On Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) will host its first-ever Education Expo. This free event at Coronado High School will provide a one-stop opportunity for families to explore all 30 SUSD schools.
Families Valley-wide will be able to learn about the vast range of educational programs, services and opportunities available in SUSD in a marketplace-like setting inside the gymnasium.
“It’s the first time we’re putting all 30 of our schools, district departments, family and community services in one place so that all of our Scottsdale families and families across the Valley can really see everything that’s going on here,” Lea Mitchell, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, said. “With open enrollment being so widespread in Arizona, and families having so many choices, we are really proud of the options that we offer here.”
The Expo offers a comprehensive look at SUSD’s academic programs, specialized career pathways and extracurricular activities, from band and robotics to fine arts, firefighting and nursing, DLI (Dual Language Immersion), STEM and more. Families and students can meet and talk to principals, teachers and school and district representatives regarding all student and family support services.
Breakout sessions will cover specialized programs. The full list of sessions will be released soon.
Once you register for the Expo, you can create your own schedule for the evening by downloading and creating a SCHED account. From the app, you’ll be able to learn about all the breakout sessions and select the ones you are most interested in.
For those unable to attend the event, or if attendees miss any sessions or information, presentations and materials from them will remain available on the SCHED app.
“There is no question that’s silly. Where you send your child to school is a critically important decision that we know parents put a lot of thought and consideration into,” Mitchell said. “We just aim to support their decision, provide the information they need and get them excited about their student’s educational journey.”
Once parents and students have the opportunity to see all their options in SUSD, they can set up tours of their favorite schools throughout the rest of November, December and January. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 and is open year-round.
Families will have the opportunity to meet current students, who will serve as ambassadors for their school and answer questions about their learning experiences.
“In Scottsdale, it’s not just about the time students sit in the seats in their schoolhouse, it’s about the life they get to live as a member of the SUSD community and organization,” Mitchell said.
Teachers and principals from all 30 schools will get to learn from you what your kid loves to do, their goals and what they're successful at. They’ll help guide each family in the right direction to find the school that best fits them. In SUSD, there’s academic programming to meet every student's needs and interests.
“When kids start to find their passion area, if there’s not a huge and robust program for it at their current school, we have options for them right here in SUSD,” Mitchell said. “There are amazing opportunities that your schools are working so hard to provide to students in your community. Come with an open mind. As you will discover, it’s really mind-blowing what kids have access to learn now.”
Kindergarten Roundup events are in full swing this month; they are offered again in January and February. Check the schedule online at susd.org/kindergarten.
For more information about the Education Expo, visit susd.org/expo. To learn more about SUSD and its 30 schools, visit susd.org.
SUSD is a member of the Queen Creek Sun Times Preferred Business Program.
