The current issue of Newsweek magazine gives an A+ to Tucson’s BASIS Charter School—ranking it as the top public school in the United States based upon the Newsweek Challenge Index!

This index ranks public schools according to the number of college-level tests (like Advanced Placement) divided by the number of graduating seniors. We all know the importance of good, strong schools to a community – and this honor adds another dimension to the many reasons for buying a home in Tucson.
This is the third-straight year the magazine’s ranking has honored this Tucson charter school with a Top 10 spot. The BASIS school was created in 1998 by a University of Arizona economics professor with his wife, a former college professor in her native Czech Republic. Although only the high school is included in the Newsweek ranking, BASIS Tucson is a college preparatory charter school for grades 5-12. It offers a liberal arts curriculum with a focus on sciences and math. Students also participate in the arts. In fact, the school has received local recognition for its drama program. Also, one of its students recently completed his senior research project as an intern for US Senator Gabrielle Giffords.

The Tucson BASIS high school is located across from El Con Mall on East Broadway. This very modest facility has a treasure inside – a diversity of honors students with tremendous talents. Arizona long has been a leader in the charter school movement, and the BASIS charter school is one example of how a unique Tucson-based program is a model for education.

If you are considering a move to Tucson and looking for educational opportunities for your family, check out the Tucson BASIS Charter School.

A Tucson charter school in the Vail School District has won a national designation as a result of its recycling and conservation efforts!

All®, a leading American laundry detergent, recently recognized kids across America via its“Greenest School in America” contest – and Tucson’s own Civano Elementary School received the honor. The school’s impact on making a difference for the environment was featured on the Ellen DeGeneres television show earlier this year, and the award nets a $50,000 grant to be used for green improvements for this charter school in the Vail School District.

More than 3,000 schools from across the country participated in the contest. The K-5 Civano School entered the contest late last year, after a Civano parent heard about the program. The entire school community joined in to participate, with students submitting essays and eco-report cards. The school already focuses on environmental preservation through its water conservation program, its organic garden, its recycling efforts and its use of solar.

Civano is considering using the grant to complete the school kitchen and possibly build a community room, helping to increase awareness about environmental sustainability. This school is part of southeast Tucson’s award-winning community called Civano, which has its share of national designations. In 2004, Sunset magazine named the neighborhood “Best New Community of the Year,” and since then the community has achieved significant recognition for its various environmental programs. To learn more about Civano, visit the community website.

It’s all just another illustration by Ron Park of how Tucson is tops for quality of life!