Principal of Kenilworth Elementary School and azf’s 2022 Education Innovator, Anthony Pietrangeli, has led the students and staff at Kenilworth Elementary with courage and dedication since 2015. The school was recently awarded the coveted Arizona Educational Foundation A+ School of Excellence® Award for the 2022–2023 academic school year, the highest state-level award given to a public school that identifies, celebrates and recognizes educational excellence. 

Kenilworth Elementary was among 36 public schools that received the highly-prestigious A+ Award this school year. This is also the third time that the school has been recognized as an award recipient.

“The A+ School of Excellence Award is significant as it sends a message throughout communities that the local neighborhood public school down the street is an exceptional choice, brimming with opportunities for students to learn and grow, and for faculty and staff to thrive,” says Kim Graham, AEF® Executive Director, in a statement. “AEF was established to shine a spotlight on the great work of public schools and the hardworking educators and employees who devote themselves to serving students and families. The A+ School of Excellence Award is our way of honoring that incredible dedication.”

In addition to showcasing exceptional public schools, the A+ Award application process provides school teams with an outstanding comprehensive framework that serves as a basis for school self-assessment and planning, and the award itself helps increase public confidence in recognized schools that often results in greater parent and community involvement and even serves as an economic driver for some communities.

The 2022-2023 A+ Award is sponsored by Fiesta Bowl Charities, a non-profit organization that supports education through grants such as the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers and school playground and faculty lounge makeovers. Fiesta Bowl Charities invests millions of dollars annually in programs and services benefitting Arizona youth and educators, reaching nearly 700,000 youth each year. 

“Support for education is at the heart of Fiesta Bowl Charities, and we are honored to support Arizona Educational Foundation’s mission to cultivate excellence in public schools for the children who will be our leaders of tomorrow,” says Erik Moses, Fiesta Bowl executive director and CEO, in a statement. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, Yellow Jacket Committee, staff and thousands of volunteers, we congratulate the 36 schools across the state for their dedicated work to earn this prestigious award and commitment to driving student achievement. The Fiesta Bowl’s partnership with AEF on the A+ Schools of Excellence program strengthens our commitment to access to quality education within our communities.”

View the list of the A+ School of Excellence awardees here.

Read more about Principal Mr. Anthony and Kenilworth Elementary School in the Innovators issue here.