Established in 1921, the Sunnyside Unified School District is the second largest district in Pima County, Arizona. New home construction is booming in the district, which is home to Raytheon, Tucson International Airport, Texas Instruments and Intuit.

Sunnyside Pride
Sunnyside provides all-day kindergarten in all elementary schools. Many programs pioneered by Sunnyside have become state and national models, including Career Ladder, Family Literacy and Comprehensive Competency-Based Guidance.

Sunnyside District schools have won state and national awards:

• Drexel Elementary School—Arizona A+ School of Excellence, 2007
• Los Amigos Elementary School—Arizona A+ School of Excellence, 2005, 1995
• Ocotillo Elementary School—No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Award, 2004
• Elvira Elementary School—No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Award, 2002
  • Arizona A+ School of Excellence, 1999
• Liberty Elementary School—State Title 1 Distinguished School, 1998
• Los Niños Elementary School—National Title 1 Distinguished School, 1997
• Sierra Middle School—Arizona A+ School of Excellence, 1993
• Craycroft Elementary School—Arizona A+ School of Excellence, 1992

Our Mission
The mission of the Sunnyside Unified School District is to ensure that all students achieve academic success and contribute positively to a diverse, changing, democratic society.

Programs that work, people who care
Sunnyside District schools offer more programs and services to help children and families succeed than any other schools in Southern Arizona. All Sunnyside schools have achieved North Central Association accreditation.

Of the district’s 1,000+ classroom teachers, 95 percent meet the Arizona Department of Education’s criteria as “highly qualified.” Seven Sunnyside District teachers have earned National Board Certification, the profession’s highest certification status.

All Sunnyside District schools have full-time:

• art teachers
• counselors
• librarians
• music teachers
• parent involvement assistants
• physical education teachers
• registered nurses
• safety monitors