A new kind of school is opening in Maricopa, and it is already generating interest from families and community partners alike. 

Alma Farrell Innovation Academy will open in July as the district’s first K-8 campus and the first in Arizona built on a work-based learning model. 

So, what does that actually look like for students and the community? Here are 10 things that set this school apart: 

1. Not your typical K-8

   Being first means this school was not built on a traditional model. It was designed from the ground up to connect learning,skills and future pathways from the very beginning, creating a different kind of experience for students at every stage. Named after Alma Farrell, a trailblazer in Maricopa, the school reflects both a strong legacy and a bold vision for what education can be. That vision comes to life in how students learn, how teachers work together and how students begin to see what is possible for their future. 

2. Different paths for different students 

   This model is not about choosing one path early; it is about opening as many doors as possible. Through the Four Futures: Employment, Enrollment, Enlistment and Service, and Entrepreneurship, students explore real opportunities and begin to see their path come into focus. 

3. Purpose is built in, not added later 

   From the earliest grades, learning is connected to real thinking and real doing. Students build strong literacy and math skills while exploring problems, ideas and interests that matter to them. Purpose and rigor grow together, not separately. 

4. Elementary learning does not sit still 

   Elementary students learn through action and collaboration. Working within multi-age “instructional houses” they build relationships, share ideas and apply learning to meaningful challenges. Engagement is the rule, not the exception. 

5. More than middle school 

   By middle school, students begin exploring pathways aligned to fields such as public safety, applied engineering, hospitality and animal care. They collaborate, present ideas and begin to understand both their strengths and future opportunities. 

6. One size does not fit all 

   Students learn in grade bands called “instructional houses,” each led by a dedicated team of educators. From Discovery House in kindergarten to IDEA Academy in grades 7 and 8, this structure builds belonging, stability and impactful relationships. It also allows learning to flex around individual student needs and strengths. 

7. Teaching takes a team 

   Teaching at Alma Farrell Innovation Academy is a team effort. Through the Arizona State University Next Education Workforce, starting in first grade, students stay with the same group of teachers for up to two years, allowing educators to truly know their learners and promote growth over time. Through collaboration and continuity, instruction becomes more personalized, responsive and effective. 

8. Learning spaces built for more 

   The campus in the Sorrento neighborhood is built for movement, collaboration and hands-on exploration. Literacy areas throughout, maker spaces and dynamic groupings let students learn in ways that fit them. The building works just as hard as the people inside it. 

9. This is bigger than a campus 

   A key part of this model is the connection to our community. Alma Farrell Innovation Academy is actively seeking local business and industry partners to collaborate through mentorships, guest speaking, project work and career-connected experiences. These partnerships help build a stronger, more prepared future workforce. 

10. It’s where students see the point 

    Everything leads to one question: Why does this matter? When students see how what they are learning connects to real life, they lean in. They speak up, set goals and persevere. This is education with clarity and purpose. 

Alma Farrell Innovation Academy is now enrolling students for the 2026-27 school year. 

Families interested in a learning experience that builds both academic strength and future readiness are encouraged to learn more and enroll. 

Local businesses and community members interested in partnering with the school are also invited to connect and be part of this innovative approach to education.

SPONSORED CONTENT