Overview

Sanders Unified School District #18 (SUSD) is located in Sanders, Arizona, and comprises three schools: Sanders Elementary School, Sanders Middle School, and Valley High School.

Student-Teacher Ratio: SUSD maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 20:1. This allows for more personalized attention and support for each student.

English Language Learners (ELL): The district serves a diverse student body, with 15% of students being English Language Learners. These students are in the process of acquiring English language skills, and the district provides targeted support to help them succeed.

Community and Location: Sanders is a small settlement situated on the Rio Puerco of the West, approximately 42 miles west of Gallup, New Mexico, at the junction of I-40 and U.S. Highway 191. The Navajo name for Sanders is Lichii Deez Ahi, meaning “Horizontal Red Point,” which refers to the autumn color of deer in the region rather than the local sandstone mesas.

Parental Involvement: There are numerous opportunities for parents and families to engage in the educational process and support their children’s success. Research shows that the most accurate predictor of a student’s academic success is not family income or social status, but the extent to which a family:

• Creates a home environment that encourages learning.
• Sets high but realistic achievement and career expectations.
• Is involved in the child’s education and community.

Active parental involvement is linked to higher grades, greater self-esteem, and better social adjustment for students. We encourage you to take an active role in your child’s education.

Thank You: We appreciate your partnership in providing a quality education for your child.

Our District Goals

1. Sanders Unified School District will increase student achievement district-wide by at least 15% each school year in the areas of reading, mathematics, social studies, and science as measured by the yearly state assessment.
2. Sanders Unified School District will provide focused, data-driven and job-embedded professional development for all district staff at least two times per month.
3. Sanders Unified School District will increase community outreach by providing district information to the school community through at least four student academic showcases and a minimum of ten positive teacher-to-parent contacts each school week.