Located in DC Ranch in the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), Copper Ridge offers students the opportunity to stay at the same school starting at Pre-K until they graduate from middle school.
With students able to start at just 4 years old, the culture and community at Copper Ridge has grown since it first opened in 2001.
Originally from California, new principal Brittany Walker earned both her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Arizona State University. She holds Arizona principal and elementary teaching certificates.
“I have a passion for education. I knew since being in kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher. Once I started teaching, I wanted to make a bigger impact, not only on the students, but also the teachers and the community,” Walker said. “I truly believe that as a leader, the social and emotional part for students is just as important as the academics, especially during the foundational years of Pre-K through third grade.”
With approximately 600 students currently enrolled, the school offers a full-day kindergarten program. Starting in kindergarten through fifth grade, Copper Ridge offers special areas of study in P.E., art, and music. There’s also library and computer lab time. Students rotate through these special areas during the course of the week. For any parents who need before- and after-school care, Copper Ridge offers its fee-based Kids Club starting at 6:30 a.m. After-school care is available until 6:30 p.m.
Once students get to middle school, they are able to choose two electives to take each semester, in addition to their core classes. Students also have the option to participate in a variety of athletics each quarter. The school houses a full-size gym, two auditoriums, a cafeteria, outdoor fields and three playground areas.
There is also a gifted program for students who learn at a faster pace. Middle school students have the opportunity to take honors courses in the areas of math, language arts, science and social studies.
Walker says Copper Ridge’s main goals are to grow student enrollment, elevate academic excellence (SUSD’s theme of this school year), and focus on character development by following “The CRS (Character, Responsibility, Safety) Way.”
“That’s what we’re really focusing on on campus … coming together as one team that has the same shared vision and values, and working together towards elevating excellence in all areas,” Walker said. “We want to have high expectations, but at the same time, we focus on giving the students the tools and support to reach those high expectations and academics.”
“All of our goals are aligned to SUSD’s Strategic Plan, specifically character development and developing students to have problem-solving skills that will help them in their future years.”
Another thing that sets Copper Ridge apart from other schools is uniforms. As only one of three schools in the district that requires uniforms, Walker explains how they create a sense of unity among the students and elevate the school’s culture.
“Almost half of our staff are veteran teachers, which I think deeply impacts the community here in a positive way because everyone feels like family,” Walker said. “If you were to come on campus and ask staff, parents in the community or students what they love about Copper Ridge, a lot of them would say it feels like family.”
Tours of this premier K-8 SUSD school are always available and highly recommended! Principal Walker encourages families to see for themselves the great things Copper Ridge has to offer. During tours, Walker will answer your questions, take you and your potential Trailblazer students into classrooms and introduce you to the many resources available on campus.
With an on-site guidance counselor, social worker, school psychologist, athletic director, school resource officer and a full-time nurse, students have access to support at any time.
Book your tour online at copperridge.susd.org or by contacting the school’s front desk at 480-484-1400. For more information about SUSD, visit susd.org.
SUSD is a member of the Queen Creek Sun Times Preferred Business Program.
