2014
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NBRS Badge for Mesquite Elementary School

Mesquite Elementary School - Tucson, AZ

Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Halvorson, working with students at Reading Groups.

Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Halvorson, working with students at Reading Groups.

Welcome to Mesquite Elementary School located in the vast Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona. Surrounded by the beautiful Catalina, Rincon, and Santa Rita mountains, Mesquite Elementary is nestled within the growing community of Rita Ranch. Founded in 1999, Mesquite has had a strong history of success due to the partnership between parents, students, staff and the community. Mesquite relies heavily on these relationships for the common purpose of student success. The educational excellence at Mesquite Elementary School has remained constant over the years, thanks to the stringent academic standards that have been kept firmly intact. Mesquite Elementary has received the state’s highest label for 11 consecutive years. As one of Arizona’s highest achieving elementary schools, Mesquite continues to lead the way in innovative practices including Chinese Immersion, Math Reteach and Enrich, Media Center Enrichment, Response to Intervention, and Bell to Bell Learning. The needs of all learners are continually addressed. Decisions are data driven, identifying students’ needs using systematic, formative and quarterly assessments. We have a knowledgeable, educated, flexible staff who continuously focus on increasing the depth of knowledge in the classroom and thrives on best practices. Our teachers’ expectations are that all Mesquite students can and will succeed. We remain true to a mission that strives for excellence and have created a culture of high expectations for academic achievement. Together, we rise to conquer challenges and successfully prepare our students for the constantly evolving profile of the 21st century learner.

2014 Awardee

Mesquite Elementary School

9455 East Rita Road
Tucson, AZ, 85747-6300

(520) 879-2100

Principal at time of Nomination:
Mrs. Katie Ellen Dabney

Charter School, Title I School

Vail Unified District

Suburban with characteristics typical of an urban area

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Mission

The mission of Mesquite Elementary School is to provide a positive/safe environment in order to nurture academic achievement, self-leadership and understanding of our diverse community.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 4%
  • Black/African American: 6%
  • Hispanic: 35%
  • White: 51%
  • Two or more races: 4%
  • ELL: 2%
  • Economically Disadvantaged: 33%
  • Application