Education

Polaris Academy is 1st Arizona school to earn Certified Autism Center designation

The school, which serves children in kindergarten through eighth grade, joins nearly 60 businesses and organizations in Mesa that have completed the certification process since 2019

Horne seeks proof of privacy law compliance as Ed Dept. pushes schools to disclose gender info to parents

Horne requests proof of privacy law compliance as the U.S. Department of Education urges schools to share students' gender identity changes with parents.

April events that bring the Tucson community closer together

Learn about the All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk; Pima Community College's Climate Community Day; John Coinman returns to the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival; and a new "Stories That Soar!" with some 1st grade humor.

Tucson Parks and Rec opens pools, splash pads ahead of rising temperatures

There is no entry fee for the city's pools or splash pads, offering residents an escape from the heat.

March Madness and babies: Are the sounds of the game too big for little ears?

A simple rule to remember: if it's too loud for you, it's too loud for them.

"It's the New Zoo Revue, comin' right at you!": A conversation with the hosts of the beloved 1970s kids' show.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A SandHill Day" by nature writer Rebekah Doyle; and the final essay from "The Class of 2024" about how teens help each other through difficult times.

Arizona State Board of Education delays vote on '25-26 ESA Handbook

The board voted to delay approving a new ESA handbook, which adds spending caps and curriculum rules for school vouchers.

AZ Democrats, Hobbs react to Trump’s Department of Education order

Lawmakers called potential federal education funding cuts “devastating.”

School thrift store supplies free support and valuable hope

Badger Closet at Tucson High Magnet School began a couple of years ago.

The new film "Corina" offers a compassionate look at living with anxiety.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A Book I Love" from the 2025 Tucson Festival of Books; "The Class of 2024" continues; and Mary Jo Pollack shares the story of earning her driver's license in 1964.

Pima County measles update: Health Department planning mobile school vaccination clinics

There are currently no reported cases of measles in Arizona, but the Health Department is advising increasing vaccinations in the event of an outbreak.

The Buzz: The Tucson Festival of Books

The annual Tucson event brings around 130,000 people together to celebrate literature.

"Back to the Heart" - Gabrielle Pietrangelo celebrates the end of a 4-year journey with a new album.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson architect Paula Holmes at 100, a woman always ahead of her time; and Lilliona from "The Class of 2024" shares an essay about growing up in the digital age.

Department of Education investigates ASU and other universities for alleged Civil Rights violations

The Trump Administration investigates student protests that occurred in support of Palestine last year.

Trump's DEI ban could take $800 million from Arizona universities

Affected grants cover wildfires, pollution, public health and more.

Two new books that bring important histories to light.

Kirsten Miller talks about her novel "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books"; and Mike Stark shares the natural history "Starlings The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird".

The Class of 2024: Student essays about graduating in a time of uncertainy.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: TIHAN provides kindness and support to those living with HIV or AIDS; and a new Ten-Minute Drama.

TUSD discusses adding immigration status to protected categories

Tucson Unified has proposed adding immigration status as protected on a list that includes disability, race, religion, gender identity and more in its non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.

Harvesting Fruit for Better Health, Understanding and Friendships

Iskashitaa Refugee Network volunteers glean grapefruit, oranges and other fruit from Tucson-area trees

12 Southern Arizona schools receive A+ grade from AZ Educational Foundation

Schools were honored based on a variety of criteria from staff to student achievement.

Rogue Theatre's "Marjorie Prime" creates a conversation about what it means to be human in the age of AI.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Understanding canyons on the moon; and more voices from The Class of 2024.

Meet your feisty neighborhood felines in the Tucson area

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are surviving and flourishing in urban settings, despite real challenges.

Parents, are you worried about burnout? Here are 3 red flags to watch out for

Parenting can keep you on your toes all day. But if you find it so physically and mentally draining you can't enjoy family time, it may be a sign of burnout. Here's what you can do about it.

The Buzz speaks with Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne

Horne speaks on issues confronting our schools ranging from funding issues to threats to student mental health.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers brings songs of love to Tucson.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Marquez Price's new book "The Backcourt" examines the bonds of family, friendship, and teamwork; and Luis shares what the first year of both high school and the COVID-19 pandemic was like for him in "The Class of 2024".

University High students debate real-world issues in annual mock election debate

AP U.S. Government seniors explore complex global issues and policy making.

As measles cases rise, a new book warns parents not to underestimate the disease

As childhood vaccination rates drop in the U.S., outbreaks of measles are rising. In his new book, Dr. Adam Ratner makes the case that this is a bad sign for public health.

Top AZ education official not worried about immigration raids at schools

Tom Horne does not expect students to be targeted.

AZ School Sup. Horne travels to Tucson to commend school resource officer

Horne honored the officer for his arrest of an armed man on the campus of a charter school.

"Photographing with respect": How Tim H. Murphy creates unforgettable portraits of Indigenous dancers

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Stories that Soar!" asks that we look for beauty beyond the screen; and an essay series "The Class of 2024" begins.

AZ Senate Pres. Petersen goes to White House for transgender sports order signing

A similar Arizona law is on hold.

Tucson K-12 schools say immigration officials still need warrant to come on campuses

Despite President Trump's executive order allowing immigration enforcement in schools, TUSD will maintain its policy of requiring a judicial warrant for law enforcement on campus.

Scholarships A-Z

Scholarships A-Z provides resources for undocumented college students.

Clases de Ciudadanía

For more than 25 years, Pima Community College has been offering free citizenship classes for adults in our community.

Books Save Lives

How Books Save Lives: Daphne Russell Is Transforming Literacy with Her Introspective Reading Method

Saguaro City Music Theatre

An inclusive and tuition free musical theatre school welcomes kids of all abilities

Stories That Soar!

Empowering Young Writers: The Literacy Connects Program “Stories that Soar!” builds literacy by bringing kids' stories to life through the arts.

Make Way for Books – 25 Years

Empowering Young Minds: 25 Years of Make Way for Books Impact on Literacy! Collaboration with University of Arizona Publishing Class Unveils Heartwarming Children's Stories through new App