The Agua Fria High School District has announced that its highly anticipated arts high school will be called The Hilltop School for the Arts.

Excitement filled the ballroom at the Wigwam Resort as educators, business leaders, and community partners came together to celebrate a milestone moment for the Agua Fria High School District. The District has officially been recognized as Arizona’s first Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) “Academies” school district.

The Agua Fria High School District recently hosted its inaugural Academy Selection Day Celebrations, marking an unforgettable day for students as they proudly committed to their chosen academies and career pathways.

Julie Jones named principal of the new Arts Academy and Performing Arts Center. Jones’ appointment to lead the Arts Academy reflects her proven track record of creating dynamic, student-focused programs. Jones previously spearheaded the development of the Arts Conservatory at Desert Edge High School, a program that flourished under her leadership

Exciting news! The Agua Fria High School District Governing Board has approved a groundbreaking project to expand arts education and cultural opportunities in the West Valley. The new Arts Academy and Performing Arts Center will be a state-of-the-art high school and a 700-seat performance venue, designed to inspire the next generation of artists and performers.

Set to open in August 2026, the academy will welcome 450 students, providing specialized education in the arts while serving as a premier cultural hub for the community.

The Agua Fria High School District has received
designation as Arizona’s first “Academies” school district by the organization Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL).

Agua Fria High School District is taking decisive action to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the Southwest Valley.

In an exciting partnership, West-MEC and Agua Fria High School District are proud to announce the development of the West-MEC Career Academy at Agua Fria High School, opening in fall of 2025. 

The Freshman Career Expo is a key component of the District’s Freshman Experience class, designed to help students discover their talents, passions, and career goals while developing employability skills. During the event, students had the opportunity to engage with over 100 professionals representing a wide range of industries, including local businesses, corporations, government agencies, military branches, and post-secondary institutions.

Partnering with the Academies of the Southwest Valley presents a strategic opportunity for businesses to actively shape the future workforce while enhancing their brand and community impact.