Message from the CEO, Janice Grandy

Optimism:

Excited by all of the possibilities associated with relocating to one of the most attractive states in the country in both opportunity and topography, our family spent many weeks scouting for the very best schools in the Valley. While my head rang of private and charter schools as the most viable solution, extensive research encouraged us to choose a brand new high school with paramount leaders and small class size; and a distinguished elementary school offering the reputable core knowledge curriculum, both in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. It was July, 2000 and our children's first experience in public school!

Disenchantment:

Two years later, my eldest child frantically conveyed her concern of being denied entry into a prestigious university. Why? She was enrolled in all advanced placement courses and had a class ranking in the top five percent of her high school class. Her story: the standard of academic rigor experienced in Connecticut was lacking at her current school. Advanced Placement tests were discouraged. Fear of not being properly prepared for college followed.

Concurrently, my children in grades three and five were losing ground from the sound education they had previously enjoyed. The Reading and English honors classes were closed to incoming transfer students. Questions flared in my mind as to why any child should be excluded from greater academic challenge? Why leave potential untapped? Why would the bulk of our students be in "average courses?" Our previous educational frame of reference was to teach, motivate, expect and inspire students onto greater heights!

Hope:

So began the journey to seek an alternative course of study for the middle years, a school which offered programs focused on the preparation for college-going success.

During our two year absence from PVUSD, district leaders began removing barriers which limited the development of many students, with an emphasis on the middle and high school years. Like a breath of fresh air, many new opportunities were offered including a student's choice to partake in advanced classes, contingent upon personal ownership, commitment and a strong work ethic.

Why:

Passion for helping others, and my participation in multiple community outreach programs led me into accepting the President and CEO position for The Foundation. Drawing on my broad worldview, business experience, and private, charter and public school understanding, I thankfully share in building this successful organization on a daily basis.

Wish:

Research has revealed that the national average of students attending public schools is 90 percent and in Arizona 96 percent. Regardless of socioeconomics, gender, race or ethnicity, every child is entitled to a first-class education.

My wish is to make a difference with substantial positive results in public school educational excellence for every child. Only by investing our time and resources together can we prepare each generation - your child and mine - for the success he/she deserves in competing in a global society. Time is of the essence!