Chandler Traditional Academy
General Information – Chandler Traditional Academy
Overview
Chandler Traditional Academy (CTA) is a public school program within the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) in Chandler, Arizona. CTA emphasizes a structured, disciplined learning environment founded on traditional values, firm academic expectations, and strong parent-staff partnerships. The program is designed to support rigorous academics, character development, and a calm, orderly school culture where courtesy, respect, and responsibility are core principles. Students in CTA experience a back-to-basics curriculum with accelerated pacing in reading and mathematics, making the school an appealing choice for families committed to high academic standards.
In addition, CTA expects uniformity in student behavior and dress, helping establish clarity and consistency in how students present themselves and interact with one another. The program is consistent across multiple campuses in the district, meaning that regardless of location, students and families commit to a shared philosophy: maintaining high expectations in conduct, academics, and community involvement. By prioritizing both foundational skills and character education, CTA aims to prepare its students for future success in secondary education and beyond.
Contact Informations
Address (Liberty Campus): 550 N. Emmett Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Phone Number: (480) 883-4900 for the Liberty campus office
Email Address: General contact via the CUSD80 district office or school administration (families reach out through the school’s main office)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2002 for CTA Liberty Campus |
| Motto / Philosophy | Parents, students, and staff as partners to pursue academic excellence with structured curriculum and high standards |
| Grades Offered | K–6 at Liberty (plus other CTA campuses) |
| Language Programs | Spanish Dual Language Immersion (DLI) at Liberty Campus since 2015–16 |
| Accreditation / Curriculum Style | Uses Spalding Reading Method; traditional academic structure and behavior expectations |
| Free / Reduced Lunch Percentage | Varies by campus; e.g., CTA Humphrey ~32% qualify for free/reduced meals |
Chandler Traditional Academy Rankings
| Ranking / Metric | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| State Academic Recognition | Several CTA campuses hold strong reputations for high academic rigor and structured learning |
| Behavior / Culture | Known for disciplined, orderly environment and traditional values in school policy |
| Parent Engagement | High, with expectation that at least one adult per family volunteers minimum hours per year |
Chandler Traditional Academy Academics
Chandler Traditional Academy Faculties / Departments
- Language Arts / Reading (using Spalding Method)
- Mathematics (accelerated, core + enrichment)
- Social Studies / History
- Science
- Physical Education / Health
- Music / Fine Arts
- Spanish Dual Language (where applicable)
- Student Leadership / Character Education
Chandler Traditional Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
- Phonics-based reading, Spalding curriculum
- Accelerated mathematics via My Math or equivalent curriculum at some campuses
- Spanish Dual Language Immersion (DLI) courses in subjects such as social studies and science for DLI students
- Structured character education integrated throughout school life (behavior expectations, discipline, parent involvement)
- Enrichment clubs (coding club, drama, running club, student council) at some CTA campuses
- STEM inquiry work and digital learning applications at certain sites
Online Learning
Chandler Traditional Academy is fundamentally an in-person program with traditional academic structure. There is no dedicated full-time online school under CTA’s traditional academies; their model centers on active engagement in the classroom, structured in-person discipline, and direct parent-teacher partnership. The school values the face-to-face format for academic excellence, behavioral consistency, and the character-building ethos of the program.
Average Test Scores
Because Chandler Traditional Academy is an elementary / primary-focused traditional program (not a university), standardized test data like SAT, ACT, or GRE is not applicable to most of its campuses. Students are typically evaluated with state assessments appropriate to their grade level rather than college-level exams.
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a primary/traditional academy program, Chandler Traditional Academy does not report retention or graduation rates in the same way as secondary or post-secondary institutions. Instead, student continuity is measured in terms of enrollment across elementary grade levels. The structured program and family commitment framework encourage students to remain in CTA as they progress through the grades, supported by a stable, disciplined curriculum year after year.
Chandler Traditional Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admissions to Chandler Traditional Academy do not rely on college-style metrics like GPA or SAT/ACT scores. Since CTA is a public traditional school program for primary grades, selection is based on district open enrollment procedures, capacity, and alignment with the CTA model rather than academic testing or GPA.
Chandler Traditional Academy Acceptance Rate
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Based on open enrollment capacity and district policies; not a selective admission by test or GPA |
Chandler Traditional Academy Application Requirements
For families interested in enrolling at a Chandler Traditional Academy campus, the process is regulated by the Chandler Unified School District. Prospective parents must complete the district’s open enrollment application. Depending on the campus, priority may be given to in-district students, but open enrollment is allowed for many grades. Parents are expected to understand and accept the structured nature of the CTA program — including strict behavior, dress expectations, and volunteer commitment. The CTA philosophy requires a true partnership: students, parents, and staff all share responsibility to uphold academic rigor and community norms.
Application Process
- Complete the CUSD80 Open Enrollment application during the district’s enrollment window
- Indicate preference for a CTA campus (e.g., Liberty, Independence, Humphrey)
- Submit residency documentation and any required enrollment paperwork
- Families should attend orientation or information sessions to understand CTA’s values and expectations
- Final placement is determined by capacity and prior discipline/attendance for open-enrollment students
Chandler Traditional Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Date / Period | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment Window | Occurs annually according to CUSD policy |
| Registration Period | After open enrollment acceptance, parents complete registration and document submission |
| Volunteer / Orientation Commitment | Parents typically encouraged early in the school year to meet volunteer expectations and understand CTA philosophy |
Essay Prompt
There is no essay prompt required as part of the CTA admissions process. Admission revolves around open enrollment procedures, capacity, and willingness of families to participate in the program’s structured and collaborative model.
Chandler Traditional Academy Scholarships
As a public school within the Chandler Unified School District, Chandler Traditional Academy does not charge tuition and therefore does not offer scholarships. Participation is funded through public school district resources, and educational access is provided without direct cost to families.
Chandler Traditional Academy Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None (public school) |
| Additional Costs | Standard school fees may apply (field trips, extracurriculars, materials), but no formal tuition due to public funding |
Student Profile and Demographics – Chandler Traditional Academy
Student Demographics
Chandler Traditional Academy serves a diverse student population across its campuses. For example, the CTA Independence campus reports that its program spans early grades and has a strong parent‑student‑teacher partnership model. CTA Humphrey has a notable demographic mix, with a significant portion of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (about 32 percent). According to district data and community reports, the student body reflects a blend of ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a richly varied cultural environment. The structured nature of the traditional program attracts families who value academic rigor, character education, and consistency, while the open enrollment policy allows students from across the district to apply, thereby increasing socio-cultural diversity.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
CTA makes room for a wide range of students, including those from low-income backgrounds and families who may need financial or academic support. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch varies by campus, illustrating that CTA welcomes students from economically diverse households. On the disability side, the school provides support through special education services aligned with district policies. Given its disciplined structure and clear behavior expectations, CTA’s framework can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive under consistent routines, though all families must be willing to accept the program’s behavior policies and volunteer expectations to fully engage in the CTA community.
Student Body
| Category | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students (example campus) | CTA Independence ~ 768 capacity for open enrollment |
| Free / Reduced Lunch | CTA Humphrey ~ 32% |
| Number of Campuses | Multiple (Liberty, Independence, Humphrey, Freedom, Goodman etc.) |
Academy Diversity
Chandler Traditional Academy strives to balance its traditional academic rigor with a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. The different campuses attract families from across Chandler, fostering a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds and multicultural perspectives. The open enrollment policy allows students outside of traditional neighborhood zones to participate, contributing to a diverse student population. Moreover, some campuses offer Spanish Dual Language Immersion, which not only enhances linguistic diversity but also deepens intercultural understanding among students. The structured, character-based approach to education draws families who value discipline, responsibility, and parental involvement, and the expectation of community contribution (such as volunteering) helps bridge different household experiences into shared norms and values. This blend of academic structure, parent partnership, and cultural variety cultivates a school community where respect, responsibility, and learning are deeply interwoven.
Average Earnings
As a primary-level institution, Chandler Traditional Academy does not track “average earnings after graduation” the way a university or vocational school might. However, students benefit from a strong academic foundation, character education, and a disciplined structure, which can positively influence their future academic and professional trajectories. Graduates of traditional programs such as CTA often demonstrate readiness for advanced coursework, disciplined work habits, and strong civic character. These skills are highly valued in secondary education and beyond. The early emphasis on structured learning, critical thinking, and community responsibility can lead to long-term advantages, positioning students to pursue higher education, leadership roles, or disciplined career paths where integrity, perseverance, and academic preparedness are key to success.
Chandler Traditional Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at Chandler Traditional Academy is composed of educators committed to a structured, traditional model of schooling. These teachers are often trained in the Spalding reading methodology, which emphasizes phonics and structured literacy, and they follow a sequential, rigorous curriculum grade by grade. Staff also includes administrators, support personnel, and parent-volunteer partners who support the school’s culture of mutual commitment. CTA leadership emphasizes positive discipline, high expectations for conduct, and behavior consistency, meaning staff often receive training both in academic delivery and in character-building practices. The result is a team that not only teaches but also mentors students in how to demonstrate responsibility, respect, and cooperation.
Faculty Profiles
Many of the teachers at CTA have strong experience in foundational literacy and mathematics instruction, particularly using the Spalding Method and accelerated math curriculum. They often embrace the notion that their role is not just to impart academic knowledge, but to build character — reinforcing values such as courtesy, self-discipline, and accountability. Some staff serve as volunteer coordinators, guiding parents in their involvement hours, while others lead specialized clubs like drama, running, or student leadership. The faculty’s achievements can be seen in CTA campuses that have earned high ratings, recognition for strong student behavior culture, and consistent academic performance. These educators frequently work closely with families, making the teacher-student-parent dynamic integral to how CTA functions and thrives.
Chandler Traditional Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Chandler Traditional Academy campuses are non-residential; students attend as day school students. Each campus (for example Liberty, Independence, Humphrey, Freedom) is integrated into its surrounding Chandler community and designed to cultivate a traditional school culture. Uniforms or dress codes help reinforce a cohesive identity and a calm, focused learning environment. Campus life is enriched with structured extracurricular opportunities including student council, drama, running club, and other character and academic-focused activities. Parent involvement is deeply woven into daily school life through volunteer programs, classroom support, and behavioral reinforcement, making CTA campuses feel like close-knit communities rather than large bureaucratic schools.
Transportation
CTA students generally rely on district transportation services or parent drop-off to attend their chosen campus. Since CTA is part of the Chandler Unified School District, many students qualify for standard public-school bus routes. The school day structure supports smooth transitions for drop-off and pick-up. Once on campus, students move in an orderly fashion between classrooms, specials, and extracurricular areas, in line with the school’s disciplined and structured ethos. The expectation of punctuality and responsibility is reinforced through behavior norms, helping students navigate daily routines efficiently and respectfully.