Winter 2026 Scene
The Madison Scene - Winter 2026
Inspiring passion for learning and leading
From the Governing Board
Dear Madison Community,
I have been honored to serve on the Board since January 2023, and grateful to serve as Governing Board President throughout 2025. I am particularly thankful and continually impressed by our teachers, staff, and students, who strive for excellence in big and small ways every day. Their caring, curiosity, and growth mindset are inspiring. I am also proud of the impact of our broader community. Whether it is families or volunteers serving our students and our schools; artistic, nonprofit, or corporate partners connecting with us and our families; or voters supporting our bonds and overrides—your engagement empowers our district to stand out as a destination for excellent education. Thank you for your continued support of the Madison School District!
Gratefully, Christine Thompson
Outgoing Madison Governing Board President
Dear Madison Community,
It is with great pride that I step into the role of President of the Madison Elementary School District Governing Board. Having lived in North Central Phoenix for 30 years and raised three children who thrived in our schools, I have seen firsthand how Madison’s commitment to excellence benefits students and our entire community.
At Madison, we support the whole child. Our schools provide a well-rounded education that blends strong academics with opportunities in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
We are committed to nurturing each child’s potential and preparing them to lead in an ever-changing world. We are also dedicated to being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Every dollar invested in Madison supports high-quality educational experiences that helps shape skilled, accomplished individuals who will strengthen our community.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will ensure Madison students have the opportunities they need to thrive for years to come.
Yours in service, Mitra Khazai
Incoming Madison Governing Board President
Bond Projects & Financial Updates
Thanks to the continued support from our community, exciting construction projects have been happening around Madison.
Madison Meadows Gymnasium: The new gymnasium opened in January. This multi-purpose space features a flexible-use room, locker rooms, concessions, storage, and more.
Madison Rose Lane Rebuild: Phase one of the rebuild is on track for completion in July 2026 and will include new classrooms, office space, and a gymnasium.
Madison Park Addition: The six-classroom addition and new collaboration space at Park welcomed students in January.
Awards & Celebrations
Our students, staff, and schools are recognized for their achievements and excellence at the local, state, and national levels.
Six Madison schools were ranked in the U.S. News and World Report Best Elementary Schools and U.S. News Best Middle Schools in Arizona! U.S. News and World Report published the rankings on more than 80,000 public elementary and middle schools across the United States. Congratulations to Madison Simis Elementary, Madison Heights Elementary, Madison Rose Lane Elementary, Madison No. 1 Middle School, Madison Meadows Middle School, and Madison Traditional Academy.
We also celebrate our schools recognized through the Positive Behavior Intervention & Support System (PBIS). Madison’s PBIS framework fosters safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where students can succeed academically and socially. The PBISaz Achievement Awards honor schools that demonstrate excellence in implementing school-wide systems that promote positive behavior and strong community values. This year, Madison schools were recognized across multiple award levels, highlighting their continued commitment to student well-being and success.
The Madison Education Foundation recently concluded its Fall Education Teacher’s Grant cycle, awarding a record-breaking $11,182 to support innovative classroom projects across the district. This marks the largest single grant cycle award total in the Foundation’s history. The grants are awarded to Madison teachers to help bring new and exciting projects to their classrooms. This year grant money was used for STEAM projects, dance rooms, art supplies, MakerSpaces, and so much more! 15 teachers received grants at six of our schools.
The Foundation also held its second annual Trivia Night in September. The event was sold out and raised over $10,000. All proceeds from the event go directly back to the Madison School District.
In addition, Madison Elementary School District received the prestigious “Gold Turnip the Beet! Award” from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This national honor recognizes outstanding summer meal program sponsors who provide high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals to children. Madison’s Food & Nutrition Services team remains committed to nourishing students year-round, helping them grow, thrive, and return to school ready to learn.
Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications
It’s more than a meal application! We encourage all families to fill out the free and reduced price meal application to determine if they are eligible for this benefit. As a result of funding approved for the 2025-2026 school year by the Arizona Department of Education, families who qualify for either free or reduced-price meals do not pay anything for school breakfast or lunch.
In addition to free and reduced-price meals, families may qualify for reduced prices on other important services. Schools also receive additional funding based on the number of families who qualify, which provides valuable opportunities and important resources for students. During the school year, paper applications are available in your school’s front office or café or can be filled out online anytime at linqconnect.com.
Visit madisonaz.org/foodandnutrition or scan to learn more and fill out an application!
Inspire Your Child's Passion for Learning & Leading
Madison School District offers a variety of Signature Programs which allows families to choose the type of education that is right for their child.
REACH and Gifted Programs
Madison’s gifted programs are designed to meet the unique educational needs of gifted students at every age. We offer several specialized programs that challenge and support K – 8 students in reaching their full academic potential; the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Models (SCGM) for grades K – 4, Honors/Advanced for grades 5 – 8, and at two Madison schools, REACH - Profoundly Gifted for grades 1 – 8.
Offered at: Madison Heights Elementary and Madison Park Middle School
Visual & Performing Arts
Madison’s Visual & Performing Arts program offers K – 8 grade students a rich and diverse arts education, with opportunities to explore a variety of electives, including art, dance, music, and theater. Students also have the opportunity to perform at the Madison Center for the Arts.
Professional dance floors, dedicated theater spaces, and teachers certified in the arts provide students with the ideal environment to explore their artistic endeavors. Through this program, students develop creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Offered at: Madison Rose Lane Elementary and Madison No. 1 Middle School
Traditional Academy
Madison Traditional Academy (MTA) is the only preschool – 8th grade school in the Madison School District. MTA focuses on cultivating a solid foundation of fundamental and higher-level thinking skills through a structured and sequential curriculum. Students are challenged to excel academically through a rigorous program, working one year above grade level in math and engaging in an advanced language arts curriculum.
Offered at: Madison Traditional Academy
Spanish Immersion
Students enrolled in the Madison Heights Elementary 50/50 Spanish Immersion program receive half of their academic content in Spanish, including science and social studies.
Madison provides a seamless transition to the Spanish Immersion program at Madison No. 1 Middle School, where middle school students participate in Spanish acquisition classes. Madison’s Spanish Immersion students emerge as confident, culturally experienced, fluent Spanish speakers who are prepared for academic success.
Offered at: Madison Heights Elementary and Madison No. 1 Middle School
STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math
Madison’s STEAM signature program offers an educational experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom and teaches students to engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate.
Through hands-on, engaging activities and projects, students develop a strong foundation for future success and have the opportunities and skills to innovate, create, and lead. Through our STEAM program, students develop the critical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in STEAM-focused high schools and beyond.
Offered at: Madison Camelview Elementary and Madison Park Middle School
International Baccalaureate®
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Programme is designed to develop inquiring, caring, knowledgeable, and young individuals who are prepared to work, live, and make positive contributions in a complex and evolving global society. The IB framework emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning, fostering students’ natural curiosity and encouraging them to build on their existing knowledge.
Offered at: Madison Simis Elementary and Madison Meadows Middle School
Open enrollment applications are now available for the 2026-2027 school year. Visit madisonaz.org/enroll to learn more!
NEW Gifted Kindergarten
Madison Elementary School District is proud to launch its new full-day Gifted Kindergarten program, specifically designed to meet the unique educational and developmental needs of our district’s youngest gifted learners.
This specialized program offers an enhanced and enriched kindergarten curriculum and differentiated instruction to ensure every student reaches their full potential. The Madison Gifted Kindergarten teacher is endorsed in gifted education and has experience teaching advanced students. Flexible pacing of the program will allow students to learn at their own rate, and flexible grouping maximizes time for exploration of critical and creative thinking. As with all programs across Madison, the Gifted Kindergarten program also integrates support for students’ social-emotional growth and development, with attention to the unique needs of each child. Students in the Gifted Kindergarten program will also participate in the school’s special area classes and in grade-level activities and field trips.
The Madison Gifted Kindergarten program will be located on the campus of Madison Heights Elementary School, with the first class beginning in August 2026.
Key Program Features
- Expert Instruction: The Gifted Kindergarten teacher is endorsed in gifted education and has experience teaching advanced students.
- Flexible Pacing: Students learn at their own rate.
- Flexible Grouping: Maximizes time for the exploration of critical and creative thinking.
- Integrated Support: Support for students’ social-emotional growth and development, with attention to the unique needs of each child.
- School Integration: Students participate in the school’s special area classes and are included in grade-level activities and field trips.
- Future Placement: Excellent starting point for future placement within one of our many gifted programs.
Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications
It’s more than a meal application! We encourage all families to fill out the free and reduced price meal application to determine if they are eligible for this benefit. As a result of funding approved for the 2025-2026 school year by the Arizona Department of Education, families who qualify for either free or reduced-price meals do not pay anything for school breakfast or lunch.
In addition to free and reduced-price meals, families may qualify for reduced prices on other important services. Schools also receive additional funding based on the number of families who qualify, which provides valuable opportunities and important resources for students. During the school year, paper applications are available in your school’s front office or café or can be filled out online anytime at linqconnect.com.
Visit madisonaz.org/foodandnutrition to learn more and fill out an application!
Madison Education Foundation Gala
Saddle Up and Sparkle for Madison School District!
Join the Madison Education Foundation for our “Denim and Diamonds” Gala on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 as we fundraise for the Madison School District. The night will be filled with food, fun, and philanthropy. Enjoy live entertainment, a silent auction, and more, all while benefiting the students of the Madison School District.
Visit madisonaz.org/mef to learn more, buy tickets, and become a sponsor!
A Front-Row Seat to the Arts
Madison is excited to offer the Madison Matinee series, which features educational performances that happen during the school day for Madison students to attend completely free of charge. These performances are intended to enhance and enrich the educational experience of our students by exposing them to the arts. Performances during the 2025-2026 school year will include Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, Omnium Circus, The Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Operatunity, Mariachi Sol de México, and more.
To learn more about The Madison Center for the Arts and upcoming community shows, visit themadison.org.
Join the Madison Team
At Madison, you'll find a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters collaboration, growth, and development. We take pride in our positive atmosphere and strong sense of community, making it not just a job, but a place where careers flourish.
Current opportunities:
- Bus Drivers
- Before & After School Program Club Leaders (MAC)
- Teachers & Guest Teachers
- Special Education Paraprofessionals
- Custodians
- And More!
Visit madisonaz.org/jobs to hear from our amazing staff members about why they love working at Madison!
“Being a part of the Madison School District is like having a home away from home. It is a pleasure to come into work everyday.”
Gabriela Garcia, Madison Bus Driver
“Madison has such a great community, everyday there are welcoming smiles all around from staff, kids, and the parents! Madison shows a shining example of what a district portrays; excellence, a nurturing environment, and unwavering support for students.”
Alexis Thompson, Site Coordinator
