The Arizona Department of Education's FY26 alternative school letter grades have awarded high marks to the Rose Academies network, with two of its campuses earning an 'A' rating and three receiving a 'B'. The results place the Tucson-based charter network among the top performers in the state's alternative education sector.
Mountain Rose Academy and Canyon Rose Academy East Campus both received 'A' ratings, while Canyon Rose Academy, Desert Rose Academy, and Pima Rose Academy were rated 'B'. According to the release, only nine alternative charter high schools statewide earned an 'A' this year, and two of them are Rose Academies. This concentration of top grades underscores the network's consistent academic performance across its five campuses.
A notable highlight comes from Canyon Rose Academy East Campus, which ranked 2nd in Arizona for alternative school proficiency on the state ACT test when compared against all public alternative high schools, including both district and charter schools. In Pima County, the campus earned the highest point total overall, placing #1 among all district and charter alternative schools in the county. These results suggest that the school's instructional model is effectively preparing students for college-level assessments.
"Since opening our first school in 1999, our focus has been helping students who need a different path to graduation find success," said Rose Academies Superintendent Hurtado. "These 'A' and 'B' ratings show that our model continues to deliver the academic structure and support our families look for. It's a reflection of the daily effort put in by our students and staff."
The Arizona Alternative letter grade model evaluates schools based on proficiency, growth to graduation, graduation rates, and college and career readiness indicators tailored to student populations working to recover credits and earn a diploma. This framework is designed to measure performance in schools that serve students who are behind in credits or at risk of dropping out, making the ratings a meaningful benchmark for alternative education providers.
For families and students seeking an alternative charter high schools option, the results may offer reassurance that Rose Academies provides a viable route to graduation. The network operates tuition-free public charter high schools in Arizona, offering a small, personalized learning environment designed to help young adults catch up on credits, improve academic skills, and prepare for post-secondary opportunities. More information about the schools and enrollment options is available at go2rose.com.
The strong showing could have implications for the broader alternative education landscape in Arizona, where charter schools often compete for students and funding. High letter grades and ACT rankings may bolster Rose Academies' reputation and attract families looking for effective credit-recovery programs. As the state continues to refine its accountability measures for alternative schools, the network's performance may serve as a model for others aiming to improve outcomes for students who need a different path to a diploma.
