ADAMS TRADITIONAL ACADEMY
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE & CHARTER SCHOOL FAQ'S

Teacher Salaries
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In accordance with A.R.S. §15-189.05, as added by Laws 2018, Ch. 285,§3, a school’s budget shall include the prominent display of the average salary of all teachers employed by the school for the budget and prior years, and the increase in the average salary of all teachers employed by the school for the budget year reported in dollars and percentage.
AVERAGE TEACHER SALARY (A.R.S. §15-189.05), as added by Laws 2018, Ch. 285, §3
Average salary of all teachers employed in the budget year 2023:
$46,130
Average salary of all teachers employed in the prior year 2022:
$45,371
Increase in average teacher salary from the prior year 2022:
$759
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Percentage increase:
1.7%
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Increase in average teacher salary from the prior year 2022:
$759
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Percentage increase:
17%
COMMON QUESTIONS
Curious how charter schools work and what sets them apart? Adams Traditional Academy is a free, public charter school in North Phoenix that meets and exceeds Arizona state education standards. Learn how our structured, traditional curriculum and proven teaching methods help students thrive from kindergarten through 8th grade.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school whose operation is autonomous from the local school district and based on a contract with the State Board of Education. It is funded by the government in much the same way other public schools are, but may be initiated and run by a group of parents, educators, and/or community members who define the school’s philosophy, curriculum, governance and fiscal practices under the guidelines of state and federal law. Charter schools typically focus on a special curriculum approach, a new school organization approach or some other feature that sets them apart from local district school offerings.
Why do we need charter schools?
People need a choice in education to address the different learning needs of their children. For most families, local district schools work well for them, however there are many who need something different but may lack the resources to pursue other options such as private schools and home schools. Charter schools were established to provide additional academic choices within the public school system. Their purpose is to continue to improve student learning, encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods, create new professional opportunities, establish new models of schools and measurement tools, and provide greater opportunities for parental involvement.
How does a charter grade school benefit the community?
Besides offering a choice in education, a charter grade school can help relieve some of the overcrowding in existing district schools without placing undue burdens on taxpayers. As non-profit organizations, charter schools raise funds or secure private financing for their facilities without bonds or tax levies. A charter school is one less school a district needs to bond for. As schools of choice, meaning parents choose them, charter schools provide a beneficial and healthy pressure within the public education system to be more responsive to parents and students, and evaluate improvement. The presence of charter schools in a community often results in increased performance across all surrounding schools. Charter schools typically engage local businesses and other organizations to help provide resources and services to the school and its families, and utilize volunteer service and parent involvement which saves money and encourages stronger working relationships among educators, parents and the community.
Does a charter grade school take money from public schools?
Are charter schools subject to the same laws as other public schools?
Are charter grade schools subject to meet state standards, state testing, AZMerit?
A charter school is a public school whose operation is autonomous from the local school district and based on a contract with the State Board of Education. It is funded by the government in much the same way other public schools are, but may be initiated and run by a group of parents, educators, and/or community members who define the school’s philosophy, curriculum, governance and fiscal practices under the guidelines of state and federal law. Charter schools typically focus on a special curriculum approach, a new school organization approach or some other feature that sets them apart from local district school offerings.
Yes. Laws regarding religion in schools, school fees and tuition, health and safety, civil rights, annual reports, and most other matters are the same as other public schools.
Yes. Like all public schools, charter grade schools are required to meet all state standards, participate in AzMerit testing and applicable accountability requirements.
Does Adams Traditional Academy charge tuition?
No. Charter schools are public schools and as such may not charge tuition or require students or parents to make monetary contributions (although donations are accepted and appreciated). Charter schools are subject to the same rules regarding school fees as other public schools.
Is Adams Traditional Academy's enrollment limited to certain types of students?
No. A charter grade school is part of the public education system and is open to all students, without discrimination, on the same basis as other public schools. Like all public schools, charter schools are required to provide access and services to all students, including students with disabilities and those who are limited English proficient. If the number of applicants exceeds the available capacity of the grade levels within the school, students are selected at random by lottery. Enrollment preferences are extended for siblings of enrolled students.
What is the average classroom size at Adams Traditional Academy?
ATA’s class sizes average 25 students in grades 1 through 8 and 20 in kindergarten. In addition, many classes have an aide present in the classroom with the teacher, bringing the teacher/student ratio down to about thirteen.
Does Adams Traditional Academy require uniforms?
ATA believes a dress standard is a necessary element in promoting a healthy learning environment, including equality, citizenship and school pride. The school has adopted a uniform-style dress standard that attending students are required to abide by.
Does Adams Traditional Academy operate on a standard or year-round schedule?
The enrollment of ATA is limited to a specific capacity, making a year-round schedule unnecessary. ATA operates on a standard school schedule and closely aligns its calendar with the Deer Valley School District to accommodate those families who may have other children that attend local district schools.
Is there bus service for Adams Traditional Academy?
We have a bus route from Anthem traveling along the I-17 corridor. If you live north of the school and are interested in service, please stop by the office and pick up the information packet. This packet includes an introduction letter along with bus routes and an acknowledgment page. A signed acknowledge page is required for each child riding the bus. There is a fee to ride the bus. Parents and families of the Choice Academies schools are encouraged to participate in carpool groups.
ADAMS TRADITIONAL SITE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES & PIN REPORTS
The Site Council consists of 13 members and is the governing body of ATA and addresses school operations such as school policies and procedures. The council consists of six parents and six staff members. The principal is a non-voting member of the council. All decisions must have 100% consensus to be approved.
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​SITE COUNCIL MEETINGS: 2nd Thursday of every month – 4:30 p.m. | Building B – MPR
PIN MEETINGS:2nd Tuesday of every month – 6:30 p.M. | Building A – MPR
2025-2026
2024-2025
February 13, 2025 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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October 10, 2024 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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2023-2024
May 16, 2024 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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March 14, 2024 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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February 7, 2024 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
January 11, 2024 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
2023-2024
May 16, 2024 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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March 14, 2024 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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February 7, 2024 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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January 11, 2024 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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October 26, 2023 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
2022-2023
May 11, 2023 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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April 6, 2023 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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March 9, 2023 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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February 9, 2023 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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January 19, 2023 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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December 8, 2022 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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November 10, 2022 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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October 13, 2022 – Canceled due to lack of agenda items
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September 22, 2022 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
2022-2021
May 12, 2022 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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There were no Site Council meetings this year due to Covid.
2020-2021
2019-2020
November 7, 2019 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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October 3, 2019 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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September 5, 2019 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
2017-2018
May 3, 2018 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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There was no April 5, 2018 Meeting
March 1, 2018 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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There was no February 1, 2018 Meeting
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There was no December 7, 2017 Meeting
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November 2, 2017 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
2016-2017
May 4, 2017 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
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April 6, 2017 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
March 2, 2017 Meeting – Cancelled
Meeting Records & Committee Reports
February 2, 2017 Meeting – Rescheduled for 3:45 p.m.
Originally scheduled for
February 2, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
December 8, 2016 Meeting – Cancelled
Originally scheduled for
December 1, 2016
Meeting Records & Committee Reports
November 3, 2016 Meeting
Agenda & Committee Reports
Minutes
September 29, 2016 Meeting – Cancelled
September 8, 2016 Meeting
Originally scheduled for September 1, 2016
Agenda
Minutes
PIN REPORTS
2019-2020
February 11, 2020 PIN Meeting
PIN Report
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November 12, 2019 PIN Meeting
PIN Report
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October 8, 2019 PIN Meeting
PIN Report
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2018-2019
March 14, 2019 PIN Meeting
PIN Report
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November 14, 2018 PIN Meeting
PIN Report
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2017-2018
November 11, 2017 PIN Meeting
PIN Report
