why Choose Tolleson ESD?
We believe in all children—without exception. With an unrelenting focus on relevant, rigorous, and data-driven instruction, your child will have access to a first-class education delivered by experienced and caring teachers.
Support Services and Programs
We recognize that education is about more than simply academics. We have developed support services and programs focused on the happiness and safety of our students because we want every child to be ready to learn and feel safe socially, emotionally, and physically in our schools. When these fundamental needs are met, children can learn to their fullest potential.
We’re pleased to support our students and their families as follows:
- Academically
- Free full-day kindergarten
- Strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) and academic competitions
- Physical education, art, and technology classes (including basic coding)
- Activities
- Free after-school programs
- Jazz, mariachi, concert, and marching band options for middle school students
- Sports
- Health & Safety
- Uniforms to promote a safe and orderly environment
- Nutritional meals, including free breakfast in the classroom for every student and an after-school supper program
- Student and staff wellness programs
- Counselors, nurses, peer mediation, teen-life support, and a district-wide social worker
- Emotional Support
- Restorative Justice program to remedy and correct situations rather than rely on punitive measures of discipline
- Suicide prevention and Teen Life line
- Peer mediation and bullying prevention
- Students participate in Speak Up. Stand Up. Save a Life.
We Believe
Hope frames our entire school culture and is woven into our very DNA. We believe children succeed when they are surrounded by adults who believe they can succeed.
We Connect
Children succeed when they have meaningful, sustainable relationships with caring adults. We ensure that every student has a meaningful relationship with at least one Treasure Hunter on campus.
We Are Treasure Hunters
We are always searching for all the talents, skills, and intelligence that exist in all children.
Visualize Their Future
Kids succeed when they can articulate their future. We teach children to visualize their future and create a plan to make that vision a reality.
Awards
Our students, educators, and administrators have given us a legacy of greatness. We’re so proud of our people and grateful for their tireless efforts on behalf of the families at Tolleson ESD.
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Awards by Year
![2024 Arizona Teacher of the Year - Efrain Casillas - Music Teacher, Porfirio H. Gonzales & Desert Oasis - Tolleson Elementary School District](/accnt_810336/site_810337/Graphics/graphic_ChooseUs_Awards_Efrain1.jpg)
- 2024 – Music Teacher at Desert Oasis & Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary Schools, named Arizona Teacher of the Year by Arizona Educational Foundation - Mr. Efrain Casillas
- 2024 – Cesar Chavez Legacy Award by West Valley Foundation - Dr. Lupita Hightower
- 2023 – Education Leader of the Year by Asian Corporate and Entrepreneur Leaders - Dr. Lupita Hightower
- 2023 – Arizona Superintendent of the Year - Dr. Lupita Hightower
- 2022 – West Valley Emergent Impact Leader Award Finalist – Ms. Roberta Garcia, Governing Board Member
- 2022 – Outstanding Latina Leader – Ms. Tida Garcia; Governing Board Vice President
- 2022 – Collaborative Leadership Award Finalist – Ms. Belinda Quezada; Governing Board President
- 2020 – National Music Teachers of Excellence by Country Music Awards Foundation 2020 – Mr. Efrain Casillas
- 2019 – Outstanding Board Member of the Year – Mr. Dale Crandell
- 2019 – Community Choice Award Runner Up – TESD Mariachi Band led by Mr. Casillas
- 2019 – Child Nutrition Service Account of the Year – Chartwells West Region
- 2019 – All Arizona Superintendent of the Year Medium Districts – Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower
- 2019 – National Latinx Superintendent of the Year – Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower
- 2018 – Outstanding Board Member of the Year – Ms. Tida Garcia
- 2018 – National Model Kids at Hope School – Porfirio H. Gonzales
- 2018 – Esperanza Latino Teacher of the Year – Mr. Efrain Casillas
- 2018 – Community Choice Award Runner Up – TESD Mariachi Band led by Mr. Casillas
- 2018 – Child Nutrition Service Account of the Year – Chartwells West Region
- 2017 – ELL Student Success Story of the Year in Arizona – Porfirio H. Gonzales
- 2017 – Community Choice Award – TESD Mariachi Band led by Mr. Casillas
- 2016 – National Model Kids at Hope School – Desert Oasis Elementary
- 2015 – Outstanding Administrator of the Year – Ms. Mills
- 2015 – National Education Leadership Award from JAG – Supt. Hightower
- 2014 – Rodel Early Childhood Exemplary Teacher – Ms. Damron
- 2014 – Jane Romatzke Out-of-School-Time Leader Award – Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower
- 2014 – Future Leader of Tomorrow Award – Curriculum Director Ms. Herrera
- 2014 – ELL Students Success Story of the Year in Arizona – Porfirio H. Gonzales
- 2014 – 3rd Place Odyssey of the Mind Competition – Sheely Farms Elementary
- 2013/2014 – Exemplary Principal Rodel Semi-Finalist – Principal Catlett
- 2012 – Lou Ella Kleinz Award (Highest Award for Governing Board in Arizona)