Ward Traditional Academy

Ward Traditional Academy

Public Elementary, Middle School | Grade K-8
1965 E Hermosa Dr,  Tempe, AZ
Tempe Elementary Schools
3.5
3.1
386 Students
A-
Niche Grade
As a “neighborhood choice” school in the Tempe Elementary School District, Ward Traditional Academy is a public school serving about 450 students in kindergarten through eighth grade in the southeastern area of Tempe. In the classroom, teachers at Ward Traditional act as instructional leaders and guide students through the curriculum to keep lessons fast-paced in order to encourage participation and critical thinking so students don’t lose attention. As a result, academy students consistently earn test scores in reading and math that are well above the state averages, helping Ward Traditional to rank among the top 5% of elementary schools in Arizona. When it comes to extracurriculars, elementary students can play in kickball, soccer, and basketball athletics programs offered through the district, while students in sixth through eighth grade can compete in a number of interscholastics, including flag football, baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, cross country, spiritline, and track and field. And through the City of Tempe’s Kid Zone, students also can participate in a before- and after-school care program. Aspiring Ward Warriors also can thrive in music, whether taking up an instrument or singing in choir, and perform in a number of school concerts throughout the year. Plus, all students can find camaraderie throughout the year in sports, read-a-thons, student talent shows, and fundraisers at Ward Traditional Academy.

School Details

Head of School
Amy Bemis
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1
Math Proficiency
57%
Reading Proficiency
66%

Niche Grade

A-
Academics
A
Teachers
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Reading Proficiency
66%
Math Proficiency
57%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1
Teachers
30
Full Time Teachers
30
Teachers in First or Second Year
12.2%

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
12%
State Average
44%
Science
60%
State Average
31%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
400:1

Student Diversity

Female
52%
Male
48%
White
45.4%
Hispanic
35.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
8%
Two or more races
5.8%
Black
4%
Native American
1.1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 3 Reviews
4.0 Works Here
3/23/2018
I have been teaching at Ward Traditional Academy as an intern over the past 3 months now. I think the students really value education and you can tell that their expectations for their students are above and beyond. The teachers really care about their students.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.1 23 Reviews
1.0 parent
5/29/2025
The school is failing to adequately tackle the persistent issue of bullying, allowing some students to engage in harmful behaviors with impunity. The principal's inconsistent application of established protocols raises serious concerns about the commitment to fair treatment for all students. It’s tr...
2.0 student
8/20/2024
Ward Traditional Academy is a great school, don't get me wrong. However, a certain select of the teachers 6th-8th don't seem to understand how to ACTUALLY teach. They would either talk for most of class and prevent other students from their, "Hands-on" learning they promote, or even disregard most s...
1.0 parent
5/24/2024
This school used to be the top rated school in TSD. However, the principal Amy Bemis is driving it into the ground. After she was hired, half of the staff left. I decided to keep my son enrolled after a teacher friend said he should be fine. That was a mistake. A student who bullied my son for three...
5.0 parent
5/20/2024
My girls have been here since kindergarten. It’s a wonderful community where students are known by all staff and supported both academically and socially. We feel so fortunate to be walking distance from a great neighborhood school.

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Ward Traditional Academy is a public school for students in grades K-8 in Tempe, AZ and is served by the Tempe Elementary Schools in Arizona. The school has a total enrollment of 386 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Academic records show that 57% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 66% are proficient in reading. Ward Traditional Academy has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A- and a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $505,010. Discover additional schools in the area, like McClintock High School, Marcos De Niza High School, Tempe High School, and more. Learn more about what Tempe has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Ward Traditional Academy.

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