Mirada is one of Kyrene’s top schools—yet the district has proposed closing it. Families choose Mirada for its excellence, leadership, and community, and we’re fighting to keep it open.
Mirada is an A+ School of Excellence, ranked among the top Arizona elementary schools by U.S. News, and the only Leader in Me Lighthouse School in Chandler. More than 60% of families actively choose Mirada from outside its boundaries, and retains 78% enrollment of its current eligible school boundary residents (one of the highest in the district). Its long-tenured teachers, thriving leadership programs, and deep community partnerships make it a model of excellence.
The Kyrene Long-Range Planning Committee has proposed closing Kyrene de la Mirada and splitting its community into three as part of a district-wide plan to reduce schools due to declining enrollment. Despite this, Mirada is one of the district’s top-performing schools and a cornerstone of the community.
It offers a self-contained gifted program integrated with general education, providing inclusion not found in a standalone academy. One of the largest CCD programs in the district that serves students with cross-categorical disabilities and ensures equitable access. It boasts a diverse range of students, including a high number of English Learners (the second highest number of English Learners in the district – including Middle Schools – according to state reporting data) and Free/Reduced Lunch Recipients. It serves a large number of preschoolers, including an integrated program, which offers an exciting first learning experience for both children who are typically developing, as well as children who are experiencing delays in their development. When preschool enrollment is included for all schools, Mirada has the second-highest total elementary school enrollment in the district.
From a large, active PTO and Watch D.O.G.S. program to on-campus programs and family events supporting the local community, this campus is a true community anchor. This is precisely what keeps families in Kyrene rather than drifting to charters or neighboring districts.
Family-Friendly Rally Guidelines Safety First: Stay on public property (sidewalks, designated rally areas). Do not block entrances, driveways, or fire lanes. • Follow all traffic and pedestrian laws — use crosswalks, do not step into the street. Look out for each other. If someone feels unwell, step aside and call for help. Hydrate & prepare. …
Family-Friendly Rally Guidelines Safety First: Stay on public property (sidewalks, designated rally areas). Do not block entrances, driveways, or fire lanes. • Follow all traffic and pedestrian laws — use crosswalks, do not step into the street. Look out for each other. If someone feels unwell, step aside and call for help. Hydrate & prepare. …
Family-Friendly Rally Guidelines Safety First: Stay on public property (sidewalks, designated rally areas). Do not block entrances, driveways, or fire lanes. • Follow all traffic and pedestrian laws — use crosswalks, do not step into the street. Look out for each other. If someone feels unwell, step aside and call for help. Hydrate & prepare. …
Closing Mirada would displace students, overburden nearby schools that are already near or above capacity, and weaken Kyrene’s competitive standing in the East Valley. Mirada Strong believes there is no reason to close one of the district’s most successful schools—Mirada should remain open and continue to serve as an example of what public education can be.
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