help you find the school and program that best meets your needs. For assistance, please contact Claudia Cardenas at 602-523-5757.
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What changes will I see with my students’ schedules and ability to choose their specials?
The bell schedule will change to accommodate more efficient transportation routes, but students’ overall schedules will remain similar to prior years. In middle school, there will be more teachers available in each content area, giving students more opportunities to choose specialized courses.
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How does the curriculum differ between schools?
Phoenix #1 follows a district-wide curriculum for ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, so all students across our schools receive the same high-quality content in these subjects.
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Will this change better prepare our students for high school?
Yes, consolidating resources allows us to offer more grade-level specific content and specialized instruction. With a larger, more diverse middle school, we can provide better collaboration among teachers and offer more academic programming that supports students’ transitions to high school.
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How will you build community and morale between the schools?
Social workers at each campus will plan team-building activities and other events to foster integration between students and families from different schools. This will be an ongoing process as we work to create a unified school community.
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What are the benefits of this change to students?
By consolidating schools, we will provide students with access to more teachers who are specialized in their content areas. A larger, more diverse middle school offers greater opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth, providing a more authentic middle school experience that better prepares students for high school.
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Did we retain students who moved from previous school consolidations?
Yes, after consolidating Dunbar’s middle school, we retained 84% of students in the first year, and that number has increased to 93% in the 2024-2025 school year. Similarly, the consolidation of Emerson’s middle school to Whittier retained 82% of students.
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How will you support English learners?
All students who qualify for English Language Learner (ELL) services will continue to receive those services regardless of which campus they attend. With fewer schools to serve students, we will be able to better concentrate our services based on need and provide more targeted support.
