K-8 Programs at Academy Del Sol — Rooted in Rigor & the Arts
From kindergarten through 8th grade, Academy Del Sol students grow as readers, mathematicians, scientists, artists, performers, and citizens. One school, nine grades, one mission.
A Full Nine-Year Journey
At Academy Del Sol, students start kindergarten and graduate from 8th grade at the same school. That’s nine years of consistent values, deep relationships, and a curriculum that builds carefully on itself — from a child’s first letters to advanced middle school work.
What makes that journey different at ADS is what we believe about how children learn best: academic rigor and creative expression aren’t separate. They strengthen each other. So every year — every classroom — pairs strong core academics with the arts woven in.
- One school, nine grades. Consistent values from kindergarten through middle school.
- Rigorous academics. Reading, writing, math, science, and humanities at the highest level.
- Arts integrated daily. Music, visual arts, theater, and movement in every grade.
- Known by name. Small enough that every teacher knows every student.
Three Stages of Growing Up at ADS
A K-8 education isn’t one thing — it’s a sequence of carefully designed stages. Each stage builds on the last, and each one is taught by teachers who specialize in what kids that age need most.
K – 2
Lower Elementary
In the earliest years, students learn to read, write, count, and think about the world around them. Routines, social skills, and the love of learning are built every day — through structured instruction and joyful exploration.
- Phonics-based reading instruction
- Early math foundations & number sense
- Hands-on science discovery
- Music, art, & movement every week
- Social skills & school routines
3 – 5
Upper Elementary
These are the years when foundational skills become independence. Students read longer texts, solve multi-step math problems, and start tackling real projects in science and humanities. The arts deepen — performances, exhibits, real creative work.
- Reading comprehension & writing across genres
- Multiplication, fractions, & problem solving
- Project-based science investigations
- Performance & exhibition opportunities
- Growing independence & responsibility
6 – 8
Middle School
In middle school, ADS students take on academic challenge at the level high schools expect. They write analytically, work through algebraic thinking, debate ideas, lead arts ensembles, and prepare for the next chapter — confidently and with real readiness.
- Pre-algebra & algebraic thinking
- Analytical writing & literature
- Earth, life, & physical science
- Leadership & deeper arts study
- Real high school preparation
What Every ADS Student Learns
Six core subjects, taught with rigor at every grade level — and connected to the arts wherever it strengthens learning. This is what an ADS school day looks like across nine grades.
English Language Arts
Phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing across genres. Students read widely, write often, and learn to speak with clarity and confidence from the earliest grades.
Mathematics
From number sense in kindergarten through pre-algebra in 8th grade. A focus on conceptual understanding, fluency, and real problem solving — preparing students for high school math and beyond.
Science
Hands-on, inquiry-based science from K through 8 — earth science, life science, and physical science. Students ask questions, design experiments, and learn to think like scientists.
Social Studies & Humanities
History, geography, civics, and culture — including the rich heritage of Tucson and the Southwest. Students learn to understand the past, engage with the present, and become thoughtful citizens.
Fine Arts
Music, visual arts, theater, and movement — woven into every student’s day at every grade level. This is what makes ADS a Fine Arts charter school. Learn more →
Physical Education
Active, coordinated movement, team sports, and lifelong fitness habits. Students develop physical skill, sportsmanship, and the energy that fuels a full school day.
What an Academy Del Sol Day Looks Like
Every ADS school day balances core academics, arts integration, physical activity, and time for community. Schedules vary slightly by grade and campus, but here’s a sample rhythm of a typical day.
What Makes Our K-8 Programs Stand Apart
A lot of schools teach the same subjects. What makes Academy Del Sol different is HOW we teach them — and the environment we create around every Tucson student who walks through our doors.
Arts Woven Into Every Subject
We use music to teach math facts. Theater to explore literature. Drawing to sharpen science observation. The arts aren’t separate from learning — they ARE learning. See how →
Small Class Sizes
Class sizes that let teachers actually know every student — their strengths, their struggles, their stories. No anonymous learners in the back row.
A Real K-8 Continuum
Students grow up at ADS — kindergarten through 8th grade. That continuity creates deeper relationships with teachers and a sense of belonging hard to find elsewhere.
Rigor With Heart
High expectations are how we show respect. We push every student to do hard things — and we walk alongside them every step of the way.
Support for Every Learner
Special education, English Learner services, and individualized support so every student gets what they need to succeed. Learn more →
Two Tucson Communities
Star Valley (West Tucson) and Roger Road (Central Tucson) — each with its own personality, both with the same K-8 commitment to every child.
More Ways to Grow at ADS
A great education extends past the school day. From athletics to aftercare to specialized academic support, ADS offers a full set of programs to help every student grow.
Athletics
Team sports and athletic programs that build discipline, teamwork, and school pride — especially strong at our Star Valley campus.
Explore Athletics →
Aftercare
Quality aftercare programs until 6:00 PM — homework support, enrichment activities, and a safe environment for working families.
Learn About Aftercare →
English Learners
Structured EL support for our multilingual students — helping every child access the full curriculum while honoring their first language.
Learn About EL Programs →
Special Education
Individualized support for students with IEPs — committed teachers, real inclusion, and partnerships with families to help every student succeed.
Learn About SPED →
Fine Arts Philosophy
The deeper story behind the arts integration that defines an Academy Del Sol education — music, visual arts, theater, and movement.
Read Our Philosophy →
School Community
Field trips, performances, family events, and the everyday traditions that make ADS feel like home for Tucson families.
Learn More →Two Tucson Campuses to Choose From
Both Academy Del Sol campuses offer the same K-8 curriculum, the same Fine Arts identity, and the same belief: every child rises. Each has its own community personality and mascot.
🔥 Firebirds
Star Valley Campus
A K-8 community in West Tucson where rigorous academics meet championship athletics and daily Fine Arts integration. 7102 W. Valley Crest Pl.
Visit Star Valley →
🏃 Roadrunners
Roger Road Campus
A vibrant, bilingual K-8 community in Central Tucson where every child is known by name and every culture is celebrated. 732 W. Roger Rd.
Visit Roger Road →Programas K-8 en Academy Del Sol
Academy Del Sol ofrece una educación completa de kinder a 8º grado, completamente sin costo de matrícula. Combinamos académicos rigurosos — lectura, escritura, matemáticas, ciencias y humanidades — con las artes integradas cada día. Dos campus en Tucson. Una misión. Inscripción gratuita.
Aplica Ahora — Sin Costo de MatrículaReady to See ADS In Action?
The best way to understand what an Academy Del Sol K-8 education looks like is to walk our campuses, meet our team, and see classrooms in motion. Schedule a visit today.