A+ Charter Schools, a new 7-12 charter school offering project-based learning, is hosting its groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 4 ,at 10 a.m. for their inaugural campus in Maricopa.

Phase One of the project will feature a two-story, 24,000-square-foot space on seven acres west of Banner Health on Allen Stephens Parkway. The building will include 16 classrooms, including two science labs, a designated art classroom, multipurpose room, and a College and Career Center. Additionally, the classroom designs will support project-based learning and one-to-one technology for students.

In addition, the campus will include a competition size multi-purpose field to accommodate soccer, baseball, softball, and football.

The school plans an additional phase of expansion, which will include a full-size gymnasium and additional classrooms to support future growth.

A+ Charter Schools is partnering with American Charter Development (ACD) on this building. Since 2010, ACD has completed 70 charter school projects throughout the United States and 15 of those in Arizona. Mike Morley, the founder of ACD, has been working with charter schools since 2004 and brings a great deal of expertise to the building project.

The school has a focus on project-based learning across all subjects, along with development of 21st century skills for students including communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and citizenship. All students will participate in Advisory and Academic Success Groups to focus on social emotional learning, character building activities, as well as academic support and enrichment. Long-time Maricopa educator and principal Rachele Reese will serve as the founding principal for the school.

“We are excited to bring a unique learning opportunity for our students to Maricopa. With project-based learning, our students will be provided a framework of collaboration and team work though authentic, real-life projects. We are focused on ensuring our students develop 21st century skills for success after graduation,” Reese said.

A+ Charter Schools is currently offering a PBL Club on Fridays 12:30-2 p.m. and is enrolling for grades 7-10 for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are interested in PBL Club or enrollment, visit www.aplusaz.org or call 520-265-5589 for more information.